Do Tattoos Have Health Risks? Ink May Contain Harmful Bacteria, Study Finds

• Many types of sealed tattoo inks were found to contain harmful bacteria, according to a new study.
• Multiple species of bacteria were detected, more than half of which were linked to possible disease risks.
• While the overall risk of bacterial infection from tattoos remains low, experts call for tighter regulations on tattoo ink .

Tattoos are increasingly common and generally considered safe in sterile environments with licensed professionals using high-quality materials.

Tattoo needles penetrate the skin to deposit ink into the epidermis , which is why safe tattooing practices are key to reducing the risk of adverse events.

With proper aftercare , the risk of infection from a new tattoo is minimal. However, the long-term risks associated with tattoo ink are less known. Some tattoo inks may contain potentially harmful ingredients that could be toxic to health.

In a recent study, scientists tested 75 inks used for tattoos and permanent makeup. Of these, they identified bacteria in 26 samples — more than one-third of the inks.

The research was published July 2 in Applied and Environmental Microbiology .

“I’m very surprised to see such a high level of bacterial contamination in tattoo inks despite sterility claims,” said Margaret Schwarz, MD , a board certified dermatologist at Noted Dermatology, not involved in the study.

“We often think of needle contamination as the source of infections. I wouldn’t have considered the ink itself,” she told Healthline.

Can you get a bacterial infection from a tattoo?

The skin serves as a barrier to help protect against pathogens. Anything that penetrates the skin to create an open wound increases the risk of infection. This includes tattoos.

As one paper explains, “Tattooing is an invasive procedure causing damage to the skin, which is the barrier against external aggression such as chemicals and microorganisms.”

According to the authors of the latest study, around 0.5–6% of people with tattoos experience an infection after being tattooed .

The overall risk of infection from being tattooed is a relatively small percentage. However, given that 10–20% of people in industrialized countries now have a tattoo, a 0.5–6% infection rate is significant.

For context, there are around 333.3 million people in the United States, so conservatively, that’s around 33.3 million tattooed people. If 6% developed an infection, that would be close to 2 million infections.

However, the exact causes of post-tattoo infections could be linked to other factors, such as insufficient aftercare and poor hygiene. Infections could also result from tools used in tattooing, like needles, which haven’t been properly sterilized. This is why getting tattoos from licensed professionals in sterile environments is important.

Additionally, bacterial infections resulting from tattoos are not severe and are easy to treat. However, at the other end of the scale, some infections be life threatening, such as:

• Bacteremia: Bacteria in the blood.
• Endocarditis: An infection of the heart’s inner lining.
• Septic shock: When blood pressure drops dangerously low after an infection.

Should you worry about bacteria in tattoo ink?

Previously, experts believed the two main risk factors for tattoo-related infections were inadequate hygiene at the tattoo studio and poor aftercare.

Despite this, a 2010 study and a 2011 study each identified aerobic bacteria in tattoo ink.

Aerobic bacteria require air to survive, while anaerobic bacteria die in contact with oxygen. This makes anaerobic bacteria more challenging to culture and, therefore, study.

The latest research is the first to look for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in tattoo ink.

The scientists tested 75 samples of unopened, sealed tattoo inks manufactured by 14 companies and available for sale in the U.S.

More than one in three of the inks contained bacteria. The researchers found 34 bacterial isolates, 19 of which they referred to as “possibly pathogenic strains.”

Two of the bacterial species were isolated under anaerobic conditions, which included:

• Cutibacterium acnes : Linked to acne and eye infections.
• Staphylococcus epidermidis: An organism commonly found on the skin that can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals.

Two ink samples contained Staphylococcus saprophyticus , a common cause of urinary tract infections , and C. acnes.

With one-third of inks containing bacteria, why aren’t post-tattoo infections more common?

“Not all bacteria cause infections, and many people have strong immune systems that can fend off these pathogens,” Schwarz explained. “But the risk is still significant, and it’s crucial to take preventive measures.”

“Regulations on tattoo inks and the tattooing process can help ensure safer practices and reduce the risk of infections,” she continued. “Enhanced oversight would benefit both tattoo artists and clients.”

Hannah Kopelman, MD , a dermatologist and expert in cutaneous oncology and hair loss, not involved in the recent research, agreed.

​​”The high prevalence of bacteria in these studies does highlight the need for better regulation and quality control in the tattoo industry,” she told Healthline.

Other possible health risks of tattoos

Bacterial infections are one of the more common issues associated with tattoos, but there are other potential concerns, including:

• allergic reactions
• granuloma: noncancerous cluster of white blood cells and other tissue
• keloids: raised areas around the tattoo caused by scar tissue
• hepatitis B or C : if needles are infected

Also, another recent study concluded that tattoos may be a risk factor for malignant lymphoma — a cancer that starts in the lymph system and spreads around the body.

The study included 11,905 people, and the authors conclude that “tattooed individuals have a 21% increased risk of overall lymphoma relative to nontattooed individuals.”

Interestingly, they also found that people who had a tattoo removed by laser treatment had an even higher risk of malignant lymphoma. This, the scientists believe, may be caused by harmful compounds that are produced as the tattoo is broken down.

However, the authors report several limitations to their findings and call for more research to explore this relationship.

What to know about tattoo safety

While there are some risks associated with tattoos, they can be minimized by good planning.

“My advice is to research thoroughly and select a reputable tattoo artist and studio. It’s crucial to ensure that the studio follows strict hygiene practices, such as using sterile equipment and disposable needles,” Kopelman said.

She also noted the importance of discussing any allergies or skin sensitivities before the procedure.

“It’s essential to look for certification and proper licensing, which indicate adherence to health and safety regulations,” she explained. “The studio should be clean and organized, with all equipment sterilized or disposable.”

Kopelman advised checking reviews and asking for recommendations from previous customers.

“Word of mouth can also be great advice,” agreed Schwarz. “Look for someone who uses single-use, sterilized needles. They should also use high quality, reputable ink brands. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before you get your ink!”

Aftercare is also important, Kopelman said. This often includes:

• Keeping the tattooed area clean and moisturized.
• Avoiding exposure to direct sunlight.
• Refraining from submerging the tattoo in water — like swimming pools or hot tubs — during the healing process.
• Avoiding touching the tattoo with dirty hands.
• Resisting picking any scabs that form.

The takeaway

A new study found bacteria in over one-third of 75 sealed tattoo and permanent makeup ink samples. They identified both aerobic and, for the first time, anaerobic bacteria, which could be harmful to health.

Anyone who is considering a tattoo should carry out thorough research into the business before taking the plunge.