Vegan Tattoos Explained | Myths, Facts & Tattoo Ink Truths
Facts, Myths, and the Marketing Behind the Label
Introduction
Hello everyone!
In today’s blog, I’d like to take a closer look at the topic of vegan tattoos. The goal of this article is to be informative and to challenge a few popular assumptions.
Do tattoo inks really contain animal products?
Is there a meaningful difference between “vegan” tattoos and regular tattoos?
And is this label always about ethics — or sometimes about marketing?
By the end of this article, I hope you’ll see where the idea comes from and feel more confident making informed decisions, rather than being guided by trendy labels. Let’s begin.
Vegan Tattoos and the Rise of Ethical Marketing
In recent years, the words “vegan” and “vegetarian” have become increasingly popular. This shift is driven by growing awareness of animal rights, environmental damage caused by the meat industry, and ethical consumption in general.
This is, without question, a positive development. Reducing animal suffering and promoting responsible production is something worth supporting.
As a result, many companies now label their products as “VEGAN” — including tattoo studios and tattoo supplies. But this raises an important question:
Was tattooing ever non-vegan in the first place?
What Does Veganism Actually Mean?
In its broader sense, veganism usually includes:
Diet
A plant-based diet excluding all animal products.
Consumer products
Avoiding items made from animals (leather, wool, silk) and products tested on animals.
Ethical values
Actively opposing animal cruelty and exploitation.
These principles are important — but how do they translate into tattooing?
Were There Ever Non-Vegan Tattoos?
When I first saw tattoo inks and studios being marketed as “VEGAN,” my critical thinking kicked in. Let’s break down the tattoo process itself.
Components Used in Tattooing
Needles
Made from steel and plastic (cartridges). Always vegan.
Gloves
Synthetic materials. Always vegan.
Paper towels
Always vegan.
Tattoo soap
For at least the past 15 years, almost all professional tattoo soaps have been vegan.
Tattoo machines
Always vegan.
Vaseline
Always vegan.
Tattoo ink
For at least the last decade, the vast majority of professional inks have been vegan.
Historically, some colored pigments may have included animal-derived components, but black ink has traditionally been made from soot or carbon black — both plant-based.
In Europe, since 2022, strict REACH regulations prohibit animal products and heavy metals in tattoo inks. These regulations are actively monitored by authorities such as the GGD. If you are getting tattooed in a professional studio, there is no reason for concern.
Tattoo artists
Possibly the only non-vegan component — depending on their diet.
What About Aftercare Products?
Some tattoo aftercare creams may contain animal-derived ingredients, while others are fully vegan. This choice is entirely up to the client, and today there are many excellent vegan aftercare options available.
Importantly, aftercare products are chosen after the tattoo session. They are not part of the tattooing process itself and should not be the main factor when discussing “vegan tattoos.”
You can find our aftercare recommendations here:
https://vadelma.eu/after-care
The Marketing Angle Behind “Vegan Tattoos”
As tattoo artists, we absolutely should support ethical treatment of animals and avoid products tested in cruel ways. But values can be expressed in meaningful ways — not just through labels.
A good example is musician Moby, who has large “ANIMAL RIGHTS” tattoos on his arms. That is a clear ethical statement. Yet he doesn’t market his albums or concert tickets as “vegan.”
Labeling tattoos as “VEGAN” can sometimes feel like an empty slogan — one that sounds good but doesn’t necessarily change anything in practice.
At Vadelma Tattoo, we focus on transparency, quality, and honesty rather than buzzwords.
Tattoos That Matter
If you are interested in deeper conversations about tattoos, ethics, art, and responsibility, you may also enjoy episodes of the Simon Vadelma Podcast, where these topics are explored in more detail:
https://www.youtube.com/@simonvadelmapodcast
Final Thoughts
Veganism is an important ethical movement, and supporting it makes sense. However, when it comes to tattooing, the term “vegan tattoo” is often more about marketing than reality — especially in professional studios operating under European regulations.
Instead of focusing on labels, it’s worth paying attention to the studio’s values, transparency, and artistic integrity.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Simon
Tattoos that matter — for people who care
FAQ – Vegan Tattoos
Are tattoo inks vegan?
Yes. In Europe, modern professional tattoo inks are vegan and regulated under REACH laws.
Were tattoos ever made with animal products?
In the distant past, some colored pigments may have included animal-derived ingredients, but this is no longer the case in professional tattooing.
Do I need to ask for a “vegan tattoo”?
No. If you go to a professional studio, the tattooing process itself is already vegan.
What about tattoo aftercare?
Some aftercare products contain animal ingredients, but many vegan alternatives are available.
Where can I learn more about your approach to tattooing?
