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Tamper proof label, crystal-flex bottle with a twist cap
Product sterilized with gamma radiation
Vegan friendly and EU approved
12 vivid, stay put colors in .5oz bottles
Bloodline brand inks are trusted as safe and 100% vegan friendly
Made and sold in the USA
6 colors: Dragon Turquoise, Dragon Green Light, Dragon Green Dark, Dragon, Red, Dragon Blue, Dragon Yellow
Inks and pigments are made in the US
100% authentic Intenze Ink
Tattooing is a personal art. It doesn’t get more intimate than putting a permanent mark on one’s body. When you are about to inscribe an image or words onto a customer, you need to know that you’re doing it with the best medium possible. Ink that is safe and will be there forever. The best tattoo inks you can find are out there, but what are they?
Especially if you are new to the game, Which brands can you rely on to do the job right? We’ve done the work for you here in this list of the best tattoo ink. You’ll find 15 reliable products to ensure that your customer will get the safest and longest lasting ink available.
From single bottles to some pretty astounding sets, we’ve pulled together an offering of some of the best brands the industry has to offer. Mom’s Millenium Inks, Intenze, Kuro Sumi and others. There are so many brands of tattoo inks on the market, but there are a few who definitely rise to the top in terms of how hard they work to put the best stuff out there. We think we’ve found them and have presented some of their best products for you to choose from.
15 Reviews of The Best Tattoo Ink
1. Kuro Sumi Tattoo Ink
Ancient Yayoi Kuro Sumi Tangnuni Warriors are the inspiration for this vegan friendly tattoo ink now made in the US. Originally manufactured in Japan, the makers took their cue from these honorable men who tattooed their lower jawlines and abdomens in pigments as a mark of distinction. Known specifically for their blacks and grays, your lining and shading work will be miles above the rest when you choose to use this chosen best tattoo ink. And don’t limit your work to outlining. Kuro Sumi Tattoo Inks come in all of the colors of the rainbow so you can apply it to your customers, literally. We’d be fools if we didn’t give this ink 5 stars.
Features of the Kuro Sumi Tattoo Ink
✔ Super super bright tattoo ink.
✔ World’s best tattoo ink.
✔ Best quality color. Bold and brightest color.
✔ World class ingredients. Vegan formulated.
✔ Authentic Kuro Sumi Ink. Genuine label. Do not buy container with black and white label. It is not real ink.
✔ Shipped within the US only.
✔ Very economical.
✔ Just doesn’t fade.
✔ Best buy on the market.
Pros and Cons of the Kuro Sumi Tattoo Ink
PROS
✔ Vegan friendly and 100% organic.
✔ Top brand globally.
✔ Made in the US with exacting standards for safety.
CONS
✘ Only ships to US.
✘ Lots of pretenders out there. RESEARCH!
✘ Has a tendency to spill when left open.
Kuro Sumi Tattoo Ink FAQs
Is this ink good for "stick and poke?"
It was traditionally used in this manor, so probably.
Is this a kit?
No, it is strictly ink.
Is this ink good for shading?
It is excellent for both outlining and shading.
Super super bright tattoo ink
World’s best tattoo ink
World class ingredients. Vegan formulated
2. BLACK ONYX Millennium Moms
Made in the USA. Millenium Mom’s Tattoo Ink has spent over 10 years perfecting their tattoo ink game for some of the best you can find. You know you can trust this ink for one, because it is used by famous professionals. Two, because it is made with stayability in mind. It is rated at the top of the list for best tattoo inks in pigment life and color consistency. Another reason to pick up some Millenium Mom’s tattoo ink is price. You get a lot for what you pay for and that equals lots and lots of lining and shading in each bottle. Great for beginners, apprentices and professionals.
Features of the BLACK ONYX Millennium Moms
✔ More ink for the price compared to other brands.
✔ Higher concentration of pigment.
✔ Used by professional tattoo artists.
✔ Formula is highly concentrated for more lush and vibrant color.
✔ Made in the USA.
✔ Product has been formulated over 10 years.
✔ Works great for stick and poke tattoos.
✔ Goes into the skin smoothly.
✔ Great for beginners.
✔ Vegan friendly and 100% organic.
