Why Permanent Makeup Is Not a Lifetime Application

Permanent makeup (PMU) is a form of tattooing used for aesthetic and medical purposes, but unlike traditional tattoos, it requires reapplication due to fading. This study assessed the application depth and behavior of PMU colorants versus tattoo ink on SKH-1 mice. Both were applied at similar depths, but PMU colorants, which contain larger inorganic pigment particles, fade over time. In contrast, traditional tattoos use smaller, stable organic pigments that ensure permanence. The fading of PMU is attributed to the characteristics of its colorants rather than the application method.