Coloured Tattoo Ink (Metals & PAHs)

Pigmented tattoo inks deposited permanently in the skin.

47Moderate burden · out of 100

Cleaner swapA reputable artist using REACH-compliant, disclosed inks

How this score is built

100Start
72.4Chemical hazard 6 × 4.6−27.6
65.6Everyday exposure 2 × 3.4−6.8
47Persistence 7 × 2.6−18.2, then rounded to 47
ModerateThe band47 sits in 40–59.

What each input rests on

The three ratings behind the score, and the studies each rests on
Input	Rating	Evidence
Chemical hazard	6/10	unsourced input
Everyday exposure	2/10	unsourced input
Persistence	7/10	Synchrotron analysis of skin and lymph nodes from tattooed donors showed organic pigments, heavy metals and titanium dioxide transported from the skin to regional lymph nodes and deposited there long-term. Synchrotron-based ν-XRF mapping and μ-FTIR microscopy enable to look into the fate and effects of tattoo pigments in human skin · Sci Rep 2017 DOI 10.1038/s41598-017-11721-z · PMID 28900193 · Abstract · read 2026-10-16

Ratings are editorial. A study listed here supports the rating; it did not compute it. How the index is built

What this means for you

The persistence rating is the standout concern here — these compounds linger in the body and environment for years. Some coloured inks contain heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and the pigment stays in skin and lymph nodes for life. Choosing a professional using regulated inks reduces what goes in.

Evidence strength: moderate

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Lower-exposure choices

Fragrance-Free Basic SkincareMinimal · Personal Care

All 33 personal care entries, highest burden first →