Tattoo Ink and Aftercare
Tattoo inks
Tattoo ink is formed of a pigment suspended within a carrier solution.1 The pigment gives the ink its colour and is typically derived from metals or plant matter.2 The pigment used to give black ink its colour however, can be made from charcoal2 and soot sourced from burnt animal bones.3 This is known as ‘bone black’. 2 Black inks may also contain shellac.4
The liquid suspension which carries the pigment acts to keep the ink sanitary and evenly mixed, whilst also aiding the ease of application.3 The carrier will contain purified water, ethyl alcohol, propylene glycol and glycerine and may also contain witch hazel.1 The glycerine used within the ink can be derived either from plant material or obtained from animal fat.2
Animal free inks include:
Classic Colour Systems
http://www.classiccolorsystems.com/home.htm
Dermaglo
http://www.tattooingsupplies.co.uk/
Electric Ink
http://www.electricink-us.com/index.html
Eternal Inks
http://eternalinks.co.uk/index
Intenze
http://intenzetattooink.com/
SilverBack Ink
http://www.silverbackink.com/
Skin Candy – Bloodline and Skin Candy ranges
http://skincandytattoosupply.com/
Stable Colour
http://www.stablecolor.com/
Waverly Color
http://www.waverlycolor.com/
Soaps
Green soaps are used to clean a client’s skin before, during and after tattooing.5 These soaps contain glycerine which may be derived from either plant material or obtained from animal fats.1
We are yet to receive confirmation from any green soap manufacturers regarding the suitability of their products for vegans. An alternative soap recommended by tattoo artists is Dr Bronner’s liquid soap,4 with the Baby Mild formula being particularly recommended.
Dr Bronner
http://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/LS.htm
H2Ocean - Blue Green Foam Soap
www.h2ocean.com
Aftercare
Tattoo aftercare products are designed to promote healing and prevent both infection and colour loss.6 Many aftercare treatments contain animal products, such as beeswax and lanolin.2
Animal free aftercare products:
After Inked
http://www.afterinked.com/
H2Ocean - Ocean Care Cream and Blue Green Foam Soap only.
www.h2ocean.com
Phat Tat
http://www.serftosurf.com/phattat.htm
Rose Tattoo Care
http://www.rosetattoocare.com/
The Merry Hempsters
http://merryhempsters.com/index.html
Stay True Organics
http://www.staytrueorganics.com/
Punk Medics
http://www.punkmedics.com/
Anaesthetics
Dermal Source – all own brand products
http://www.dermalsource.com/
Transfer Solutions
Transfer solutions are applied to the skin prior to the stencilled tattoo design, to make the applied stencil crisper.7
Stencil Stuff and Spray Stuff
http://www.stencilstuff.net
References
1. S. Asaff, Vegan Tattoos http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/Vegan_Tattoos (accessed 12th March 2011)
2. P. Silva, Tattooed Vegan 101: You May Be Vegan, but is Your Tattoo? http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/263163/tattooed_vegan_101_you_may_be_vegan_pg2.html?cat=7 (accessed 12th March 2011)
3. Tattoos and Vegans http://tattooedgeekdotcom.blogspot.com/2009/07/tattoos-and-vegans_15.html (accessed 12th March 2011)
4. Unveiling Vegan Tattoo Secrets: Interview with the acclaimed James Spooner
http://blog.vegancorner.com/vegan-blog/vegan-tattoo-secrets-james-spooner-interview/ (accessed 12th March 2011)
5. K. Massie, What is Tattoo Green Soap? http://www.livestrong.com/article/159383-what-is-tattoo-green-soap/ (accessed 12th March 2011)
6. Frequently Asked Questions http://www.rosetattoocare.com/faq.html (accessed 12th March 2011)
7. Stencil Stuff http://www.stencilstuff.net/about.html (accessed 12th March 2011)