Which PMU substances are regarded as dangerous in pigments?
Let me start by saying that there is a difference between tattoo pigments and permanent make-up pigments. In addition, tattoos are really placed in the third skin layer, and pigmentation only in the first skin layer. Tattoo pigments are more intensely pigmented, which means the long-term effect of adverse side effects can become ‘visible’ more quickly than with PMU pigments. It is also often the case that tattoos cover a larger area than a permanent make-up pigmentation on eyebrows, lips or eyeliner.
But there is also another chemical substance that will be banned, and that is:
Isopropanol / Isopropyl alcohol
This is a substance that can cause severe irritation and allergic reactions.
There was a lot of fuss and confusion after it came out that the tattoo colours green and blue would be banned as of 1 January 2022. This is because they contain certain chemical substances that are carcinogenic. And since more thought is finally being given to whether or not consumers are informed about what they do or have done, these rules are being tightened. When someone smokes, these days they are also properly informed about the consequences, and when someone has a tattoo done, it should simply be the same. Consumers must be able to make the choice themselves.
In the REACH regulation you can find which codes will be banned as of 1 January 2022. A number of PMU / tattoo pigment brands got to work immediately to renew their pigment lines. Of course, converting an entire line will take some time, and all current pigments that are fine for now can be used up to and including 31 December 2021. But if you do work with pigments that contain harmful substances, we still advise you to inform clients about this properly. It should be a choice, and most clients are simply not aware of this, plus they have no idea which pigments you use and why.
The REACH regulation states that the following codes are banned in Europe as of 1 January 2022:
Blue pigment: CI 74160
Green pigment: CI 74260
Which permanent make-up pigment brands are permitted as of 1 January 2022?
It is rather handy to have a list of all the brands that have already been approved in Europe, so you don't have to scrutinise every brand yourself pigment by pigment. Here is the list:
Pigment brands that are permitted in Europe according to the REACH legislation:
• Labina
• Laliqa
• Quantum
• Ecuri
• Sweet Lips
• Long Time Liner
• Phi pigments
Pigment brands that are working on releasing a completely new line:
• Permablend
• Swisscolor
• Evenflo
Of course, these are not all existing brands of permanent make-up pigments, but they are certainly the best known, and this gives you an initial impression of what is and isn't allowed. So invest in the right pigments now, so that you don't end up having to throw them all away later.
Besides wanting to know exactly why you work with certain pigments, for example the choice between organic and inorganic pigments, it is also good to know what a brand stands for. Laliqa, for example, clearly sets out the benefits of the brand and why it was produced.
Long Time Liner
Phi pigments
Is the brand you work with not on the list? And do you want to know whether it will still be allowed under the legislation? Then check the SDS sheet for each pigment on the brand's website. It contains the ingredients list. Check the codes and whether Isopropanol has been used. Do you see one of the codes or Isopropanol? Then it is banned from 1 January 2022. Are you unsure, or is there no SDS sheet available for the pigment in question? Then contact the brand itself. Every brand is very busy with this and will be happy to talk to you.
What kind of rules are coming according to the GGD and the RIVM regarding permanent make-up as of 2022?
See quote: “A refresher course must be taken at least once every five years to maintain professional competence and update previous training. A record must be kept of the training completed by all persons who tattoo, and it must be updated as required in 1 to 7. This record must be available for inspection.” via source: https://www.rivm.nl/hygienerichtlijnen/EU-norm-tatoeeren
In addition, every trainer must:
• the curriculum as specified in this document,
• at least one day of practical training, and
• an assessment by an expert in a suitable setting.
Fortunately for us and everyone who has taken a course with us, we already supported these rules and more than comply with them. To this day, we have had to ‘retrain’ many students because they had gained experience somewhere, paid a lot of money and were not even given full lessons or allowed to take an exam under supervision. Ridiculous! You might think this doesn't happen often in the Netherlands, but unfortunately it does. That is why, for us, the rules above are nothing more than normal to apply when you are a trainer.
The NEN-EN standard is designated as the new safety code for tattooing.
Age limits for PMU / tattoo are being raised.
Training requirements will be imposed on tattooists.
Once every 5 years the student must take a refresher course.
the learning programme as specified in this document,
at least one day of practical training, and
an assessment by an expert in a suitable environment.
If you have received the letter as a salon owner, it is immediately clear that a number of changes are coming. They are aiming for 1 January 2022, but there is certainly room for a transitional phase. This is because not every salon owner can change everything overnight and needs some time for this.
To sum up:
What new rules can a trainer expect for giving a permanent make-up course?
Above are already a number of new rules that will apply. And as we just said: we think it is only normal that stricter action is finally being taken on this!
But what else can you expect as a permanent make-up trainer or tattoo trainer?
Perhaps you have noticed that sometimes a course doesn't even teach you what to do if you prick your own finger with the machine's needle after treating a client with that same needle. What dangers are involved, and what should you do when this happens? This is finally being addressed too!
In addition, a trainer must have completed a first-aid course and keep it up to date.
The trainer must be well informed about the correct risk and aftercare information, and must be able to explain the intake form properly point by point. We also see this as nothing more than normal. We find it extremely striking that there are still trainers who do not / cannot do this.
Want to read all the rules? Then check the following link: https://www.rivm.nl/hygienerichtlijnen/EU-norm-tatoeeren
For now, I hope you have chosen the right trainer if you still have a training coming up. If not, you may still be able to cancel on the basis of these facts and approach another training institute.
Have I missed something in this article? Or do you have new information on certain topics? Leave it in the comments!
My name is Isabella Levels and, with years of experience in the industry, I love sharing my permanent make-up knowledge and techniques. My passion lies in enhancing natural beauty, and I hope to inspire others with tips and insights that can help both beginners and professionals in their careers!