Types of Tattoo Ink: Top Ink Brands You Need To Know (2024)

Tattooing is an art form that has been around for centuries. It is a form of self-expression and has become extremely popular in recent years. Deciding on which type of tattoo ink to use is an important decision that a reputable tattoo artist should guide you through.

There are many types of tattoo ink available in the market today, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. In this article, we will delve into the exciting world of tattoo ink and explore the top ink brands you need to know.

If you're looking for the best tattoo ink, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, resTORbio only recommends the highest quality inks that are perfect for any tattoo. Whether you're looking for a traditional black and grey tattoo or something more colorful, we have the perfect ink for you. Let’s dive in.

Types of Tattoo Ink: Top Ink Brands You Need To Know (1)

Top Rated 11 Best Tattoo Ink Brand Reviews

Types of Tattoo Ink: Top Ink Brands You Need To Know (2)

World Famous Tattoo Ink

Best ink to use for tattoos

World-renowned tattoo artists use World Famous Tattoo Inks' tattoo inks to produce their masterpieces. By using this particular type of ink, you may raise the caliber of your work and make it more striking, forceful, bold, and colorful than before.

World-class pigments from World Famous Ink are renowned for precisely this. They have a wide range of colors and a variety of sets created by many well-known tattoo artists.

User Experience

The ink comes in a nice container, which significantly benefits other producers. They provide handy tubes with lids that are simple to open and close. The colors are intense and vibrant with a broad and varied color pallet.

There are no traditional black, white, or gray pigments in this collection from the pro series, which is made up of juicy and soft color pigments.

Premium tattoo ink from World Famous Tattoo Ink has an exceptional flow rate and a very high pigment richness. They use gamma radiation to sterilize their inks, which are vegan-friendly and packaged in crystal-flex bottles with a tight twist cap, a tamper-evident label, and a watertight seal.

World Famous Ink penetrates the skin easily and heals very quickly. This ink can significantly simplify your job as an artist and make your tattoos sparkle with their vast color palette!

The ink's thick and opaque viscosity brings the tattoo to life. The ink must be thoroughly shaken before use to make it more homogenous. The most sought-after artists support World Famous Inks because they boost their creations, transforming them into something stronger, darker, bolder, and brighter. After working with this manufacturer for many years, no reactions or rashes were observed.

With its premium tattoo inks, World Famous Ink is transforming the business.

Pros

  • A wide variety of hues
  • satisfactory consistency
  • Gamma radiation sterilization
  • Tamper-resistant label
  • Vegan-friendly
  • bolder and more vibrant
  • ok for skin
  • easy-to-use bottles
  • EU-approved

Cons

  • A little more expensive than normal

Dynamic Black

Best tattoo ink brand

The best black tattoo ink to use is Dynamic Black, which has a solid black pigment for sharp, even lines. It is a liquid ink that dries without dripping. It has stood the test of time and is suitable for experts and newcomers (beginners are better at learning with a good product such as this from the beginning).

User Experience

Many people appreciate how long it lasts. Because of this, it is also a low-maintenance tattoo ink. The pigment is evenly distributed over the dark parts to be covered. To acquire thick coverage, you don't have to "circle" in the same place for a long time. Also excellent are lines and minute details that get clearer, thinner, less hazy, and less dense with time.

Additionally, the recovery time is short and painless. There have been no reported allergic responses to this ink. The pigment also stays as black as it can after healing, without changing the hue, becoming lighter, etc.

The company states that this method works well for the grey wash method. You may also purchase a set of these inks to make stunning grey wash tattoos. Dynamic White is also regarded as one of the best white tattoo inks.

The ink is perfect for all tattooing techniques and fashions, but it is renowned for being the greatest tattoo ink for tribal work.

One of the greatest benefits this brand offers tattoo artists is its low price.

Pros

  • Smudge-free
  • Maintains color and resists fading
  • Outstanding coverage
  • It brings about sharper lines
  • No adverse responses were observed in healthy pigments
  • Outstanding ease of use Quick healing
  • Slowly consuming
  • Affordably priced
  • Sold in a range of sizes

Cons

  • The body can be challenging to wash off.

Kuro Sumi

Best professional tattoo ink sets

This kit from the Japanese company Kuro Sumi, which includes seven fundamental colors, is among the greatest basic tattoo ink sets available for the money. This package includes the most popular white, blue, green, yellow, red, and orange hues and a high-quality black pigment (the manufacturer makes one of the best black pigments).