Pros and Cons of the BLACK ONYX Millennium Moms
PROS
✔ Very economical.
✔ Highly concentrated pigment.
✔ Made in the USA.
✔ Sterilized for safety and vegan friendly.
CONS
✘ Some customers say it is watery.
✘ Color did not stay true after it healed for one user.
BLACK ONYX Millennium Moms FAQs
Do all of the colors work under UV light?
No, only the Nuclear Colors.
Is this ink vegan?
Yes, and 100% organic.
Is MOM's tattoo ink sterilized?
Yes it is.
Higher concentration of pigment
Formula is highly concentrated for more lush and vibrant color
Works great for stick and poke tattoos
3. Skin Candy Bloodline Tattoo Ink Set
A list of the best tattoo ink would never be complete without a great set and here is one now. Skin Candy’s Bloodline Tattoo Ink Set of their best selling 7 colors in one bundle is an excellent choice. It even comes with 20 ink caps FREE. Why not go for a great buy when you get shades like All Purpose Black, All-Purpose White, Bellbottom Blue, Candy Lime, Red Hot, Canary Yellow, and Iris Mist all in one go. With a gun from our list of the best rotary tattoo pen machine and your imagination…the sky’s the limit.
Features of the Skin Candy Bloodline Tattoo Ink Set
✔ Set of 20 Bloodline Tattoo Inks
✔ .5 oz each of 7 vibrant colors
✔ Made in the USA
✔ Sterilized, Sealed, and individually packaged
✔ Great for beginners, apprentices, and professional artists
✔ 20 flat bottom ink caps included
✔ Vegan conscience and organic
Pros and Cons of the Skin Candy Bloodline Tattoo Ink Set
PROS
✔ Comes in a 7 ink set.
✔ You get 20 free ink caps with the set.
✔ Made and sold in America.
✔ Vegan friendly and 100% organic.
CONS
✘ Customers say the sets come with repeated colors.
Skin Candy Bloodline Tattoo Ink Set FAQs
Is this ink organic?
Yes it is and organic too.
How much ink is in each bottle?
You get 7, 1/2 ounce bottles.
Is this product sterile?
Yes it is.
Sterilized, Sealed, and individually packaged
Great for beginners, apprentices, and professional artists
Set of 20 Bloodline Tattoo Inks
4. Dynamic Black Ink Bottle, 8 oz
Dynamic has been making quality tattoo ink since 1990. One of the oldest companies around, you can trust them for great colorants that last forever and that are safe to use. There is such a large volume of counterfeit product on the market today that they switched up their label and we love it. There is a reference guide on their website so you can see how they have made their new labels. One thing is sure. This ink is on the list of best tattoo ink because it is one of the top in the business. When you are looking for a great ink to fill that pen of yours from our list of the best rotary tattoo machine, look no further.
Features of the Dynamic Black Ink Bottle, 8 oz
✔ The regular black is pitch black.
✔ Comes in a generous 8oz size.
✔ Economically priced.
✔ Stays black when healed.
✔ Great for lining and shading.
✔ Unique packaging deters counterfeits.
Pros and Cons of the Dynamic Black Ink Bottle, 8 oz
PROS
✔ Generous, 8oz. bottle.
✔ Stays black when healed.
✔ New packaging and label to deter counterfeits.
CONS
✘ Some people don’t like that the containers are made with PET plastic.
Dynamic Black Ink Bottle FAQs
Is this product good for gray wash tattooing?
No, it is not recommended.
Where is this shipped from?
Dynamic is shipped from NY in the USA.
Is this ink good for shading or just lining?
It’s great for both.
The regular black is pitch black
Comes in a generous 8oz size
Great for lining and shading
5. Intenze Tattoo Ink Set
Brought to you by another great tattoo ink maker. We give this 5 stars out of 5. The Intenze Tattoo Ink set makes the list for best tattoo ink for a few reasons. Intenze was the very first ink producer to make their ink at cosmetic level quality. They are constantly raising the bar on safe manufacturing practices. The founder, Mario Barth, is so committed to making a safe product that he literally tested the products on himself. You won’t find quality like this anywhere. This ink kit is chosen for it’s beautiful assorted palette. Leaning on jewel tones, you will find an assortment of the richest colors out there in this generous offering.
