Frequently asked questions

Because we would rather earn recommendations than buy them. Instead of sponsorships and giveaways, we share revenue with the artists and studios whose clients choose SKINGRAPHICA, and we put our marketing behind the finest work in the world. Artists recommend us because they see the results on their clients’ skin, or they don’t recommend us at all.

Our purpose

Yes. Artists in the GRAPHICA Program share in the revenue from the SYSTEM kits their clients buy through their own code, with ranked GRAPHICA members receiving 10%. Approved studios in the Studio Partner Program share in the revenue from client orders placed through their studio code. There is nothing to stock, no fee and no exclusivity.

Artists and studios

No. What happens in the chair belongs to the artist, and we never interfere with technique, inks or process. Our formulations bookend the work, preparing skin in the 21 days before an appointment and caring for it through healing and for life after.

By anonymous inspectors, against 6 criteria. Mastery and technical ability, artistic vision and style, innovation, reputation and peer respect, industry impact and consistency and longevity. There is no way to apply and no way to buy in, and inclusion is never influenced by sponsorship, advertising, product gifting or payment of any kind.

How the rankings work

No. Followers, reach and press never count. Some of the finest artists in the world barely post, and their work deserves to be found. The inspectors judge the work on its merits alone.

Our highest recognition for a studio. Signature Studios are independently assessed on artistic excellence, technical mastery, reputation and peer standing, client care and studio standards, contribution to the craft and longevity and consistency. Certification is rarely awarded and never for sale.

Signature Studios

Long-form stories on the world’s ranked artists. We shoot each one at our own expense and support it with our homepage, social channels, press and paid media, and a story typically reaches 150,000 to 200,000 readers. Only globally ranked artists are eligible.

Featured Artists

Keep your skin well hydrated, avoid sun exposure, skip exfoliation on the area in the week before and prioritise sleep and nutrition.

PRIME is a serum formulated to prepare your skin for tattooing, used twice daily for the 21 days before your appointment.

Discover PRIME

It’s not ideal. Dry or damaged skin can affect ink application and healing. Artists may reschedule if skin isn’t in optimal condition.

Only if advised by your artist. Improper shaving can cause micro-abrasions or irritation.

No. Wait until the skin has fully recovered to prevent damage and poor ink retention.

Yes. Alcohol thins the blood and can increase bleeding during tattooing. Too much caffeine can leave you jittery and more sensitive, so keep it light on the day.

Eat a full, balanced meal before your appointment and avoid excess sugar or stimulants. Stay hydrated.

Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen, which thin the blood. Paracetamol is generally considered suitable, but check with your pharmacist or doctor first.

Staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and keeping calm can help. Your artist may also use techniques to minimise bleeding.

Light moisturising is fine, but avoid heavy creams. Your artist will prep the area properly before starting.

Light activity is okay, but avoid anything that could cause chafing or sweat irritation in the tattoo area.

The surface usually heals in 2 to 4 weeks. Your tattoo settles into its final look over 6 to 8 weeks, and deeper layers keep remodelling for 3 to 6 months.

LOCK, our Ink Grip and Recovery Complex, is designed for the 14 days of healing, from the moment your covering is removed.

Discover LOCK

Redness, swelling, light scabbing, peeling and itchiness are common. These typically settle within 1 to 2 weeks.

Usually after 1 to 3 days. Always follow your artist’s instructions.

Minor texture changes can happen during healing. It often settles with time. Persistent issues may need a professional check.

It’s best to avoid heavy sweating or stretching near the tattoo area during the first few days.

Pat it dry gently with a clean towel. Avoid soaking it or letting water pool on the area.

Gently clean it once or twice daily with lukewarm water and mild soap, then pat dry.

No. Scratching can remove scabs prematurely and damage the tattoo. Tap gently if it itches.

Look for redness, pus, pain or swelling that gets worse, or a fever. See a doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Mild symptoms are normal. If pain increases or there is spreading redness or discharge, see a doctor or pharmacist.

Never apply sunscreen to an unhealed tattoo. Wait until the skin has fully healed, usually 2 to 4 weeks after your appointment, and keep it covered and out of the sun until then.

Both UVA and UVB rays can cause fading, blurring and colour change. Protect healed tattoos every day, and use SPF50+ for long days outdoors.

Yes. Tanning accelerates ink fading and can lead to uneven skin tone and texture.

It’s essential, but combine it with clothing and shade, and use SPF50+ for long days outdoors. Fresh ink should be covered and kept out of the sun, not sunscreened, until it has healed.

Blue light, also called high-energy visible light, reaches deeper into the skin than UVB and can generate oxidative stress, which may contribute to dullness over time. The sun is by far the largest source, with screens a much smaller one. That is why SHIELD pairs broad-spectrum UV filters with antioxidants, rather than relying on SPF alone.

