Tattoo Removal Cream: The Future of Tattoo Removal?

Back in 2015, a PHD student at Dalhousie in Halifax named Alec Falkenham believes that he may have come up with an easy and painless way to remove tattoos – through a cream treatment. While many tattoo removal creams are already being sold on the market at your local drugstore, we have see that the results are generally not what’s advertised.

In 2016, Alec Falkenham licensed the tattoo removal cream for development to Cipher Pharmaceuticals. The product is still in development today. According to Cipher Pharmaceutical’s Product Pipeline, the tattoo removal cream is still in the “Pre-Clinical” stage.

How Does it work?

Falkenham noted that this cream works by targeting cells in the body and virtually killing the cells that hold the pigment that form the tattoo. The colouring in a tattoo works by cells called microphages being effected by the tattoo ink, leaving a permanent pigmentation.

The PHD student notes that by penetrating the skin, his cream is meant to counteract the reaction of the microphages, thus fading the tattoo. In addition, as it penetrates the skin, he claims that this will not cause any long-term skin damage.

Does it work?

Today, there is still little is known about the treatment other than what is noted on Cipher Pharmaceuticals website. Falkenham also noted that this treatment is best reserved for darker-pigmentation tattoos and those over two years old. 

Alternative to Laser?

Thus far there has been no indication that a tattoo removal cream will be as effective or have the same long lasting effects as laser removal treatment. Without further information we cannot at this point say if this would be a safe, healthy or effective alternative to laser treatments as long-term effects and evidence has not yet been produced.

We like to stay on top of new research, and reach out to our clients to answer any questions that they might have with regards to this new treatment. Please don’t hesitate to ask us when you come in for your laser removal consultation.