Testing has revealed that many sealed tattoo inks are contaminated with bacteria and viruses. In fact between 1-5% of people who get a tattoo experience an infection from it. The rise of tattoo-related infections led the FDA to issue a safety alert on inks in 2019. Tainted tattoo inks pose an even greater risk than contaminated cosmetics because tattoos penetrate into deeper into the skin. If bacteria or viruses reach the skin’s dermal layer, they can more easily cause an infection. Because of this, it is particularly important for tattoo inks to be manufactured using methods to ensure a product is safe,” said Dr. Linda Katz, director of the FDA’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors.
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