Our products are of the highest quality and comply with and exceed all  European standards for cosmetic product and U.S. requirements and standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Society for Safety and Testing Materials (ASTM).

 

How can you tell if a temporary tattoo is safe?

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There are several things to look for when you are choosing a temporary tattoo. First of all, you should always make sure that the tattoos are non-toxic.  This is especially critical if you are planning to apply the tattoos to your children. A non-toxic temporary tattoo is less likely to cause any kind of reaction on the child’s skin.

The second thing you want to look for is the ink used by the company. You need to make sure the dyes are FDA-certified colorants and they comply with regional safety requirements. This means that the dyes used in the tattoos will not be harmful to the skin.  This is an important attribute because there are colorants on the market that can damage the skin. 

The last thing to look for is that the tattoos are manufactured by a reputable company.

 

How do I know the difference?

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There are a few types of temporary tattoos you should be familiar with:

The most widely used temporary tattoo comes as a decal temporary tattoo (water transfer). The tattoo is an image printed on water-permeable paper. The paper is placed ink-side down and applying moisture transfers the image to the skin. The FDA requires that decal-type tattoos use only pigments that have been approved for use in cosmetics; this means they are non-toxic. They are easily removed by baby oil or rubbing alcohol. Some decal-type tattoos that are manufactured in China or Taiwan do not meet these standards. Do not buy decal-type temporary tattoos that give no indication of the ingredients used to manufacture them. You also want to steer clear of temporary tattoos that are digitally printed on temporary tattoo transfer paper. Computer inks are not safe to be worn on the skin and can cause irritation.

Airbrush temporary tattoos are also increasingly popular, however they do not always look as good or last as long as decal temporary tattoos. The method of application is having the tattoo design sprayed on by an artist using a stencil with alcohol-based, FDA approved cosmetic inks. If you are thinking about this kind of tattoo be sure to ask the tattoo artist what kind of ink is used before proceeding. Airbrush temporary tattoos are also easily removed with rubbing alcohol or baby oil.

Many temporary tattoos received at theme parks or on beaches are henna-based tattoos. Henna is a plant-derived substance which is painted on the skin, staining it a reddish-orange-to-brown color. Henna typically lasts for a couple weeks if it is applied correctly, but it does not resemble a real tattoo and, due to the process of application and length of drying time, is typically not a good option for children. If you do choose henna temporary tattoos ensure it is pure henna. Brown, plant-derived henna, tends to cause no allergic reaction and is generally safe for use on all skin types. ***WARNING: Serious problems can occur from the use of henna with certain additives. The FDA reports that “black henna” hand-painted temporary tattoos are especially dangerous, so be sure to ask what is being used. (Note:  This does not apply to decal-style temporary tattoos with a henna design). Water transfer henna temporary tattoos are completely safe!

What makes California Tattoos’s tattoos the best?

All of the tattoos are printed with ingredients that have been approved by the FDA. While the FDA does not specifically certify temporary tattoos, it does certify the safety of the ingredients used to make them. The ingredients meet or exceed these safety standards, we believe that this is the best temporary tattoo option for children and adults, safely delivering a high-quality, realistic effect.

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The key is asking the right questions and knowing what to look for; this will ensure that you always have a safe and effective product for your family to use. If you ever have any questions about temporary tattoo safety, do not hesitate to contact us we can put your mind at ease.