Are tattoos suitable for vegans?

Did you know that 1-in-10 people in New Zealand is either a vegetarian or vegan? That figure has jumped significantly in the previous decade, and it looks like it’s only going to increase.

With a substantial part of the public against animal products, how does this affect the tattoo industry? With many tattoo products made from animal products, or at the very least tested on animals, there is a danger that the industry is missing out on a significant demographic.

What contains animal products?

Tattoo Ink is the biggest offender, with many containing glycerine from animal fat, gelatine from hooves, or shellac from beetles.

But it’s not just ink. Many supplies contain animal products, such as latex gloves, aftercare creams, and stencil paper.

In fact, if you’re being really strict about it – which most vegans are – then pretty much everything in a tattoo studio can be attached to animals in some way. Even aluminium foil isn’t vegan because it contains vark, which is made from silver metal beaten between sheets of ox guts.

Eternal Ink – Suitable for Vegans

Here at Sunset Tattoo we use the world-famous Eternal Ink.

Eternal Ink is not tested on animals and free of animal by-products, so there’s no guilty conscious tagging along with every purchase.

Made from organic pigments, deionized water and hamamelis water, this bright coloured ink is supplied in a medical grade sealed bottle, ensuring its longevity before and after opening, the ink pigments are regularly evaluated for testing and comply with all health and safety regulations.

The brand trusted by tattoo artists around the world, Eternal Ink lead the way in tattoo ink by setting strict standards in product consistency, quality ingredients, and outstanding performance. They take great satisfaction in knowing that artists believe and trust in their product.

If you would like a guilt-free tattoo, then come see us at Sunset!