Without knowledge or experience, we could end up picking up any regular tattoo ink expecting excellent results to no avail. What most folks, including rookie tattooists, don’t immediately recognize is that inks may quickly fade when administered in darker skin. There are specific inks available that are meant for great results for brown or dark skin people. Such specific inks will not fade away and give vibrant tattoo results to be proud of.
In this article, we’ve shortlisted 11 of the best tattoo ink for dark skin so that your darker skin clients can get brilliant, vibrant tattoos without having to worry about the ink colors fading prematurely.
Best Tattoo Ink for Dark Skin Reviews
Here’s our list of the ideal tattoo inks for brown or darker skin. This list is based on extensive research and particular emphasis on how these inks have worked on darker skin over time.
#1. Kuro Sumi Tattoo Ink Primary Set 2
Kuro Sumi is proudly marketed as the world’s best tattoo ink by the manufacturer. The ink is formulated based on processes using Japanese superiority. Sticking to the purview of this article, for darker skin shades, this ink is among your best picks! Today, many tattoo artist count on Kuro Sumi tattoo ink to ink their clients with fabulous tattoo designs involving both impeccable shading and lining work.
The ink is safe to use as it’s vegan-friendly and organic having a fragrance that is deep yet mild-scented. Another astonishing fact about this ink is that it’s wholly water-based and highly saturated. The results as the ink settles are equally amazing. You’ll witness bright, vibrant, and long-lasting colors bringing out the best in your beautiful tattoo design no matter what the shade of your skin is. It truly preserves the color and health of your skin as this brand of ink is noted for its quick healing characteristics.
Pros
- You receive a set of 16 bold and super bright color inks.
- Trusted by professional tattoo artists worldwide.
- Perfect for both lining and shading.
- Vegan-friendly and organic ink.
- Entirely water-based and highly saturated ink.
Cons
- Watch out for any leaky bottle caps.
#2. Millennium Mom’s Nuclear UV Blacklight Tattoo Ink – 9 Color Set
The Millennium Mom’s Nuclear UV Blacklight Tattoo Ink comes in a pack of 9 color tattoo inks, each made from special dyes that glow in UV light and blacklight conditions. This ink will give you vibrant-looking tattoos that glow stunningly under black light.
In natural light conditions, the ink is almost invisible on the skin, having a subtle scar-like appearance. The flow of this blacklight tattoo ink isn’t any different from other good-quality tattoo inks. Hence, its homogenized mixture of carrier and pigments flows out from the tattoo machine smoothly and effortlessly into the skin. The choice of 9 rich color inks makes for a perfect palette without the requirement of needing water for dilution.
Furthermore, you’ll get consistent, long-lasting results with flawless color, quality, and richness in tone each time this ink is applied. The product is made in the USA and is a favorite among many tattoo professionals, all of whom seek the highest quality and results.
Pros
- Blacklight/UV sensitivity allows the ink to glow in the dark.
- Made entirely in the USA with a Worldwide reputation.
- High level of pigmentation.
- Time-tested and loved by tattoo professionals worldwide.
- Safest ink to use with beautiful & vibrant results.
- You get 9 stunning colors in 1-ounce bottles.
Cons
- None
#3. Authentic Intenze Mark Mahoney’s Gangster Series Grey Tattoo Ink
Tattoo artist Mark Mahoney introduced Gangster Grey Tattoo Ink as a response to curious customers of INTENZE Products. Their customers wanted to learn about his legendary Black & Grey Tattoo style.
He formulated the Gangster Grey Tattoo Ink using the exact formula he uses while tattooing black & grey designs. This product, containing 6 ink bottles of 1 ounce each is also one of the best tattoo ink for dark skin.
As an outcome of this impeccable black and grey tattoo ink system, you get incredible lettering, spiritual tattoos, black and grey portraits, and Cholo artwork. The contents include four shades of black/grey and one bottle each of white silk ink and miracle water.
Pros
- Mark Mahoney’s personal black & grey tattoo ink formula.
- Meets both Mark Mahoney and ‘INTENZE Products’ high standards.
- Great for fine line and black & grey inking.
- Perfect selection of black and grey colors.
Cons
- According to some users, the packaging could’ve been better.
