Cool chemistry trick allows new tattoos to 'turn on and off' - Live Science
Researchers have developed 'PhotoTat,' a new type of tattoo ink that can be toggled on or off using specific wavelengths of light. The ink uses photochromic dyes encapsulated in medical-grade nanoparticles, offering potential applications in both fashion and medicine.
Why it matters
This technology could revolutionize the tattoo industry by providing a non-permanent alternative to traditional ink, while also offering practical medical uses.
Researchers created multicolored tattoo inks that are activated by different wavelengths of light, allowing people to hide their tattoos in different scenarios.
By Kenna Hughes-Castleberry Edited by Tia Ghose , Laura Mondrag n Published 9 October 2026 In News 5 min read When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works .
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The new tattoo ink is activated under UV light.
Researchers have developed a new type of tattoo ink that can be switched on and off with light, allowing colors and images embedded in the skin to be changed and even "erased" without having to go through the painful tattoo-removal process .
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