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New German Study Sheds Light on the Path and Metabolism of Tattoo Ink Components
In a groundbreaking clinical study, scientists from the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) have made a significant advancement in understanding the effects of tattoo ink on the body. The study, published in Archives of Toxicology, is the first to trace the path and metabolism of the liquid components of tattooing agents inside the human body.
The results challenge previous assumptions about how much of the ink actually stays in the body, showing that far smaller amounts of the liquid components remain in the organism than previously thought. Dr. Ines Schreiver, head of the study and expert at the BfR’s Dermatotoxicology Study Center, stated, “The results of our study will make it possible to assess and evaluate the health risks of tattooing more accurately in the future.”
Historically, the deposition of solid color pigments from tattoos into lymph nodes has been known and well-documented. However, the behavior and distribution of the liquid components in the body had remained largely unexplored. The current study sought to fill this gap by examining how these liquid components—often overlooked in earlier research—are processed by the body.
The study involved 24 volunteers who received a tattoo of their choice, applied under controlled conditions at Charité hospital in Berlin by professional tattooists. The tattooing process took just under three and a half hours per participant. During and after the procedure, the team collected blood and urine samples to analyze how the tattoo ink’s liquid components traveled through the body.
By utilizing marker substances, the researchers were able to trace the metabolism of tattooing agents. They discovered that metabolites were detectable in the bloodstream shortly after tattooing began, revealing how the body handles substances absorbed through the skin. Interestingly, the study found that these substances were metabolized differently compared to oral intake, due to enzymes in the skin cells that play a role in breaking them down.
One marker substance was found to be converted into other metabolites at a higher rate than expected, especially when compared to how substances are processed when ingested via food. This points to a distinct metabolic pathway for substances absorbed through the skin, which could potentially lead to different health effects than those caused by ingestion.
To quantify the actual amount of tattoo ink used, the research team meticulously weighed ink bottles before and after the sessions. They also collected all needles, cloths, and gloves used during the tattoos and analyzed the ink residue. On average, only about one-fifth of the ink used in the sessions actually stayed in the skin, with the majority being excreted during the healing process.
Dr. Schreiver emphasized that the study’s findings are crucial for a more accurate evaluation of the health risks associated with tattoo inks, especially regarding potentially hazardous chemicals. By providing concrete exposure data, the research will help assess the long-term effects of tattoos on the body.
Disclaimer: This study is not intended to alarm tattoo enthusiasts but rather to contribute to a deeper understanding of tattoo ink biokinetics. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of tattoo ink exposure and its potential health risks. Individuals concerned about tattoo safety should consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
For more information, refer to Tat_BioV: Tattoo Ink Exposure and Biokinetics of Selected Tracers in a Short-Term Clinical Study of 24 Subjects, Archives of Toxicology (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s00204-025-03959-8.
