Tattoo Ink is actually a mixture of a carrier and pigments of different or same colors. The carrier can either be a single substance or blend of many compounds. The role of the Carrier is to aid the even distribution of the pigment in the fluid matrix that is created when the ink is suspended through the tattoo gun. Most of the tattoo pigments are mixed with potent carriers that help to maintain the correct consistency of the tattoo ink. This also ensures that the tattoo ink is properly distributed during the tattooing process, i.e. there is no lumping or excessive thinning in certain parts of the tattoo design. The carrier is often boosted with anti-bacterial compounds that help to inhibit the growth of infecting agents like bacteria. The most common of tattoo carries include:
• Witch Hazel Solution
• Listerine (used in oral disinfectants)
• Propylene Glycol
• Glycerol
• Ethyl Alcohol
• Purified/distilled Water