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REACH Confirms New Restrictions on Tattoo Inks and Permanent Makeup
- Daniel Jiménez
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
At the end of December 2025, the United Kingdom took a significant regulatory step in controlling substances used in tattoo inks and permanent makeup products (PMUs). The decision confirms the introduction of a new restriction under UK REACH, through an amendment to Schedule XVII.
Beyond the regulatory holder, this measure will have a direct impact on formulators, importers, distributors and tattoo professionals, especially in terms of reformulation, testing, traceability and supply chain management.
Table of contents
Why is this restriction being introduced?
The decision is based on previous technical assessments that conclude that certain substances present in tattoo inks may pose insufficiently controlled risks to human health.
The identified risks include substances with the following profiles:
Carcinogenic
Mutagenics
Toxic to reproduction
Skin sensitizers
Corrosive or with potential for eye damage
Furthermore, the risk is considered especially relevant due to the intradermal exposure route and the long-term presence of the pigments in the body, including possible migration to organs such as lymph nodes or the liver.
Regulatory scope: broad approach and alignment with other regulations
The restriction takes a very broad approach. It covers not only substances classified under GB CLP, but also substances restricted under the Cosmetics Regulation, as well as additional specific lists of substances with defined concentration limits.
For example, the draft includes extremely low limits for certain heavy metals and contaminants, in some cases in the parts per billion range, which will require strengthening analytical control and the purity of raw materials.
Concentration limits: a more precautionary approach than initially proposed
One of the key changes compared to previous proposals is the adoption of stricter limits. The authority decided to apply lower values to reduce residual risks, even assuming this will generate additional testing and reformulation costs for the industry.
In practice, this means:
Greater pressure on the selection of raw materials
Need for more sensitive analytical methods
Possible disappearance of certain current formulations
End of derogations for some key pigments
Another relevant point is the elimination of derogations that had initially been considered for certain pigments (including widely used blue and green pigments).
Although there is no direct evidence of specific unsafety in these cases, the authorities have opted for a preventive approach based on hazard classification and lack of sufficient safety evidence for intradermal use.
New labeling requirements: more mandatory information
The new framework introduces stricter labeling requirements. These include:
Lot identification
Complete list of ingredients
Safety and usage instructions
Specific warnings if nickel or chromium VI are present below the limit
Identifying pH regulators when applicable
The goal is to improve traceability and the information available to professionals and end users.
Transition schedule
Two main windows are established:
Approximately 2 years for placing on the market
Approximately 3 years for the use of existing products
This gives the industry room to adapt formulations, validate alternatives, and adjust supply chains.
Conclusion
This restriction confirms a clear trend: the United Kingdom is consolidating a regulatory approach very much in line with preventive chemical safety, especially in products with direct and prolonged exposure to the human body.
For companies in the sector, the message is clear: anticipation will be key. Waiting until the final deadlines could lead to real business continuity problems.
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