Microdot Tattoos are applied with a single-use patch in a stamp-like manner, rather than a conventional tattoo machine. They are designed for minimal discomfort, and come in a distinctive small-scale tattoo style.
The Microdots are made of biodegradable materials that are commonly used in cosmetic products, combined with tattoo pigment.
After purchase, you will receive a QR code that is used to redeem your tattoo at a CipherX pop-up. Your tattoo is then applied in-person as part of a guided staff-assisted experience.
Microdot Tattoos can currently only be redeemed and applied at official approved CipherX pop-up locations.
This may vary by pop-up. Some locations may accept walk-ins, while others may use bookings to manage demand. We recommend checking the details for your selected pop-up in advance.
Yes, gifting may be available depending on the purchase and redemption format offered for specific pop-ups. Please check the redemption details before purchase.
Not at the moment. Microdot Tattoos are currently redeemed and applied in person at CipherX pop-ups so we can offer a guided experience and ensure the application is carried out properly by trained staff.
Microdots don't hurt when applied because they are extremely small and thin, penetrating only the uppermost layers of the skin without reaching the deeper nerves responsible for pain sensation. This minimally invasive approach effectively delivers tattoo ink into your skin without the ouch factor. People describe it as minimal discomfort, a firm pressure with the roughness of Velcro!
Microdot Tattoos are designed for safe, hygienic application by trained staff, with clear eligibility, placement, and aftercare guidance. As with any skin procedure, there are risks, so customers are asked to review a tattoo waiver and instructions carefully before application.
Our product is supported by independent external and internal testing and a defined application process, and each tattoo is applied by trained CipherX staff following our Application Instructions. Specific product, material, and safety information is provided in our Application Instructions (here) and Tattoo Waiver (here).
A Microdot Tattoo patch contains: Polyvinyl Alcohol, Trehalose, Cellulose Gum, Aqua, Poloxamer 407, Polysorbate 80, CI 77266, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Aminomethyl Propanol, Calcium Sodium Phosphosilicate, Hamamelis Virginiana, Propylene Glycol.
Please note: Do not use the product if you have known allergies or hypersensitivity to listed ingredients, nickel, or chromium (VI).
As with any product used on the skin, allergic reactions are possible. Do not use the product if you have known allergies or hypersensitivity to listed ingredients, nickel, or chromium (VI). Please review the Application Instructions (here) for a full list of ingredients, Warnings, Contraindications, Possible Adverse Effects, and Precautions.
Each Microdot Tattoo patch is treated with gamma irradiation for safe, hygienic application and is intended for single use only. Our stringent application protocol ensures that the whole process is carried out safely.
Temporary redness, tingling, or mild irritation can occur. As with any procedure involving the skin, more serious reactions such as infection, allergy, or scarring cannot be ruled out but are very uncommon.
Yes. While our application process for a Microdot tattoo is very different to conventional tattooing, the final product is a real, permanent tattoo designed for decorative use on the skin.
No. While our tattoo designs are constructed from distinct Microdots, they will blend into a continuous, precise tattoo over 24-48 hours.
Currently, we offer black tattoos only. Additional colours are in development and will be introduced in future releases.
Like all tattoos, the appearance can change gradually over time. Some bleeding or fading may occur through the natural dispersion of pigment in the skin and skin aging.
Microdot Tattoos are designed for precise, small-scale designs. The final appearance depends on the design, placement, and skin characteristics, so we recommend reviewing our example images for the best sense of expected detail. Our team can also offer advice regarding tattoo placement.
The final result can be influenced by tattoo design, body location, skin condition, aftercare, and individual healing response. Flat, suitable skin areas and correct aftercare help support the best outcome.
A trained CipherX staff member prepares the skin, aligns the tattoo, applies the patch with our specialised applicator, secures it in place, and removes it after the development time. The tattoo then continues to darken over the next 24–48 hours.
Currently, Microdot Tattoos can only be applied by trained CipherX staff as part of an in-person guided experience.
If there is an issue with the result, our team reviews this on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the situation, we may offer a correction pathway in line with our touch-up policy (here).
