Is Jagua Legal in the US? FDA Status Explained
Is jagua FDA approved? The 2023 approval covers food color only. Here's what the FDA says about jagua, henna and PPD for skin.
JAGUAHENNA
11/9/20262 min read
Jagua has become hugely popular in the US, and so has one question: is jagua FDA approved? The honest answer has a few parts, so let's walk through what the FDA has and hasn't said.
The 2023 FDA decision: food color only
In late 2023 the FDA approved a color additive called jagua (genipin-glycine) blue, made from the juice of the unripe Genipa americana fruit. That approval, published in the Federal Register and effective in December 2023, is for coloring certain foods and drinks, like candy, ice cream and smoothies. It does not approve jagua for use on skin, and it doesn't cover temporary tattoos.
In other words, jagua body art is widely offered in the US, but the FDA has not approved jagua as a color additive for skin. We're not lawyers, so if you're asking for business reasons, check with a professional.
What about henna?
According to the FDA, henna is approved as a color additive only for use as a hair dye. It isn't approved for direct application to the skin, as in body art. Henna body art is common across the US, but it's important to know that the FDA hasn't approved that use.
Where PPD fits in
The FDA is clear on this one: PPD, a coal-tar hair-dye ingredient often found in "black henna," is not permitted in cosmetics intended for the skin. The FDA has received reports of skin injuries linked to products marketed as henna or black henna.
How to make informed choices
Ask for a full ingredient list before any session.
Avoid anything sold as "black henna" or promising instant black color.
Do a patch test 24 to 48 hours ahead.
Report any reaction to a doctor and to the FDA.
At Tattoo-Me, we use plant-based, PPD-free products and we're happy to share exactly what's in them. Regulations can change, so check FDA.gov for the latest information, and remember that "natural" doesn't mean risk-free for everyone. A careful artist will always welcome your questions.
Looking for designs to bring to your next session? Explore our henna and jagua design eBooks.
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Tattoo Me is a temporary tattoo studio in Los Angeles Ca USA, established in 2001. We specialise in plant-based jagua and henna temporary tattoos, body painting, and reusable stamps shipped across the world.
Our jagua tattoos use the Genipa Americana fruit and develop into a deep blue-black that lasts up to two weeks. Our henna uses the Lawsonia inermis plant for a warm rust that lasts about ten days. Everything is 100% natural, vegan, PPD-free and needle-free.
Services: studio jagua and henna sessions, bridal henna, body painting, and event and brand activations with travelling artists. We also sell reusable body art stamps, and our jagua and henna kits are coming soon.
Location: Los Angeles Ca USA
Phone and Texts: +1 310 272 9837.
Email: info@tattoo-me.com
Booking: available online.
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