Biochemical Mechanisms of Tattoos and Chemical Compositions of Tattoo Inks and Pigments
WANG Bo-Ya1, XUE Song2, LI Bao-Yu1**
1. College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China; 2. College of Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
Abstract This paper analyzes the feasibility and underlying biochemical principles of tattoos based on skin structure, examines the composition of common tattoo inks, and explores ancient Chinese tattoo art and plant-based tattoo art. Moreover, it carries out a dialectical discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of tattoos through the lens of tattoo and chemistry education. In other words, this study deciphers the biochemical principles of tattoos from biological, chemical and cultural perspectives, aiming to sort out relevant chemical teaching resources and provide practical guidance for teaching practice.
WANG Bo-Ya, XUE Song, LI Bao-Yu. Biochemical Mechanisms of Tattoos and Chemical Compositions of Tattoo Inks and Pigments[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Education, 2026, 47(11): 1-9.