Tattoo ink is not vegan but there are options!

For our tattoo lovers, here is something you need to know: not all tattoo inks are vegan nor natural. Most brands use very toxic ingredients combined with animal byproducts like:

-Shellac (made from beetle shells)

-Bone char (made from animal bones. This gives inks the dark color)

-Glycerin (made from animal fat)

-Gelatin (made from animal cartilage)

It is always better to take your own vegan and organic ink to tattoo parlors. This will also speed up the healing process and reduce the possibility of getting an allergic reaction in the future (Trust us. As two ink enthusiasts, we’ve learned from our mistakes!)

Vegan and natural alternatives:

Here are two vegan and natural ink we have used. We order them online, and take them to tattoo parlors:

-Quantum Inks: Inks are vegan, cruelty-free (no animal testing), kosher, acrylic-free, small batch and made with organic ingredients.

-Solid Ink: 100% vegan, cruelty-free (does not test on animals) and made with natural ingredients.

Natural alternatives to the antibiotic ointments:

Most tattoo parlors also sell aftercare balms that are made with petrolatum and other toxic and environmentally-harming ingredients. Here are two DIY alternatives we love using at home which have natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties:

-Coconut oil: Yes, coconut oil is a great antibacterial without all the harmful ingredients of other tattoo ointments. Just add a thin layer to your tattoo every day and you should be good to go!

-CBD Oil: Apply a few drops and massage smoothly. The CBD oil we founded is Intu Rituals (vegan, sun grown, pesticide-free, plastic-free!) CBD has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

For those who live in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2021 we both got tattoos with the talented Catalina. She makes hand-poked tattoos (no machine, all done by hand) and adds divine purpose to everything! From the way she designed her studio using recycled and spiritual elements, to the intention she focuses on while creating your masterpiece. We spent a beautiful afternoon with her talking about consciousness, mushrooms, nature, recycling, tarot decks and spirituality.

For those planning on visiting Bali, most of Valeria’s tattoos were done by Lidya. She uses vegan ink, natural and biodegradable soap, and nontoxic ointments. Her studio is very clean and flawless, and Lidya is known for designing very spiritual, delicate and one-of-a-kind art! Valeria adores her!