Saline Tattoo Removal with Botched Ink®
Quick Summary
Botched Ink® saline tattoo removal is a gentle, non-laser way to lift unwanted pigment safely. Our skin-friendly, single-use sachet formula removes cosmetic tattoos effectively while protecting skin health, trusted worldwide by PMU artists and clients.
TL;DR: Saline tattoo removal is a gentle, non-laser method that lifts unwanted pigment out of the skin as it heals, ideal for brows, eyeliner, and permanent makeup corrections. Botched Ink® is the trusted professional system for this technique: a pH-balanced, mineral-rich saline solution supplied in single-use sachets for maximum hygiene and potency. Our one-pass method removes pigment effectively while protecting skin health, no acids, no harsh scabbing, and minimal irritation. With training, ingredients, and support all developed by the original brand, Botched Ink® sets the standard for safe, predictable, and skin-friendly saline tattoo removal worldwide.
Written by Lisa Henning, founder of Botched Ink® | Updated October 2025
What Is Saline Tattoo Removal?
Saline tattoo removal is a non-laser method that uses a salt-based solution to lift pigment out of the skin. The solution is gently implanted into the tattooed area, creating a controlled wound. As the skin heals and forms a light scab, pigment particles are naturally drawn up and out of the skin, gradually lightening the tattoo over a series of sessions.
How Does Saline Tattoo Removal Work?
When the saline solution is deposited into the skin, it binds with the tattoo pigment. During the natural healing process, the body pushes the pigment toward the surface as part of scab formation. Once the scab sheds, small amounts of pigment are removed each time, resulting in a lighter, more refined result over several treatments.
What Is Botched Ink®?
Botched Ink® was launched to the PMU industry in January 2019 and has become one of the world’s most trusted saline tattoo removal solutions for permanent makeup and microblading.
If you’ve ever heard that saline removal is harsh or painful, check which brand was used, it’s unlikely to have been Botched Ink®.
Read the Story of Botched Ink® ➔
We developed Botched Ink® to be the most gentle, potent, and effective saline removal solution available, definitely not your average salt-and-saline mix, and not a generic removal training either.
Our formula dries the skin gently within an hour, with minimal inflammation or irritation. That’s what makes Botched Ink® different. Just check the ingredients and you’ll see the care that’s gone into every single single-use sachet.
How Botched Ink® Compares with Li-FT
As Botched Ink® is one of the two most widely known saline tattoo removal products, this is one of our most asked questions — and it deserves its own page.
Botched Ink® Vs LiFT a Scientific Comparison ➔
Jump to: Botched Ink® Ingredients ➔
The Botched Ink® Difference
Faithful to Education & High Standards
Many saline removal solutions are easy to buy online and completely unrestricted, but without proper training, this can lead to poor standards, unpredictable results, and unsafe treatments.
Saline tattoo removal is not a quick fix; it’s a correction procedure that requires professional skill, clinical understanding, and a deep sense of responsibility to every client.
Professional Training & Support ➔
How Does Botched Ink® Work?
Botched Ink® saline tattoo removal uses a gentle, non-acid, salt-based solution with a natural pH of 5.5, the same as healthy skin. There’s no vitamin E oil or orange seed extract involved, and no damage to eyebrow hair or follicles. In fact, brows often look healthier as the skin heals.
Botched Ink® is particularly effective for removing brow tattoos done with micropigmentation techniques. A consultation is always recommended to assess pigment depth, colour, and skin condition for the best results.
Gentle, Non-Laser Tattoo Removal
Even though this is a tattoo removal procedure, it’s not the literal effect of “rubbing salt in the wound.”
Botched Ink® has been designed for a gentle one-pass implant method, followed by plenty of soaking. When clients follow simple healing and aftercare advice, and the skin is allowed to fully heal between sessions, there’s no risk of permanent scarring.
Botched Ink® is suitable for all skin types and tones, including sensitive skin.
Comfort During Treatment
Numbing cream is applied before treatment, and clear aftercare instructions are provided.
The ingredients in Botched Ink® non-laser tattoo removal are formulated to cause only a mild, short-lived sting, with no lingering burn or discomfort after treatment.
