What every tattoo artist needs to know about EU REACH Compliant Tattoo Inks

As a tattoo artist, you're not just creating stunning designs; you're also responsible for your clients' well-being. Are you confident that the inks you use are truly safe? With EU REACH regulations now in play, understanding these new standards is crucial for your practice and reputation.

So let's discuss what EU REACH compliant inks mean for you and why they're essential for maintaining both safety and quality in your artwork.

What is the EU REACH regulation?

EU REACH regulation, standing for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals, is a set of rules adopted by the European Union to ensure that chemicals used across various industries are safe for both people and the environment. It requires companies to assess and report the risks associated with the chemicals they use and to register this information with a central European database.

The purpose is to protect our environment and human health from potential harm caused by chemicals while promoting alternative methods and safer substances. This regulation is crucial for industries like cosmetics, cleaning products, and manufacturing, including those producing tattoo inks.

Why EU REACH compliance matters

Ensures public health safety

EU REACH compliance is crucial as it ensures that the chemicals used in products, including tattoo inks, are safe for human use. This regulation minimises the risk of allergic reactions, skin irritations, or other inflammatory skin reactions and long-term health issues that might arise from exposure to hazardous substances.

Avoids legal and financial repercussions

Complying with EU REACH regulations helps businesses avoid legal issues, including heavy fines and sanctions. Non-compliance can lead to legal proceedings and damage to a company's reputation, impacting their market position in the EU and beyond.

Protects the environment

EU REACH compliance is also about environmental protection. It restricts the use of harmful chemicals that could cause environmental damage, ensuring that the ecosystems and biodiversity are not adversely affected by industrial activities.

Enhances consumer confidence

When businesses comply with EU REACH, they boost consumer confidence. Clients are more likely to feel safe using products that are verified to be free from harmful chemicals, thus enhancing brand loyalty and consumer satisfaction.

Promotes innovation in safer alternatives

EU REACH encourages companies to research and develop safer alternatives to harmful chemicals. This drive for innovation not only leads to safer products but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement within industries.

How to verify if a tattoo ink is EU REACH compliant

To verify if a tattoo ink is EU REACH compliant, you can follow these steps:

Check the product label and documentation

• Label information: Look for any mention of REACH compliance on the product label. Manufacturers often indicate compliance with relevant regulations directly on the product packaging.
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Request the Safety Data Sheet from the supplier or manufacturer. The SDS should include information about compliance with EU REACH regulations, particularly regarding the presence of any substances of very high concern (SVHCs).

Contact the manufacturer or supplier

• Direct inquiry: Reach out to the tattoo ink manufacturers or suppliers to confirm whether the tattoo ink complies with EU REACH regulations. Ask for specific documentation or certification proving compliance.
• Certification: Some manufacturers may provide a certificate of conformity that explicitly states that the product complies with EU REACH regulations.

Check for registration of substances

• EU REACH database: You can check the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) database to see if the substances used in the tattoo ink are registered under REACH. This can be a more in-depth method but requires some understanding of chemical substances and their registration status.

Review the ingredients

• Restricted substances list: Compare the ingredients listed on the tattoo ink against the list of restricted substances under REACH Annex XVII. If any ingredients are on the list, the ink may not be compliant unless they are within permissible limits.
• SVHC list: Ensure that the ink does not contain any substances listed on the ECHA’s SVHC list, or if it does, that it complies with the specific conditions under REACH.

Third-party testing

• Independent testing: Consider having the ink tested by an independent laboratory that can verify its composition and confirm whether it meets EU REACH standards. This can be a costly option but provides definitive proof of compliance.

Look for certification marks

• REACH compliance marks: Some products may carry specific marks or certifications indicating that they have been independently tested and found to be REACH compliant.

Techniques for optimising the use of REACH-compliant inks in tattooing

• Ensure proper storage: Store REACH-compliant inks in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight to maintain their integrity.
• Use sterile equipment: Always use sterile needles and equipment to prevent contamination and ensure the ink's quality is preserved.
• Mix inks safely: If mixing inks, ensure all components are REACH-compliant and use sterile tools to avoid contamination.
• Test small areas: Conduct patch tests to check for allergic reactions or skin sensitivities, especially with new or unfamiliar inks.
• Maintain accurate records: Keep complete and detailed records of the REACH-compliant inks used, including batch numbers and dates, for traceability and safety compliance.
• Educate clients: Inform your clients about the benefits of REACH-compliant inks and any aftercare specific to the inks used.
• Regularly review regulations: Stay updated on the latest REACH regulations and ensure all inks used meet current compliance standards.
• Dispose of waste responsibly: Follow local regulations for disposing of ink waste to avoid environmental contamination and ensure compliance.
• Monitor ink performance: Observe how REACH-compliant inks behave during and after tattooing to make any necessary adjustments in technique.
• Stay informed on best practices: Engage with professional networks or attend training sessions to learn the latest techniques for using REACH-compliant inks effectively.

