London Startup Offers Pain-free Permanent Tattoos via Mail

WHO:

Gizmodo - CipherX is a London-based biotech startup.

The Verge - Ferdinand Kohle is the CEO of CipherX.

WHAT:

Gizmodo - CipherX is selling permanent stick-on tattoos using its proprietary “MicroDot Technology™ platform.”

The Verge - The Microdot patches are roughly the size of a US quarter and use microscopic, biodegradable needles to deposit pigment into the skin.

The Verge - The application process takes about 15 minutes.

The Verge - CipherX currently offers about 15 designs, all in black, and the tattoos cannot be customized or measure larger than 15mm in diameter.

The Verge - The tattoos are priced at £50 (approximately $66).

WHERE:

Gizmodo - The tattoos can be applied in person at CipherX's London store or at its roving events.

The Verge - The tattoos are currently only offered through approved pop-ups in London.

WHEN:

The Verge - CipherX is planning to sell kits that allow customers to apply the tattoos themselves at home in the future, but no specific launch timeline has been provided.

WHY:

Gizmodo - CipherX aims to provide a pain-free alternative for people who have needle phobias or are unwilling to undergo traditional tattooing.

The Verge - The company is developing additional colors, including an invisible UV-reactive ink, and larger size options to expand its offerings.

HOW:

Gizmodo - The application process involves pressing a patch onto the skin for 15 minutes using an applicator that forces microscopic structures to penetrate the skin.

The Verge - The tattoo is applied using a transparent guide disc and an applicator that embeds 112 microneedles into the skin.

(UPDATED August 1, 2026 10:29 UTC)

CipherX, a London-based biotech startup led by CEO Ferdinand Kohle, is making waves with its innovative permanent stick-on tattoos that utilize a proprietary “MicroDot Technology™ platform.” These tattoos, which are about the size of a US quarter and applied using biodegradable microneedles, take around 15 minutes to apply and are currently available in 15 black designs for £50, or approximately $66, at their London store and approved pop-up events. Looking ahead, CipherX plans to offer home application kits and is also working on expanding its tattoo options with additional colors and larger sizes.