In recent years, the most popular eyebrow enhancement technique has been Korean semi-permanent makeup. Using high-speed micro-needles on specialized equipment, plant-based pigments are precisely applied along pre-designed eyebrow and eyeliner patterns to create realistic hair-like strokes. This effect typically lasts around three years.Many women desire Korean semi-permanent brows, but recent reports from South Korea reveal that nearly half of the semi-permanent makeup dye products on the market contain excessive heavy metals.
A recent quality sampling report by the Korea Consumer Agency revealed that out of 25 semi-permanent makeup dye products (for eyebrow and eyeliner tattoos) circulating in the Korean market, 12 contained heavy metals exceeding safety standards to varying degrees. Some products had heavy metal levels up to 30 times higher than the limit, with certain Group 1 carcinogens exceeding standards by 5 times.
These were imported Korean dyes highly sought after by many consumers. The situation is even more alarming when searching Taobao.A reporter from The Beijing News randomly purchased five semi-permanent eyebrow dye products from Taobao for testing. Three of the five samples exceeded lead limits. When measured against stricter new standards soon to be implemented, four samples exceeded lead limits, with the highest sample exceeding the standard by 12 times.
It is understood that semi-permanent eyebrow tattoos involve injecting dye between the epidermis and dermis layers. Since the dye remains in the skin for an extended period, excessive heavy metals in the dye pose even greater health risks.
Therefore, individuals considering Korean-style semi-permanent eyebrow tattoos should exercise greater caution. Although national regulations currently lack explicit definitions for cosmetic tattooing, the procedure involves skin penetration and thus falls under the category of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. Studios or beauty salons lack the proper qualifications to perform such treatments. Professional medical aesthetic institutions offer greater assurance regarding the technician's skill and the origin of the tattoo pigments. Should issues arise, patients are less likely to face difficulties in seeking redress.