EU REACH compliant inks or regular inks

Both EU REACH compliant inks and regular inks have their own places in the tattoo industry. EU REACH compliant inks are formulated to meet strict European Union standards, ensuring they are free from specific harmful chemicals, making them a safer choice for both artists and clients concerned about health and legal compliance within Europe. These inks are ideal for tattoo artists who prioritise safety, environmental responsibility, and adherence to regulations.

On the other hand, regular inks might be preferred by artists outside the EU or those who have long used specific brands that they trust, which may not yet be compliant with EU standards. These inks can offer a wider variety of colours and formulations. They are suitable for artists who are looking for specific artistic effects or who operate in regions with different regulatory requirements.

Both types of inks can be suitable, depending on the artist’s location, client preferences, and professional needs.

Best EU REACH-compliant ink brands

1. Panthera - Black Gold Ink

Panthera's Black Gold Ink is renowned for its deep, velvety black colour, making it a favourite among artists who specialise in high-contrast tattoos and intricate shading work. This EU REACH compliant ink ensures safety and quality, providing peace of mind for both tattoo artists and their clients. It's particularly praised for its longevity and resistance to fading, making it a best choice for tattoos that are meant to stand the test of time.

2. Eclipse - Total Eclipse Black Tattoo Ink

Eclipse's Total Eclipse Black Tattoo Ink is another excellent choice for artists looking for a rich, opaque black. Compliant with EU REACH regulations, this ink offers consistency and reliability in every bottle. It's formulated to go into the skin smoothly, reducing trauma and promoting faster healing, which is ideal for detailed line work and full black fills.

3. Viking by Dynamic - Individual Colours

Viking by Dynamic offers a range of vivid, highly pigmented colours, all of which meet EU REACH standards. Each colour is crafted to provide maximum brightness and durability, ensuring that the tattoos not only look striking when first done but also maintain their brilliance over time. These inks are perfect for you if you want to create colourful, eye-catching tattoo art without compromising on safety.

4. World Famous Limitless Tattoo Ink - Obsidian Outlining

World Famous Limitless Tattoo Ink in Obsidian Outlining is specifically designed for crisp, clean lines and is part of a line of inks that are EU REACH compliant. Known for its flow rate and ease of use, this ink helps you achieve precise outlines without bleeding. It’s a top choice for detailed work and is trusted by professionals for its consistent quality and safety.

5. Quantum Tattoo Ink (Gold Label) - Douche

Quantum Tattoo Ink's Gold Label in Douche (Bright White) offers a stark, vibrant white that is perfect for highlights and intricate white accents in tattoo designs. This ink meets the rigorous EU REACH compliance, ensuring it's free from toxic chemicals and safe for use in all types of tattoos. It's a go-to for artists looking to add dimension and contrast to their artwork with a reliable and safe product.

6. Eternal Apex Ink (Reach) - Individual Colours

Eternal Apex Ink offers a spectrum of colours that comply with EU REACH regulations, ensuring both safety and vibrancy. These inks are formulated to provide you with a smooth application and a consistent pigment load, which makes them ideal for a variety of tattooing styles.

Each colour in the range is designed to heal well and maintain its brightness, making Eternal Apex Inks a reliable choice for artists who need durable, vivid colours that meet stringent safety standards.

Final thoughts

EU REACH-compliant inks are more than a regulatory necessity—they are a commitment to the health and safety of your clients and a testament to the quality of your artistry. These regulations ensure that the inks you use are free from harmful chemicals, safeguarding not only the well-being of your clients but also your reputation as a responsible artist. By choosing compliant inks, you're also staying ahead of legal requirements and setting a high standard in the tattoo community.

If you're looking to make the switch or simply want to explore a range of safe, high-quality inks, you can shop our EU REACH-compliant inks in our online shop, which is designed specifically for tattoo artists. Make the right choice for your art and your clients today.