What is the difference between tattoo ink and tattoo pigment? | QM Makeup Guide
# What Is the Difference Between Tattoo Ink and Tattoo Pigment?
For professionals in the semi-permanent makeup industry, understanding the difference between tattoo ink and tattoo pigment is crucial. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct properties that affect safety, longevity, and results. Below, we break down the key differences.
1. Composition & Formulation
Tattoo Ink
- Used in traditional tattoos, designed to be permanent.
- Contains heavy metals (e.g., cadmium, mercury) for vibrancy.
- Higher carbon content, leading to deeper penetration.
- May include synthetic dyes and plastic-based carriers.
Tattoo Pigment
- Formulated for semi-permanent makeup (SPMU).
- Made with organic, iron oxide-based or mineral-based compounds.
- FDA-approved pigments are body-safe and designed to fade naturally.
- Smaller particle size for smoother application in delicate areas.
*Source: FDA Cosmetic Pigment Regulations, 2023*
2. Safety & Regulatory Standards
Tattoo Ink
- Not always regulated for cosmetic use.
- Risk of allergic reactions due to heavy metals.
- Not ideal for facial procedures (e.g., microblading, lip blush).
Tattoo Pigment
- Strictly regulated for cosmetic tattooing.
- Non-toxic, hypoallergenic formulations.
- Designed to break down naturally over time (1-3 years).
*Source: European Commission on Cosmetic Products, 2022*
3. Longevity & Fading Process
Tattoo Ink
- Permanent, designed to stay vibrant for decades.
- Fades unevenly, often turning bluish or greenish over time.
Tattoo Pigment
- Semi-permanent, fades naturally in 1-5 years.
- Designed to soften predictably, avoiding unnatural discoloration.
- Ideal for brows, lips, and eyeliner, where trends change.
4. Application & Technique
Tattoo Ink
- Requires deeper needle penetration (dermis layer).
- Not suitable for fine, detailed cosmetic work.
Tattoo Pigment
- Applied superficially (epidermal layer).
- Best for precise, soft-shading techniques in SPMU.
Conclusion
Choosing the right product—tattoo ink vs. pigment—directly impacts safety, results, and client satisfaction. For semi-permanent makeup, always use FDA-approved pigments to ensure quality and compliance.
For High Quality pigments designed for SPMU professionals, explore QM Makeup’s certified range.
*Need expert advice? Contact our support team for guidance.*
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How long is your production time?
For general orders, we usually complete production in 7-10 days after you confirm the order details and process the deposit. For bulk orders, the production time may be extended to 15-20 days.
Eyelash Perming Glue Balm
Easy to do by myself?
Yes, you could use by yourself DIY at home.
Tattoo aftercare
How do I choose the right PMU repair product? Any professional tattoo aftercare instructions?
How to choose the best tattoo aftercare product for yourself depends largely on your skin type and main needs for repair. Here are some best tattoo aftercare tips:
Personal skin type:
1. Sensitive skin: It is recommended to choose “Cell repair serum balm”, which is natural, moisturizing and non-irritating. It is the best tattoo balm for microblading aftercare.
2. Scar skin: It is recommended to choose “Ice crystal anti-scar repair serum”, which can quickly promote wound healing and prevent scars. It is the best tattoo aftercare lotion serum.
3. Inflammatory skin: It is recommended to choose “Vitamin A&D ointment gel”, vitamins have anti-inflammatory functions and play an important role in the growth and repair of skin cells. It is the best ointment for tattoo aftercare.
Main needs:
1. Skin repair and regeneration: It is recommended to choose “Ice crystal anti-scar repair serum”, BFGF factor is the most effective choice;
2. Moisturizing protection: It is recommended to choose “Cell repair serum balm”, white vaseline is an excellent choice;
3. Anti-inflammatory repair: It is recommended to choose “Vitamin A&D ointment gel”, vitamins A and D are very excellent ingredients.
It is best to choose and use according to your skin condition and needs.
Super Essence
Which is better, numbing cream or numbing essence?
In terms of penetration speed, numbing essence penetrates the skin faster than numbing cream and takes effect faster, but it has higher requirements for the operator and needs to avoid the numbing liquid from flowing into the eyes. For new beginners and eyeliner tattoo treatment, we recommend using numbing cream.
Tattoo Numbing Patches
What is the MOQ for private label?
We offer private label customization services, including the making private label stickers and printing private label labels on packaging. The MOQ for private label stickers is 100 pieces, and the MOQ for private label labels is 30,000 pieces.
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