Complete guide: Intenze Gen Z Formula 23 Original 30ml
Intenze Gen Z Formula 23 Original 30ml is the reformulated, REACH-compliant version of the famous Intenze Formula 23 black ink — one of the most widely used all-purpose blacks in tattooing, prized for its fluidity and balance between lining and shading. It is aimed at tattoo artists who want a single versatile black ink capable of working for both outlining and shading. The Gen Z formula preserves the classic behavior of Formula 23 but uses CTL pigments compliant with EU REACH regulations and is 100% vegan and not tested on animals.
How to use
- Check the bottle before use: the safety cap must be intact and the label with batch number and expiration date legible.
- Gently shake the bottle before opening to homogenize any pigment that may have settled at the bottom.
- Pour only the necessary amount into disposable cups with clean hands or gloves — never insert the needle directly into the original bottle.
- For lining, use the ink from the cup as is for a dense and continuous black.
- For shading, work progressively with your usual gradient technique — the formula's fluidity helps create smooth transitions to gray.
- Recharge the needle from the cup, not from the bottle, to keep the remaining ink safe from direct contact.
- Finally, close the bottle tightly with the safety cap and wipe the exterior if it has gotten dirty.
- Store the bottle closed, away from direct light and extreme temperatures, between sessions.
Tips from us
- Never reintroduce leftover ink from the cup back into the bottle — you risk contaminating the entire stock.
- Shake the bottle briefly before a new session if it has been stored for a longer period, for uniform consistency.
- Note the opening date and batch number for traceability, especially if you work with multiple clients.
- If you change batch or switch from another black ink, test the consistency on a small area or on artificial skin before an important job.
- Keep the bottle away from heat sources and direct sunlight to protect pigment stability.
- Use exclusively sterile disposable needles, tubes, and cups for each client.
Warning: This is a product intended for injection into the skin and must be used exclusively by professional tattoo artists under proper hygiene conditions (gloves, sterile disposable equipment, individual cups per client). Do not reuse ink from a cup for another client and do not mix leftovers back into the bottle — you risk cross-contamination. Always check the expiration date and batch number on the label before starting the procedure. Keep out of reach of children. If a client reports an unusual skin reaction, stop the session and recommend medical consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Does Formula 23 Gen Z perform the same as the classic Formula 23 version?▾
Yes — according to the manufacturer's description, Intenze has preserved the fluidity, opacity, and versatility that made Formula 23 famous. The only real change is the composition: it now uses REACH-compliant CTL pigments and is completely vegan and not tested on animals. Many artists report that in use, the difference from the classic original is hard to notice.
Can it be used for both lining and shading, or do I need separate inks?▾
Formula 23 is designed as an all-purpose ink: its consistency allows for both clear, dense lines and smooth transitions to gray for shading. If you prefer to work an entire piece with a single black ink, this is exactly the type of product it was created for.
Is it suitable for someone just starting to tattoo?▾
Yes, precisely because it is versatile and more forgiving of pressure or speed variations than a highly specialized ink. Being fluid, it flows well through the needle without requiring frequent reloading, which helps a beginner artist focus on technique.
How do I avoid contaminating the bottle between sessions?▾
Basic rule: the original bottle never comes into direct contact with the needle or the client's skin. Always pour the necessary amount into individual disposable cups with clean hands or gloves, and what remains in the cup at the end is discarded — it is not poured back into the bottle. Close the safety cap tightly after each use and store the bottle in a clean place, away from light and heat.
How does it differ from other all-purpose blacks like Dynamic Triple Black or Panthera Black?▾
According to Intenze's description, Formula 23 Gen Z offers the same classic performance — high fluidity and dense black — with the advantage of compliance with European REACH regulations. The choice between them largely depends on personal feel when pulling lines; if you have worked with classic Formula 23 and liked it, the Gen Z version is designed to replicate that same behavior.
How long does the bottle last once opened?▾
The product sheet does not specify an exact shelf life after opening. As a general rule for any tattoo ink, check the expiration date and batch number printed on the label, keep it tightly closed between uses, away from light and heat, and do not use it if you notice changes in texture, smell, or separation that don't disappear with gentle shaking.
