Study finds bacteria in tattoo and permanent makeup ink

(CNN)– A new study shows many tattoo inks contain bacteria. The Food and Drug Administration looked at sealed ink used for both tattoo and permanent makeup.

Researchers found about 35% of it was contaminated. It made no difference if the label claimed the ink had been sterilized.

Among the bacteria discovered were those that can cause acne and urinary tract infections.

This was the first study to look at Anaerobic Bacteria in tattoo ink.

It was published in the journal ‘Applied and Environmental Microbiology’.