User Experience

One of the most well-known brands in the tattooing industry is Kuro Sumi. It is certain that the tattoo ink from this brand will produce the desired results no matter what tattoo you like. Although one set is unlikely to be sufficient for color tattooing, it is the foundational set from which more colors can be obtained.

The striking color contrasts are the first thing that merits notice. The pigments look vibrant on the skin and render colors exceptionally well. They don't lose their brightness, fade, or become lighter in color. They also recover very fast without causing allergies or other skin problems. Compared to other tattoo ink, this ink's steady flow rate makes the shading and lining job easier.

Stocking up on empty bottles is advised because unsealed bottles frequently leak, making it necessary to pour the ink into another container instantly. It will be safer and possibly result in future cost savings for you.

Pros

  • Uniform and fluid
  • Good value for the money
  • Quick recovery, no allergies or any side effects
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Adaptable colors
  • Made with organic materials

Cons

  • Bottle tops can leak.
  • Thicker tattoo inks than usual

Do you want to become a Tattoo artist? Check out our post to get more useful information.

Panthera Ink

Italian goods are frequently regarded as the gold standard (in terms of quality) in various fashion and cosmetic categories. Arguably, the tattoo industry is not any different. Due to their intense concentration on creating only the highest caliber products, Panthera Ink, an Italian company, is today regarded as one of the leading makers of colors.

Panthera Ink, an ink brand created by tattoo artists, was founded in 2000 after the founders had been actively tattooing for 25 years. Panthera Ink constantly aspires to be the first choice for artists seeking goods at the cutting edge of innovation, quality, and safety procedures.

Panthera Ink accomplishes this challenging objective by combining qualitative analytical techniques into its raw material selection process to guarantee the best sources and the highest purity levels. Additionally, the business incorporates some of the most careful processing techniques into its manufacturing process.

As a result, Panthera Ink creates a line of goods that include striking, eye-catching hues and pose as few dangers as possible to consumers.

One of the deepest blacks on the market, their Tribal XXX ink is a favorite of many tattoo artists for line work. One of the most vivid, fade-resistant blacks you will ever find is the Tribal XXX.

The Panthera Ralf Nonnweiler Artist Series, a collaboration with renowned German tattoo artist Ralf Nonnweiler, is another well-liked product from Panthera Ink. It's an excellent ink for shading and grey wash compositions.

Pros

  • Strict production procedures guarantee the greatest levels of purity.
  • 100% vegan-friendly and organic
  • Italian origin
  • Made by tattooists

Millennium Moms Tattoo Ink Set

Best cheap tattoo ink

The first uniform, mineral-based tattoo ink in the world is called Millennium Mom's Ink. The tattoo ink from Millennium Mom is the finest choice because it has a balanced composition and homogenous consistency and is reasonably priced. These colors are said to be the best for capturing the beauty of both New School and Old School tattoos.

User Experience

There are more than 40 colors in the color palette, which is sufficient for a seasoned tattoo artist. All of Millennium Mom's tattoo inks are vegan-friendly and offer a variety of color options. The ink is long-lasting, has soft edges, and is mild on all skin types.

There is enough ink in the bottle to cover tattoo designs of various sizes. There is no need to refill your tattoo machine because the coverage is excellent continually. Another intriguing benefit is that the colors don't need to be shaken, stirred, or diluted beforehand; they are already mixed and ready to use when you are.

The colors are vivid and rich, and the ink is simple to use. It may be used on even the most sensitive skin because it is made entirely of non-toxic materials. All inks produced by Millennium Moms are sterilized and put through independent testing.

The shelf life of every tattoo ink produced by Millennium Mom is roughly four years.

Try any of the many beautiful, vibrant colors for yourself!

Pros

  • The best value for outstanding quality
  • suitable for all types of skin
  • homogeneous and without traces
  • provides impressive outcomes after application
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Long shelf life, many different color options
  • Not necessary to shake, stir, or dilute

Cons

  • a long time to dry
  • Containers may leak.

Starbrite Colors

The closest thing to a premium value brand available in this market is Starbrite Colors.

There are many appealing, inexpensive products on the tattoo ink market, but they frequently have poor quality and pose a serious safety concern. Starbrite Colors provides a much-needed breath of fresh air in this situation.