Yes. They may fade more slowly than colour tattoos but are still vulnerable to UV degradation.

Yes, especially in the early weeks. Loose clothing and sun barriers help preserve vibrancy.

Yes. Avoid swimming during healing. Chlorine can irritate the skin and affect healing.

Salt water can be drying and may sting during healing. Wait until the skin is fully recovered before exposure.

Yes, with care. Heat, sweat and UV can all affect healing. Keep a healing tattoo covered and out of the sun, and once it has healed use SPF50+ for long days outdoors.

Some formulas may. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic option suitable for long-term use.

Skin dryness, build-up or sun exposure can dull a tattoo. Regular skincare and sun protection help maintain vibrancy.

Yes, but only after it’s fully healed. Use gentle, non-abrasive exfoliation methods.

Hydration, sun protection and healthy skin maintenance are key. Avoid harsh treatments over tattooed areas.

Yes. Moisturised skin improves clarity and contrast. For a more noticeable refresh, LUME Tattoo Restoration Emulsion is designed to refresh the look of older ink.

Discover LUME

Yes, if fully healed. Use gentle, long-wear products and remove with care.

Use indirect lighting, moisturised skin and a high-resolution camera. Avoid flash glare.

Ink naturally disperses slightly over time. Sun damage and poor aftercare can worsen this.

Yes. LUME, our tattoo restoration emulsion, is designed to refresh the look of older tattoos, bringing back the look of definition and brightness.

Discover LUME

Daily moisturising keeps skin supple and helps a tattoo look its best. SHIELD is designed to moisturise and protect healed tattoos every day, for the long term.

Discover SHIELD

Possibly. Always inform your provider of tattoos before undergoing laser procedures.

Only after complete healing and pigment stabilisation. Wait several months and consult both your artist and doctor.

Wait 2 to 6 months after the procedure. Ensure skin is fully healed and even in tone.

Incomplete ink clearance or uneven healing can cause residual shadows or ghosting.

Yes. Both darkening and lightening can occur, particularly in darker skin types.

Focus on healing, barrier repair and avoiding sun. Give skin time to stabilise.

Only after full healing. Avoid aggressive treatments that may blur or affect ink.

It can. Laser hair removal targets pigment, and tattoo ink is pigment, so treating directly over a tattoo risks burns, blistering and changes to the ink. Most clinics will work around tattoos. Always tell your practitioner about your tattoos first.

Yes, once the skin has fully recovered. Microneedling may even improve skin texture.

Minimal with proper technique, but scarring can occur. Follow aftercare closely.

Typically 3 to 6 months, depending on the laser used and how the skin recovers.

PRIME prepares the skin for tattooing by improving hydration, barrier resilience and surface smoothness. This helps create a well-prepared canvas, supporting smooth needle glide and even ink uptake.

Apply twice daily for the 21 days before your tattoo appointment. To avoid any residue at the time of tattooing, discontinue use 12 hours before your appointment.

No. SKINGRAPHICA does not recommend numbing creams. While they may temporarily reduce sensation, they can alter skin texture and moisture balance, which may impact ink penetration, pigment distribution and your artist’s precision.

PRIME conditions the skin instead, supporting resilience without disrupting the tattoo process.

Yes. PRIME may be used to prepare skin for cosmetic tattoos. Exercise caution near the eyes and mouth, and only apply externally to the intended skin area.

Yes. PRIME is dermatologist approved, fragrance-free and formulated for sensitive, tattoo-ready skin.

LOCK cares for newly tattooed skin through the 14 days of healing. It hydrates and balances the skin, helps protect the look of the ink and keeps the skin comfortable while it heals.

Apply after your covering or second skin is removed, usually within 1 to 3 days of tattooing, as directed by your artist.

Massage a thin, even layer over the tattooed area until fully absorbed. Use 3 to 5 times daily on clean, dry skin. Do not combine with other skincare products.

Use consistently for 14 days or until the tattoo is fully recovered, whichever is longer. During this time, keep the tattoo completely out of the sun. Never apply sunscreen to an unhealed tattoo.

It can help. LOCK contains ingredients known to comfort the skin and support balanced hydration, which can ease the feeling of itch as skin renews.

Yes. LOCK may be used on cosmetic tattoos, including brows and lips, once the protective dressing is removed. Apply with care to the tattooed area, ensuring it is not ingested and does not enter the eyes or inside the mouth.

UV rays, blue light and environmental stressors are leading causes of tattoo fade and blur. SHIELD provides daily SPF15 defence for healed tattoos while keeping skin comfortable and hydrated. For long days outdoors, use SPF50+.

Blue light can contribute to oxidative stress in the skin, which is linked to visible ageing and may make a tattoo look duller over time. The sun is by far the largest source, with phones and laptops a much smaller one. SHIELD combines photostable UV filters with antioxidants to help defend against both UV and blue light.

