Pigments for micropigmentation: what changes with the Reach regulation?

The micropigmentation world is undergoing a major revolution following the updates to the Reach regulation, putting the substances contained in PMU and tattoo pigments and coloursunder the spotlight. The new European regulation, which came into force in January 2022, has already significantly changed the industry by limiting the use of more than 4,000 potentially harmful substances contained in pigments.

 

To better understand the new updated regulation, a little background is required, meaning: do we know how tattoo and micropigmentation pigments were produced in the past?

 

Pigments for micropigmentation: the difference between organic and inorganic pigments

 

Until 2021, PMU pigments were classified as organic or inorganic. Inorganic pigments are normally obtained from minerals, while organic ones come from chemical synthesis.

Organic colours are considered less stable but more long lasting and shinier. However, in order to make organic pigments insoluble and stable, the use of binding agents, some of which are very expensive, is required.

 

On the other hand, inorganic pigments are insoluble by nature (therefore no binding agent is required), but they are also less shiny and give more coverage compared to organic ones. In addition, they are bio-resorbable by the skin, although they potentially contain heavy metals which can cause allergies andwhose use is restricted by the regulation.

 

How pigments have changed after the Reach regulation

 

Since 4th January 2022, the European Union, through the Reach regulation, has limited the use of more 4,000 chemicals employed in different industries, including tattoos and PMU.

 

The objective was reducing as far as possible the risk of allergies and skin inflammation, thus establishing a new safety standard for all pigments.

The Reach regulation limits the use of inorganic pigments, preservatives, and thickeners and continues existing assessments and checks on aromatic amines, polycyclic hydrocarbons, and the sterile content of colours.

 

What is Clinita doing to comply with the Reach regulation?

 

Clinita has always placed major importance on the selection of premium raw materials and the safety of its production process, carrying out constant research to deliver effective and innovative pigments. Anticipating the Reach regulation, at the end of 2020 we changed the vector and preservative of our pigments, shifting from isopropyl alcohol to ethanol. The Reach regulation does not forbid the use of isopropyl alcohol, however it considerably reduces the allowed quantities as it is considered a potential skin irritant.

As a general approach, we decided to continue to use mineral pigments but reducing their content and increasing the organic ones, thus strengthening the range of “hybrid” pigments for which Clinita has become famous.

In each pack you will find a technical sheet detailing the method of use and the declaration of compliance with the Reach regulation, which is also downloadable from our website.

 

For further information, fill out a contact form at www.clinitauk.com or WhatsApp 07583 029087