Tattoo inks are solutions comprised of a carrier and a colorant.
The carrier is the fluid that is used to transport the colorant to the application location.
It usually contains water, glycerin, isopropyl alcohol, and witch hazel.

Tattoo colorants are typically pigments (intensely colored compounds that reflect light in the visible
region of the light spectrum), as opposed to dyes, which require a physical or chemical
interaction to be anchored into place. In other words, dyes must react with the surface
of the skin to develop their color and stay in place. Conversely, pigments provide color without
needing a chemical reaction, and are held in place by intermolecular or physical forces.

For the last 20 years, ink manufacturers have moved away from primarily mineral-based pigments to organic ones.
Over 80% of the colorants used today are carbon-based.

Tattoo inks also include a number of additives, such as surfactants, binding agents, and preservatives.
Many of these additives are employed to keep the pigments in a uniform suspension and to avoid
microorganism growth in the product after opening.

CREDIT: FRANKIE WOOD-BLACK