Tattoo Pigments: Types, REACH Rules and How to Choose
Choosing the right tattoo pigment determines not only the colour, but also the longevity and integrity of each tattoo. There are REACH and non-REACH pigments, which change how you work and protect the people you tattoo. The way tattoo pigments are stored also directly influences flow, safety and performance over time.
Have you ever felt that every tattoo pigment behaves differently? If it seems to change with the light, skin tone, time and even how it was stored, you're not far from the truth. Some blacks become denser over time, some blues resist sunlight better, and reds react differently depending on the area of the body. And all of this matters, because longevity and colour fidelity are part of your signature. Find out what tattoo pigments are and what they're used for, which types exist and how to choose and store them.
What are tattoo pigments?
Tattoo pigments are responsible for giving tattoos their colour, in other words, they are the “active ingredient” in the ink. They are solid particles suspended in a liquid carrier, which the tattoo artist introduces into the dermis with a needle. It is this combination of colour and chemical stability that ensures the design maintains its intensity and definition over time. Although “tattoo ink” is the more commonly used term, technically it is the pigment that determines the colour (black, red, blue, etc.), while the carrier (usually a mixture of distilled water, glycerine, alcohol or witch hazel) simply maintains fluidity and helps with application.
Types of tattoo pigments
Knowing the different types of tattoo pigments is essential for controlling the result on the skin: longevity, brightness, depth of colour and even how the body reacts. Today, pigments are essentially divided into three main families.
These are the quintessential modern pigments. Synthetic in origin (not plant-based, as the name might suggest), they come from organic chemistry and are known for their colour intensity and purity. They make vivid, saturated shades possible and are highly stable when properly formulated. They are what give you that vibrant red, that breathing blue or that violet that seems to leap out of the skin.
More traditional and, in many cases, safer in terms of skin reactions. They are mineral compounds, such as iron oxides, titanium dioxide, chromium compounds and others. They produce earthier, denser and more opaque colours. They form the basis of the deep blacks, browns and greys that give a tattoo structure and contrast. Many artists prefer to mix both types to strike a balance between vibrancy and stability.
The best of both worlds. They combine organic and inorganic pigments to take advantage of the benefits of each: the brightness of organic pigments and the longevity of mineral ones. This type of formulation has become standard in many premium inks: more controllable, more predictable and, above all, more consistent.
REACH vs non-REACH pigments: what are the differences?
The EU decided to establish new rules for tattoo pigments under the REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals).
REACH tattoo pigments
REACH defines which chemical substances can (or cannot) be used in products applied to the skin. It requires manufacturers to register, test and demonstrate the safety of each component. REACH pigments are those whose formulations meet these requirements: free from toxic substances, traceable, transparent and laboratory-controlled. Behind every bottle is a traceable production chain and rigorous safety validation. These are inks created for the European market, in line with the standards that now define what it means to work responsibly and professionally.
Non-REACH tattoo pigments
Non-REACH pigments, on the other hand, may come from manufacturers outside the EU (or from batches produced before the restrictions came into force). Many are still found in studios, whether out of habit, aesthetic preference or because they offer shades that REACH formulas have not yet been able to replicate (as is the case with some blues and greens, for example, where finding substitutes has been a technical challenge). The sale and use of non-REACH inks may lead to serious penalties, as well as potential damage to a studio's reputation.
Best practices for storing tattoo pigments
How we store pigments influences the stability, safety and performance of the colour. Follow these tips:
This prevents the carrier from evaporating and the pigment from becoming contaminated.
Light and high temperatures accelerate colour degradation, causing vibrant shades to lose their intensity prematurely.
A damp or dirty environment increases the risk of contamination and compromises the ink's chemical stability.
Even high-quality pigments can lose their properties over time. Using expired inks is an unnecessary risk.
This makes studio work easier, avoids mix-ups and helps maintain consistency in every tattoo.
Every alteration can compromise saturation, flow and even the safety of the ink.
How to choose pigments for each tattoo style
These are the recommended pigments for each type of work.
