A carrier ingredient is the main ingredient in any tattoo ink. This is the liquid that holds the ink particles, which are suspended in the liquid. Carrier ingredients must be non-reactive and have the ability to hold the dye particles in an even, smooth distribution to prevent uneven distribution of color. Modern tattoo inks use a number of substances as carrier ingredients. Distilled water is a common ingredient, which works well in black ink. Adding more distilled water creates an even, diluted gray tone. Other carriers include witch hazel, glycerine and ethyl alcohol.
Iron oxide is a heavy metal used in some black tattoo inks. This ingredient is commonly found in older inks and is becoming increasingly less common. Certain states, such as California, have introduced legislation that bars the use of heavy metals in tattoo inks. This type of tattoo ink may react during medical procedures such as MRI scans due to its content. As a result, it's important to know whether this type of ink was used in your tattoo before undergoing these types of medical procedures.
Carbon is an ancient tattoo ink ingredient that's still in use today. India ink, graphite and ash are all forms of carbon used in tattoo inks. Traditional tattoo artists in the Pacific Islands and Asia still use carbon-based inks with hand-tapped tattoos. Many homemade tattoos are also done with some form of carbon pigment, though this is not necessarily a recommendation. On the plus side, carbon-based tattoo inks respond well to laser removal treatment.