How Botched Ink® Penetrates Deeper Than the Needle
Thanks to its specialised formulation, the saline removal solution is drawn deeper into the skin than the needle itself. Technicians don’t need to over-work or damage the skin to achieve lightening or removal, the ingredients naturally enhance this absorption process.
Aloe Vera for Healing and Osmosis Support
Botched Ink® contains a high concentration of aloe vera, valued for its healing and osmotic properties. This helps the treated skin heal quickly, supporting pigment lift and reducing inflammation. In some cases, the skin even looks improved during healing.
Controlled, Pinpoint Bleeding Supports Pigment Lift
It may sound surprising, but the ingredients in Botched Ink® saline removal encourage light, pinpoint bleeding. This controlled bleeding adds to the osmotic process, helping the body flush pigment from deeper layers of skin.
As the area heals, the lifted pigment forms a scab that naturally falls away, meaning pigment has been successfully removed.
Vascular Constrictors for Quick Clotting
Certain ingredients act as vascular constrictors, helping the blood to clot quickly and keeping the treated area clean. This reduces mess and contamination risk while allowing the skin to dry rapidly and begin healing.
Dries the Treated Skin Within an Hour
Because Botched Ink® tightens blood vessels and dries the area quickly, the body’s aggressive healing response never over-reacts. The result: no thick scabs, minimal inflammation, minimal irritation, and minimal infection risk.
The skin heals easily, and within just a few days, the light scab flakes off, even on sensitive skin.
Skin-Friendly pH 5.5
Botched Ink® is gentle because its pH closely matches the skin’s natural balance (between 4.5 and 5.75). This slightly acidic level means the treatment gives only a mild, brief sting, one reason Botched Ink® stands out among saline tattoo removal solutions.
Saline Tattoo Removal FAQs
Does saline tattoo removal hurt?
Most clients describe Botched Ink® saline tattoo removal as mildly uncomfortable but very tolerable. Numbing cream is used before treatment, and any stinging fades within seconds. The pH of Botched Ink® (5.5) closely matches healthy skin, which helps avoid the burning or prolonged irritation some other solutions can cause.
Does saline tattoo removal damage eyebrow hair?
No. Botched Ink® does not damage eyebrow hair or follicles. In fact, brows often look healthier after healing because the treatment supports normal skin renewal. The solution’s non-acidic, skin-friendly formula helps maintain the integrity of delicate brow skin and hair.
How many saline tattoo removal sessions are needed?
The number of sessions varies depending on pigment depth, density, and colour. Most clients see noticeable lightening after 1–3 sessions, though full removal can take more. A consultation helps determine the best plan based on your skin type and tattoo history.
Can saline tattoo removal cause scarring?
Not when performed correctly. Botched Ink® uses a gentle one-pass method designed to protect the skin’s structure. When aftercare instructions are followed and sessions are spaced properly, there’s minimal inflammation, no thick scabbing, and virtually no risk of scarring.
Is saline tattoo removal safe for all skin types?
Yes. Botched Ink® is suitable for all skin tones and types, including sensitive skin. The aloe vera and mineral-rich formula promotes balanced healing without harsh chemical reactions, making it safe for brows, eyeliner, and other permanent makeup corrections.
Can saline tattoo removal be done on fresh tattoos?
Yes, in specific cases. Emergency saline removal can be performed within 48 hours of a new tattoo or permanent makeup procedure to lift out unwanted pigment before it sets. Timing and skin condition are critical, so a professional consultation is always required.
Removal of Fresh Microblading ➔
Botched Ink® Ingredients
Available only to approved technicians who have completed Botched Ink training ➔
Why Ingredients Matter
Ingredients vary widely between non-laser tattoo removal brands, and they matter more than most people realise. The formula determines how the treatment feels on the skin, how it heals, and how consistent the results are.
Think of Botched Ink® as an advanced skin needling serum that happens to remove pigment. It gently dries out the area containing pigment, without triggering inflammation or irritation, that’s what makes our saline tattoo removal solution so unique.
Botched Ink® is suitable for all skin types and colours.
By openly listing our ingredients and explaining why they’re used, our formula remains fully protected by Copyright Law.
Botched Ink® Saline Removal Solution ➔
⭐️ Star ingredients: Along with our specialised packaging, these make Botched Ink® truly exclusive.
