EU REACH & PMU Pigments: What Artists Need to Know About Compliance
From the desk of Li Pigments | Edited by the Girlz Ink Team
There’s been a lot of talk (and confusion) about EU REACH and how it affects the permanent makeup industry. If you’ve been wondering whether your go-to pigments are compliant, or what this means for your procedures moving forward this one’s for you.
Let’s break it down.
What Is EU REACH and Why Should PMU Artists Care?
REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals—a sweeping regulation designed to protect human health and the environment from chemical risks. While not specific to PMU, REACH targets more than 4,000 substances, including many found in tattoo and permanent makeup pigments.
As of January 4, 2022, the EU began enforcing tighter restrictions on ingredients like carriers, impurities, and metals. For PMU artists working within the EU or serving clients who are concerned with ingredient safety this regulation directly affects your pigment options.
For a deeper look into the Commission Regulation, visit the official EU site.
How Did REACH Impact Li Pigments?
Li Pigments has been formulating safe, high-quality pigments for over 35 years. So when the EU announced their updated limits, especially on metal impurities and other components, we took action quickly.
Some of our classic, trusted pigments no longer meet the new EU thresholds, but that doesn’t mean they’re unsafe. We stand behind every formula we've created and continue to manufacture them for countries outside the EU, where they remain legal and trusted.
But because compliance matters, we adapted. Our lab worked around the clock to adjust formulas and develop EU REACH Compliant alternatives without compromising quality, color payoff, or healed results.
Which Li Pigment Lines Are REACH Compliant?
We’ve got you covered. Below is a list of pigment lines with EU REACH Compliant options:
✅ Fully or Partially Compliant Pigment Lines:
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Select original shades
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The Global line
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The EU REACH Compliant line
(Tip: Check your bottle—Global or REACH will be clearly labeled)
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🩷 OMG® – Select brow, eyeliner, and lip shades
🩷 Artist Series – Select shades
🩷 Forever Lip Line – All Organic Lip Shades are compliant
🩷 Li-Scalp Line – All Organic & Hybrid Scalp shades
🩷 Loaded Line – All Organic Eyebrow shades
🩷 Queen Pigments – All shades are REACH compliant
🩷 Restoration Ink – All shades are compliant
If you're not sure whether your specific pigment is compliant, email us at [email protected] or check directly on the Girlz Ink Store for product descriptions and REACH labeling.
What Artists Need to Know Moving Forward
If you're working inside the EU or shipping pigments there you’ll need to ensure the products are REACH compliant. For U.S.-based artists, this won’t affect your ability to purchase or use our original formulas. But if you plan to travel, train internationally, or sell in Europe, this info is essential.
At Li Pigments, we're committed to offering global solutions without compromising on safety or performance.
FAQ: EU REACH & PMU Pigments
Q: Are REACH Compliant pigments less effective or lower quality?
A: Not at all. Our REACH formulations are crafted to perform just as beautifully and heal just as predictably as our original lines.
Q: How do I know if my pigment is REACH Compliant?
A: Look for “GLOBAL” or “EU REACH” labeling on the bottle, or check the product listing on the Girlz Ink Store.
Q: Will Li Pigments stop selling non-REACH compliant pigments?
A: Only in regions where regulations require it. Artists outside of the EU can still purchase our original formulas.
Q: Where can I buy REACH Compliant pigments?
A: Shop REACH Compliant Pigments on Girlz Ink or contact your authorized Li Pigments distributor.