Best Alternative to Inkbox in 2026: The Complete Guide to Ephemeral Jagua Tattooing
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes | Updated: February 2026
Inkbox, the world's best-known ephemeral tattoo brand, has closed its doors for good. With over 3 million monthly visitors at its peak, Inkbox was the absolute reference for lovers of semi-permanent jagua tattoos across 80 countries. Bought out by the BIC group in 2022 for $65 million, the site officially ceased operations in the first quarter of 2026, dragging its competitor Tattly, also owned by BIC, with it.
If you're looking for a place to order your ephemeral tattoos now, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we break down the best alternatives available, explain why jagua technology remains unrivalled, and help you make the best choice for your next commitment-free tattoo.
What Inkbox is and why closing it changes everything
Founded in Toronto in 2015 by brothers Tyler and Braden Handley, Inkbox revolutionized the temporary tattoo market by offering an ink derived from the Genipa Americana fruit (jagua), capable of penetrating the superficial layers of the epidermis to create a result visually identical to a real tattoo.
Some key figures on Inkbox:
- 27 million dollars in annual sales at its peak (2021)
- 3 million monthlyvisitors to inkbox.com by summer 2025
- 80 countries delivered worldwide
- 65 million: purchase price by BIC in January 2022
- Domain Rating 64/100: one of the highest SEO ratings in its category
BIC's closure doesn't mean that demand has disappeared. It means that hundreds of thousands of loyal buyers are now looking for a reliable alternative. This guide is for them.
Understanding jagua technology: why it's different from a classic temporary tattoo
Before comparing alternatives, it's essential to understand what makes jagua ink tattoos fundamentally different from ordinary temporary tattoos.
Classic temporary tattoo vs. ephemeral jagua tattoo
A classic temporary tattoo (sticker or decal) is applied to the skin. It creates a plasticized effect, with black reflections visible from certain angles, and fades as soon as it comes into contact with water or is rubbed.
A jagua tattoo works differently: the ink penetrates the surface layer of the epidermis, the epidermis, and reacts with the skin's natural amino acids to tint it a deep blue-black. The result resembles a real, healed tattoo, matte and plastic-free.
| Features | Classic sticker tattoo | Jagua tattoo (Flash Tattoo) |
|---|---|---|
| Visual effect | Glossy, sticker effect | Matte, realistic, identical to a real tattoo |
| Duration | 1 to 3 days | 10 to 15 days |
| Water resistance | Low | High |
| Perspiration resistance | Very low | Good |
| Skin penetration | No (surface) | Yes (epidermis) |
| Render on all skin tones | Variable | Excellent |
| Ingredients | Chemical (often) | Natural, vegetable origin |
| Pain | None | None |
Comparison of the best alternatives to Inkbox in 2026
Here are the most serious alternatives on the market since Inkbox's closure, evaluated according to 6 objective criteria.
Full comparison table
| Brand | Technology | Duration | Average price | Delivery FR / Europe | Catalog | Overall score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Flash Tattoo ⭐ | Jagua (vegetable ink) | 10-15 days | From 5,90€ | ✅ Yes | 1000+ designs | 9,4/10 |
| Momentary Ink | HD decal | 3-5 days | 15-25$ | ❌ USA only | Customizable | 7,8/10 |
| TemporaryTattoos.com | Decal | 3-7 days | 10-20$ | ❌ USA only | Extra large | 7,2/10 |
| EasyTatt | Nano-Ink (semi-perm.) | 5-10 days | 15-30$ AUD | ❌ Australia | Large | 7,5/10 |
| Tattly (closure) | Plant decal | 2-5 days | - | ❌ Closed | - | N/A |
| Inkbox (closed) | For Now Ink (jagua) | 8-15 days | - | ❌ Closed | - | N/A |
Please note: The Flash Tattoo is currently the only European brand offering jagua ink tattoos of comparable quality to Inkbox, with fast delivery in France and throughout Europe.
Why The Flash Tattoo is the best European alternative to Inkbox
Same jagua technology, superior accessibility
The Flash Tattoo uses 100% vegetable-based ink derived from the jagua fruit (Genipa Americana), just as Inkbox did. The difference? Where Inkbox required a complex application requiring the applicator to be held on the skin for 1-2 hours, The Flash Tattoo has simplified the process to make it accessible to all.
