• Polymers – temporary tattoos are generally made from synthetic polymers, which include synthetic rubber, nylon, silicone, and others. Polymers can also be natural, in which case they’re obtained from wool, silk, amber, and cellulose. Polymers are generally very accessible and cheap materials that can be easily chemically manipulated.
• Varnishes – when we say varnishes, we mean spirit-drying and generally removable varnishes. These contain drying oil, resin, and thinners. Acrylic varnishes are known to dry upon water evaporation, which is the case in the majority of temporary tattoos.
• Colorants – a colorant is a substance added to change the color of an item, material, or surface. Colorants can be classified as pigments or dyes, and they can be added to paints and inks. In the case of temporary tattoos, they’re added to emphasize the color of the tattoo as it develops on the skin.

Even though these ingredients may seem intimidating, they’re all sold legitimately in the U.S. and used as approved ingredients by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the FDA. As such, they can be used in cosmetics and products with direct dermal contact, like temporary tattoos.

But, what about temporary tattoos made of henna? What kind of ingredients does henna paste really contain?

Organic and 100% natural henna contains dried and crumbled henna plants. That’s it! It is generally reddish or brownish, which is the main telltale sign the henna is made from organic and natural ingredients.

However, there is a type of henna that contains different ingredients; black henna. This type of henna is completely unnatural and made from artificial and chemical ingredients.

Black henna contains;

• Paraphenylenediamine or PPD – this is a chemical that is generally allowed for use in limited amounts. It is often added to hair dyes. However, some people add it to the regular henna to make the henna tattoos (or henna hair dye) black. Because henna pre-mixed pastes don’t generally feature an ingredients list, there is not knowing how much PPD is in black henna, but it is believed to be more than it is allowed.

So, Are Temporary Tattoos Safe?

According to the FDA, temporary tattoos may be safe for the general population, but in some cases, that can cause some adverse effects. Such effects often manifest as;