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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Eyelash lifting
How long does the lash lift glue balm get dry?
On average, glue balm will dry in about 15 seconds, which is slower than liquid glue. Therefore, glue balm is more friendly to beginners, and it can provide more time for beginners to adjust the eyelashes when operation.
If I apply perming lotion after using glue balm, will it cause the eyelashes to fall off the silicone perm rod?
Our glue balm have two formulas, regular formula and anti-falling formula. If you are used to using plastic wrap or covering strips during lash lifting, you can choose one of them; if you don’t use them during lash lifting, we recommend that you choose the anti-falling formula to ensure that after you use the perming lotion, the liquid in the perming lotion will not dissolve the glue balm, thus achieving the anti-falling effect.
After sales support
What do I do if I have missing items in my order?
If you discover any discrepancies in your delivery, such as missing or incorrect items, please contact us via our 'Contact Us' page within 5 days of delivery. Please include your order number, a description of the incorrect item(s), and a photo if possible.We will provide a replacement or issue a refund.
What do I do if the shipment got damages?
A damaged item is typically defined as a broken product that is fractured, shattered, bent, crushed, or leaking. To ensure quality control, we require evidence of damage in the form of photos and videos. For any damaged items, we will provide a replacement or issue a refund.If your damaged package was shipped by a freight forwarder, we will not be held responsible for it.
Nano paste
Do your tattoo numb products turn brown? How should they be stored?
Because the tattoo numb product is formulated with a lidocaine and procaine base, it must be stored in a cool, light-proof place. Excessive room temperature, exposure to sunlight, or failure to seal the cap after opening may result in discoloration and deterioration of the product, which may result in loss of the numbing effect.
Here are some instruction for you:
1. Keep tattoo numb numbing cream in cool place and avoid sunlight.
2. After open, please close the lid as soon as possible, make sure that you have already close it tightly.
3. For a better effect to prevent the open cream / essence get touch with the air, you can cover with a plastic film on the tube port, then close with lid.
4. Numb nuts cream for tattoo can also be stored in the crisper section of the refrigerator if you are experiencing hot weather.
Nano Numb Cream For Tattoo
Super Numb Tattoo Numbing Essence
Cleaning Foam Tool Kit for Cleansing eyelashes, face or other skin on the body
Super Sticky Lash Lift Adhesive
Disposable Microblading Pen
Keratin Professional Lash Lift Kit
Body Use Super Numb Tattoo Numbing Cream
Tattoo Aftercare Cell Repair Serum Balm
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