THE SAFETY OF PIGMENTS: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT WHAT PIGMENTS MICROBLADING & PMU ARTISTS ARE APPLYING?

As a professional Microblading & PMU Artist you have a duty of care both to yourself and your clients to understand the formulations and ingredients in the pigments that you are applying to ensure they are safe to use and comply with the latest industry regulations. 

Recently pigments in the PMU and Tattoo industry have been under severe scrutiny. In January 2022, thousands of hazardous substances found in tattoo inks and permanent make-up were restricted in the EU under the new REACH Regulation. It has been long known that the effects of pigments and inks can be seen way past the area they are tattooed in. Although visually it seems that the pigment stays put in one area, effects not seen by the naked eye can extend to the whole body. Besides the obvious possible consequences of skin reactions and chronic allergies, there are other, more serious carcinogenic or mutagenic issues that may arise. Additionally, as the pigment breaks down, studies have shown that nano particles of pigments become trapped in lymph nodes, these particles then prevent the lymphatic system from effectively removing toxins and eventually present a whole new array of health-related issues, including but not limiting to cancer and immune deficiencies, ones that you may never connect to your favourite tattoo or even brows on fleek.

As a Microblading & PMU Artist, it is vital that you undertake the following measures:

• Ensure the pigment brand you use is EU REACH compliant, look for information on their website or ask them, don’t assume. 

• Look out for this statement present on the label: ‘Mixture for use in tattoos or permanent make-up’ (this is one way of ensuring your pigments are compliant). This statement must be provided in the language of your country. Reputable brands will have ingredients on their bottle, they will also have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) which is a document that contains more detailed information on the potential hazards. Also known as a SDS or PSDS, the formula of your pigments is CRUCIAL and cannot be downplayed.

• Hand out leaflets to your clients with pigment information of ingredients that were used during the procedure (the requirements state: “the tattooist should provide information marked on the packaging, or included in the instructions for use, to the person undergoing the procedure.”)

At Everlasting Brows, we have been on a mission to reinvent the Microblading and PMU industry for over a decade. We have worked tirelessly to set standards to improve the way that the Microblading & PMU industry operates today, making significant contributions that have shaped and elevated the standards of the profession. We have successfully developed a range of high performance, high quality and non-toxic pigments that are safe for our clients long term. Did you know? Everlasting Brows was the first company to manufacture and introduce the industry’s first true to colour pigments using safer ingredients to colour-match the skin.

All our pigments are EU-compliant and meet and exceed all ingredient requirements. We will never use any unsafe, unnecessary or potentially carcinogenic compounds in our pigment line.

So, what is in Everlasting Brows Pigments? 

Non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-irritating, and non photo toxic, Everlasting Brows Pigments are made in Germany, with only the highest quality raw ingredients. Each batch is tested for impurities and heavy metals and is approved by InkCert - fulfilling all toxicological demands of CoE ResAP. Less impurities means that skin will be more receptive to pigment, which creates better healed results. Everlasting Pigments are highly concentrated, without any unnecessary added water or humectants and each batch will have a sample of the pigment stored in our warehouse for 30 years for ease of insurance investigations if such ever arise. All Everlasting Brows Pigments are vegan-friendly and never tested on animals.

Aside from the compounds to make up the colour - Everlasting Brows pigments only contain the following ingredients:  

• C XXXX - These are the colour codes for the iron oxides, titanium or carbon components. We ALWAYS use the highest grade available. These are the basis of great colour - high quality raw materials are not cheap, so always be inquisitive of seemingly “inexpensive” pigment lines. Our line is a hybrid of organic and inorganic components to ensure stable line that fades over time instead of turning into unwanted tones.

• Propylene Glycol & Glycerin - These are non-toxic carriers and humectants, these solvents act to carry the pigment down your needle or microblade. We add just enough for a creamy texture, but not too much - so that the pigment is still highly concentrated. Propylene Glycol (alcohol) also disinfects and increases the skins permeability. We see it safely used in the production of ice-cream and intravenous medication. 

• Hamamelis Virginiana Extract - Also non-toxic carriers, in cosmetics and personal care products, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) function as a skin conditioning agent that is also soothing and anti-inflammatory that helps with skin irritation post PMU & Microblading treatments. 

• NOVOXX - Is a mineral compound, that does not cause skin sensitivities or allergies, it is bio compatible and lowers the chances of skin rejecting the pigment, all while keeping the pathogens, bacteria and viruses from forming within the bottle. You will not find any bacteria thriving in our pigments even years after opening. Only 3 pigment companies in the world have a right to this patented formula and we are proud to say we are one of them. Reference: http://www.novoxx.eu/01/kan.html

What is NOT in Everlasting Brows Pigments?

Worryingly, there are still a number of potentially questionable ingredients that can be found in some of the world's most popular microblading and semi-permanent makeup inks and pigments. At Everlasting Brows, we DO NOT USE any of the following ingredients in our pigments; DMDM Hydantoin (formaldehyde releaser), Palmitate (Palm Oil), Roisin, Ethylene Glycol, Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Quats, P-Phenylenediamene (PPD), Benzopyrene, Nickel, Chromium & Cobalt, Vegetable or Plant Based Dyes and Coconut Diethanolamine.

As a professional Microblading & PMU Artist, it's imperative to conduct thorough research and ensure the use of safe pigments that adhere to the latest industry standards. This practice safeguards the safety of both you and your clients. You can then focus on what you love doing most - creating stunning Microblading & PMU work!