
Make sure to follow your tattoo artist's aftercare advice, and contact a board-certified dermatologist if you're worried about a possible infection or reaction.Įphemeral took note of its customers’ complaints and announced its "Regret Nothing Guarantee" in February. But with black ink, in particular, the risk is actually pretty rare, according to Geronemus. Though the risk for both is small, she says people should be aware it's still possible with made-to-fade as well as traditional tattoos. Tina Alster, a board-certified dermatologist and founding director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, is a bit more hesitant about Ephemeral's ink and warns of potential scarring or allergic reaction to tattoos. Ephemeral has just proved to me how amazing tattoos look, no matter where on my arms I get them."
DO EPHEMERAL TATTOOS FADE FULL
I usually place them in less conspicuous places, but lately, I've been curious about getting a full sleeve and showing off the tattoos prominently. "I went into this knowing I wanted to test out what it would be like to have a tattoo on the front of my arm. "I knew exactly what I was getting into," she says. If you're considering a made-to-fade tattoo, then hopefully you're well aware it will start looking dull over time, a sentiment Abelman seconds. Also, Ephemeral tattoo artists are paid a salary, so their tip is included in the price. All are included in the price of your tattoo, which starts at $195 for small and simple designs, and $350 for larger, statement pieces.

You'll also get a copy of the shop's Aftercare Checklist (above), which helps you track the healing process well after your appointment. Bronner's Unscented Pure Castille Soap) to ensure that everything heals well. For her, "the pain level is comparable to getting extractions during a facial."Īfter the appointment, you'll be sent home with a goody bag that contains a Polaroid photo of your new tattoo and aftercare products (specifically Green Goo Tattoo Care, Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, and Dr. The same kind of needle and machine are involved," she says. "Of course, it hurts as much as any other tattoo. Abelman already had several traditional tattoos, so she knew what to expect. Unfortunately, the made-to-fade ink doesn't lessen the pain of getting a tattoo.
DO EPHEMERAL TATTOOS FADE SKIN
The exact ingredients are top secret, but Sakhai reveals the black ink is composed of "medical-grade bioabsorbable and biocompatible polymers " with "high-quality pigments." Over time, the ink breaks down and the particles become small enough to be eliminated by the body, leaving your skin tattooless once again.

Shah and Pierre tapped their Ph.D.s in chemical engineering for the lengthy development process.

"It works just like any other tattoo ink, so artists will use their actual machine and equipment." Instead, Sakhai and the rest of the crew refer to Ephemeral's tattoos as "made-to-fade." How Ephemeral Tattoos WorkĮphemeral's revolutionary ink took more than six years and 50 formulations to create. "Our ink is real tattoo ink that's applied by real tattoo artists," Sakhai says.

The Ephemeral team does not want you to confuse them with "temporary tattoos," however. They asked him one question that would soon change the future of tattooing: "Why are tattoos permanent?" Over the next six years, the trio (and later CEO Jeffrey Liu, who was brought onto the team in 2020) thoroughly researched the answer to that question and created a brand-new alternative with the opening of Ephemeral, a tattoo studio in Brooklyn, specializing in tattoos that disappear after about 9 to 15 months. While in college, Sakhai met future cofounders, Vandan Shah and Brennal Pierre.
