How it Works
*Results are averages based on study of 60 participants. Your experience may vary slightly.
How long does it Last?
The longevity of your tattoo depends on factors like its placement, your skin type, and how often you exfoliate. Regular exfoliation can speed up the fading process.
On average, these tattoos last up to two weeks, but with proper care, you may be able to extend it to four weeks!
How to Apply
1. Prepare Skin by Exfoliating
Prepare skin by either rubbing primer wipe for 30 seconds, or washing the area thoroughly.
2. Apply Tattoo
Gently peel of clear adhesive sheet, and place your tattoo face down onto skin and press firmly.
3. Dampen the Tattoo
Soak primer wipe in water and hold against back of tattoo for 15 seconds. Press down and wet it entirely.
4. Peel off Backing Paper
Gently peel off paper backing. The design will look invisible and shiny - It can take up to 24 hours for the stain to fully develop into dark blue or black colour
Aftercare
As the tattoo stain develops over the next 24 hours, it may transfer to other areas of your body. To prevent this, keep the tattoo covered during the first night, using clothing as a protective barrier. Activities like scrubbing in the shower, swimming in saltwater, or massaging with oil can cause exfoliation and fade the tattoo prematurely—avoid these until you're ready for removal. Also, refrain from showering or moisturizing for at least 8 hours after applying the tattoo sticker.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Our semi-permanent tattoos are similar to natural henna in that both use plant-based formulas to stain the top layer of skin (the epidermis). However, while henna typically results in a red/brown color, our tattoos produce a blue/black shade. Unlike “black henna,” which contains harmful chemicals like PPD, our ink is completely skin-safe and non-toxic.
We are also different from jagua. Traditional jagua gel contains multiple natural compounds and requires refrigeration. Our formula isolates only the active ingredient from the Genipa Americana fruit, excluding the pulp, which significantly extends the product’s shelf life.
Not a Tattoo should not be used on children under 18 months (We recommend applying our tattoos on children ages 10 and up!)
Our tattoos are not only waterproof but also water-permeable!
Since our semi-permanent tattoos stain the skin rather than coat it, your skin can breathe naturally, and there’s no need to worry about the tattoo washing off in the shower.
However, prolonged water exposure can gradually reduce the tattoo’s lifespan. To help protect it, apply petroleum jelly or a balm over the tattoo before swimming or extended water contact.
We are vegan and cruelty free!
Not a Tattoo is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, containing no animal products.
Our tattoos are breathable and water-permeable, allowing for ablution to be performed while wearing them.
We encourage you to use Not a Tattoo at your own discretion, aligning with your personal beliefs and practices.
We advise against applying our tattoos to the face, genitals, or other sensitive skin areas, as this increases the likelihood of skin irritation or reactions.
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Our ink contains ingredients that may be new to your skin, so there’s a small chance of an allergic reaction or sensitization with repeated use.
If a reaction occurs, it’s typically mild contact dermatitis (redness or inflammation from irritation). The itchiness or discomfort should fade within a few days. To promote faster healing, keep the area moisturized and consider using a steroid or anti-scarring cream.
If your symptoms persist, we recommend consulting a doctor.
Our ink does not enter the bloodstream, so it is generally safe for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
That said, if you have any concerns, we always recommend consulting your doctor for personalized advice.
ou can find the ‘best before’ date for your tattoo in the bottom right corner of the clear packaging.
Our ink has a shelf life of six months and should be stored in a cool, dry place. If you happen to use the tattoos after this date, rest assured that they are not harmful or toxic to your skin. However, the potency of the ink may diminish over time, so we recommend using them sooner rather than later!
Tattoo INK: Polyethylacrylate, Genipa Americana Extract, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Polyvinyl Butyral, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
We’re glad you asked! Body temperature plays a significant role in how well the Jagua dye releases. Individuals with good blood circulation and higher body temperatures typically achieve better stains. Certain areas of the body tend to be warmer, leading to quicker and darker stain development. While this can vary from person to person, common areas that work well include the hands, inner arms, feet, ankles, abdomen, and neck.
This occurs because, when your body is warm, your skin cells expand in an effort to release heat, allowing the dye to penetrate more effectively.
The duration of your tattoo depends on its placement and the frequency of exfoliation, as exfoliation can help speed up the removal of the stain.
Typically, the tattoo lasts up to two weeks, but with careful maintenance, you can extend its life to four weeks!
Not a Tattoo is entirely free from animal products and is committed to being cruelty-free.
Our tattoos are both breathable and water-permeable, allowing you to perform ablution while wearing them.
We encourage you to use Not a Tattoo at your discretion, keeping your personal beliefs and practices in mind.
Science behind Semi-Permanent Tattoos
Explained
Exfoliation of Semi-Permanent Tattoos
Skin cells stack in interlaced columns. Each night, a new skin layer grows beneath while the oldest layer at the surface is shed.
The human skin is composed of multiple layers of cells stacked upon one another. Each day, new skin cells are produced, while the oldest layer at the surface dries out and sheds.
Permanent tattoos are created by injecting ink deep into the dermis, where live skin cells reside, using needles. This method can be quite painful and may even cause bleeding.
In contrast, semi-permanent tattoos operate differently. They are applied topically, staining the dead skin cells without the need for needles, making the process painless.
These semi-permanent tattoos will last until your dead skin cells naturally regenerate, typically within 1 to 2 weeks. You can influence the duration of the tattoo’s appearance by managing how much you moisturize and exfoliate your skin.