Botched Ink® Saline Tattoo Removal Solution
Purified Water (Aqua)
Purified water has been completely filtered to remove contaminants and chemicals, ensuring Botched Ink® is clean, consistent, and safe for use on delicate skin.
Dead Sea Salt (Sodium Chloride) ⭐️
Sodium chloride (salt) is the foundation of saline tattoo removal, used for its natural ability to draw moisture from cells through osmosis. As the skin heals, this gentle drying effect helps lift pigment out of the skin.
What makes Botched Ink® different is our use of Dead Sea Salt — the only saline removal solution to use it. This particular salt is less harsh on sensitive skin and rich in minerals that actively support skin healing.
The Dead Sea contains around 33% minerals (compared to just 3% in typical ocean salt). These include:
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Bromide: Anti-inflammatory, calming, natural antibiotic properties
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Magnesium: Boosts cellular metabolism, helps reduce allergic response
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Calcium: Soothes, strengthens cell membranes, and cleanses pores
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Potassium: Balances cell hydration and nutrient exchange
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Sodium Chloride: Hydrates and detoxifies, improving permeability
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Zinc: Encourages collagen and elastin renewal; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Glycerin (Glycerin)
A natural humectant derived from vegetable oils, ours is sourced from rapeseed oil. Glycerin helps draw moisture into the skin and improves penetration of the active ingredients. It’s one of the reasons Botched Ink® feels smooth to apply and gentle on healing skin.
Aloe Vera Powder 200:1 (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder) ⭐️
Aloe vera is prized for its transdermal and healing abilities. It helps the Botched Ink® saline removal solution soak deeper into the skin, while calming inflammation and speeding up repair.
Each powder concentration (200:1) equals around 20% aloe vera gel when rehydrated. Its 200+ active compounds provide anti-itch, cooling, antibacterial, antioxidant, and moisturising benefits.
Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin (Branded as Mikrokill COS)
This is our broad-spectrum preservative system, approved in both Europe and the USA. It’s non-paraben, low odour, and effective against bacteria, yeast, and mould. Botched Ink® uses Mikrokill COS to ensure long-term product stability and safety.
Corn Starch (Zea Mays) ⭐️
A natural starch that helps stop bleeding quickly by supporting clot formation. Corn starch also has drying and oil-absorbing properties, helping keep the treated area clean and dry. It’s gluten-free and doubles as a natural thickener and absorbent in skincare.
In Botched Ink®, corn starch aids clotting and absorbs fluids during and after treatment.
Aluminium Sulphate (Aluminium Sulphate) ⭐️
An inorganic compound used as a styptic, a substance that stops minor bleeding. It works by constricting blood vessels, helping the skin form a clean, dry clot. In skincare, aluminium sulphate is known as an astringent and deodorant.
Botched Ink® uses it to reduce bleeding and speed up recovery during saline tattoo removal treatments.
Xanthan Gum (Xanthan Gum)
A natural polysaccharide used as a thickener and stabiliser, preventing separation of ingredients. It’s produced through fermentation and widely used in food and skincare. Botched Ink® includes xanthan gum to keep the solution consistent and easy to work with.
Sodium Hydroxide (Sodium Hydroxide)
A pH adjuster that ensures the final formula is kind to the skin. Botched Ink® uses just enough sodium hydroxide to balance the pH of the solution, creating a product that’s both gentle and stable.
Protecting the Formula
Remanufacturing of Botched Ink® Solution
The Botched Ink® non-laser tattoo removal formula is fully protected and cannot be re-manufactured or altered. Any unauthorised use will be treated as unapproved licensing or re-branding, subject to a fee of up to £1,000,000. Invoices for unauthorised use will be issued and pursued.
Licensing and Rebranding Opportunities
Approved licensing and rebranding options are available for qualified partners.
Botched Ink® Packaging
Why Saline Solutions in Sachets Beat Bottles
Maximum potency, every treatment. Our packaging plays a vital role in achieving the best tattoo pigment removal results.
