"What's actually in that stuff?" It's one of the best questions a client can ask — and the answer is refreshingly boring, in the best way. Professional tattoo ink has two parts: pigment and carrier.
Pigments: the color itself
Black ink is carbon-based — essentially purified soot, the same family of pigment used for centuries. Colors use mineral and organic pigments milled to microscopic consistency so they sit evenly in the dermis. Cheap, unregulated inks cut corners on milling and purity; professional brands test every batch for contaminants and heavy metals.
Carriers: what moves the pigment
Carriers — purified water, witch hazel, glycerin — keep pigment suspended and help it flow from needle to skin. Reputable manufacturers list every carrier ingredient, sterilize with gamma radiation, and seal bottles you'll watch us open.
What we use at Ravenmark
Only sealed, batch-tested professional inks from established manufacturers — opened in front of you, single-use caps, everything else disposed of after your session. If an ingredient list ever matters to you for allergy reasons, ask: we'll show you the bottle before we start.