This company manufactures a line of premium inks at a fraction of the cost of more expensive solutions from their facility in Connecticut. Because Starbrite doesn't cut shortcuts, the quality of its products is on par with that of most well-known companies.

The production processes at Starbrite are carried out in a Class A ISO-certified Cleanroom, guaranteeing that your ink is free of any irritants or contaminants. The business also uses cutting-edge gamma radiation to guarantee that the finished product has been thoroughly sterilized.

Starbrite inks are not to be underestimated, not even in terms of the caliber of the artwork produced. Their inks have a steady flow and silky texture, making them simple to work with and ensuring that they penetrate the skin uniformly and heal rapidly.

Both beginning and seasoned tattoo artists will find Starbrite Tattoo Ink a good value option. The brand does a great job covering all the necessary bases with its selection of 170+ hues.

Pros

  • Competitive pricing scheme
  • More than 170 color shades are available
  • Vegan-safe
  • S.-made

Cons

  • Relatively high Cost
  • Customers frequently receive broken bottles as a result of shipping issues.

NBK Fire Red Set

Best Red Tattoo Ink

This NBK Fire Red Set comes from a renowned brand. Four fire-red colors are included in the package for color tattooing. It's ideal for colored tattoos and rubbish polkas alike.

The set includes four fundamental warm, crimson tones and a variety of red hues in various intensities and tints, from paler tints of ruby red to richer scarlet tones. This variety will help you achieve even better results. The ideal set for red drawings with shading variations!

Pros

  • Smooth, reliable consistency
  • After healing, tattoos become sharper.
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Best brightness with simple movement under the skin
  • Safe for skin
  • Easy-to-use bottles
  • EU-approved

Cons

  • A little more expensive than normal

Nocturnal Tattoo Ink

Best quality tattoo ink

Two tattoo artists, including Franco Vescovi, the inventor of the Bishop tattoo machine, created this company. Nocturnal pigment provides a quick, easy application and a deep, rich hue. Nocturnal tattoo ink's formulation can be used as a model because it doesn't contain any powerful chemical solvents.

User Experience

Nocturnal Lining & Shading offers the same fluidity as other premium inks, a considerably deeper black tone, and enables you to produce flawless, smooth, even shadows. Any kind of line, solid-black shading, and grey wash methods can be done using this pigment.

Utilizing this brand will yield a satisfying outcome. It feels incredibly silky and dark against the skin. The pigment that makes black and white tattoos the easiest to apply is Nocturnal Lining and Shading. On a molecular level, it is also the ideal formula for black pigment.

After the mending, Nocturnal will express themselves even more. Your client will undoubtedly be pleased with how well it performs!

Pros

  • Rapidly and readily recovers.
  • Maintains color Is non-dripping, Simple to apply Without causing a bad skin reaction.
  • Effortless dispersal while tattooing
  • All tattooing techniques are appropriate (lining, shading, grey wash)
  • Sold in a range of sizes

Cons

  • Just over average in price
  • Easily dirty

Bloodline Tattoo Ink

August Worchell, a former guitarist for Johnny Crash, is the owner of the well-known tattoo company Bloodline Tattoo Inks.

The company's significant accomplishments include serving as the primary pigment supplier on Miami Ink, the first tattoo reality program to appear live on television, and once being in charge of producing around one-third of all tattoo inks used in the United States.

Bloodline Tattoo Ink, however, had relatively modest origins for a business that is now so well-known.

To launch the business, August apprenticed with traditional tattooists from the 1970s and 1980s, learning how to manufacture ink by hand from his base of operations in California.

In addition to managing one of the most popular tattoo ink brands for more than 25 years, August has worked as a cook for several other brands and as the driving force behind the launch of several well-known businesses.

His business, Bloodline Tattoo Ink, has established a reputation in the field as the creation of a perfectionist and created to appease other perfectionists. Bloodline is well-known among artists for creating some of the most vivid and quick-curing inks.

The 12-ink Primary Color Set and the UV-sensitive highlight set are two of its most well-liked products.

Pros

  • Vegan Pencil
  • Made in America
  • Convenient to work with

Cons

  • Hefty price tag

Intenze Color Tattoo Ink

Best tattoo ink sets

Because it combines premium-made goods, a wide variety of colors, and the highest quality of ALL tattoo ink colors, the INTENZE brand has risen to the top of this list (both for colored and black and white tattoos). I

INTENZE, a company founded in the early 1990s, was the first to offer a comprehensive description of its ink formulation. The business created inks that would be appropriate for everyone, without exception.