Botched Ink® is the only non-laser tattoo removal solution supplied in single-use sachets, not bottles. Each sachet ensures:
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Fresh, potent solution for every session — no degradation or drying out
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Ultimate hygiene — no cross-contamination between clients
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Consistent results — each 2 ml sachet treats one full set of brows
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Cost-effective, with zero product waste
Botched Ink® PMU Removal Solution ➔
Freshness & Potency Every Session
Each pack contains 10 × 2 ml single-use sachets. We believe this is a first in the saline tattoo removal industry.
During treatment, the solution is gently inserted into the skin to lift pigment through osmosis and pigment flotation, a natural process that helps the body push pigment particles to the surface for safe removal.
While laser tattoo removal works by shattering pigment with light energy, saline removal can often perform better for cosmetic tattoo pigments that don’t respond well to lasers especially those that shift colour instead of lightening.
Problems with Bottled Saline Removal Solutions
Most PMU removal solutions come in bottles with a short shelf life, often just 3–6 months after opening.
When ingredients such as aloe vera start to degrade, the formula becomes less effective and harder to implant into the skin.
Re-using old product or a half-empty bottle can compromise results, especially in emergency removal cases where visible lifting after the first session matters.
Botched Ink® avoids these issues entirely:
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No refrigeration needed
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Each sachet sealed for freshness
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Clearly marked best before date, two years after manufacture
The Botched Ink® Method: One-Pass Application
Botched Ink® is designed for cosmetic tattoo and permanent makeup correction. It’s infused into the skin using a tattoo machine or manual tool with a gentle one-pass technique.
How to perform the Botched Ink® one-pass method:
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Use a 5-round liner needle, held at 90 degrees.
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Work in 1 cm sections with a short, tight, 3-point stretch.
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Needle, soak, blot, and re-soak using a dry cotton pad.
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Reapply the soak at least five times per brow.
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Clients may feel a mild sting near the end, this signals full dermal absorption.
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Stop soaking when all secretions cease; the skin will already be drying.
This approach is simple, gentle, and effective, both during and after treatment.
Botched Ink® Training Options ➔
Emergency Saline Removal
Removing Fresh Mistakes & Old Healed Work
For recent PMU errors or unwanted pigment, Botched Ink® saline solution can act fast. Emergency saline removal within the first 48 hours can lift fresh pigment before it sets.
It’s equally effective for old or fully healed work, where precision and care are essential to make space for beautiful new brows.
Full removal isn’t always guaranteed, but multiple sessions can significantly lighten or clear pigment depending on skin response and tattoo depth.
Emergency Microblading Removal ➔
Saline vs Laser Removal: What to Expect
Neither method can guarantee total removal. Laser shatters ink particles, while saline draws them out gradually through the skin’s natural healing.
The number of sessions depends on pigment type, skin tone, and goals, but Botched Ink® stands out as an advanced, skin-friendly alternative to traditional saline or laser methods.
Whether you need an emergency correction, a permanent makeup fix, or to maintain natural-looking brows, Botched Ink® is the dependable choice for both technicians and clients.
Healing & Aftercare with Botched Ink®
Faster Drying, Gentler Healing
Thanks to our gentle one-pass method and advanced saline formula, clients don’t experience the thick, sticky scabs typical of older saline methods.
The temporary wound dries rapidly, even on delicate skin, reducing the risk of infection. A Botched Ink® scab is thin and dry, some clients think they haven’t scabbed at all! But if they felt that mild sting during treatment, the skin was full of Botched Ink®, and pigment removal is already in motion.
As the thin scab flakes away naturally, the area lightens without irritation or damage, a hallmark of true gentle saline tattoo removal.
Botched Ink® Healing & Aftercare Advice ➔
Where to Go From Here
If you’ve read this far, you already understand what sets Botched Ink® apart, gentle, effective removal designed for both results and skin health.
For Clients:
Ready to lighten or remove unwanted brows? Find your nearest Botched Ink® technician.
For professionals: Thinking of offering saline tattoo removal in your clinic? Enrol in our online course or in-person model class and learn directly from the brand that built the standard.
Saline Tattoo Removal Training ➔
Botched Ink® is more than a solution in a sachet, it’s a complete system built on education, safety, and trust. Whether you’re a client or a technician, you’ll have guidance every step of the way.
Thank you for reading!
Lisa Henning 🧡
Owner and developer of Botched Ink®