Features of the Intenze Tattoo Ink Set
✔ 6 colors: Dragon Turquoise, Dragon Green Light, Dragon Green Dark, Dragon, Red, Dragon Blue, Dragon Yellow.
✔ Inks and pigments are made in the US.
✔ 100% authentic Intenze Ink.
✔ First company to publicize ingredients.
✔ First company to put labels on their bottles.
✔ First company to offer a 54 color set.
✔ Intenze Tattoo Ink sees making safe ink a responsibility.
✔ Each batch of ink is mixed, sterilized, and bottled in a CLEAN ROOM.
✔ Long lasting and vibrant color.
Pros and Cons of the Intenze Tattoo Ink Set
PROS
✔ Exacting standards and constant upgrading for best quality.
✔ 100% authentic Intenze Ink.
✔ Great mix of color palette.
CONS
✘ There are no cons for a company that keeps trying the way they do.
✘ Not vegan friendly.
Intenze Tattoo Ink Set FAQs
What size are these bottles?
1oz each.
Where are Intenze Tattoo Inks from?
Rochelle Park, New Jersey, USA
Are these inks vegan?
No, they are not.
6 colors: Dragon Turquoise, Dragon Green Light, Dragon Green Dark, Dragon, Red, Dragon Blue, Dragon Yellow
100% authentic Intenze Ink
Intenze Tattoo Ink sees making safe ink a responsibility
6. Black Gray Tattoo Inks
For gray wash tattooing, This three stage pigment set by Arcane will keep you completely satisfied. It will give you the perfect shading, blended look you want, and it’s completely vegan friendly. If you are into the pencil drawn tattoo look this ink is for you. You’ll feel great knowing your art looks great and your customer’s skin is safe. They take extra strides in making sure that the ink they produce is as healthy as they can make it. 5 stars out of 5. This makes looking for the best tattoo ink easy.
Features of the Black Gray Tattoo Inks
✔ Vegan friendly and made with organic materials.
✔ Made in the USA.
✔ 3 gradients of grays towards black for perfect gray washing.
✔ Glycerin used in this product is plant based.
✔ Made for artists by artists.
✔ Designed for quick healing.
✔ Bright colors with less touch-ups.
Pros and Cons of the Black Gray Tattoo Inks
PROS
✔ Made with 100% safety in mind.
✔ Completely vegan.
✔ Made and sold in America.
CONS
✘ There were honestly no cons for this product.
Black Gray Tattoo Inks FAQs
Is this black ink?
No, it is varying shades of gray going from light gray to dark gray…towards black.
Is this product safe?
Yes, it is cosmetic quality, organic, and 100% vegan.
How big are these bottles?
They are 2oz. each.
Vegan friendly and made with organic materials
3 gradients of grays towards black for perfect gray washing
Designed for quick healing
7. Kuro Sumi Colors Tattoo Ink
From the makers of famous Kuro Sumi Tattoo Ink, here is a set of their 7 BEST sellers. Our second Kuro Sumi in this list of 15 best tattoo ink, we added it here because who doesn’t want the ease of a set? Here is the palette of their most used colors, koi yellow, rising sun orange, mineraru green, buddha blue, Tokyo rose red, double sumi black, and samurai white. You’ll have every color you need to create a masterpiece only limited by your imagination. We give this 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Features of the Kuro Sumi Colors Tattoo Ink
✔ Master set of the 7 best sellers.
✔ Vibrant colors that heal fast.
✔ 100% vegan friendly.
✔ Made and sold in the US.
✔ Economically priced.
✔ Authenticity guaranteed.
Pros and Cons of the Kuro Sumi Colors Tattoo Ink
PROS
✔ Best sellers all in one set.
✔ Vegan friendly and organic.
✔ Never tested on animals.
CONS
✘ Bottles may leak or spill when left open.
Kuro Sumi Colors Tattoo Ink FAQs
What is the expiration date on this ink?
It’s 1 year from purchase.
Is this ink good for stick and poke tattooing?
Yes it is.
What size are the bottles?
0.50 oz each.