Apply generously to clean, dry skin each morning. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors, swimming or sweating, and use SPF50+ for long days outdoors.

Only begin using SHIELD once your tattoo’s recovery phase is complete, after approximately 14 days with LOCK or once the skin has fully healed.

No. SHIELD uses organic UV filters, which do not leave the white cast associated with mineral sunscreens.

Yes. SHIELD may be used on cosmetic tattoos, including brows and lips. Apply with care to the area, ensuring it is not ingested and does not enter the eyes or inside the mouth.

LUME is designed to refresh the appearance of aged or dulled tattoos. Light-diffusing agents create an instant look of vibrancy, while gentle actives support gradual refinement of skin texture over time.

LUME works best on tattoos that are 3 years or older. Older tattoos often lose surface vibrancy and definition, making them the most responsive to LUME’s renewing effects.

Not exactly. Different pigments respond differently over time.

• Black and grey. Respond the most, looking bolder and more defined.
• Dark blues and greens. Often show noticeable clarity and vibrancy.
• Browns and reds. Can look moderately refreshed, but usually less than black or grey.
• Yellows, oranges and pinks. These lighter pigments tend to fade faster, so improvements may be more subtle.
• Purple. One of the least responsive, with smaller visible changes.
• White. Fades the fastest and is often difficult to refresh once dulled.

It comes down to pigment science. Darker inks (such as black and blue) are naturally more stable and reflect light in a way that makes them easier to refresh visually. Lighter tones (such as yellow or white) break down faster in the skin, so their improvement tends to be more limited.

For settled tattoos (at least 8 weeks old), apply a thin, even layer to clean, dry skin. Massage gently until absorbed.

Apply twice daily for at least 10 days to see a visible refresh. To keep ink looking fresh, continue using LUME twice a week and pair with SHIELD daily.

Some customers notice enhanced vibrancy from the first application. With consistent use, improvements in definition and luminosity may be observed within 10 days.

Individual results may vary.

We recommend taking a clear photo of your tattoo on Day 0 (before you start using LUME) and another on Day 10.

For the most accurate comparison, ensure both photos are taken with your tattoo in the same position, under the same lighting conditions, ideally in the same place and at the same time of day.

This consistency makes any change in the look of vibrancy and clarity easier to see.

Yes. LUME may be applied to cosmetic tattoos once fully settled. Use caution near the eye and lip areas, applying only externally and with care.

No. LUME is Ink-Safe™ and works on the surrounding skin surface, not the pigment itself.

Yes. Each product is designed for a specific stage, whether preparation, healing, protection or restoration. This targeted approach gives your skin the right support at the right time, for the long-term clarity of your ink.

Through a hybrid process. Our biochemists and dermatologists work alongside data-led analysis that connects tattoo and dermatological research, mapping ingredient interactions, skin needs and performance. Every formula is then independently tested by laboratories in Australia and the UK.

The Science Advantage

Our formulations are developed not to interfere with pigment take-up, retention or clarity. They avoid ingredients known to blur, fade or disrupt fresh or healed tattoos, and every formula is assessed for compatibility with leading professional ink systems.

Products undergo dermatologist-supervised testing, Human Repeat Insult Patch Testing (HRIPT), in-vitro toxicological analysis, stability testing, preservative efficacy testing (PET), microbiological evaluation and real-world consumer use trials across a wide range of skin tones. All testing is conducted in accordance with applicable cosmetic safety and regulatory standards in Australia, the EU and the United States (FDA).

Our products are not tested on animals.

No. Our products are cosmetic in nature and designed to support skin health, not treat or cure medical conditions.

We exclude fragrance, essential oils, drying alcohols such as ethanol, parabens, sulphates and common allergens. We also avoid any actives that may irritate healing skin.

Yes. Our formulas are dermatologist approved and clinically proven to be well tolerated, including on sensitive skin.

Yes. While designed specifically for tattooed skin, our formulations are high-quality, barrier-supporting and suitable for general skin use.

All of our products are formulated and made in Australia, in ISO 22716 certified, GMP-compliant facilities.

All SKINGRAPHICA formulations are designed without animal-derived ingredients. Our squalane is plant-based, our ceramides are synthetic and we do not use lanolin, beeswax or other animal products. We also do not test on animals.

Yes. Every formula is fragrance-free, to reduce the risk of irritation or sensitisation.

Yes. Our packaging is recyclable, responsibly sourced and designed to minimise waste.

Yes. We use recyclable boxes, biodegradable fillers and low-impact packaging wherever possible.

Yes. We work only with suppliers and labs that meet strict ethical sourcing and production standards.

We deliver to 23 countries, all shipped directly from Australia.

• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Canada
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Hong Kong
• Ireland
• Japan
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• United Kingdom
• United States

We do not currently deliver to Italy or Spain.

