Why Do Some Pigments Leave a Yellow Stain on the Skin? (+ How to Remove It!)
PMU IN THE KNOW
From the desk of Li Pigments
Written by Darlene Story • Edited by the Girlz Ink Team
Let’s talk about the yellow stain some artists are seeing on the skin after procedures. If you’ve used Classic Brown, Dark Toffee, or similar shades from Li Pigments and noticed a yellow hue lingering post-procedure—you're not alone, and it's totally normal.
We’re breaking down why it happens and, more importantly, how to easily remove it so you can get those clean, Insta-worthy after photos while still giving your client brows that fade like a dream.
Why Does the Yellow Staining Happen?
Certain Li Pigments formulas contain a specific yellow pigment that can leave a temporary yellow cast on the skin. You’ll see this especially in shades like Classic Brown and Dark Toffee. Even after shaking the bottle, the yellow hue may still appear more pronounced due to changes in the carrier solution required by EU REACH regulations.
This isn’t an error—it’s actually part of the formulation that helps these colors heal soft, natural, and beautifully balanced. The yellow doesn't heal into the skin; instead, it fades out within 1–3 days post-procedure, leaving behind the intended rich brown tone.
Why the Yellow Is More Noticeable Now
Due to EU REACH compliance, Li Pigments made a carrier change. That new carrier doesn’t alter healed results, but it amplifies how the yellow pigment looks in the bottle and on the skin immediately after implantation.
Additionally, if you’re doing pigment masking or occluding the area with plastic wrap at the end of the procedure, it can make the yellow appear more vibrant. That’s especially true if you saturate pigment into the skin as part of your finishing steps.
How to Remove or Soften the Yellow Stain
Want that clean, flawless healed shot without the yellow cast? Here are a few artist-approved methods:
✨ Use topical anesthetic: Once your procedure is complete, rub a small amount over the area and gently wipe with a damp sterile cotton pad. Most of the yellow will lift off easily.
🧼 Green Soap: A light wipe with Green Soap can help remove the stain without irritating the skin.
💧 Pigment Seal: Another go-to! Many artists find that Pigment Seal effectively lifts the residue while calming the skin.
These tricks will give you that crisp, post-procedure photo without sacrificing healed results.
Why Formulators Use Yellow Pigment in the First Place
Great question—and it's not just for looks!
Yellow plays a subtle but crucial role in color theory. When used correctly, it:
-
Helps neutralize cool skin undertones
-
Prevents brows from healing ashy
-
Supports a more natural fade-down, so the pigment looks beautiful both fresh and healed
The yellow doesn't alter the primary tone—it just supports a soft, long-term color evolution that clients and artists both love.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Fear the Yellow!
At the end of the day, this type of yellow stain is harmless, temporary, and actually supports long-term healed beauty. With the right removal techniques and a good understanding of what’s happening, you’ll feel confident showing off your work—right after the procedure and months later.
FAQ: Yellow Pigment Staining in PMU
Q: Will the brows heal yellow?
A: No. The yellow residue is temporary and typically fades within 1–3 days. The healed result is the intended rich brown.
Q: Can I avoid using these pigments if I don’t want yellow staining?
A: While you can choose other formulas, remember that the yellow supports a better healed outcome. With the removal tips above, you can have the best of both worlds.
Q: Is this staining unique to Li Pigments?
A: It’s not exclusive, but Li Pigments is known for its transparent formulations and high-quality ingredients that are REACH compliant—so you may just notice it more clearly.
Q: Will pigment masking make the stain worse?
A: It can make the yellow more visible temporarily, but it won't affect the healed results. Simply adjust your cleanup process at the end.
Want more tips like this? Be sure to check out our other pigment deep dives and artist education content over at Girlz Ink Academy and the Girlz Ink Store Blog!