In figures :
- Wear time: 10 to 15 days depending on body area and skin type
- Application time: less than 1 minute
- Water resistance: high (pool, shower)
- Perspiration resistance: high (sports possible after 6 hours)
- Ingredients: certified vegan, PPD-free, paraben-free
A catalog of over 1000 designs
Where Inkbox offered mainly minimalist designs in black, The Flash Tattoo offers a catalog of over 1000 designs: fine tattoos, geometric, floral, tribal, mandala, animal, and much more. Collections are regularly updated in collaboration with independent artists.
Fast delivery in France and Europe
This is the crucial point: unlike Momentary Ink or EasyTatt, who ship from the USA or Australia (15 to 21 days), The Flash Tattoo delivers from Europe in 3 to 5 working days to France and most European countries.
Who are jagua tattoos made for?
The 5 profiles who love jagua tattoos
1. The curious tattooist - You're considering a real tattoo, but want to test the location, size or design before making a final commitment. Jagua tattoos look just like the real thing for 2 weeks.
2. Festival-goers and travelers - For Tomorrowland, summer festivals, a trip to Ibiza or Bali: a jagua tattoo resists water and sweat, and remains perfect for the duration of your adventure.
3. Professionals with a strict dress code - You love tattoos, but your professional environment doesn't allow them. The jagua tattoo disappears naturally in 2 weeks, without a trace.
4. Parents and teenagers - For children and teenagers who want to express themselves without commitment. Jagua ink is 100% natural, non-toxic to the skin and free from harsh chemicals.
5. Photographers, influencers and creatives - For photo shoots, videos and content campaigns: jagua tattoos are indistinguishable from real tattoos in photos and videos.
How to apply an ephemeral jagua tattoo? A step-by-step guide
Applying a jagua tattoo is simple. Here's the 6-step process:
- Clean and dry the area to be tattooed. No moisturizers or oils before application.
- Apply the design according to the brand's instructions (generally tattooing with the ink facing the skin).
- Wait 30 secondsfor the ink to transfer after applying a damp sponge.
- Gently remove the backing paper.
- Do not rub the area for 4 to 6 hours after application.
- The tattoo develops in 24 to 48 hours, reaching maximum intensity after 2 days for a realistic semi-permanent result.
Duration of wear by body zone:
| Body zone | Estimated duration |
|---|---|
| Arm (forearm, wrist) | 12 to 15 days |
| Shoulder, back | 10 to 14 days |
| Ankle, foot | 8 to 12 days |
| Neck | 7 to 10 days |
| Hand, fingers | 5 to 8 days |
Pro tip: Areas that sweat a lot (armpits) or are in frequent contact with water (hands) will have a shorter wear time. To maximize duration, apply your usual moisturizer after the first 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions about Inkbox alternatives (FAQ)
Is there an alternative to Inkbox that can be delivered in France?
Yes, The Flash Tattoo is the leading European alternative to Inkbox, with delivery in France within 3 to 5 working days. Unlike American alternatives like Momentary Ink or TemporaryTattoos.com, you don't have to wait 2-3 weeks.
With The Flash Tattoo your order is carefully packaged and you'll receive a tracking number to follow your order, from preparation to delivery to your home letterbox or point relais.
Is jagua ink safe?
Jagua ink (Genipa Americana) is of vegetable origin and has been used for centuries by the peoples of South America. It contains no PPD (the substance responsible for allergic reactions to black henna). However, it is not recommended for pregnant people or children under 6. If in doubt, test a small area 24 hours beforehand.
What's the difference between jagua and henna?
Henna creates an orange-brown hue and is applied mainly to the surface of the skin. Jagua, on the other hand, produces a blue-black tint identical to the ink of a real tattoo, and penetrates the superficial layer of the epidermis. The result is visually much closer to a real permanent tattoo.
How long do The Flash Tattoo tattoos last?
Between 10 and 15 days, depending on the area of the body, your skin type and your habits (shower frequency, sport, sun exposure). The tattoo develops in 24 to 48 hours and gradually disappears at the rate of natural epidermal renewal.
Is Inkbox really going to close for good?
Yes, BIC has officially announced that it will close Inkbox and its entire Skin Creative division in the first quarter of 2026. The original founders have expressed their desire to buy back the brand, but have acknowledged that any return would require "a lot of time" due to the complex intellectual property involved. For the time being, inkbox.com is no longer taking orders.
Conclusion - Where to order your jagua ephemeral tattoo now?
Inkbox's closure leaves a gap in the realistic ephemeral tattoo market. But it also opens up a unique opportunity to discover alternatives, some of which surpass the original offering in terms of practicality, delivery and design diversity.
Our verdict: For French and European consumers looking for an ephemeral jagua tattoo with realistic rendering, fast delivery and a varied catalog, The Flash Tattoo is today the essential reference in France and Europe.