Yes. SKINGRAPHICA offers complimentary shipping on all Australian and U.S. orders.

Everywhere else we deliver, shipping is complimentary once your order reaches the local threshold. LUME on its own, any SYSTEM or any 2 products will reach it, and your bag shows how close you are.

Customs duties are covered by us on every international order. Australian prices include GST. Elsewhere, local taxes such as VAT are added where they apply and shown at checkout before you confirm your order.

All orders are shipped directly from Australia. This allows for

• Strict storage and handling controls to preserve product integrity.
  
• No tariff cost for U.S. customers, as we cover U.S. tariffs in full.
  
• End-to-end quality control, from manufacture through to dispatch.
  
• Consistent global fulfilment standards across all destinations.

Australian orders are treated in the same way as international orders, with the added benefit of slightly faster delivery due to local distribution.

All Australian orders include complimentary shipping, regardless of order value.

All orders ship directly from Australia with duties prepaid, which helps your parcel clear customs quickly and keeps delays to a minimum.

Typical standard delivery timeframes from Australia (guides only)

• Australia. Express, next business day for weekday orders
  
• United States. 3 to 5 business days
  
• United Kingdom. 5 to 7 business days
  
• Europe, excluding Italy and Spain. 5 to 7 business days
  
• Japan. 5 to 7 business days
  
• South Korea. 5 to 7 business days
  

Delivery times may vary depending on destination, customs processing and local carriers.

Yes. Once your order has shipped, you’ll receive an email with tracking details so you can monitor your delivery in real time.

If your order is delayed beyond the estimated delivery time, or appears to be lost in transit, please contact the SKINGRAPHICA Concierge Team. We will work directly with our logistics partners to resolve the issue promptly.

If your order hasn’t yet shipped, the Concierge Team will do their best to update the address. Please contact them as soon as possible to request changes. Once shipped, delivery changes must be handled directly with the courier.

Yes. If a product arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, contact the Concierge Team and we will replace it or refund you in full, whether or not it has been opened.

You can also return a product if you change your mind, provided it is unopened with its hygiene seal intact and you contact us within 30 days of delivery. We send you a prepaid return label and refund the product price, including any GST or VAT paid on it, within 14 days of receiving it. The original delivery charge is not refunded for change of mind returns.

Our Refund policy has the full details.

Yes. Customers in the EU and the UK can withdraw from their purchase within 14 days of receiving it, without giving a reason. Because our products are sealed for hygiene and health protection, the right applies to every product whose seal is intact.

We send you a prepaid return label and refund the products, the import VAT and duties collected at checkout and the standard delivery charge. Our EU and UK Right of Withdrawal notice explains how to withdraw.

We do not currently deliver to Italy or Spain.

Customs duties are on us, everywhere we ship. In Australia, GST is included in the price. Elsewhere, local taxes are added where they apply.

CUSTOMS DUTIES AND FEES
We cover all customs duties and import fees for every country we ship to.

• Austria
• Belgium
• Canada
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Hong Kong
• Ireland
• Japan
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• United Kingdom
• United States

TARIFFS
We also cover all tariffs for the United States.

LOCAL TAXES
Australian prices include GST, so nothing is added at checkout. In other countries, local taxes such as VAT or sales tax are added as appropriate. Where they are collected at checkout, you will see them before you confirm your order. The payment of local taxes is the responsibility of the customer.

In Australia, GST is included in every price, so nothing is added at checkout. In other countries, SKINGRAPHICA collects sales tax and VAT when required by law in the purchaser’s country, calculated and shown during checkout.

As a thank you for the support of our U.S. customers, we pay the full cost of U.S. tariffs on every order. After the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in February 2026, President Trump introduced a temporary 10% global tariff. Since 24 July 2026 it has been replaced by a Section 301 tariff of 12.5% on most Australian goods, and the U.S. de minimis exemption remains suspended, so even small parcels attract duty. We absorb all of it. No tariffs or duties are added to U.S. orders at checkout.

Together with complimentary shipping on every U.S. order, regardless of value, this means the price you see is the price you pay, before any state sales tax.

Australian prices include GST.

The price you see is the price you pay. Nothing is added at checkout, and your order confirmation shows the GST included in the total.

As an Australian-owned brand fulfilling every domestic order from Australia, we carry no international customs fees or cross-border overheads on local orders, and our Australian pricing reflects that. SKINGRAPHICA will always be most accessible in its own backyard.

At checkout, you’ll see a clear breakdown of your order. Customs duties and, for the U.S., tariffs are covered by us, and shipping is complimentary on Australian and U.S. orders and on qualifying orders elsewhere. Australian prices include GST, so nothing is added. The only other amount you may see is local tax such as VAT or sales tax outside Australia, and it is always shown before you confirm your order.