8. Viking Ink B&W USA Vegan Pigment
Viking makes some pretty darn good ink. What do we mean by that you ask? Well, have you seen their ink? AMAZING colors. Their palettes run towards realism which makes them extremely popular in the US and Europe. They also happen to be able to offer their ink in Spain. Yep, they’re that awesome. You wouldn’t want to line and shade your work with any black ink, so that’s why this offering made our list of the best tattoo ink. A full ounce of blackest black ink is a must, and here it is.
Features of the Viking Ink B&W USA Vegan Pigment
✔ New item from Viking Ink. 100% authentic.
✔ Great for filling, lining, and shading.
✔ Stays put and stays black.
✔ Made in America.
✔ Made by artists for beginners, apprentices, and professionals.
Pros and Cons of the Viking Ink B&W USA Vegan Pigment
PROS
✔ Stays black after healing.
✔ OSHA approved.
✔ This is a brand new item from Dynamite Ink.
CONS
✘ This is not a vegan product.
✘ One customer said it faded when it healed.
Viking Ink USA B&W Vegan Pigment FAQs
When does this ink expire?
Is this ink good for stick and poke?
Yes, it’s great for stick and poke work.
Does this ink contain lead or nickel?
No, Viking uses witch hazel instead of harsh metals.
Great for filling, lining, and shading
Stays put and stays black
New item from Viking Ink. 100% authentic
9. Millennium Mom’s Tattoo Ink Set
What would make a list for the best tattoo ink? A great set of course! Millenium Mom’s, the vegan brand everyone trusts has a great variety of colors here. 14 highly concentrated pigments to ensure you get the color you expect. You get 14K gold, fleshy flesh, marvelous magenta, brown sugar, monthly red, EctoPlasmic green, power white, black onyx, pretty boy blue, forest gump green, purple nurple, hello yellow, ice blue, and violet violet. Made in America and used by professional artists, you cannot go wrong with this one.
Features of the Millennium Mom’s Tattoo Ink Set
✔ Vegan friendly and organic.
✔ Used by professional artists.
✔ A popular brand everyone trusts.
✔ More for your money. You receive more in this set than you would on individual bottles.
✔ More than a decade of experience.
✔ Bright, vibrant colors that go in easily and smoothly.
✔ Colors are highly concentrated for best quality.
Pros and Cons of the Millennium Mom’s Tattoo Ink Set
PROS
✔ 14 – bottle set saves money.
✔ 100% vegan friendly and organic.
✔ Millenium Mom’s has over ten years experience in the industry.
CONS
✘ The ink fades over time.
✘ Some customers say their skin rejects the ink.
Millennium Mom’s Tattoo Ink Set FAQs
Does this set come with black and white ink?
Yes, it comes with power white and black onyx.
How many bottles come in this set?
There are 14, .5oz bottles in this set.
Where is this made?
Millenium Mom’s Ink is made and sold in the US.
Vegan friendly and organic
Used by professional artists
Colors are highly concentrated for best quality
10. Oleg Shepelenko Realism Color 16 Bottle Set
You notice right away that Oleg Shepelenko thought of everything when he put together this ink set. It made our list for best tattoo ink because it has what you need to bring life to art. A palette of flesh tones you won’t see elsewhere and a rainbow of hues that set your imagination spinning. This set is vegan friendly so you know it’s safe. It comes in generous 1oz bottles too, so you can tattoo for hours and hours without running out. The 16 bottle palette includes Oleg Blood Red, Oleg Brick Red, Oleg Redwood, Oleg Dark Skin, Oleg Medium Skin, Oleg Light Skin, Oleg Blush, Oleg Peach, Oleg Leather, Oleg Sea Blue, Oleg Cloud Blue, Oleg Deep Green, Oleg Light Green, Oleg Soft Yellow, Oleg USSR Red, and Oleg Kremlin Copper.
Features of the Oleg Shepelenko Realism Color 16 Bottle Set
✔ Tamper proof label, crystal-flex bottle with a twist cap.
✔ Product sterilized with gamma radiation.
✔ Comes in a generous 1oz bottle.
✔ Vegan friendly and EU approved.
✔ Sought after by professionals.
Pros and Cons of the Oleg Shepelenko Realism Color 16 Bottle Set
PROS
✔ Inks developed by world famous tattoo artist Oleg Shepelenko.
