Tattoo ink is a permanent suspension of pigment in a carrier solution, and it is not automatically vegan. A vegan product must contain no animal-derived ingredients and must not have been tested on animals at any point. Traditional tattoo inks often rely on animal byproducts for color, consistency, and stability. Understanding the composition of these inks reveals the specific components that compromise their vegan status, including pigments, liquid bases, and colorants.
The Role of Bone Char in Black Pigments
Black ink is the most frequently used color and is often non-vegan due to the historical use of bone char. Bone char is a carbon black pigment created by heating animal bones, typically from cattle, inside a sealed vessel at high temperatures. This process, known as destructive distillation, removes organic matter and leaves behind a porous, carbonized char.
This “bone black” pigment is prized for producing a deep, true black color. Although the final product is processed carbon, the manufacturing process requires animal remains, making the pigment non-vegan. Modern vegan black inks use carbon-based alternatives, such as logwood or industrial carbon black, produced without animal products.
Animal-Derived Carriers and Stabilizers
The liquid components that suspend the color, known as carriers and stabilizers, can also contain animal products. Glycerin is a common non-pigment ingredient, functioning as a humectant to keep the ink moist and as a solvent. While vegetable-derived glycerin is used in vegan inks, traditional or less expensive inks may utilize animal-derived glycerin.
This animal-sourced glycerin is a byproduct of the soap-making or biodiesel industries, generated from animal fat (tallow). Another non-vegan component is gelatin, derived from the collagen found in the boiled skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals. Gelatin is occasionally used as a binding agent or stabilizer to keep pigment particles uniformly suspended.
Pigments Sourced from Insects and Shellac
Vibrant colors, especially reds and purples, can be derived from insect sources instead of synthetic or mineral pigments. The color additive known as cochineal, or carmine, creates many deep reds, pinks, and purples in non-vegan inks. This colorant is extracted from the dried, crushed bodies of the female cochineal scale insect.
In addition to colorants, shellac can be used in tattoo inks as a binding agent or to stabilize the color. Shellac is a resinous substance secreted by the female lac insect and is harvested from tree bark, making it an animal-derived product.
How to Confirm an Ink is Vegan
The most reliable method for consumers to ensure their tattoo is cruelty-free is to seek verification and clear labeling from the manufacturer. Reputable vegan ink brands publicly disclose their ingredient lists and adhere to strict standards for safety and composition. The presence of third-party certification logos is the strongest indicator that an ink is free from animal ingredients.
These certifications also address the ethical concern of animal testing, which is a fundamental part of the vegan standard. Clients should communicate with their tattoo artist and ask to see the specific brand and bottle of ink being used, confirming it is a certified vegan product.