After lengthy testing, they successfully became the first business in the tattoo industry to run an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing plant.

The brand's pigments are created to adhere to the strictest requirements for quality and safety, and the web ingredient transparency is made available.

Aside from seals and protective films to ensure that the bottle hasn't been opened before you, INTENZE includes specific indications to differentiate the genuine product from imitations. The effectiveness and safety of their products are their top priorities.

All the colors required for any complexity are included in the tattoo inks sold under the INTENZE trademark. They provide an unmatched, vast color palette. You can access a wide range of colors from the 54, 1oz bottles, providing you the flexibility of choice. Additionally, they flawlessly blend, so you will still obtain it even if the color you want is not on your palette.

With more colors than any other brand, INTENZE produces the safest, highest-quality tattoo ink on the market, and they are constantly growing and adding to their product lines.

Two separate laboratories test each batch of INTENZE ink to ensure its sterility. These inks are warranted to be free of spores, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Micrococcus, yeast, biological and fungal bioburdens, and the mutagenic poisons known as amines. The brand's website has all pertinent supporting material.

INTENZE pigments are among the best in the world and are perfect for amateurs and experts. When dealing with INTENZE ink, you never jeopardize the client's health or your reputation because customers want high-quality products.

Pros

  • The large color pallet, more complex color
  • vibrant colors
  • suitable for all types of skin
  • thick and convenient to use
  • Perfect for both experts and beginners
  • Completely vegan-friendly
  • Quick and simple recovery
  • Less drying time
  • Slowly consuming
  • Completely secure and sterile

Cons

  • Minimal shelf life

Eternal Tattoo Ink Set

Best colored ink for tattoos

One of the best tattoo inks available now is Eternal. It is fully organic and suitable for use by most tattoo artists due to its composition's complete absence of acrylic, other chemical contaminants, and animal products.

More than 150 different tints and colors are produced by this company, satisfying each tattoo artist. By establishing rigorous criteria for product consistency, top-notch ingredients, and exceptional performance across the board for all tattoo inks, Eternal is paving the way.

User Experience

There are 60 distinct colors in the collection. You will have the most color possibilities, the most kit options, and the most options for bottle sizes for each color. Even though black is constantly in short supply, ordering more is advised. The other hues are identical to what you see in the bottle, precisely complementary and universal.

When utilizing Eternal ink, you'll see that it has a lot of pigment. Because fewer passes over the skin save both material and time for the tattoo artist. The customer suffers less trauma during the operation, which is a plus.

Since the Eternal ink is relatively thick, using it is simpler. The world's top artists utilize these pigments because of their exceptional color rendering. Because of the high-quality pigments in it and its affordability, this product is strongly advised.

Pros

  • vivid colors
  • Totally Vegan Friendly
  • Good value for the money, quick recovery
  • the same shade as the bottle.
  • Hypoallergenic
  • amazing color scheme

Cons

  • It could take some time for you to adjust to the constancy.

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Best Color Ink For Tattoos Buyer Guide

Types of Tattoo Ink: Top Ink Brands You Need To Know (3)

What ingredients do tattoo inks include, and which company should I pick? Now let's discuss the specifics.

Components of Tattoo Ink

Black

This pigment is the most often used since it forms the foundation of all patterns. It is made of tar, tree resin, rust, tar from animal bones, and Campesina extract. These components create the majority of black inks because they offer outstanding quality and are secure.

White

Lead carbonate, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide are all present.

Red

The second most common color is this one. It contains mercury sulfide, cadmium selenide, or cinnabar. These substances are typically harmless for the human body in small dosages.

It contains turmeric, cadmium sulfide, and certain inorganic materials. Although they are not as safe, the small number is unlikely to have any negative impacts.

Blue

Contains cobalt.

Brown

Brown is made up of yellow ochre, clay, and iron oxide. This pigment is entirely secure.

Guidelines For Selecting The Ideal Tattoo Pigment

Your tattooing depends on the tattoo you are designing, and you should choose the appropriate ink. You need good, deep black ink if you want to do black-and-white tattoo styles like Chicano, blackwork, tribal, etc.