This tattoo style requires pigments that blend easily and allow smooth shading. Shades must be stable and predictable on the skin, without fading quickly. Many artists combine organic and inorganic pigments to balance vibrancy with longevity, especially for skin tones and subtle nuances.
Traditional tattoos call for solid, saturated colours that maintain strong contrast and defined edges over time. Inorganic or hybrid pigments work better because they are more stable and opaque, even after years of sun exposure.
In this case, choosing the right tattoo pigment is critical. Vibrant shades and controlled translucency are essential for creating gradients and watercolour effects. High-quality organic pigments with fluid carriers allow you to work in layers without compromising the skin or saturation.
Fine lines require pigments that penetrate evenly and do not spread. The carrier's flow and the pigment's consistency are decisive in maintaining precision, sharpness and uniformity.
Certain areas of skin react differently to ink, requiring more stable pigments or those specifically designed for high saturation. Understanding how each colour behaves on sensitive or previously tattooed skin makes all the difference to the quality of the final result.
The best tattoo pigments
Here are some options that stand out for their consistency, quality and full compliance with REACH requirements.
Dynamic Union Black EU 30ml
Dynamic Union Black EU 30ml ink produces an intense, matte black, ideal for precise outlines and solid fills. It dilutes easily, creating smooth grey shades. Made in the USA, vegan, cruelty-free and 100% REACH compliant.
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Dynamic Ganga Black EU 240ml
Developed with the artist Ganga, this black ink was designed for realism and black & grey. It flows consistently, penetrates cleanly and retains its strong tone even after healing.
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World Famous Limitless Lime Zest
World Famous Limitless Lime Zest ink produces a vibrant, electric lime green that sets quickly and stands the test of time. It retains its original energy even after years. Fully REACH compliant.
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Radiant Evolved Lyon Blue
Radiant Evolved Lyon Blue is a good choice for anyone looking for a deep, elegant blue. The result is an intense, long-lasting colour, created for demanding professionals.
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World Famous Limitless Shades of Yellow Collection
World Famous Limitless Shades of Yellow Collection is a collection of highly concentrated yellows, perfect for realism and neo-traditional work. It produces vibrant shades, smooth transitions and full REACH compliance.
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Kuro Sumi Imperial Zhang Po Greywash Shading Set
Kuro Sumi Imperial Zhang Po Greywash Shading Set consists of 6 grey shades developed with Zhang Po, designed to capture light and shadow with precision. Vegan, intense and long-lasting.
View productTattoo pigments: frequently asked questions
Below, we answer some of the most common questions about tattoo pigments
1. How do you choose pigments for different skin types?
It is important to understand how each pigment reacts on different skin types. Lighter skin tends to show colours more faithfully, while darker skin may require more saturated pigments or specific combinations to maintain contrast and vibrancy. Test on small areas and experiment with different shades to make the right choice.
2. Is it safe to mix pigments from different brands in the same bottle or during a session?
Mixing pigments can alter the ink's chemical stability, flow and saturation. It is not always safe, even if the colours seem compatible. If necessary, make small, previously tested mixtures in limited quantities and observe how the ink behaves before applying it to the skin.
3. How can you tell if a pigment has started to lose quality before its indicated expiry date?
Changes in texture, excessive separation of the carrier, lumps or an unusual smell are signs that the pigment may have lost quality. Always shake well before use and check the consistency. Any suspicious change means the bottle should not be used.
4. Are there specific pigments for sensitive skin areas, such as the hands, face or scalp?
Yes. Delicate areas or those that are more difficult to heal require stable pigments with fine particles and carriers that reduce irritation. Choosing high-quality, tested, REACH-compliant inks is essential to minimise risks and ensure a consistent result.
5. What is the best way to test a new pigment before applying it in a permanent tattoo?
Testing on artificial skin or small areas of real skin (with the client's consent) allows you to assess saturation, flow and skin reaction. This practice reduces risks and helps the artist become familiar with how the pigment behaves in real situations.
Piranha, where you'll find the best tattoo pigments
The right pigment is one that respects the skin, heals with stability and remains true to what the artist intended to convey.
Explore the pigments available at Piranha Supplies
and find the formulas that elevate your work, from the first drop to the final result.
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