Best Black Tattoo Ink [Review] in 2021
Last Updated on March 21, 2022
written by tattoo artist Steven Martin
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Zuper Black Ink By Intenze
TOP CHOICE
Moms Black Pearl Outlining Tattoo Ink
OUR PICK
Kuro Double Sumi Tribal Black Tattoo Ink
RUNNER UP
Have you been effortlessly been seeking a black tattoo ink that won’t turn green after a few years and one that is darker than the night? Are looking your best black tattoo ink and don’t know which one is the right pick?
Well you’re at the right place
No matter whether you are a beginner or professional, when it comes to designing a voguish and pleasing tattoo, black ink plays a dominant role in it.
This is why I have hunted down the very best and darkest black tattoo ink you can find on the market, factoring in pigmentation, consistency, shelf life, and much more.
Don’t even worry, I’ve got you.
To overwhelm the problem, I have listed down our top black tattoo ink, which you can buy right now from the market. If you are an artist, then black tattoo ink is a goldmine for you.
Here’s a pro tip: Black ink is the gold standard in the tattoo industry, which allows you to create mesmerizing and impressive body art, getting the darkest black ink will make your tattoo designs look insane and out of this world!
You won’t want to miss my top three picks, they’re my favorite black tattoo ink ever.
How we came to the conclusion of our top 3:
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The Best Black Tattoo Ink in 2021
Zuper Black Ink By Intenze
If you are a tattooing artist and looking for the black ink for tattoos that takes your art to the next level, don’t forget to buy Intenze Professional Tattoo Ink Zuper Black. It is one of the best black tattoo ink for shading an old design.
This tattoo ink was for artists by artists.
This tattoo ink was tested by most of the top artists in the world, like Mark Mahoney and Bob Tyrell. Famous tattoo artists love this formula like Mono Marino, London Reese, Mike Demasis, and Steve Butcher.
But wait, there’s more!
This tattoo ink is free from mutagenic toxins and amines that help you use it on your body skin without any side effects. They don’t use any animal products material, which makes it completely vegan-friendly.
As the name suggests, it is a super black tattoo ink; it will heal very dark in the skin making it look unmatched for lining and shading. It even comes in a tamper-proof bottle, allowing you to store it for a long time– it is also formulated not to dry out too.
If you’re looking for the darkest, blackest tattoo ink on the market that is renowned for its excellent formula, then you HAVE to try out this insane ink.
Pros
- Best Inks for Tribal type of Tattoos
- Vegan Friendly
- Safe for body skin
- One of the top Darkest Black Ink in the market
Cons
- Less thickness
Moms Black Pearl Outlining Tattoo Ink
Best Black Tattoo Ink Brand
This tattoo ink is out of this world when it comes to outlining, but it makes a brilliant companion for all kinds of tattoo styles such as coloring and shading, too– it will be any tattoo artist’s best friend!
One thing I hate about some tattoo inks is when you pour the ink into a cup for a massive tattoo, and you get halfway through, and it’s starting to dry out; it’s the worst! This is why I love this formula, as it won’t dry out when exposed to oxygen.
Similar to the Zuper Black Ink, Millenium Mom’s is smooth like silk and will flow out of your tattoo gun under the skin like a dream. It’ll add value to any faded design and bring old designs back to life as well as new ones.
Mom’s Pearl Outlining Tattoo Ink is sterilized from gamma, which means it is super safe, plus it is made from original herbal materials that are also safe for your body skin; you never face any allergic reaction after using this tattoo ink.
But here’s the kicker:
This tattoo ink is USA-made; it has been in business for over three decades (that’s three decades worth of improving their formula too). Buying tattoo ink made on US soil is much safer as you can guarantee that it is up to FDA regulations.
My only pet peeve with this ink is that it isn’t as dark as the other formulas on my list today– but trust me, this formula is still as dark as night, but all in all, it is still a top-notch product.
Pros
- Super Dark
- Affordable Price
- High-Quality Product
- Safe for Body Skin
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Need to improve package quality
Latest deal: Moms Black Pearl Outlining Tattoo Ink
Kuro Double Sumi Tribal Black Tattoo Ink
Best Japanese Black Ink
It’s another fantastic ink that is perfect for beginner and professional level artists. Kuro Sumi is a Japanese ink product that is made from some special formula of artists. The formula of his product is organic and vegan friendly.
This ink has a bright color and is very famous because for filling; it does not require any period of experience of using tattoo ink; you can use it if you are using tattoo ink for the first time in your life.
It has the most supernatural ink you’ll ever find in black tattoo ink!