You can explore our philosophy and booking process here:
https://vadelma.eu
https://vadelma.eu/faq-vadelma-tattoo/
Facts, Myths, and the Marketing Behind the Label
Introduction
Hello everyone!
In today’s blog, I’d like to take a closer look at the topic of vegan tattoos. The goal of this article is to be informative and to challenge a few popular assumptions.
Do tattoo inks really contain animal products?
Is there a meaningful difference between “vegan” tattoos and regular tattoos?
And is this label always about ethics — or sometimes about marketing?
By the end of this article, I hope you’ll see where the idea comes from and feel more confident making informed decisions, rather than being guided by trendy labels. Let’s begin.
Vegan Tattoos and the Rise of Ethical Marketing
In recent years, the words “vegan” and “vegetarian” have become increasingly popular. This shift is driven by growing awareness of animal rights, environmental damage caused by the meat industry, and ethical consumption in general.
This is, without question, a positive development. Reducing animal suffering and promoting responsible production is something worth supporting.
As a result, many companies now label their products as “VEGAN” — including tattoo studios and tattoo supplies. But this raises an important question:
Was tattooing ever non-vegan in the first place?
What Does Veganism Actually Mean?
In its broader sense, veganism usually includes:
Diet
A plant-based diet excluding all animal products.
Consumer products
Avoiding items made from animals (leather, wool, silk) and products tested on animals.
Ethical values
Actively opposing animal cruelty and exploitation.
These principles are important — but how do they translate into tattooing?
Were There Ever Non-Vegan Tattoos?
When I first saw tattoo inks and studios being marketed as “VEGAN,” my critical thinking kicked in. Let’s break down the tattoo process itself.
Components Used in Tattooing
Needles
Made from steel and plastic (cartridges). Always vegan.
Gloves
Synthetic materials. Always vegan.
Paper towels
Always vegan.
Tattoo soap
For at least the past 15 years, almost all professional tattoo soaps have been vegan.
Tattoo machines
Always vegan.
Vaseline
Always vegan.
Tattoo ink
For at least the last decade, the vast majority of professional inks have been vegan.
Historically, some colored pigments may have included animal-derived components, but black ink has traditionally been made from soot or carbon black — both plant-based.
In Europe, since 2022, strict REACH regulations prohibit animal products and heavy metals in tattoo inks. These regulations are actively monitored by authorities such as the GGD. If you are getting tattooed in a professional studio, there is no reason for concern.
Tattoo artists
Possibly the only non-vegan component — depending on their diet.
What About Aftercare Products?
Some tattoo aftercare creams may contain animal-derived ingredients, while others are fully vegan. This choice is entirely up to the client, and today there are many excellent vegan aftercare options available.
Importantly, aftercare products are chosen after the tattoo session. They are not part of the tattooing process itself and should not be the main factor when discussing “vegan tattoos.”
You can find our aftercare recommendations here:
https://vadelma.eu/after-care
The Marketing Angle Behind “Vegan Tattoos”
As tattoo artists, we absolutely should support ethical treatment of animals and avoid products tested in cruel ways. But values can be expressed in meaningful ways — not just through labels.
A good example is musician Moby, who has large “ANIMAL RIGHTS” tattoos on his arms. That is a clear ethical statement. Yet he doesn’t market his albums or concert tickets as “vegan.”
Labeling tattoos as “VEGAN” can sometimes feel like an empty slogan — one that sounds good but doesn’t necessarily change anything in practice.
At Vadelma Tattoo, we focus on transparency, quality, and honesty rather than buzzwords.
Tattoos That Matter
If you are interested in deeper conversations about tattoos, ethics, art, and responsibility, you may also enjoy episodes of the Simon Vadelma Podcast, where these topics are explored in more detail:
https://www.youtube.com/@simonvadelmapodcast
Final Thoughts
Veganism is an important ethical movement, and supporting it makes sense. However, when it comes to tattooing, the term “vegan tattoo” is often more about marketing than reality — especially in professional studios operating under European regulations.
Instead of focusing on labels, it’s worth paying attention to the studio’s values, transparency, and artistic integrity.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Simon
Tattoos that matter — for people who care
FAQ – Vegan Tattoos
Are tattoo inks vegan?
Yes. In Europe, modern professional tattoo inks are vegan and regulated under REACH laws.
Were tattoos ever made with animal products?
In the distant past, some colored pigments may have included animal-derived ingredients, but this is no longer the case in professional tattooing.
Do I need to ask for a “vegan tattoo”?
No. If you go to a professional studio, the tattooing process itself is already vegan.
What about tattoo aftercare?
Some aftercare products contain animal ingredients, but many vegan alternatives are available.
Where can I learn more about your approach to tattooing?
You can explore our philosophy and booking process here:
https://vadelma.eu
https://vadelma.eu/faq-vadelma-tattoo/
