Tattoo Ink and PMU Product Testing

Permanent makeup is a cosmetic technique which employs tattoos (permanent pigmentation of the dermis) as a means of producing designs that resemble makeup, such as eyelining and other permanent enhancing colours to the skin of the face, lips, and eyelids.

The main ingredients of tattoo inks are colourants and related auxiliaries. Risks may be frequently found when polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),aromatic amines, heavy metals and microorganism that it contains exceed the limit. However, the foregoing substances are usually carcinogenic, mutagenic or have reproductive toxicity. So such notifications are quite common on the EU market.

Resolution ResAP (2008)1

On 20 February 2008, the European Council published Resolution ResAP (2008)1 to regulate the quality and safety of tattoo inks and PMU products. The resolution provides for the components of tattoo inks and PMU products, risk evaluation before their placing on the market, application and notification obligations.

Test Items:

• Heavy metals
• PAHs
• Aromatic amine
• Pigment
• Preservatives
• Stability (UV, laser, enzyme and microbiological)
• Sterility test
• Toxicology (corrosion, irritation, phototoxicity, immunotoxicity and genotoxicity in vitro)
• Other requirements

 *Remarks: see the original of The Council of Europe Resolution ResAP(2008)1 for the full information

In addition to requirements for heavy metals, organic solvents and certain colourants, the resolution also requires that the packaging of tattoo and PMU products include the following information:

-         Name and address of manufacturers or the person that in charge of placing such products in the market;

-         Validity of such products;

-         Use conditions and warnings;

-         Batch No. or other batch certifications used by manufacturers;

-         The formulation shall bear IUPAC name, CAS No. and CI No.;

-         Guarantee of sterile inclusion.

C&K Testing can provide professional testing for tattoo inks and PMU products as per standards of different countries and regions. Besides, we can render you one-stop solutions integrating consulting, testing and certification. Please feel free to contact test@cirs-group.com or leave us a message if any question.