Kuro Sumi is one of the best black tattoo ink in the world, which gives you a long-lasting result. It remains in black for an extended period of time, and the black color does not turn into blueish color when it becomes old.
There’s nothing worse than having to top up your tattoo every decade or so because it’s turned a blueish hue.
It has a brighter and vibrant color, which remains for a long time than regular tattoo inks. You can make compelling and stunning designs or take your previous design art to the next level from this link.
To top it all off, it is made of high-quality material, which allows you to store this bottle for more than 2 years. So you can store it on your tattoo parlor shelf until needed (which will definitely be frequently after using this bad boy once).
Pros
- Made from Organic
- Vegan Friendly
- Affordable Price
- Give you a long-lasting result
- Easily Soaks into your Skin
- Bright Colors
Cons
- It’s a little on the thin side
Latest deal: Kuro Double Sumi Tribal Black Tattoo Ink
4.
Mom's Black Onyx Tattoo Ink
When I tell you Millenium Mom’s is the GOD of tattoo ink, I absolutely mean it; this is the ace of spades for black tattoo ink. Not only is the color the darkest black you’ll find on the market, but it runs as smooth as silk too.
After many years of trying out different black tattoo inks, I have finally found the one. It is so dark it looks like I’ve grabbed a sharpie and completed a detailed design. There is a massively noticeable difference in the richness of the color.
You definitely get what you pay for; a little goes a long way with this tattoo ink. Plus, the highest possible pigment in all of their colors, not just black, allows you to have brighter tattoos that flow like a dream.
But this tattoo is not just brilliant for regular tattooing; it is also brilliant for stick and pokes techniques too thanks to the smooth-flowing formula.
Here’s the best bit:
Millennium Mom’s have a solid reputation in the tattoo industry; it is favored amongst millions of tattoo artists worldwide. Their bold, long-lasting pigments will look flawless for years to come.
The formula itself is not too thick but not too watery; this pigment and Millennium Mom’s formulas, in general, are the boss in the tattoo industry!
Pros
- Vegan friendly
- Renowned brand
- Durable and longlasting
- Super dark black hue
Cons
- Some customers experienced leaked bottles
Latest deal: Mom’s Black Onyx Tattoo Ink
5.
Bloodline Tattoo Ink All Purpose Black
Best Black Tattoo Ink For Outlining
Now, if you’re looking for a high-quality vegan water-based ink that has gone through top-quality production by tattoo artists in California, then I must introduce you to Bloodline Ink.
The first thing that caught my eye about this tattoo ink over the others I have rated today is that Bloodline uses distilled water to carry the pigment, which essentially means the tattoo heal quicker than most inks!
Bloodline, All-Purpose Black Ink for tattoos, is mainly used for shading and outlining purposes by different artists worldwide. This is the American brand that has manufactured tattoo inks since it was established.
But wait, let me tell you more.
If you want to design tribal Tattoos, then this ink is best for you. Its colors give you brighter looks, and it sinks easily into the skin. This deep dark black ink is brilliant for traditional tattoos, or even your ol’ stick and pokes too!
Like Kuro Sumi, Bloodline Tattoo Ink has a long life span of 2 and a half years– 6 months more than Kuro! You won’t have to worry about designing a tattoo regularly or weekly; use it whenever you want.
You can store it in your parlor without any fear that it becomes useless after some months. This formula is one of the best and such high quality; clients will love how dark this formula is.
Pros
- One of the best Tribal Inks
- Safe for Skin
- Made in the USA
- Reputable Seller
- Very Smooth
Cons
- Need to improve product packaging
- Low quality
- Not perfectly black output
Latest deal: Bloodline Tattoo Ink All Purpose Black
6.
Allegory Premium Lining & Shading Tattoo Ink
Best for Shading & Lining
Allegory Blak ink is a premium quality that is widely used and recommended by some of the world’s top tattoo artists. Its unique texture and smooth consistency make it an ideal choice for lining and shading.
The ink is made from 100% vegan and organic ingredients. Therefore, it is free from harsh chemicals like lead and nickel that are harmful to the skin– the ink is both toxic and irritation-free.
The premium ink comes in an 8 ounce round bottle. The bottle is made from BPA-free, high-quality material called Polyethylene terephthalate or PET. The bottle is also sealed with a seal that is anti-tamper, and the top is twist-dispensing.
Now:
Like Mom’s Black Pearl, Allegory has a smooth and silky texture, making it perfect for various designs and techniques. The pigment is also highly dispersed, thanks to it being made with natural material, so it is not too runny.