✔ 1 oz sized bottles for more ink.
✔ Vegan friendly and organic.
CONS
✘ There are no cons for this product.
Oleg Shepelenko Realism Color 16 Bottle Set FAQs
Where is this ink from?
World Famous Ink is a global company with distributors all over the world.
Is this ink safe?
As safe as can be. It is gamma sterilized, vegan, and never tested on animals.
Where is Oleg Shepelenko from?
Rostovnadonu, Russia.
Tamper proof label, crystal-flex bottle with a twist cap
Product sterilized with gamma radiation
Vegan friendly and EU approved
11. Michele Turco Color Portrait 6 Bottle Set
Realism is Michele Turco’s style and it is obvious with this great little ink set from World Famous. This non-toxic and animal cruelty-free tattoo ink sets the standards around the world. There are few better companies and with 50 years of generational experience, you know you can really trust this brand. Michele Turco’s Portrait Palette of 6, 1oz bottles makes our list at number 11. We have chosen it as one of the best tattoo ink because when you are a portrait artist, you want true shading. This set comes in all the colors you need for that. It includes Michele Portrait White, Michele Light Skin, Michele Medium Skin, Michele Medium Skin 2, Michele Dark Skin and Michele Deep Brown.
Features of the Michele Turco Color Portrait 6 Bottle Set
✔ Vegan friendly and guaranteed animal cruelty-free.
✔ The perfect colors for any portrait work.
✔ 6, generous 10z bottles.
✔ Made by the trusted World Famous brand.
✔ Sterilized with gamma radiation.
✔ Great for beginners, apprentices, and pros.
✔ Used by professional artists.
Pros and Cons of the Michele Turco Color Portrait 6 Bottle Set
PROS
✔ Generous 1oz sized bottles.
✔ Vegan friendly and organic.
✔ Always a reliable brand.
CONS
✘ There are no cons for this product.
Michele Turco Color Portrait 6 Bottle Set FAQs
Does this set include black and white ink?
It includes Michele Portrait White, but it does not include black.
Where is this company located?
World Famous Ink is a global company with distributors across the world.
Is this ink safe?
World Famous prides itself on their quality, vegan and organic inks. They are safe.
The perfect colors for any portrait work
Made by the trusted World Famous brand
Sterilized with gamma radiation
12. StarBrite Colors Sterilized Tattoo Ink – 7 Color Starter Set 1/2 oz
Here is another set by a name you can trust. To be the best tattoo ink available, you have to have exacting standards, and StarBrite is definitely up to the task. Their inks are guaranteed vegan friendly and organic. The glycerin they use is plant based. This is a great starter set with all of the basic colors anyone would need to get off the ground. You get 7 .5oz bottles in Brite White, Canary Yellow, Country Blue, Crimson Red, Jet Black Outliner, Lime Green and Tribal Black. This set gets you lining and coloring right out of the box.
Features of the StarBrite Colors Sterilized Tattoo Ink
✔ Professional grade pigments.
✔ Smooth consistency that flows easily.
✔ Sterilized for safety.
✔ Made in the US.
✔ Vegan friendly and organic. Glycerin used in the product is plant based.
✔ 7, .5oz bottles.
✔ Guaranteed animal cruelty-free.
Pros and Cons of the StarBrite Colors Sterilized Tattoo Ink
PROS
✔ Made and sold in the US.
✔ StarBrite has over 20 years experience ensuring a great quality product.
✔ Lays into the skin nicely.
CONS
✘ Colors in the set don’t match the picture.
✘ Some people say the bottles don’t arrive full.
StarBrite Colors Sterilized Tattoo Ink FAQs
What colors come with this set?
The colors shown in the description.
Does this ink fade?
StarBrite ink lasts longer than most inks on the market according to customer reviews.
How many colors do I get?
You get 7, 1/2 ounce bottles.
Smooth consistency that flows easily
Sterilized for safety
Vegan friendly and organic. Glycerin used in the product is plant based
13. Intenze Professional Tattoo Ink Zuper Black 12 oz
If you need a very dark ink that works well on dark skin, Intenze Zuper Black is a great choice. Made by Intenze where safety is always at the top of the list. Their ink is vegan friendly and not tested on animals at all. Their quality product meets the strictest health standards and makes our list for the best tattoo ink. Intenze makes sure they cut out any harmful ingredients found in other tattoo inks for their customers. This offering comes in a huge 12 ounce bottle, so you will have enough black ink for several large projects.
