5 Shades of Black – Which One to Use?
A guide to the 5 black pigments in Swiss Color’s range and their professional applications.
Pigments & Color Expertise — 6-minute read
In permanent make up, black is not always just black. Each pigment behaves differently in the skin, depending on its base, opacity, particle size, and intended application.
That is why Swiss Color offers five black pigments – each developed for a specific purpose, from soft shading to intense results. Here’s a brief look at how each one was developed.
Carbon Black for Intense Eyeliner Results
In 2021, the Swiss Color pigment range was reformulated in line with the latest REACH regulation of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). As part of this update, three carbon black-based eyeliner pigments were introduced: Ultrablack, Jetblack and Stardust.
Carbon black is a high-purity carbon pigment known for its strong color intensity. Depending on its particle size, it can influence color depth, application behavior, and pigment stability.
Iron Oxide Black for Softer Results
In 2024, we introduced Black as one of four inorganic base pigments. Unlike carbon black, iron oxide black has lower opacity and creates a softer black tone.
Used pure, it appears subtle. When mixed with other pigments, it is useful for:
- Increasing color stability
- Reducing the risk of migration
- Darkening brow and eyelid shadow tones
Deep Black for Demanding Skin
In 2025, we expanded the black pigment range with Deep Black. It combines two Carbon Black pigments with different particle sizes for maximum performance, and was developed especially for challenging skin types, including oily, firm or heavily pigmented skin.
Its key advantages include:
- Easier application
- Denser color deposition
- Maximum color depth, even in the first pass
Vibrant black for eyeliner results on all skin types. The creamy, smooth texture is particularly easy to apply and offers excellent staying power on the delicate eyelid area. The intensity varies depending on the pigmentation technique. Do not use as a mixing color.
A deep black pigment with a runny consistency – ideal for creating striking smokey-eye effects when applied as eyeliner. Particularly effective when used as a second layer over existing pigmentation to enhance intensity and depth. Due to its fine texture, it is best suited to firm skin types and is not recommended for thin, fragile skin.
Intense black for maximum color saturation – even on oily or thick skin, after just one pass. Two carbon black pigments with different particle sizes ensure particularly dense pigment deposition and impressive results on challenging skin types. Not suitable for use as a mixing color.
Which Black Pigment Should You Use?
Black
- Skin Type: Blending color for darkening; for long-lasting and easy-to-apply PMU colors
- Pigment: C.I. 77499 Iron Oxide Black
- Techniques: Eyebrows and eyeliner (only as a mixed color)
- Consistency: Thin
Ultrablack
- Skin Type: All skin types, especially mature skin and thin skin or fragile skin after eyelid surgery
- Pigment: C.I. 77266 Carbon Black
- Techniques: Basic eyeliner, ideal for initial pigmentation sessions
- Consistency: Creamy
Jetblack
- Skin Type: NOT for mature, thin or atrophic skin
- Pigment: C.I. 77266 Carbon Black
- Techniques: Eyeliner shading or smokey eye technique
- Consistency: Thin
Stardust
- Skin Type: NOT for mature, thin or atrophic skin
- Pigment: C.I. 77266 Carbon Black
- Techniques: Eyeliner shading techniques with a subtle stardust effect
- Consistency: Thin
Deep Black
- Skin Type: Ideal for oily, combination, and firm skin, as well as heavily pigmented skin (Fitzpatrick V and VI)
- Pigment: C.I. 77266 (two different Carbon Black pigments in different grain sizes)
- Techniques: Eyeliner with particularly high color saturation
- Consistency: Rather thin