To ensure a silky and smooth consistency, each ink bottle comes with an agitator made from glass marble. Plus, because of the ink’s dispersed pigmentation and silky smooth consistency, it is widely used for lining and shading purposes.
Hands down, this ink is BLACK; if you thought Dynamic and Zuper Black Ink were dark, they have nothing on this bad boy.
Pros
- 100 % Vegan
- Ideal for Lining & Shading
- Premium grade quality
- Smooth texture
Cons
- Ink seal might leak
Latest deal: Allegory Premium Lining & Shading Tattoo Ink
7.
VIKING INK Black Tribal Professional Tattoo Ink
Truly black ink
Viking has been making high-quality inks for quite some time now. Their Black tribal ink is a fantastic product made from high-quality material. The ink is explicitly created, keeping in mind intricate designs, realistic, Maori, and tribal tattoos.
The ink is made from all-natural ingredients that give it a pure black color. Moreover, the ink is vegan-friendly and is free from harsh chemicals that damage the skin. The material makes its application easy and is also very skin-friendly.
Because of its natural ingredients, the ink is highly pigmented. Its pure black color is bright and therefore is a choice of professional tattoo artists.
The ink has a perfect texture and therefore is ideal for any design. Whether it is realistic art or detailed tribal art, the ink is known to give perfectly sharp lines without being runny. Furthermore, it penetrates the skin quickly. It is also super quick to dry.
Because of its highly pigmented formula, and versatile texture, the ink is fade-free. It means it will last longer without fading or turning into green or blue color.
Pros
- Long-lasting color
- Easy to penetrate
- Versatile
- Vegan product
Cons
- Some customers experienced leaked bottles
Latest deal: Viking Ink USA Black Tribal Ink
8.
Dynamic Black Tattoo Ink Bottle
Now I have compared Dynamic Ink with the Allegory Premium Ink, but what one is better? Well, it may not be as dark at Allegory, but it has some major benefits still.
Let’s start by saying this ink comes from professional quality, proudly made in the USA. The pigment is pretty impressive; it is super dark and flows out the bottle like silk.
It is massively popular amongst tattoo artists who create their own grey wash tattoo ink with a black base; the color is bold, bright, and long-lasting– after all, every tattoo artist deserves top-quality ink.
There’s more!
Say goodbye to the stubborn healing processes or unhappy clients; this dynamic tattoo flows smoothly into the skin and heals quickly and vibrantly, offering vivid results.
As if that was enough, Dynamic products contain zero animal products and do not use animal testing, so if you love your furry friends, this is the one for you! Plus, the tattoo ink is safe on the skin, better for the environment, and better for your health too.
Although the Dynamic Black Tattoo Ink is of brilliant quality, I would still recommend Mom’s Black Onyx or Allegory; they are much darker!
Pros
- Vegan product
- Long-lasting
- Silky smooth application
- Good quality ink
Cons
- Not as dark as Mom’s Black Onyx or Allegory
Latest deal: Dynamic Black Tattoo Ink Bottle
Best Black Tattoo Ink – The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
When getting yourself some black tattoo ink you should be looking at the pigment as well as the quality of the tattoo ink, it’s all well and good getting a high-end tattoo ink but then it has a grey hue rather than a deep black.
Classic black ink is basic and essential, it is the number one best pigment for shading and creating bold lines and extraordinary highlights in your tattoos.
We all dream of ease of use too, finding a formula that will not only provide a long-lasting black hue but will also flow like silk is always beneficial when on the hunt for new black tattoo ink.
Choosing a black pigment is not an easy task, there are key factors to consider to ensure you have a durable and bold pigment, no one wants a black pigment that has a slightly blue hue to it– this will only fade that tattoo to a blueish hue after a few years.
But with the help of my top selection and breaking down all the confusing features as to what to look for when purchasing black tattoo ink you will find that your tattoos will transform!
Things to look for in black tattoo ink
Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to switch up an old black tattoo ink with a new one to give your art life, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing black ink.
Pigmentation
If you are into doing tattoos, you have to agree on one thing, i.e., the importance of black ink. The black color is probably the most widely used color there is. It is very versatile.
You can use it for all sorts of tattoos. Whether it is outlining or filling, you need black color for every purpose. Tattoo artists put their heart and soul into making tattoos, and when their art fades away due to lack of pigmentation, it is such a shame.
So, when buying black tattoo ink, make sure you keep in mind its pigmentation. The best black tattoo ink will be highly pigmented. The color won’t be grey-black. It will be jet black. Furthermore, the color will stay on the skin without fading for years.
The right and pigmented black color catch the eye instantly.