Features of the Intenze Professional Tattoo Ink Zuper Black 12 oz
✔ Stays very dark after healing.
✔ Sterilized in a certified lab.
✔ Specifically made to not dry out.
✔ Packaged with a tamper proof lid.
✔ Vagen friendly with zero animal testing.
✔ Large, 12 ounce bottle for multiple projects.
Pros and Cons of the Intenze Professional Tattoo Ink Zuper Black 12 oz
PROS
✔ Vegan conscience and absolutely no animal testing.
✔ Tamper proof packaging.
✔ Works good for dark skin.
CONS
✘ Too big of bottle. Fortunately there is a 1oz option.
Intenze Professional Tattoo Ink Zuper Black 12 oz FAQs
Is this ink vegan?
It is vegan and Intenze does no animal testing.
Does this ink bleed or blow out?
No, it does not.
Is there another size if this is too much?
Yes, it comes in a 1 ounce bottle too.
Stays very dark after healing
Packaged with a tamper proof lid
Specifically made to not dry out
14. Bloodline 12 Color Tattoo Ink Set
Bloodline, formerly Skin Candy has a great assortment of inks for every project and level of tattooing expertise. Here is a great set of 12, .5 oz bottles for you on our list of best tattoo ink. This company is just another in the growing line of vegan friendly groups who want to offer the best to their customers. An important way to ensure this is to offer vegan friendly, all natural products, and that is what you have here. A set of vibrant, long lasting color made with only certified safe ingredients.
Features of the Bloodline 12 Color Tattoo Ink Set
✔ Colors included are Bright Red, All-Purpose White, All-Purpose Black, Bellbottom Blue, Candy Lime, Tastywaves 2, Stem Green, Morning Glory, Redd Kross, Marz Orange, Golden Lotus and Canary Yellow.
✔ 12 vivid, stay put colors in .5oz bottles.
✔ Bloodline brand inks are trusted as safe and 100% vegan friendly.
✔ All natural.
✔ Made and sold in the USA.
✔ Used by professional tattoo artists.
Pros and Cons of the Bloodline 12 Color Tattoo Ink Set
PROS
✔ Great selection of 12 colors.
✔ Vegan friendly and organic.
✔ Used and tested by professionals.
CONS
✘ Customers say they get repeat colors and broken seals.
✘ Bottles are small.
Bloodline 12 Color Tattoo Ink Set FAQs
Why do some bottles have metal nuts in them?
To mix the pigment.
How well does this ink stay in the skin?
It stays for an amazingly long time.
12 vivid, stay put colors in .5oz bottles
Bloodline brand inks are trusted as safe and 100% vegan friendly
Made and sold in the USA
15. Authentic Radiant Colors U Pick Tattoo Ink MADE IN USA (1/2 OZ, TRIBAL BLACK)
Radiant Ink has a pure, uncut pigment dispersion they have developed by using the latest technology. they work closely with artists from their own circles to bring you the best shades possible and this TRIBAL BLACK is no exception. Made and sold from California, they use only the best sterile ingredients to ensure that your tat work goes in right and stays permanently. Great for beginners, apprentices, and professionals.
Features of the Authentic Radiant Colors U Pick Tattoo Ink
✔ Pure, uncut homogenized, sterile, pigment.
✔ Easy to apply with solid, vibrant results.
✔ Made in the USA.
✔ Blackest black pigment.
✔ Authentic Radiant Colors.
Pros and Cons of the Authentic Radiant Colors U Pick Tattoo Ink
PROS
✔ Homogenized.
✔ Sterilized with gamma radiation.
✔ Made in the US.
CONS
✘ Some customers say it isn’t as dark as they expected.
✘ Not vegan friendly.
Authentic Radiant Colors U Pick Tattoo Ink FAQs
Is this ink non-toxic?
Yes it is.
Is this ink vegan?
No, it is not.
Where is Radiant Color Ink made?
California, USA.