#4. Millennium Mom’s Tattoo Ink Set
This ‘Millennium Mom’s Tattoo Ink Set’ is among the best tattoo ink for dark skin and otherwise. The results are consistent, meaning you get a high quality of color and consistency each time you ink your client. Also, the effect is smooth and vibrant due to the homogenized mixture of the carrier and pure pigment content.
Not only will the tattoo stand out, but the results will include rich tones and long-lasting effects. All these benefits are a testament to its reliability. This ink set is made in the USA and is popular among tattoo professionals the world over. If you’re looking for the highest quality standards and incredible tattoo outcomes, go for Millennium Mom’s without a second thought!
Pros
- The set contains14 color Ink bottles of ½ ounce each.
- Made in the USA product, implying highest quality standards.
- The inks are long-lasting, reliable, and with rich tones.
- Flows smoothly and safely into the skin.
- High level of pure pigment content.
- Time-tested and loved by tattoo professionals worldwide.
Cons
- Some users have reported the vibrancy of the inks in this ink set isn’t as long-lasting as compared to higher-priced ink sets.
#5. Millennium Moms Black Pearl Outlining Tattoo Ink
Black Pearl is the most advanced outlining and shading tattoo ink you can find. It is preferred by elite tattoo artists across the world for its outstanding black and grey results. Its consistency is thin flowing yet it’s a bold tattoo ink having extra high pigment concentration. The ink gets absorbed into the skin quicker relative to most other similar products.
The homogenized pigments in this tattoo ink help the tattoo stay vibrant, black for the long haul. Moreover, the results of each application are consistent. You don’t have to worry about the quality of the unused portion of the bottled ink deteriorating while still stored.
Usually, inconsistencies in the fluidity of the ink flow can cause jamming at the endpoint of the tattoo needle. Not in this case though, the flow rate of this ink is smooth and fast, which is perfect for uninterrupted tattooing.
Pros
- The watery (11.5% water) consistency of the tattoo ink makes it a breeze to work with.
- An excellent black tattoo outlining ink; also excellent for mixing washes & cool Greys.
- Incredible 12-ounce quantity bottle.
Cons
- Some users say it’s a wee bit short of a true black ink.
#6. Bloodline 6 Color Tattoo Black Light UV Ink Highlight Set
This 6 color tattoo ink highlight set having black light UV Ink is a hot favorite among tattoo professionals. The ink set is made in the United States; manufactured by the most prominent Black Light tattoo ink company. Each color ink comes in a tamper-proof ½ ounce bottle.
The Bloodline UV tattoo ink is the recommended choice when on the lookout for quality highlighters. The six individual colors in the set are green, invisible, orange, pink, red, and yellow. The colors look light during the day and glow under blacklight. Under either circumstance the effect is beautiful. This incredible ink set with inks made of organic, vegan-friendly ingredients comes at an affordable price
If you’re looking for UV tattoo ink with professional results then this bestselling product is worth trying!
Pros
- 6 wonderful color options.
- Affordable.
- American made.
- Made of organic, vegan-friendly ingredients.
Cons
- Some users found the day effect too light.
#7. Kuro Sumi Tattoo Ink, Double Sumi Tribal Black
There are some really good reasons tattoo artists around the world select Kuro Sumi tattoo ink. With its origins in Japan, Kuro Sumi has retained its original ink formula known to be safe and stunning tattoo ink. Continuing the same tradition, Kuro Sumi Tattoo Ink is now made in the United States with the same ingredients that first got it noticed in Japan.
Their formula is no longer a big secret! Kuro Sumi ink has organic, vegan-friendly elements that result in great tattoos. The Double Sumi Tribal Black tattoo ink is super bright tattoo ink that will make the tattoo design appear amazingly vibrant on the skin. This Sumi ink comes in a bottle with 4 ounces of authentic tribal black ink.
Pros
- You get dreamy black & grey effects.
- The color is bright & bold.
- All-natural ingredients.
- Trustworthy brand globally.
- The flow of the ink is consistent.
Cons
- You need to open the bottle cap carefully as it could spill.
#8. INTENZE Professional Tattoo Ink Formula 23
Formula 23 is a superior black tattoo ink that comes in a 10-ounce bottle. The formula of this ink is devised based on the contention to create an innovative and safe ink leading to amazing tattoo designs.
