Self-expression with confidence: Read our Regret Nothing Guarantee →

The science behind our made-to-fade ink.

ephemeral tattoo application needle palm
SEE HOW IT WORKS
Ephemeral’s made-to-fade ink is applied just like a traditional tattoo
An artist uses a needle to transfer ink under your top layer of skin
Unlike traditional tattoo ink, Ephemeral ink contains medical-grade, bio-absorbable ingredients that shrink over time…
until they are small enough for your body to remove
As time passes, the particles shrink as your body breaks down the ink
70% of Ephemerals fade in under 2 years...
Everyone’s fade journey is slightly different because everyone’s body is different
But don’t worry: your Ephemeral will disappear

Explore the fade.

Real people, real Ephemerals.

FULL FADE: VANDAN

IN PROGRESS FADE: KATE

5 Factors That Affect Your Fade.

Our bodies are unique, so no two fades are exactly alike-but rest assured, all Ephemerals are Made-to-Fade.

Tattoos may fade at different rates on different parts of the body because of variations in the skin at these parts. For example, the skin might respond differently in areas of bony prominence and in joint areas where there is lots of motion. Based on our research we’ve found that inner bicep, and upper torso placements (sternum, ribs, breasts) fade faster than wrists and forearms.

Paired with where you place your tattoo, another decision that affects fade is how much ink is transferred will lengthen your potential fade timeline. Tattoos with thick lines or shading typically take longer to fade than subtle tattoos with thin lines and no shading. You may notice finer details and elements that stand apart from the main design fading faster than denser areas in your tattoo.

With tattoos, skin physiology and the immune system are known factors in how our bodies respond to tattoo inks – how our body takes up the ink, how it heals after the tattoo is applied, how it heals in the long term. No two people are exactly alike.
We are still collecting more information about average body responses, if you already have an Ephemeral, add your response here.

Ephemerals applied to skin with more melanin may appear to fade faster than on skin with less melanin. This is because tattoo ink lays below your natural skin pigment in the dermis, as your tattoo fades it may appear that it is fading faster than someone with lighter skin tone. No matter your skin tone your tattoo will look great and completely fade!

How well you take care of your Ephemeral will affect how it fades.
We use hydrocolloid patches while healing because it results in a 40% faster heal than using other techniques. At the end of your appointment you will get an aftercare goodie bag with an extra patch, anti-itch cream, gentle soap, and instructions just in case you need a reminder while you are healing.

Check out this video on our healing process.

Fades vary, but Ephemerals will 100% fade away. Learn about our Guarantee. Fades vary, but Ephemerals will 100% fade away. Learn about our Guarantee. Fades vary, but Ephemerals will 100% fade away. Learn about our Guarantee. Fades vary, but Ephemerals will 100% fade away. Learn about our Guarantee. Fades vary, but Ephemerals will 100% fade away. Learn about our Guarantee. Fades vary, but Ephemerals will 100% fade away. Learn about our Guarantee. Fades vary, but Ephemerals will 100% fade away. Learn about our Guarantee. Fades vary, but Ephemerals will 100% fade away. Learn about our Guarantee. Fades vary, but Ephemerals will 100% fade away. Learn about our Guarantee. Fades vary, but Ephemerals will 100% fade away. Learn about our Guarantee.

Safe, biocompatible & plant-based ingredients.

Ephemeral tattoo ink incredients

Unlike traditional tattoo ink, Ephemeral ink is designed to be removed by our bodies. That's why our ink is made of ingredients that are all FDA approved for medical use and tested for biocompatibility.

We also selected plant-based ingredients where possible and stayed away from metallic or animal-based components. We are raising the bar for tattoo ink safety.

What people are saying...

Cassie's Journey.

Inspired by her grandpa, who got a panther tattoo when he was 18 years old—Cassie decided to pay tribute to him at our LA studio, where she got her first made-to-fade tattoo. Her grandpa loved it as much as she did!

“I'm sure you always heard your parents say 'don't get a tattoo, they last forever' – well, not for long!”

-CASSIE

studio interior

Visit One of Our Locations

We're open in NYC, LA, SF, ATL, HOU, MIA, and DC— come visit our unique spaces and get tattooed.

studio interior

More Science

Everything you’ve ever wondered about our ink and the fade.

Ephemeral’s ink is made from medical-grade polymers and dyes. Simply put, polymers are chains of smaller molecules. The polymers in Ephemeral ink are biodegradable and bioabsorbable, so after they enter the body, they will gradually break apart until the particles are small enough for the body to remove. This process of breaking apart and removal is what causes the fade.

Just like every body is different, every tattoo varies in its longevity. Factors like your tattoo's design, placement, aftercare, your body's unique response and skin tone all contribute to how quickly or slowly your tattoo fades away. But don't worry: it will 100% disappear.

Our tattoos are guaranteed to last at least a year, no more than three. 70% of Ephemerals will fade away in under two years, based on the most popular tattoo design and placement choices customers make today.

Ephemeral’s ink is made from a solution containing medical-grade polymers and dyes.

Simply put, polymers are chains of smaller molecules. The FDA does not regulate tattoo ink, but the polymers in Ephemeral ink do come from FDA-regulated manufacturers of medical devices—that’s what makes the polymers “medical grade.” They’re also biodegradable and bioabsorbable, so after they enter the body, they will gradually break apart until the particles are small enough for the body to remove.

The  dyes in Ephemeral ink are naturally available or FDA-approved for use in cosmetics, food and medical devices. Unlike most permanent tattoo inks, we don’t use metal-based pigments or PPD (paraphenylenediamine) in Ephemeral ink.

Our made-to-fade ink is also vegan, and many of our components are derived from natural plant sources.

Safety was a top concern when we developed our made-to-fade ink. It took 6+ years of research and testing, plus millions of dollars spent to get it just right. While the FDA does not regulate tattoo ink, our formulation is made from ingredients that are all FDA approved for use in medical devices, drugs, food, or cosmetics. We also conducted a rigorous clinical study that was approved by the IRB (Institutional Review Board) to verify the safety of Ephemeral ink.

We currently only use black ink for our made-to-fade tattoos, but more colors are coming soon! We’ve been carefully testing the fading capabilities of colored inks to make sure they’ll look their best throughout your fade journey. Sign up for our newsletter (scroll down to the footer) to be the first to know when new colors debut.

Yes, Ephemeral ink fades and is made for all skin tones. Our tattoo artists are diverse and have experience tattooing skin of all shades. They are committed to giving you an Ephemeral that looks great on you. Because darker skin tones are rich in melanin, the fade process may appear to happen more quickly (9-12 months as opposed to 9-15). Factors like sun exposure, skin tone, and the design and placement of your tattoo can affect the fade too.

Some of our tattoo styles—like bolder lines spaced further apart, and larger or more graphic designs—will look better on people with darker complexions.  Our artists will guide you through these styles during your design consultation and make sure you feel comfortable and confident before getting your Ephemeral.

Yes, Ephemeral ink is vegan. It is free of all animal-derived ingredients and byproducts, as well as wheat and gluten.

tagline icon

Learn about our Regret Nothing Guarantee