Product Safety

Are Temporary Tattoos Safe? Here's How MotivInk Protects Your Skin

Cosmetic-Grade Materials & Dye Safety


FDA-Certified Colorants (Ingredients, Not Finished Tattoos)
We manufacture our temporary tattoos in the USA using cosmetic-grade materials only. Colorants are FDA-certified for cosmetic use, and ingredients are selected to meet applicable safety requirements. (Note: the FDA regulates cosmetic colorants and ingredients, not the finished “temporary tattoo” as a product category.)

Independent Lab Verification

ISO/IEC 17025–Accredited Third-Party Testing

Our products are tested by ISO/IEC 17025–accredited labs on a defined schedule (including annual compliance testing) against U.S., Canadian, and EU requirements.

Built-In Wearability: Waterproof, Sweatproof, Skin-Friendly

Patch-Test Guidance for Sensitive Skin
Our tattoos are designed to move with you; workouts, showers, and daily life. If you have sensitive skin, perform a small patch test and discontinue use if irritation occurs.


Our Testing & Compliance Standards

Regulatory Reference Snapshot (U.S./EU/CA)

U.S.: Color additives & cosmetic requirements (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), children’s product/chemical limits incl. heavy metals & phthalates (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission), California Proposition 65 (California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)).
EU: Cosmetic product safety assessment + REACH-related screening (European Union).
Canada: Health Canada cosmetic notifications for these formulations are maintained by TMI. 
Voluntary standards: relevant methods from ASTM International and International Organization for Standardization (ISO); plus microbiological quality methods (e.g., USP <51>, <61>, <62>). 
Lab verification: ISO/IEC 17025–accredited third-party testing.


Facility & Social Responsibility Audits

cGMP Operations & SMETA 4-Pillar
Our facilities operate under Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and undergo annual third-party social-compliance audits aligned with the SMETA 4-Pillar methodology.

How to Choose a Safe Temporary Tattoo

Non-Toxic Label & Ingredient Transparency

Look for products labeled “non-toxic,” especially for children, and choose brands that disclose ingredients and can share safety documentation.

FDA-Certified Colorants

Confirm that dyes are FDA-certified cosmetic colorants and comply with applicable safety requirements. Not all colorants on the market are suitable for skin—stick with approved cosmetic colorants.

Reputable Manufacturing & Proof on Request

Select companies that can provide test reports, certifications, or safety summaries on request. MotivInk maintains documentation for retailers and customers.

Types of Temporary Tattoos & Warnings


Water-Transfer (Decal) Tattoos

The most widely used format. An image on water-permeable paper transfers to skin with a little water.


How to Apply & Remove Safely

Apply to clean, dry skin; press with water for 10–30 seconds; peel and pat dry. Remove gently with makeup remover, baby oil, or rubbing alcohol. Avoid products that don’t list ingredients or safety details.

Airbrush Tattoos

Applied by an artist using a stencil and cosmetic, alcohol-based inks.

Ask About Cosmetic-Grade, Skin-Safe Inks
Before application, confirm the inks are cosmetic-grade and approved for skin. Removal is simple with makeup remover, baby oil, or rubbing alcohol.

Henna vs. “Black Henna”

Traditional plant-based henna stains skin reddish-orange to brown and may last a couple of weeks; it doesn’t mimic the look of a real tattoo.

Important Warning About “Black Henna”
Avoid “black henna” mixtures, which may contain additives linked to serious reactions. This warning does not apply to water-transfer decals that simply feature henna-style artwork.

Why Choose MotivInk


Made in the USA with Verified Ingredients

We produce in the United States using FDA-certified cosmetic colorants and materials vetted for safety.

Tested, Trusted, Transparent

Independent ISO/IEC 17025 testing, cGMP operations, and SMETA 4-Pillar audits reflect our commitment to product safety and responsible manufacturing.

Realistic Look, Reliable Wear

We focus on water-transfer decals because they deliver a realistic effect, easy application/removal, and dependable wear for adults and children.


Safety FAQs


Are MotivInk tattoos safe for sensitive skin?

Yes. They’re made with cosmetic-grade materials and FDA-certified colorants. If you’re very sensitive, do a quick patch test and discontinue if irritation occurs. For external use only. Do not use on broken or near eyes/lips. Adult supervision recommended for children. Not for children under 3 years. Discontinue if irritation occurs.

Do you use FDA-approved inks?

The FDA regulates cosmetic colorants and ingredients, not finished “temporary tattoos.” We use FDA-certified cosmetic colorants and test with ISO/IEC 17025 labs.

Are your tattoos non-toxic and safe for kids?

Yes, when used as directed on healthy, intact skin. Our materials are non-toxic and evaluated against relevant U.S., Canadian, and EU standards.

Do MotivInk tattoos comply with Prop 65/CPSC/ASTM?

Yes. We screen for Prop 65 substances, test to CPSC limits (e.g., heavy metals/phthalates), and follow applicable ASTM/ISO practices.

Can I wear them while swimming or working out?

Yep. They’re waterproof and sweatproof. Longevity varies by placement, skin type, and friction.

How do I remove them without irritating my skin?

Use makeup remover, baby oil, or rubbing alcohol; no heavy scrubbing needed.

Documentation & Certifications (Available on Request)

What We Can Provide
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) & Certificates
• ISO/IEC 17025 test reports (U.S., Canada, EU)
• cGMP and SMETA 4-Pillar audit confirmations
• Ingredient and colorant compliance statements (FDA, CPSC, Prop 65)
• Registration/notification documentation where applicable