India, March 29 -- When cricketer Virat Kohli debuted his latest tattoo, the spotlight quickly shifted from the design to one label, 'vegan ink'. It sounded like a new-age upgrade, but here's the twist: chances are, your tattoos are vegan, too! Earlier, tattoo inks often contained animal-derived ingredients such as glycerin from animal fats, gelatin and even bone char for black pigments. Today, that has largely changed. Most inks used in India are imported from the US, where vegan-certified formulations have become the norm. This means animal-based ingredients have been replaced with plant-based or synthetic alternatives, without affecting the colour, quality or longevity of the tattoo. While many studios are now switching to plant-based alternatives, awareness remains low. Pranav Pawar of Seven Tattoos and Art Studio says, "Clients often assume their tattoo is fully vegan when only the ink meets the criteria. But the real gap lies in the other materials used, like ointments and aftercare products, where vegan alternatives are still catching up." George, founder of vegan tattoo studio Ahimsa Tattoo, echoes the same. "For many artists who are vegan themselves, this is about maintaining consistency in both personal values and professional practice," he adds, pointing to elements like tracing sheets, razors, soaps and aftercare products. Historically, these could contain ingredients such as lanolin (from sheep's fat), gelatin or petroleum-based compounds. For many, it's less about trend and more about awareness. Latika Karpe from Mumbai recalls discovering the concept and realising that tattooing, like food, could align with personal values: "I didn't know the tattoo process could contain animal products. Once I understood that, it changed how I approached getting tattooed." Her experience at a vegan-conscious studio was slower, more collaborative and transparent, with artists explaining ingredients and techniques before starting. "The artists took time to explain their approach, sharing ingredient lists and their larger mission. It felt less like a transaction and more like an intentional experience," she adds....