Product description
Gen Z intentions The inks are REACH for use throughout Europe and beyond. All Intenze Gen Z tattoo inks have met or exceeded all REACH regulations. So what makes Formula 23 so superior? First, this is an extremely fast running product. It can keep up with a quick hand without feeling like it's running out of gas when you're pulling fast lines. Secondly, it's an extremely dense black that also breaks down nicely into a perfect gray for any type of shading. The new Intenze color line called Gen-Z brings a color palette with a new improved composition that meets all standards for use in the EU, including the new REACH regulation. Each bottle of Gen-Z colors incorporates several years of research, careful testing and the latest technology. The result is better and safer ink, which allows tattoo artists and their customers to end up with tattoos that they are both proud of. The new drying-resistant composition will give you even better comfort during work. Features: vegan not tested on animals complies with ECHA (REACH)High-quality tattoo inks from the leading manufacturer in the field of tattoo inks, Intenze Ink, fit very well into the skin and heal well. They have an extremely long service life and remain clear and radiant even after healing. They have found their application in all tattoo genres with artists from all over the world. Intenze paints are made in the USA and are suitable for vegans. Tested and certified in CTL Bielefeld laboratories. The product is packed sterile Quantity: 30ml
Intenze Gen Z Formula 23 Original 30ml is the reformulated version of Intenze's legendary Formula 23 black ink, one of the most iconic black inks in tattoo history. Formula 23 earned its reputation as a versatile, fluid, and easy-to-work black preferred by thousands of artists worldwide. The new Gen Z version preserves all the qualities that made it famous while being compliant with EU REACH Regulation and Res AP(2008)1 Resolution, with CTL pigments and 100% vegan formula. Formula 23 Original delivers an intense black with perfect consistency between lining and shading, making it the ideal all-purpose ink for artists who prefer working with a single black ink. Its legendary fluidity allows exceptional flow through needles and tubes, reducing reload frequency. Compared to other versatile black inks like Dynamic Triple Black or Panthera Black, Formula 23 Gen Z offers the same classic performance with the advantage of European compliance. The pigment heals to an intense, stable black. The 30ml bottle with safety cap. Sterile product, manufactured in the USA. The advanced dispersion technology in the new Gen Z formula preserves Formula 23's legendary fluidity, ensuring the black pigment distributes perfectly uniformly in the carrier. This homogeneity is the key to the exceptional flow that made Formula 23 famous. The advanced purified water and vegetable glycerin carrier contributes to uniform skin penetration and excellent healing. The formula was tested by professional artists worldwide before launch, confirming performance is identical to the original. The 30ml bottle is ideal for testing.
Frequently Asked Questions What makes Formula 23 so special in the tattoo world? Formula 23 is one of the most iconic black inks in tattoo history, created by Intenze. It earned its legendary status through its perfect consistency between lining and shading, exceptional fluidity allowing smooth flow through any needle configuration, and versatility making it suitable for any tattoo style. Thousands of artists worldwide consider it their reference black ink. Is Formula 23 Gen Z as good as the original? Yes, Intenze invested significant effort to preserve all the qualities that made Formula 23 famous in the Gen Z version. The fluidity, opacity, and versatility are identical to the original. The only difference is that the formula now uses EU REACH approved CTL pigments and is vegan. Many artists report that the Gen Z version is indistinguishable from the classic original in use. Can I use Formula 23 for both lining and shading? Yes, this is precisely Formula 23's strength. Its unique consistency makes it perfect for both clear, precise lines and shading and blending. Artists who prefer the simplicity of working with a single black ink find Formula 23 the ideal solution. The opacity allows solid lines, while the fluidity facilitates smooth gradients and custom grey washes. How does Formula 23 compare to Lining Black in the Gen Z range? Formula 23 is an all-purpose ink that works well for both lining and shading, offering a balance between opacity and fluidity. Lining Black is specifically formulated for maximum opacity and the blackest, clearest lines possible. If you work exclusively with lines and want the most intense black possible, choose Lining Black. If you want versatility, Formula 23 is the perfect choice. Is Formula 23 Gen Z EU REACH compliant? Yes, Intenze Gen Z Formula 23 Original is fully compliant with EU REACH Regulation and Res AP(2008)1 Resolution. The black pigments are listed on the CTL and the formula is vegan. This reformulation allows European artists to continue using their preferred black ink in full legality and safety. Is Formula 23 vegan? Yes, the Gen Z version of Formula 23 is formulated 100% vegan, without animal-derived ingredients and without animal testing. This is an improvement over traditional formulas that may have contained animal-derived ingredients. The vegan formula preserves all the properties that made Formula 23 famous. How does Formula 23 heal in the skin? Formula 23 heals to an intense, stable black, consistent with its decades-long reputation. The pigment remains strong and clean after healing without shifting toward grey or blue. Experienced artists know that healed Formula 23 looks nearly identical to when freshly applied, making it extremely predictable and reliable. What is Formula 23's consistency? Formula 23 is renowned for its perfect consistency: fluid enough to flow exceptionally through any needle configuration, yet dense enough to deliver strong opacity. This unique consistency reduces needle reload frequency and allows more efficient sessions. Many artists describe Formula 23's consistency as the standard by which they judge all other black inks. How does Formula 23 compare to Dynamic Triple Black? Formula 23 and Dynamic Triple Black are both legendary black inks in the industry. Dynamic tends to be denser and more opaque, ideal for artists who prefer maximum black. Formula 23 offers more versatility and fluidity, being easier to dilute and adapt. Gen Z Formula 23 has the advantage of EU REACH compliance, making it the optimal choice for the European market. What size is the bottle and how should it be stored? Formula 23 Original comes in a 30ml (1oz) bottle with safety cap. Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Shake well before use. Shelf life is approximately 3 years from manufacture. The 30ml bottle is ideal for artists who want to test the Gen Z version before ordering larger volumes.
