Pigment Truths for PMU Artists: Iron Oxides vs. Organics (and When to Use Each)
Let's get real about pigments.
If you're a PMU artist trying to decide between iron oxide and organic pigments, or switching between them, you'll hit a learning curve. In Tatter-a-fact Episode 113, Teryn breaks down the chemistry, skin behavior, and technique tweaks that separate confident healed results from "why did this heal so dark/gray?" moments.
Quick definitions you'll actually use:
🩷 Iron Oxides (a.k.a, inorganic/mineral): Slightly larger particle size, implant more slowly, heal softer/powdery, typically fade sooner (but can still last years, depending on skin and technique).
🩷 Organics: Smaller particles, implant faster, heal brighter, last longer on average, especially shades with carbon black.
Girlz Ink Truth: There are no absolutes. Skin type, needle choice, machine speed, pressure, and saturation all change the outcome.
Why artists love our OMG Eyeliner Pigments
Teryn wanted an iron-oxide black that implants easier yet reduces migration risk vs straight carbon black, so OMG Super Black was engineered with ultra-micronized particles for buttery implantation while keeping that rich, healed black look.
Shop the eyeliner trio:
🩷 OMG Super Black (iron oxide) - easy implantation, crisp healed black.
🩷 OMG Black Fuzion (hybrid) - a balanced blend of carbon + iron oxide for certain skins.
🩷 OMG Black Brownie (iron-oxide rich) - for softer liners
Pro tip from the episode: Carbon black's particles are tiny (fast to implant, longest to last) but that's why migration can happen. Iron-oxide blacks are larger but historically slower to implant, ultra-micronization helps bridge that gap.
Brows: avoid the gray trap
Dark organic brow colors often contain more carbon black. That's why they implant fast and can outlast other colarants, leaving cool/gray brows months or years later if technique and skin selection aren't dialed.
Safer brow picks to stock:
🩷 OMG Coco Teese (neutral medium brown) with nano-carbon for subtle depth, built to minimize the "over-blackened" look while keeping vibrancy.
🩷 Loaded Organics for artists who understand carbon and want high saturation with control.
🩷 Velvet (predominantly inorganic) for that creamy, quick implantation with beautiful fade behavior.
🩷 Monica Ivani Set - 4 go-to brow shades, pro-approved.
Technique tweaks when you switch lines
Coming from iron oxides to organics:
🩷 Lighten hand pressure and reduce passes (organics saturate faster).
🩷 Consider lower machine speed to control deposit.
🩷 Post-care: watch for over-saturation; organics can be harder to remove.
Coming from organics to iron oxides:
🩷 Expect slower build; you may need more passes.
🩷 Healed result = 15 - 25% lighter than fresh (warn your client).
🩷 Consider a bigger needle (e.g., 5 - 8RS or small mag) and slightly higher speed.
Featured tools from the episode
FAQ
Q: Are iron oxides always safer for eyeliner?
A: Not "always", but their larger particle size reduces migration risk compared to straight carbon black. Artist pressure, depth, skin type, and aftercare still matter.
Q: Why did my organic brow heal gray?
A: Usually carbon black dominance outlasted the other colorants. Choose the right skin, color selection, and saturation level. And understand when not to use higher-carbon formulas.
Q: Can iron-oxide brows last years?
A: Yes. "Fades faster" is relative, iron oxides can still hang around 2 - 6+ years on some skin/techniques.