GLOBAL vs. ORIGINAL: 4 Key Differences Between Aqua & Velvet Pigments
From the Lab of Li Pigments — Written by Darlene Story, Edited by the Girlz Ink Team
If you've noticed "GLOBAL" or "ORIGINAL" printed under the Aqua or Velvet logo on your pigment bottles, you're not imagining things and yes, it matters. Here’s the inside scoop on what those labels mean and how they impact your PMU work.
1. EU REACH Compliance Sparked the Shift
Starting January 4th, 2022, new EU REACH regulations took effect, setting stricter safety standards for tattoo and permanent makeup pigments. To stay compliant and continue offering our products globally, we reformulated the Aqua and Velvet lines for the EU market these are now known as Aqua GLOBAL and Velvet GLOBAL.
✅ GLOBAL = REACH Compliant
✅ ORIGINAL = Sold Outside the EU
Even though the Aqua & Velvet ORIGINAL lines could no longer be sold in the EU, they had previously passed EU-Resolution ResAP (2008)1 validation, and they’re still trusted worldwide outside of REACH territories.
2. GLOBAL vs. ORIGINAL Naming System
To eliminate confusion, Li Pigments clearly labels the products:
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Aqua GLOBAL / Velvet GLOBAL = REACH Compliant
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Aqua ORIGINAL / Velvet ORIGINAL = Non-EU Markets
This simple renaming ensures artists always know which formulation they're working with whether you're shopping for a REACH-compliant pigment or restocking your favorite OG formula.
🛍 Looking for your favorite Aqua or Velvet color? Just check the label before ordering from the Girlz Ink Store.
3. Yes, Some GLOBAL and ORIGINAL Shades Share Names
Here’s where it gets interesting: Some GLOBAL pigments carry the same names as their ORIGINAL counterparts and that’s on purpose.
We wanted a seamless transition for artists already familiar with our most-loved shades. Despite necessary ingredient changes, our formulation experts worked hard to ensure the GLOBAL versions match the color base of the ORIGINALs as closely as possible.
4. 4 Technical Differences You May Notice in GLOBAL
Even though GLOBAL pigments perform just as beautifully in the skin, you may experience some small technical differences:
🧴 Pigment Appearance
GLOBAL pigments may look slightly different in the bottle a subtle shift in hue or clarity but the base tone remains consistent with its ORIGINAL match.
💧 Viscosity
Some GLOBAL pigments may have a slightly thinner consistency due to regulatory changes in allowable raw materials.
🖊 Implantation & Procedure Performance
Artists report crisp lines, strokes that hold, great saturation, and strong healed results with GLOBAL just like you’re used to.
🎨 Healed Results
The final healed outcome remains true, but depending on the shade, you might notice slight visual shifts (a little lighter or deeper than the ORIGINAL).
💬 Have Questions for Li Pigments?
Send your technical questions or pigment curiosities to [email protected], and we’ll pass them directly to Darlene & Mytia!
FAQ: Aqua & Velvet GLOBAL vs. ORIGINAL
Q: Are the GLOBAL pigments safe to use outside of the EU?
A: Absolutely. They’re EU REACH compliant, which means they meet some of the strictest safety standards globally.
Q: Will I need to change my technique with the GLOBAL formulas?
A: Most artists don’t need to, but if you're using a machine that favors thicker pigments, just adjust your hand speed and pressure slightly for the thinner GLOBAL consistency.
Q: Can I mix GLOBAL and ORIGINAL pigments?
A: We recommend using one line at a time per procedure for best consistency, but if you’re experienced with mixing, always test first and record your ratios.
Q: Why didn’t you rename all the GLOBAL pigments?
A: We kept the same names intentionally to help artists transition easily without relearning shade charts. But rest assured, every GLOBAL pigment has been matched closely to its ORIGINAL shade.