Pure, uncut homogenized, sterile, pigment
Blackest black pigment
Easy to apply with solid, vibrant results
BUYER'S GUIDE
Factors to consider before buying the best tattoo ink
Before you start to create a tattoo there are a few things you always want to consider. Do you have all of your supplies is the big one and amongst those things you need for your craft, the ink is the thing you’re going to really want to think about. Which colors will you need? How much of each one are of course things you’ll need to suss out, but there’s more to it. Ink is a foreign object you are placing under the skin. Although ages ago people used whatever worked, times have brought knowledge and now we know that some substances are healthy are some are not. Some are actually poisonous and so we have researched, and tested, and found the things that make safe ink. Ink makers have found humane ways to find that out as well, and these are all factors you should consider when buying the best tattoo ink for your art.
Here we list some things you will want to be aware of. It is not an exhaustive list of the factors involved in finding good quality, safe ink, but it should get you thinking and doing more research if you want to be sure your work is not toxic and safe for your customers.
What's in that ink?
Safe inks will include things like organic materials. Plant based glycerin is a good example. There were inks in the past and unfortunately even today that are made using heavy metals like lead that are toxic and dangerous to humans. It’s important to know what is in the ink you buy. There are a lot of companies today who make vegan friendly ink. These inks are easy to trust because they are always made with 100% organic materials. If you prefer non vegan ink, make sure that it is from a reputable supplier who does not use toxic materials.
Who's selling that ink?
Fakers abound, unfortunately. You can go online right now and find comment after comment on links where people were duped into buying a fake version of someone’s ink. Fortunately companies are fighting back. Many are making tamper proof labels for their products so you know if it’s the real deal or not. One of the best ways to do your part is to contact the seller before you purchase. Most legit companies have some way of showing you that they are authentic.
Another thing to consider when purchasing the best tattoo ink is where it’s coming from. Certain Countries have strict manufacturing rules so you have a much better chance at getting a safe product. The USA and the EU have strict rules in place and can be trusted.
What is that ink for?
When you are considering the best tattoo ink for your project, you want the right ink for the job, You need to ask yourself a few questions before you buy. Is it for stick and poke? Some inks are better than others. Is it for Gray Washing? You’ll want grays and there are sets specifically for that. We have included one at #6 for just this kind of work. Are you lining, shading, filling in? All of these factors are important and it will save you money in the long run with a little bit of extra planning as to what you’ll need ahead of time.
How much ink do you need?
There are countless palettes, colors, and sizes of ink to choose from. Any of the best tattoo ink has an expiration date so it is always a good idea to buy closer to what you need so you don’t waste. Don’t buy a 12oz bottle of ink when you need .5oz. Take the time to look before you click. Of course price will factor in there but many times people want to “stock up”, when all they end up doing is buying way too much. There is no harm in being a little frugal, is there?
Where do you get your ink?
Buying ink online is convenient. You click a few buttons and it comes right to your door, voila! But…there is a reason the post office frowns at sending liquids through the mail. They leak. They break. They make a huge mess and your package ends up being a big disappointment when it gets to your door. Many many people complain about this. It is a real issue, but not to worry because there are ways to make it right. First of all, you can always speak to the seller before you buy the product. Make sure they are going to send it securely so it doesn’t explode in transit. Second, if this does happen, you can always contact Amazon, if it is shipped through them, and get your money back and buy again. Inks are nonrefundable, but a packaging or mailing issue is usually handled by Amazon no problem. They WANT your business.
BENEFITS IN USING THE BEST TATTOO INK
Quality and Safety
Really these are the only two words you need to know and consider for the benefits in using the BEST tattoo ink. What the best tattoo ink has to offer is knowing your customers are getting quality work. Knowing they aren’t being injected with a toxic or contaminated substance that is going to make them ill. Peace of mind also comes up. Although you might pay a little more for a trusted brand of tattoo ink, you’ll know you’ve done an excellent job and that’s everything.
Your customers will return. If you take the time to do things right, and buying the best tattoo ink is a big part of doing quality tattoos, then you know your customers will come back. That, or they’ll send their friends and that will keep you in business. THAT’S a benefit.
