Industry reference
Five dated facts about permanent makeup inks, safety and removal, collected from FDA and CDC materials for readers who want a clear starting point.
Read with context
Permanent makeup is a form of tattooing. These figures are not meant to create alarm, and they do not predict any individual outcome. They offer useful context for a thoughtful consultation, careful studio selection and informed questions about inks, hygiene and aftercare.
The FDA says the recalls involved inks contaminated with a variety of microorganisms. Its final guidance on microbial contamination was issued in October 2024.
Source: FDA, October 2024The FDA notes that the actual number of people affected may have been higher. The inks tied to that outbreak were voluntarily recalled in 2004.
Source: FDA fact sheet, accessed October 2026The agency reported contamination in 62 of 159 inks tested across those prior surveys. This is a research finding from the sampled products, not a rate for every ink on the market.
Source: FDA research summary, 2023CDC reported that contamination can occur during manufacturing or when ink is diluted with nonsterile water. Its prevention guidance calls for sterile ink products, sterile dilution water and hygienic practice.
Source: CDC, August 2012The FDA says removal can be painful and costly, and complete removal may not be possible. Treatment needs vary with the ink, location and individual situation.
Source: FDA Office of Women’s Health, updated September 2026Methodology & sources
This page uses named primary public-health sources only. Each fact links directly to the source that supports it and includes the source date or time period. It will be reviewed monthly, or sooner if a key source changes.
This page is educational and is not medical advice. For personal health concerns, speak with a qualified clinician.
Cite this page
Professionals in Permanent Makeup LLC. “Permanent Makeup Safety Facts & Statistics, 2026.” Updated October 28, 2026. https://nanobrowsjax.us/permanent-makeup-facts