We advise purchasing ink from a company like Nocturnal that only produces black ink. For the new school, old school, watercolor, illustration, realism, styles, etc., you will need colored inks. Intenze, World Famous, Eternal, and Millenium Mom's are the top color pigment brands. We also suggest World Famous Red.

Composition. As was already mentioned, the active ingredients of the various ink hues vary. Most inks are organic (i.e., derived from the natural environment) or inorganic, depending on the ink's composition (chemically extracted components). Always inspect each bottle of tattoo ink for the presence of dangerous and toxic ingredients, even though the majority of colors and components on the market are organic.

The way color behaves over time. Before buying ink, it is always a good idea to read company evaluations and peruse the work of well-known tattoo artists. Doing this ensures that the ink doesn't heal with a color change, blur, or excessive fading. This list does not contain product suggestions that fall short of these standards.

Brand. Steer clear of unproven manufacturers. These producers don't always disclose all the ingredients in their products. Trust brands that have been tried and tested by well-known tattoo artists and have positive customer and brand reviews.

Cost. You may pay more if you use professional inks made by reputed manufacturers, but you will be guaranteed against fading, blurring, and distortion of the picture over time.

Therefore, if the ink costs more, you are paying for quality and the assurance of receiving a top-notch product.

How much are tattoo inks typically? Because of their superior components, extensive lab testing, and high demand, more well-known brands are typically more expensive. After using a large variety of colors from a premium brand and witnessing the inks' efficacy, no tattoo artist will use cheap inks.

Most importantly, never purchase "fakes," "replicas," or inexpensive tattoo ink from dubious manufacturers. Keep in mind that the quality of the tattoo ink impacts the client's health and well-being in addition to the final design.

For Vegans

According to The Vegan Society, animal products are used throughout the entire tattooing process. The burnt, shredded, and degreased animal bones used to make non-vegan black ink are thought to be what give the ink its most intense, rich shade of black. As a stabilizer, they could also include glycerin or animal gelatin.

While most commonly used tattoo colors contain animal byproducts, some vegan-friendly inks are available. It is essential to recognize that no evidence supports manufacturer claims that "vegan inks are healthier and safer for the human body than conventional inks." Simply said, utilizing vegan inks eliminates the use of animal byproducts.

Plant-based ingredients and inorganic compounds are both present in these vegan inks. You should also examine each product's composition.

FAQs About Best Ink For Tattoo

Types of Tattoo Ink: Top Ink Brands You Need To Know (4)

1. What Is The Best Tattoo Ink?

There is no one "best" tattoo ink, as each artist has their own preferences. Some inks may work better for certain skin types or tattoo styles than others. It is important to research and ask your artist what they recommend before getting a tattoo.

2. What Are The Different Types Of Tattoo Inks?

There are a variety of tattoo inks available on the market, each with its own unique properties. Some of the most popular types of ink include black tattoo ink, white tattoo ink, and colored tattoo ink.

3. How Long Does Tattoo Ink Last?

Tattoo ink can last for many years but eventually, fade over time. The rate at which tattoo ink fades depends on several factors, including the type of ink used, the location of the tattoo, and the individual's lifestyle.

4. What Are The Risks Associated With Tattoo Ink?

Many risks are associated with tattoo ink, including allergic reactions, infections, and scarring. Talking to your artist about these risks before getting a tattoo is important.

5. What Is The Best Way To Apply Tattoo Ink?

There are a variety of ways to apply tattoo ink. The most common method is to use a tattoo machine. However, there are other methods, such as hand poking and stenciling.

6. How Much Tattoo Ink Do I Need?

The amount of tattoo ink you need will depend on the size and complexity of your tattoo. A small tattoo may only require a few ounces of tattoo.

Conclusion

If you want a tattoo, it is essential to understand the different types of tattoo ink available in the market. Tattoo ink quality plays a vital role in the longevity and vibrancy of your tattoo. Therefore, choosing a top ink brand is crucial in ensuring your tattoo remains fresh and vivid even after several years.

From organic and vegan-friendly ink brands to fade-resistant formulas, there is a tattoo ink type to suit every preference, skin type, and design. So, take your time, to check on this post, and choose a high-quality tattoo ink from a reputable brand to ensure that your tattoo lasts a lifetime.

Remember, tattoos are a form of self-expression, and you deserve the best of the best when it comes to permanent body art.

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