Better Permanent Coverage the First Time
The term “Almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades” was never truer than in the art of tattooing. It’s your skin. Your body, or someone else’s and you do NOT get a second chance to get it right. Nothing is more disappointing then paying a lot of money to get a tattoo and having it turn our bad because of defective ink. Here is where you can’t afford to fudge. You owe your customers the quality tattoo they deserve so you better pony up on some good working ink. Of course, DO YOUR RESEARCH, but we’ve handily done some for you here so you know that the products in our best tattoo ink list are reputable to do the best job the first time.
AND THE WINNERS ARE…
OUR FINAL WINNING PRODUCTS AND WHY WE THINK THEY ARE THE BEST TATTOO INKS AVAILABLE
We took some lengths to pore through many brands of tattoo inks to come up with this list of our fifteen best tattoo ink. There are A LOT of brands out there, but it becomes clear with a little research that certain names rise to the top. Names like Skin Candy/Bloodline, Kuro Sumi, Millenium Mom’s, and StarBrite come up right away among others. Brands that are vegan friendly, organic, and made by animal cruelty-free or no animal testing are well sought after.
These brands and types of ink do make up our list among others, but out of the fifteen there are a few that really stuck out as extra. Amazing in their class so to speak, so we thought we would mention them here as our “winners”. Any of the tattoo inks in this list are good to go. They stand on their own in quality, safety and performance…so here are our choices for the best of the best.
A coincidence because our list wasn’t written in any certain order, #1 Kuro Sumi Tattoo Ink, Outlining, 6 Ounce has to be mentioned as one of the winners.
Has to. We gave it 5 stars because it sums up what tattoo is all about really, and is truly one of the best tattoo ink you’ll ever find. It covers every base. Tradition, quality, dense pigment, vibrant color that never fades…it’s vegan and it is made and sold in the US. It has all the bells and whistles and although these top choices from our list are collective, if there was a winner it would be this.
#5 Intenze Tattoo Ink Japanese Dragon Color Series by Mario Barth 6 Bottles 1oz
Is next to be mentioned from our list of the best tattoo ink you can find. These colors are exotic and rich. Jewel tones you won’t find anywhere else and you know you are getting the best you can pay for. This is all due to Intenze and their insane amount of dedication to the world of ink manufacturing. Were they the first for everything that makes ink what it is today, because when you read their bio it sure sounds like it.
They were the first to label their labels. They were first to offer a 54 color set. Very important to consumers, they were the first to put ingredients on their labels. They knew that creating safe ink was going to take time and be more expensive, but they pressed on. They didn’t see it as a necessary evil to do these things, but viewed them as a responsibility. These principles set them apart and sent them to the top of the charts in the industry and put them at the top of our list for the best tattoo ink. They simply are one of the very best.
Rounding out our top three is #9 on our list, Millennium Mom’s Tattoo Ink Set, 1/2 oz, 14-Bottles
Mom’s is another well known “good for you” tattoo ink and that is one reason why it’s at the top of our best tattoo ink list. Their dedication to making a vegan product that is completely non-toxic and !00% organic has them mentioned as the worldwide leader among tattoo professionals. We chose this set because it is a great representation of the palette Mom’s offers. They literally have every color of the rainbow available and then some. They offer over 120 shades.
Another have to mention is Mom’s three tone of black shades. They have Grey, Cherry and Bronze in 4 tones each! You can only imagine what you can create with a palette so diverse. Try this set and then try them all. Millenium Mom’s tattoo ink is the best tattoo ink you’ll find.
Conclusion
When you are a tattoo artist, whether you are an old pro, learning the trade, or are just starting out…you can always benefit from getting the best supplies. Getting a jump on the game can never hurt. It’s widely known in professional circles that “the early bird gets the worm” so to speak, so nothing should ever stop you from perfecting your game.
Like the brands we have put here on this list of the 15 best tattoo ink you can find, you would want to continually upgrade, right? You would go to lengths to find what’s best. Look for the newest technology and use what is good for your customer. This is not a definitive list of the all time best tattoo inks available. There are others across a board who make quality, workability, and safety a vanguard. We aren’t offering you an encyclopedia on the subject. No, but a well researched list of the best tattoo ink you will readily find online and get into your studio as quickly as possible.