Hidden ingredients in tattoo inks prompt health warnings in Australia

An Australian study has found hidden dangers in tattoo inks, reporting that the ingredient lists on labels often do not reflect what is actually in the bottle. The findings imply that millions of Australians with tattoos could be exposed to unlisted substances with each session, at a moment when tattoos have become a mainstream cosmetic choice. The research, conducted at Flinders University, highlights gaps in regulation as the popularity of tattoos continues to grow.

The team analyzed popular shades such as lemon yellow, golden yellow, golden rod and bright orange, which commonly rely on pigments like Yellow 14, Yellow 65, Blue 15 and Orange 13. But the results showed discrepancies with label claims, revealing a cocktail of unlisted elements including aluminium, sodium, and silicon. The study, published this month in the Journal of Environmental Health, adds to concerns about how ink ingredients behave in the body over time.

Batool Aljubran, a PhD candidate involved in the research, said unlisted components raise serious questions about consumer safety, regulation, and how pigments break down in the body. "Using a combination of advanced analytical techniques, we found discrepancies between labelled and actual ingredients in a range of commercially available yellow tattoo inks," she said, "These hidden components raise serious questions about consumer safety, regulation, and the breakdown of pigments in the body." The study is supported by King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia.

Professor Claire Lenehan, senior author of the study and a researcher at Flinders' College of Sciences and Engineering, said the findings underscore worrying gaps in oversight. "This study is part of our lab's ongoing research to investigate the composition, safety, and health implications of tattoo inks," she said. "Our earlier work, led by Dr Tristan Fraser, has shown that carcinogenic compounds and DNA-damaging chemicals can be released during tattooing, ageing, or removal." Fellow environmental health researcher Benjamin Boyle warned that pigments can degrade and change over time—especially when exposed to the sun as tattoos age, or during laser removal. The breakdown process, he said, can release potentially harmful by-products into the body, compounding the risks.

Worldwide, tattoos have become more popular than ever, but researchers warn the boom has outpaced health and safety regulation. In Australia, there are very few rules governing tattoo and permanent cosmetic formulations, meaning consumers have little protection from hidden hazards. The latest study adds to growing calls for stronger public health advice and tougher oversight of the industry. "Together, this body of work aims to inform public health advice, regulatory policy, and safer tattooing and removal practices in Australia and internationally," said Professor Lenehan.

While the findings sound alarming, experts say the best defense is asking questions before you sit in the chair. "This study focused on decoding the chemical composition of tattoo inks, but it has highlighted the presence of unlisted or potentially harmful substances in some products," Batool said. Reputable tattoo studios should be able to show the brands and batches of inks they use and only buy from licensed suppliers, with Batool adding consumers are advised to ask tattooists about whether the ink being used meets regulatory and safety standards. Health authorities also advise choosing parlours that meet strict hygiene and safety standards, and avoiding cheap or unlabelled inks. And if you’re worried about a reaction to a new tattoo, ask for a patch test with a small dot of ink before committing to a large piece.