ONE Standard for ALL: How Li Pigments® Sets the Global Gold Standard for PMU Safety

ONE Standard for ALL: How Li Pigments® Sets the Global Gold Standard for PMU Safety

When it comes to pigment safety, Li Pigments® isn’t just meeting the bare minimum—we’re raising the bar for the entire industry. As of January 4, 2022, the European Union’s REACH regulation put into effect new restrictions on pigments used in permanent makeup and body tattooing. And while many brands scrambled to reformulate, Li Pigments was already ahead of the game.


What is EU REACH and Why It Matters for PMU Artists

REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals. It’s one of the most comprehensive chemical safety regulations in the world, designed to protect both human health and the environment. For PMU and tattoo artists, this means stricter rules on what ingredients can and cannot be used in pigments.

🛑 See the full banned list of colorants and ingredients here.


Li Pigments® Didn’t Just Comply—We Elevated Every Formula Worldwide

Here’s where Li Pigments® separates from the pack. While REACH applies only to the European Union, we made the decision to remove every single banned ingredient from all of our pigment formulas globally—not just the ones we distribute in the EU.

That’s right. Whether you're working in the United States, Canada, Australia, or anywhere in between, you’re using a pigment that meets EU-level safety standards. Because your clients deserve the best—no matter where you live.


Safety Backed by Science: Rigorous Testing for Every Formula

To ensure we meet and exceed EU standards, every Li Pigments® color undergoes comprehensive testing at CTL (Chemical Technological Laboratory) in Germany every two years—and we’ve been doing this for over 25 years. Every test is designed to minimize health risks and guarantee clean, safe pigments.

Here’s what’s tested under the ResAP(2008) compliance standards:

  • Aromatic Amines (20 substances known to cause cancer)

  • Carcinogens (Categories 1, 2, and 3 under Council Directive 67/548/EEC)

  • CMRs and Sensitizing Dyes (Carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic, or allergenic properties)

  • Metal Impurities (13 regulated substances)

  • PAHs (like Benzene-a-pyrene)

  • Microbiological Sterility Testing


Trusted by PMU Artists Around the Globe

Whether you're a brow artist in Barcelona or a lip queen in Las Vegas, Li Pigments® gives you confidence in every drop. No compromises. No shortcuts. Just clean, high-performing pigments you can count on.

Ready to explore our pigment lines?
👉 Shop Li Pigments® now.
👉 Learn about our pigment safety and formulation process.


FAQs About Li Pigments® and REACH Compliance

Q: What is REACH and why is it important in PMU?
A: REACH is an EU regulation that restricts the use of potentially harmful chemicals, including those found in tattoo and PMU pigments. It ensures high safety standards for artists and clients.

Q: Does REACH affect pigment use in the US?
A: Not directly—but Li Pigments® has chosen to follow REACH guidelines globally, offering the same safety standard no matter where you live or work.

Q: Are all Li Pigments® REACH-compliant?
A: Yes. Every formula, every color, every region. We’ve reformulated all pigments to exclude banned ingredients across the board.

Q: How often are Li Pigments® tested?
A: Every two years by CTL in Germany. We’ve been committed to this level of testing for more than 25 years.

Q: Where can I learn more about pigment safety?
A: 👉 Visit our Pigment Education section here.