Plant-based temporary tattoos

Jagua Temporary Tattoos: The Plant-Based Ink That Looks Like the Real Thing

Jagua ink stains your skin blue-black for 1 to 2 weeks. No needles, no commitment, no regrets — just real-looking body art that fades on its own.

100% natural Waterproof Looks real Dermatologist tested
Browse 200+ designs →

What is a jagua tattoo?

Jagua comes from the fruit of the Genipa americana tree, native to Central and South America. Indigenous communities in the Amazon have used it for centuries to create body art for ceremonies and everyday life. The tradition is ancient — the science behind it is simple.

Here's how it works: jagua gel is applied to your skin through a pre-designed stencil. You leave it on for 1 to 3 hours, then rinse it off. At first, it looks light and gray-green — barely there. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, the juice reacts with the proteins in your skin and develops into a deep blue-black stain. That stain sits in the top layers of your epidermis and fades naturally as your skin renews itself, usually within 7 to 15 days.

This isn't a sticker that sits on the surface. It's not a water-transfer decal that peels off in the shower. It's an actual stain inside your skin — which is why people genuinely mistake it for a real tattoo. The color, the texture, the way it catches light — it's the closest thing to permanent ink without the needle.

How jagua is different from everything else

There are a lot of products calling themselves "temporary tattoos." Most of them don't come close to the real thing. Here's how jagua stacks up:

💧

Water-transfer decals

Printed film that sits on the skin surface. Looks shiny, peels at edges, washes off in days.

✗ Looks fake
🌿

Henna

Natural plant paste that stains reddish-brown. Beautiful for mehndi patterns, but doesn't mimic real tattoo ink.

~ Different look
🖤

Jagua

Natural fruit-based ink that stains blue-black — the same color as real tattoo ink. Waterproof. Lasts up to 2 weeks.

✓ Looks real
✒️

Permanent tattoo

Needle + ink. Permanent. Beautiful if you're sure — but no undo button.

~ Forever

If you're coming from Inkbox, the experience is very similar — Inkbox also used a jagua-based formula (they called it "For Now Ink"). The technology is the same family. More on what happened to Inkbox →

Who uses jagua tattoos — and why

🪞

Test before you commit

Try the exact design, size, and placement before making it permanent. Live with it for two weeks and see how it feels.

🎪

Festivals & events

Coachella, bachelorette parties, beach vacations — jagua survives sweat, water, and dancing. See our event guide →

💕

Matching tattoos

Get matching designs with your best friend, your partner, or your whole group — without the lifelong commitment.

📸

Content & photos

Instagram, TikTok, photoshoots — temporary tattoos add edge to any aesthetic without the permanence.

🤍

Cultural or personal reasons

Some people love the look of tattoos but choose not to get permanent ones for religious, professional, or personal reasons. Jagua gives you the option.

Just because

You don't need a reason. Sometimes you just want a butterfly on your ankle for the next two weeks. That's valid.

About Temporalis

Temporalis is an independent European brand specializing in natural jagua temporary tattoos. Every design in our catalog uses 100% plant-based jagua ink — no synthetic chemicals, no PPD, no shortcuts.

We've been doing this since before the big brands made temporary tattoos mainstream, and we'll be here long after the trend-chasers move on. Our designs are exclusive, our ingredients are transparent, and we ship worldwide — including to every US state.

200+
Designs
4.6/5
Average rating
10+
Countries served
100%
Natural & vegan

Learn more

Everything you need to know about jagua temporary tattoos — from application tips to finding the right design.

Frequently asked questions

Are jagua tattoos safe?

Yes. Jagua comes from an edible fruit (Genipa americana), and the ink is 100% plant-based with no synthetic chemicals. A small percentage of people may experience mild skin sensitivity — that's why we always recommend doing a patch test 48 hours before applying a larger design. This is completely different from "black henna," which contains PPD (a hair dye chemical) and can cause serious reactions. Jagua contains zero PPD.

How long do jagua temporary tattoos last?

Between 7 and 15 days, depending on where you place it on your body, your skin type, and how you care for it. Areas with thicker skin — forearm, shoulder, calf — tend to hold the stain longest. Hands and feet fade faster because the skin renews more quickly. Moisturizing daily and avoiding exfoliants helps maximize the lifespan.

Do jagua tattoos hurt?

Not at all. There are zero needles involved. A pre-designed stencil is placed on your skin, and the jagua ink transfers naturally. The process is completely painless — you just wait for it to develop. Here's a full step-by-step.

Do you ship to the US?

Yes — Temporalis ships to all 50 states. Orders are shipped from Europe with tracking, and typically arrive in 5 to 10 business days. Free shipping on US orders over $35. Browse our full collection →

How is Temporalis different from Inkbox?

Inkbox shut down in February 2026. Temporalis is an independent European brand that uses pure, natural jagua fruit ink — no synthetic "For Now Ink" formula. We're still here, still shipping, with 200+ designs available. If you were an Inkbox customer, the experience will feel very familiar.

Ready to try jagua?

200+ designs, starting at $8. Natural jagua ink. Free shipping on US orders over $35.

Shop the collection →