Pigment Chemistry & Lightfastness
Technical Standard PI-WIKI-CHEM-04 | Industry Verified
Modern tattoo ink consists of two components: the Pigment (solid color particles) and the Carrier (liquid delivery system). The stability of a tattoo depends on the particle size and chemical inertness of these components.
Particle Size and Phagocytosis
Particles must be large enough to resist immediate removal by the lymphatic system (phagocytosis) but small enough to be suspended in the carrier fluid. Ideally, pigment particles range from 20nm to 300nm.
Organic vs Inorganic: Inorganic pigments (iron oxides) are historically more stable but offer muted tones, whereas modern organic pigments provide vibrant colors but may be more susceptible to laser removal and UV degradation.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Professional Standard |
|---|---|
| Particle Size | Optimum: 50nm - 150nm |
| Lightfastness | ASTM Blue Wool Scale Class 7+ |
| Carrier Base | H2O / Glycerin / Isopropyl Alcohol |
Citations & Industry References
- ISO TR 17276: Analytical methods for Tattoo Inks
- FDA Cosmetics and Tattoo Fact Sheet
Put Science Into Practice
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