![Infographic on tattoo chemistry, colourants and concerns. Tattoo ink contains carriers and colourants. Historically, ground up minerals were used as tattoo pigments, but today most colourants are organic compounds, primarily azo dyes. Some of these pigments break down into compounds with known health concerns, though a causative link between tattoos and cancer has not been established.](https://i0.wp.com/www.compoundchem.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-chemistry-of-tattoos-2023.png?resize=1170%2C828&ssl=1)
A lot of people have tattoos: an estimated 12% of Europeans and 24% of Americans. What’s in tattoo ink, and how are different coloured tattoos produced? This graphic for National Tattoo Day (July 17) takes a look.
A lot of people have tattoos: an estimated 12% of Europeans and 24% of Americans. What’s in tattoo ink, and how are different coloured tattoos produced? This graphic for National Tattoo Day (July 17) takes a look.