Tattoos have never been more popular. From tiny symbols to full sleeves, millions of people worldwide are choosing to make ink a permanent part of their story. But as the popularity of tattoos grows, so does scientific interest in what’s actually going on beneath the skin. Recent studies suggest that tattoo ink doesn’t just sit harmlessly where it’s placed. In fact, it can travel through the body, settle in lymph nodes, and may even contribute to long-term health risks. So, what does the latest research really tell us about tattoo ink and its effects on our health?

Did you know? Tattoo ink was never actually designed for the human body. The inks are made of pigments (often derived from paints or dyes) blended with carriers like ethyl alcohol or glycerin. Some pigments even contain heavy metals or synthetic dyes like azo compounds, which are chosen for the bright, vivid colours they produce. While these risks were known in theory, early studies suggested that because the amounts were so small, tattoos were unlikely to cause illness.

In August 2022, new research led by John Swierk, Ph.D., began to shift the conversation. His team found that the biggest risk wasn’t the ink in its original state, but what happens when it breaks down.

• Laser removal: When tattoos are treated with laser light, pigments can fragment into smaller chemical compounds, some of which are known carcinogens.
• Sunlight and bacteria: Even without removal, exposure to UV light or natural processes in the body can degrade certain pigments, particularly azo dyes, into nitrogen-based compounds that may be harmful.

This explained why regulators in the UK and EU began banning some popular tattoo colours, especially greens and blues, because of their chemical makeup.
Once ink is injected, the body sees it as a foreign invader. Most pigment particles are too large for immune cells to break down, so they stay trapped in the skin, giving tattoos their permanence. This is important because the body’s natural defenses can’t break them down. If the particles could be broken down, then the tattoo would see a number of aesthetic issues:

• The ink would likely migrate more drastically, making the tattoo look “blurry” or even unrecognisable.
• The ink would fade quickly because the particles would be broken down, aging the tattoo very quickly.
• The ink would eventually “disappear” because the ink is completely broken down, ruining the client’s investment.

But newer research has shown that some smaller particles don’t stay put. They can migrate through the bloodstream and settle in the lymph nodes, where the body filters waste and helps fight infection. These accumulations can remain there permanently. While not immediately dangerous, scientists worry that over decades, this exposure could contribute to inflammation or increase cancer risk.

Recent findings have added weight to earlier concerns:

• A Danish twin study (2025): Researchers compared tattooed and non-tattooed twins and found higher rates of skin cancers and lymphoma in the tattooed siblings. This doesn’t prove tattoos cause cancer, but it suggests a possible link worth investigating further.
• Ingredient mislabelling (2024): A study testing common inks found that 90% contained substances not listed on their labels, including chemicals linked to organ damage and cancer.
• Toxicogenomic studies (2024): Laboratory testing has shown that certain pigments may trigger changes at a cellular level, potentially leading to mutations under the right conditions.

For most people, tattoos remain a low health risk. Millions of tattooed individuals never develop related problems, and there’s no evidence that tattoos inevitably cause cancer. Still, the research highlights important points to consider:

• Ink regulation is improving. Europe has banned certain high-risk pigments and pushed for stricter labelling. The U.S. and Canada may follow.
• Safer inks are being developed. Manufacturers are reformulating colours to reduce harmful chemicals.
• Transparency matters. Because mislabelling remains common, choosing reputable artists and ink brands is one of the best protections available.

Tattooing is here to stay, and so is the science investigating its effects. Databases like whatsinmyink.com are helping track ingredients, while international studies continue to explore the long-term impacts of pigment particles in the body.

For now, the takeaway is simple: tattoos aren’t risk-free, but with safer inks on the horizon and growing awareness among artists and clients, the industry is moving towards a healthier future.