So what’s so innovative about Formula 23? It’s the ink formula that meets the quality standards expected by the creators Intenze Products and famous tattoo artist BJ Betts. Appropriately termed the next evolution in tattoo lettering, Formula 23 is a superior black tattoo ink created by undergoing 23 iterations specifically to enhance tattoo lettering designs of tattoo artists.
There are no hazardous ingredients in the ink. It’s vegan-friendly and not animal tested so it’s a cruelty-free product. The packaging is spot on and tamper-proof and the ink is made in the USA so you won’t have to worry about quality-related flaws. For reliable, professional results and a rich-tone effect, go for this item!
Pros
- Tamper-proof bottle.
- Vegan-friendly with no animal testing undergone.
- No use of hazardous ingredients in this ink.
- Made in the USA.
- Professional and rich tone results.
Cons
- Some customers had an issue with the twist lid.
#9. Tattoo Ink Radiant Colors 7 Color 1/2oz Primary Set
The colors stay radiant and it’s that consistency that makes ‘Tattoo Ink Radiant Colors’ a viable choice for dark skin among others. You get 7 vibrant colors of ink in ½ ounce bottles in this primary ink set. The ink is made in the USA so the quality is assured. The colors included are Lime Green, Tiger Orange, Canary Yellow, Blue, Tribal Black, Scarlet Red, and Super White.
The ink is highly concentrated, hence, the ideal choice for tribals filling. Moreover, the renowned radiance of the colors makes it one of the best ink choices for easy pigment dispersion. Enough can’t be said about the excellent flow rate of Radiant Colors. The flow rate is so smooth, the ink travels into the skin extremely fast.
Pros
- Value for money.
- Excellent flow rate.
- 7 Vibrant colors.
- Highly concentrated ink makes it suitable for filling tribal designs.
Cons
- Hopefully, none of the bottles is leaky, otherwise, you’re all good.
#10. VIKING INK – Tattoo Ink – DARK SKIN 0.5oz (15ml)
Tattoo ink for dark skin by ‘Viking Ink’ is one of the top contenders when it comes to the best tattoo ink for dark skin. The ink gets applied easily to the skin through bright, long-lasting colors of ink that are easy to penetrate.
When we say black ink it doesn’t get as truly black as Viking black ink. Moreover, the colors are long-lasting, which means the black won’t turn into another color over time. Whether you’re lining, shading, or solid coloring, the consistency of Viking Ink is so great it’s suitable for all types of tattoo work. Furthermore, the product is vegan and never tested on animals.
Pros
- Vegan, cruelty-free ink.
- Made in the USA.
- Suitable for all types of tattoo work.
- Long-lasting black, won’t change colors over time.
- Excellent ink for dark skin tones.
- A high-end brand with ultra-fine pigments.
Cons
- The bottle contains only 0.5 ounces of ink.
#11. Bloodline All Purpose Black Professional Ink
Bloodline Tattoo inks offer tattoo inks that are not only bold, bright and are long-lasting but also can be used on all skin colors. Bloodline Tattoo Ink can be applied effortlessly and also in a quick manner. Made with a high dispersion product, Bloodline Tattoo Inks have a fast recovering process. Bloodline Tattoo ink is designed in a way so that it can mix with other inks effortlessly and creates a wonderful and precise shade.
The ink is safe to use and makes the tattooing process fast and comfortable. The ink also helps the application area with fast recovery. Professionals can easily create precise designs and impressive drawings using this all-purpose black professional ink. It is not just easy to use but also comfortable to work with. For deep colors and fast recovery, you can go with Bloodline All Purpose Black Professional Ink.
Pros
- An all-purpose tattoo ink solution
- Easy to use ink solution, making it the first choice for many tattoo professionals across the world
- Clean Production; Bloodline Tattoo ink is manufactured at 4000 SF clean space.
- Easy blending
Cons
- Longevity of ink in doubt
Conclusion
There are way too many products in the marketplace that fit into the category of tattoo ink meant for darker skin. Choosing the right one is a daunting task, especially if you have no knowledge or experience with such products. The 10 products we’ve reviewed above are some of the best for this purpose. Something you can’t go wrong with.
Although, selecting any of these for yourself or your clients may not guarantee the tattoo will look extremely beautiful, but it’s a step towards a safe, sterilized, and vegan-friendly direction. Having said that, you may choose any of the above-listed tattoo inks for dark skin as each is of the highest quality standards and safe to apply.
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