Inkbox Vs. Henna: What’s The Difference?

Inkbox, a temporary tattoo brand, has been all the buzz in the past few years. Teenagers and adults are going wild over the incredible Inxbox tattoos, especially with the rise of TikTok trends regarding quick and easy tattoos, that requires almost no commitment.

However, despite the success and proven quality of the Inkbox product, some people still believe that these temporary tattoos are made from henna. Actually, one of the most frequent comments on the Inkbox website is ‘so, this is a henna tattoo..’.

Inkbox doesn’t make henna temporary tattoos. But, since people want an explanation on why these tattoos might resemble henna, here’s a quick look into the main differences between Inkbox and henna. So, let’s get started!

The Main Differences Between Inkbox Tattoos and Henna

1. Type

Inkbox tattoos – Inkbox temporary tattoos are considered to be semi-permanent. This means that the tattoo sinks into the epidermis of the skin, instead of just sitting on top of the skin.

Henna – henna tattoos are also considered semi-permanent. They do alter the color of the skin or even hair when henna is used as a dye.

2. Ingredients

Inkbox tattoos – Inkbox temporary tattoos are free of any toxic materials. These tattoos are made using a plant-based formula, which could explain why people think it’s henna. Nevertheless, Inkbox tattoo ingredients have been tested and approved by the FDA as non-toxic and safe for adults and children.

Henna – now, henna is a dye that is made from a plant called Lawsone inermis, also known as the henna tree, the mignonette tree, or the Egyptian privet. Real henna is made from dried plant leaves. However, the henna used for temporary tattoos contains toxic chemicals and chemical dye, which generally cause serious skin issues. Henna ingredients are not FDA approved.

3. Color (Appearance)

Inkbox tattoos – Inkbox temporary tattoos appear to be a navy blue color when first applied to the skin. After the tattoo has developed, it darkens significantly over the next 24 to 36 hours. The fully developed Inkbox tattoo is of dark blue-black colors. After a few days, the formula washes off and the tattoo starts to fade.

Henna – natural, plant-based henna is dark brown during the application, and on the skin develops into an orange color. Over the next day, the orange colors turn darker, so it becomes a mixture of red and brown. Other henna dyes, that contain toxic chemicals, tend to turn black once fully developed on the skin. That is because black henna contains dangerous chemicals like PPD, which can cause serious allergic reactions, skin burns, blistering, and scarring.

Note: PPD (or paraphenylenediamine) is a chemical used in regular hair dye in a controlled amount. The amount used to create black henna is not controlled, and it is more than allowed.

Because of this, black henna is considered dangerous and is generally imported into the country illegally. Do not buy black henna, or you could cause some serious, irreversible skin issues. Only buy henna from reputable sources, where the ingredients and the production are controlled.

4. Application Method

Inkbox tattoos – Inkbox temporary tattoos come in the Catalog form, which uses a sticky sheet with a tattoo design that is placed onto the skin. The sheets need to be dampened so that the design can transfer onto the skin and fully develop.

The other form of Inkbox tattoos is the Freehand Ink; this means that the tattoos are applied using an ink bottle. The ink bottle allows you to draw the tattoo design directly onto the skin.

Henna – Traditional henna is applied using a cone tube. The henna powder or mud is applied onto the skin using the cone tube or a henna applicator bottle. Some use henna stencils to create intricate and traditional designs. Ready-made henna comes in a cone tube, ready to be used. However, such henna almost always contains toxic chemicals and isn’t recommended for use.

5. Safety

Inkbox tattoos – ingredients used for Inkbox tattoos are completely safe and approved by the FDA. These tattoos can be even used by children. The only case where these tattoos could raise some safety concerns is when one has a skin condition or allergy that could be triggered by a temporary tattoo.

Henna – traditional, plant-based henna is considered safe (henna that is brownish/reddish color). Black henna contains chemicals like PPD, among other toxic ingredients, which can cause skin burns, blisters, swelling, scarring, etc. To avoid such harmful effects, it is recommended to only buy 100% henna powders and create a henna paste on your own.

6. Intention and Use

Inkbox tattoos – Inkbox temporary tattoos are generally used by those who would love to have a tattoo experience without the actual commitment to the tattoo. Semi-permanent tattoos last about 7 days, which is ideal to rock the ‘ink’, and see whether you’d like to go for the real thing or not. Semi-permanent tattoos simply mimic real tattoos.

Henna – traditional henna tattoos are used for traditional occasions in the Indian subcontinent. Henna is typically applied during weddings, for brides, or during specific rituals. Because actual tattoos are forbidden in some religions, people nowadays use henna to experience tattoos without offending the rules of their tradition and religion.

Final Thoughts

Before using any semi-permanent tattoo product, it is essential to do your research and get informed. People tend to throw around terms and assumptions without really knowing one or the other. Such speculations can hurt brands and pain them in a different light. For example, people claiming that Inkbox tattoos are henna could have damaged the loyalty and trust of their clients and customers.

Hopefully, this article was useful in providing information on the differences between Inkbox tattoos and henna. For more information, make sure to visit the Inkbox website, or if you have any questions, feel free to contact the company directly.

Also Read: Henna Vs. Tattoo (Process Of Creating, Duration, Pain Level, Design Possibilities, Skin Impact)

Sharing is caring!