Identification of organic pigments in tattoo inks and permanent make-up using laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry.

Nowadays, about 12% of the European and 20% of the US population are tattooed. Rising concerns regarding consumer safety, led to legal restrictions on tattoo and permanent make-up (PMU) inks. Restrictions also include bans on certain colourants.

Allergic contact dermatitis caused by a new temporary blue-black tattoo dye - sensitization to genipin from jagua (Genipa americana L.) fruit extract.

Background: Temporary tattoos made with an extract of the jagua fruit (Genipa americana L.) are becoming increasingly popular. It is claimed that it is 'dermatologically tested' and does not contain p-phenylenediamine.

Occurrence and concentrations of isothiazolinones in detergents and cosmetics in Switzerland.

Background: In recent years, the frequency of contact allergy to isothiazolinones has increased alarmingly in Europe, but only limited data are available on concentrations of isothiazolinones in consumer products.

Objectives: To examine the current frequency of isothiazolinones [methylisothiazolinone (MI), methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), benzisothiazolinone (BIT), and octylisothiazolinone (OIT)] in a wide array of detergents and cosmetics relevant for the Swiss population.

Methods: By means of a market survey, the occurrence of isothiazolinones was investigated in 1948 consumer products.

Chemical Analysis: An Indispensable Means for Uncovering Severe Cases of Fraud with Cosmetics and Tattoo Inks.

Three cases of fraud with commodities containing illegal stealth compounds are presented, which were uncovered by the State Laboratory Basel-City, Switzerland. All three commodities, grapefruit seed extracts, a phytocosmetical skin cream, and tattoo inks, were produced abroad, had forged declarations of ingredients and, in the case of the extracts and the cream, were marketed with far-reaching health claims. While inspections will identify suspicious products and would be able to eliminate health claims to some extent, only chemical analysis can uncover the illegal agents used and give law enforcement bodies the necessary evidence to immediately clamp down on those brands, where the stealth agent presents a serious health hazard to consumers.

A medical-toxicological view of tattooing.

Long perceived as a form of exotic self-expression in some social fringe groups, tattoos have left their maverick image behind and become mainstream, particularly for young people. Historically, tattoo-related health and safety regulations have focused on rules of hygiene and prevention of infections. Meanwhile, the increasing popularity of tattooing has led to the development of many new colours, allowing tattoos to be more spectacular than ever before.

Photostability and breakdown products of pigments currently used in tattoo inks.

Tattoos fade with time. Part of this fading can be attributed to the photodegradation of pigments. When people get tired of their tattoos, removal by laser irradiation is the method of choice.

Organic UV filters in personal care products in Switzerland: a survey of occurrence and concentrations.

Organic ultraviolet (UV) filters are a group of compounds designed to absorb UV radiation and hence protect our skin against UV-induced damage. Apart from traditional sunscreens, they can be found in many other categories of personal care products (PCPs). These include skin care, facial makeup and lip care products, which are often used simultaneously, and on a regular basis.