Microdot Tattoos are a minimally invasive tattoo technology and do not require the same extensive aftercare as conventional tattoos. However, we recommend the following:
Avoid the following:
Short showers are okay, but avoid long durations of exposure to water in the first 48 hours. Be mindful of activities that may irritate or rub the tattooed area.
The tattoo usually becomes more visible over the first 24–48 hours. Mild redness or sensitivity may settle within hours, depending on your skin.
Avoid scratching, rubbing, soaking, and direct sun exposure for at least 24 hours, and abrasive clothing or jewellery against the tattooed area.
Mild redness or irritation can happen. Avoid applying extra products, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist after 48 hours, worsen, or feel unexpected.
Available designs depend on the current CipherX offering and pop-up format. We are focused on small-scale designs suited to the Microdot Tattoo format. You can see our current collection here.
Our current tattoo canvas is a 15 mm diameter circle. Tattoo designs need to fit onto the canvas. You can use our design tool INK/CTRL to make and preview your design.
In some cases, custom design options may be available through special releases or partnerships. For standard consumer purchases, designs can only be selected from our tattoo library.
Microdot Tattoos are designed for precise small-scale tattoos, but not every design translates equally well. Simpler forms with minimal shading generally produce the clearest results.
Microdot Tattoos are real, permanent tattoos. As with a conventional tattoo, laser tattoo removal or cover ups are both options for removal or modification. If you are unsure, please treat the decision in the same way you would any conventionally applied permanent tattoo.
Yes. Microdot Tattoos are for adults aged 18+ only, and ID or age verification is required on site.
You should not receive a Microdot Tattoo if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have certain skin conditions, a compromised immune system, abnormal scarring history, known relevant allergies, or other exclusion criteria listed in the waiver (here).
This depends on your skin and medical history. If you have sensitive skin, allergies, active irritation, or an existing skin condition, please review the ingredients and speak to our team before application.
No. Certain body areas are excluded, including the head, face, neck, hands, wrists, genitalia, elbows, anus, ankles, and feet. Flat skin areas without folds generally support the best outcome.
Some medical conditions or medications may make you ineligible. Please review the waiver carefully and speak with the CipherX team before application if you have any concerns.
Yes. We use tattoo ink that is ethically sourced and sterile. The tattoo ink used in this product is sourced from suppliers who confirm compliance with the applicable impurity limits and restrictions under REACH Annex XVII for tattoo inks.
Once your order has been placed, you will receive a confirmation email with your order details. If you ordered a Microdot tattoo, you should receive an additional email with a QR code which will be scanned before your tattoo is applied onto you. If you need further help, please contact support at support@cipherx.tech.
Only one discount code or promotion can be applied per order, unless stated otherwise.
If you need to change your order, please contact us as soon as possible at support@cipherx.tech. We will do our best to help, but changes cannot be guaranteed once an order has been processed.
Tattoo designs can be changed up until the moment of application during your appointment. Once applied, tattoos are non-returnable. For other products, standard return and exchange policies apply. If you are unsure whether your item is eligible, please contact support and we’ll be happy to help.
If your order arrives damaged or incomplete, please contact support at support@cipherx.tech as soon as possible and include your order number and photos, where relevant.
Microdot Tattoos are small permanent tattoos delivered through ultra-fine, microscopic structures (smaller than 1 mm) designed to penetrate the upper layers of the skin without causing pain. They are used in various cosmetic treatments, and can effectively deliver tattoo ink while minimising discomfort and promoting fast skin recovery.
Microdot Tattoos use micro-structure features made from biodegradable materials and tattoo pigment. These micro-structures enter the upper layers of the skin and deposit the pigment that forms the tattoo.
The hands-on application takes around 5 minutes, after which the patch stays in place for about 15 minutes for the tattoo to develop. Please allow around 25–30 minutes for the full guided experience.
The tattoo is visible immediately after the patch is removed. Tattoos may appear faint at first but become more visible and darken over the next 24–48 hours.
You can purchase your Microdot Tattoo through the CipherX website, then redeem it in person at an approved CipherX pop-up using a QR code which you will receive after your purchase. You can also purchase tattoos directly on site. Currently, Microdot Tattoos are not shipped for self-application.
Currently, Microdot Tattoos are only available during selected launches, releases, or pop-up activations. Availability will depend on the current CipherX rollout.
