Study: Some Permanent Makeup May Cause Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Like tattoos, some permanent makeup products contain pigments known to cause allergic contact dermatitis, according to a Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) study published May 31, 2024.

The study, titled “Identification of the Pigments Used in Permanent Makeup and Their Ability to Elicit Allergic Contact Dermatitis,” analyzed 974 permanent makeup inks sold in the United States, using safety data sheets to catalog the pigments in each. Of the 79 pigments identified, 10 have been associated with allergic contact dermatitis.

“Permanent makeup primarily uses organic pigments, although some metallic pigments are still used,” the authors wrote. “Physicians should also be aware that some of these pigments—both organic and inorganic—are known causes of allergic contact dermatitis. Of note, patch testing to these ingredients can be negative.”