Exploring Vegan Ink: Is it right for you?

Exploring Vegan Tattoo Ink: Is it the Right Choice for Your Art?
Tattooing has always been a deeply personal way to express who we are—and for many, that includes living a lifestyle that’s kind to animals and the planet. It’s no surprise that vegan tattoo inks are becoming more popular than ever. After all, if someone avoids animal-derived ingredients in their food, it only makes sense they'd want the same consideration in the ink going into their skin. What started as a niche preference has quickly become a mainstream choice, with more artists and clients opting for cruelty-free, plant-based options. But with all the buzz around vegan ink, is it the right fit for your studio? Let’s take a closer look.
Let’s break it down.
What Makes Tattoo Ink Vegan?
At first glance, it might not be obvious that some inks aren’t vegan. Traditional tattoo inks can contain:
  • Animal-derived glycerin (used as a stabilizer)
  • Bone char (used for black pigment)
  • Shellac (a resin secreted by lac bugs, often used as a binder)
In contrast, vegan tattoo inks exclude any animal-derived ingredients and are never tested on animals. They’re crafted with plant-based or synthetic alternatives that match (and in many cases, exceed) the performance of traditional inks.
Why Artists Are Switching to Vegan Ink
Ethical Alignment
More clients are requesting cruelty-free and plant-based options—and many artists themselves are ethically motivated to eliminate animal products from their process.
Environmental Considerations
Vegan inks often have smaller environmental footprints due to their cleaner ingredients and manufacturing processes.
Skin-Friendly Performance
Vegan inks tend to be free from unnecessary additives or harsh preservatives, making them a gentler choice for sensitive skin. Many artists report smoother healing and vibrant color retention.
Are There Any Downsides?
Vegan inks are highly refined today, but it’s worth considering:
  • Brand consistency matters: Some lower-end vegan inks may have thinner viscosity or inconsistent pigment loads. Stick to trusted brands.
  • Client allergy awareness: While vegan inks are generally safer for sensitive skin, always patch test when dealing with known allergies.
Top Vegan-Friendly Ink Brands Available at MTS
At Melbourne Tattoo Supplies, we carry a solid line-up of trusted vegan tattoo ink brands that deliver on both ethics and performance.
1.  Radiant Colors
Vegan, pre-dispersed, and highly regarded for color packing. Radiant also offers strong blacks and greys for lining and shading.
2. Eternal Ink
A long-standing favorite in the industry, Eternal’s entire range is vegan-friendly. Known for exceptional pigment stability.
3. Fusion Ink
Made in the USA with organic pigments, Fusion is vegan, ultra-bright, and flows effortlessly.
4. World Famous Ink
Vibrant, bold, and vegan across the board. Artists love their color saturation and smooth application.
Is Vegan Ink Right for You?
If you’re looking to offer clients a more ethical and environmentally conscious option—without sacrificing vibrancy, consistency, or longevity; vegan ink is absolutely worth the switch. It aligns with modern values and enhances your brand as a forward-thinking, responsible artist.
Whether you're updating your full setup or just testing the waters, Melbourne Tattoo Supplies is stocked with vegan ink brands that have earned their place in pro studios around the world.

"Being vegan myself, having inks in my setup that are vegan and cruelty free is something that is a must to support my morals and my ethics. I tattoo a lot of people who are also vegan who have specifically sought me out because I use vegan products and our ethics align with one another. Being vegan is absolutely a lifestyle and it’s great to have professional equipment from MTS that supports that as way to keep tattooing inclusive for everyone!" - Carly V - cvhtattoos
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