Consistency
Consistency is the thickness or thinness of the ink. You will need different consistency for different purposes. For instance, you will need a bit of thick ink for the outline, whereas a thinner ink works well when you are using it for shading.
Before you buy the black ink, make sure you decide which purpose you are buying the ink for. Otherwise, it will be hard for you to handle the ink.
Furthermore, most inks come in a medium consistency that suits beginners as well. Also, several inks serve all purposes. These links are the best because you don’t have to buy different inks for different purposes– these are far more convenient.
You also want a silky smooth flow when tattooing; it’s always the best feeling to find a formula that will flow as smooth as a baby’s bottom.
Shelf-life
The shelf-life is the life of the ink after it has been opened for the first time. The rule about shelf-life is simple. The longer the shelf-life of ink, the longer you go without buying a new one.
On average, the shelf-life on a black tattoo ink is around two years. However, make sure you check the expiration date before buying one. You should be looking for a shelf life of around 2 years so you can open it and not have to worry for months to come.
But usually, black ink will be used up fairly quickly– after all, it is the most popular ink on the market.
Packaging:
The packaging is another crucial factor to consider when buying tattoo ink. Make sure the bottle is sterilized and is sealed perfectly well.
If the seal is broken in any way, there are chances that the ink is contaminated. Furthermore, try to avoid bottles made from glass. They are prone to break and cause accidents.
Ingredients
Because tattoo ink has to go within the layer of the skin, it needs to be safe. So, the best black tattoo ink is made from organic or natural harmless ingredients.
It will be cruelty-free and free from harsh chemicals like iron and nickel. In short, you need to make sure it is safe to use and doesn’t have any adverse effects on the skin.
However, before you apply any tattoo ink, make sure the person receiving the tattoo doesn’t have any allergies. In that case, you will need to double-check our ink’s ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best black tattoo ink to use?
Out of so many black tattoo inks we have picked the following as the best ones. All of these tattoo inks are from trusted sellers who have been doing this business for a long time and have thousands of satisfied customers from all over the world.
So don’t worry about quality and performance issues.
Here are my top recommendations:
- Mom’s Black Pearl
- Millennium Mom’s Black Onyx
- Kuro Sumi Black
- Intenze Zuper Black
- Bloodline All Purpose Black Ink
Check above for my in-depth review of each.
What is the darkest black tattoo ink on the market?
Zuper Black Ink By Intenze is one of the darkest black tattoo inks available right now on the market. Black is an important element when it comes to voguish and pleasing tattoo designs and Zuper Black is the perfect solution for that. With an above 4.5 rating, Zuper Black is sterilized which means 100% safety for your skin.
Many artists including Steve Butcher, Moni Marino, Randy Engelhard, London Reese, and Mike Demasi use and recommend Intenze’s, Zuper Black. You can read our detailed review here.
However when it comes to close second it has to be Millennium Mom’s, their brand is renowned for being one of the darkest inks out there, the pigment will last for years to come (plus the life span is two and a half years)
Is there tattoo ink that stays black?
Zuper Black by Intenze & Kuro Sumi’s Black Ink is two of the long-lasting black tattoo inks respectively. Both of the inks are famous for offering rich black color for outlining, shading or filling.
Do all black ink tattoos turn green?
Not every but yes some black ink tattoos do turn green after a period of time. Now, this period of time doesn’t mean few months or even years.
Here, period of time refers to decades after which your black inked tattoos may turn blueish or have some green effect over them. This is mostly due to your skin aging up as the years pass by
How much is black tattoo ink?
On average black tattoo ink costs around $10-$50, you don’t need to pay an arm and leg for a good quality black ink, most top brands are under $30.
Summary
Now you have 8 different choices, and you are free to select any of the best black tattoo ink from the above checklist. Some of these ink is best for common tattoos, while some are best for shading and lining purposes.
So, it all depends on you, for which purpose you are buying these inks. I have selected the top black tattoo inks on the market, so instead of wasting your money and time looking for the best, it’s right here.
These tattoo inks will create the most eye-catching designs and prismatic tattoos on the market!
Choose any of the black tattoo inks I have selected for you today and boss out your next tattoo; you and your clients will love how dark and deep these black pigments are; they will be rich for years to come.
Steven Martin
Pro tattoo artist
ABOUT
Steven loved art since his early adulthood especially tattoo art. Therefore, he picked up tattooing when he was researching it on the internet. Having experience of around 3 years in the tattoo industry, Steven has a great command over bold, bright, classic, grayscale, and tribal pieces. His passion for tattoo products drove him to do tons of research, etc. so that Tattoo Inksider can offer you the best tattoo products reviews.
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