Jagua Gel for DIY Temporary Tattoos
Discover our pure jagua gel collection – the natural ink trusted by tattoo artists and body art enthusiasts across the UK. Available in convenient tubes and bulk sachets, our professional-grade jagua gel delivers stunning deep blue-black temporary tattoos that last up to two weeks.
What is jagua gel?
Jagua gel is a natural ink extracted from the genipa americana fruit that grows in the Amazon rainforest. When applied to skin, it stains the top layer of cells a deep blue-black colour that's pretty much indistinguishable from real tattoo ink. Unlike the dodgy "black henna" stuff you sometimes see (which contains PPD and can cause serious reactions), jagua is completely plant-based and safe.
We offer jagua gel in two formats: tubes with precision tips for detailed freehand work, and sachets for bulk use with stencils or your own applicator bottles. Whether you're a tattoo artist testing designs on yourself or just someone who likes changing up their look, it's a versatile option.
Why our jagua gel works
Just the essentials
Our jagua gel contains genipa americana extract, xanthan gum (a natural thickener), and preservatives to keep it fresh. That's it. No synthetic dyes, no PPD, no animal-derived ingredients. The consistency is thick enough to draw clean lines but flows smoothly from the applicator.
Two formats for different needs
Jagua gel tubes (10ml): Come with a narrow applicator tip already attached. Good for intricate designs, fine lines, and detailed work. Each tube does around 4-5 medium-sized designs.
Jagua gel sachets (100ml - 1000ml): Better value if you're doing multiple tattoos or working with stencils. You'll need to transfer the gel into applicator bottles or cones (which you probably already have if you're working at this scale).
How to use jagua gel
Before you start
Clean your skin properly with soap and water. Any oils, moisturiser, or dead skin will block the stain from developing properly. If you've never used jagua before or have allergies to tropical fruits, do a small patch test 48 hours beforehand.
Applying the gel
Squeeze the gel directly onto your skin in whatever design you want. You can go freehand, use stencils, or trace over a transfer. The gel needs to sit on your skin and dry completely, which takes 30-45 minutes. Don't rush this part or you'll end up with smudges.
Once it's dry, leave it on for at least 2 hours. Longer is better though – some people leave it on for 6 hours for maximum darkness. The gel will feel a bit crusty when it's dried, which is normal.
Development
Wash off the dried gel with warm water. Your design will look really faint at this point – almost invisible. Don't panic. Over the next 12-24 hours it'll darken to a deep blue-black. Full colour usually develops within 48 hours.
The tattoo will naturally fade over 1-2 weeks as your skin cells shed. Hands and feet fade faster because those areas exfoliate more.
Things worth knowing
Storage
Keep unused jagua gel in the fridge or freezer. It'll last 6-12 months frozen. If you're using it from frozen, thaw it at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before you start.
Where it stains darkest
Thicker skin = darker stain. Palms, soles of feet, and fingers will go almost black. Arms, shoulders, and torso come out lighter blue. This is just how jagua works – it's not a quality issue.
Avoiding mistakes
Jagua stains fast, even when you can't see it yet. If you mess up, wipe it off immediately with a damp cloth. Once it's been on the skin for a few minutes, you're committed. Also, it will stain fabric, so don't apply it while wearing your favourite shirt.
Making it last longer
Keep the area moisturised after the stain develops. Natural oils like coconut or jojoba work well. Avoid exfoliating the area or soaking it in chlorinated water if you want it to stick around.
How jagua compares to other options
Jagua vs henna
Henna stains warm brown or orange. Jagua stains blue-black. If you want something that looks like a real tattoo, jagua is the one. Henna's great if you're after that traditional mendhi look, but it's a completely different vibe.
Jagua vs "black henna"
Black henna isn't actually henna. It's regular henna mixed with para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a hair dye chemical that can cause severe allergic reactions, blistering, and permanent scarring. Seriously, avoid it. Jagua gives you the same dark colour without any of that risk.
Jagua vs temporary tattoo transfers
Those water-slide decals sit on top of your skin and look flat and obviously fake. Jagua stains the actual skin cells, so it has dimension and looks three-dimensional like a real tattoo. Much more convincing.
Safety stuff
Jagua is generally safe, but there are some sensible precautions:
- Patch test if you have sensitive skin or allergies to tropical fruits (kiwi, mango, banana)
- Don't use on kids under 12, during pregnancy, or if you're breastfeeding
- Avoid open cuts, eczema, or any broken skin
- If you get itching, redness, or swelling, wash it off immediately and stop using it
- Keep it away from eyes and don't get it on synthetic fabrics – it stains
For more detailed care instructions, check our jagua tattoo aftercare guide.
Common questions
How long does a jagua tattoo last?
Usually 1-2 weeks, depending on where you put it and how you treat it. Areas that get washed or rubbed a lot (hands, feet) fade faster.
Can I use stencils with jagua gel?
Yes. The sachets work best for this – just transfer the gel into an applicator bottle or cone and fill in your stencil evenly.
Is it safe for sensitive skin?
Most people are fine with it, but if you have sensitive skin or fruit allergies, do a patch test first. Never use it on broken skin or active skin conditions.
How do I get rid of it faster if I don't like it?
Exfoliate daily with a body scrub and soak in warm water. Chlorine speeds up fading too, so swimming helps. It'll still take a few days to fully disappear though. Check our removal guide for more details.
What's the difference between tubes and sachets?
Tubes are ready to use straight away with a built-in applicator. Sachets are bulk gel that you transfer into your own bottles or cones. Sachets are more economical if you're doing lots of designs.
How do I store it?
Fridge or freezer. Frozen jagua lasts 6-12 months. Thaw it completely before use and don't refreeze it more than a couple of times. See our storage guide for specifics.
Browse the collection
Whether you need precision tubes for detailed work or bulk sachets for larger projects, we've got both options. If you're new to jagua, our jagua gel kits come with everything you need to get started, including applicators and stencils.
