Sharpie Permanent Marker Ingredients

The Sharpie marker is undoubtedly very common and a well-known brand of permanent marker. It dates back to the 1850's and has increased in prominence ever since. Of course, the company does not release a list of the exact formula for its ink, since others would then steal the formula. However, there are a few key ingredients in Sharpie markers that are worth discussing.

Solvents

Solvents are the base liquid ingredients in which the other active ingredients are dissolved. Sharpie uses a mixture of alcohol and ethylene glycol as their solvents. This explains why the ink dries so fast. Both of these solvents evaporate rather quickly. Ethylene glycol is actually an ingredient in antifreeze and is highly toxic when consumed in moderate amounts, so do not eat your Sharpie markers.

Permachrome

Sharpie markers also include Permachrome inks. This is simply a class of inks. The exact ink used depends on the color of the marker.

Potentially harmful ingredients

Eating a Sharpie marker is not advised. There are a few ingredients that could do some damage if you were to try. N-butanol can lead to neurological disorders when consumed. Acetone is also not safe and can lead to cancer when consumed over time. This is a common ingredient in nail polish remover and is partially responsible for the odor of the Sharpie.

Sharpie markers are useful in so many situations. However, users should use caution to avoid consuming the ink. The ingredients in Sharpies are not usually harmful in small quantities, but they are real chemical ingredients with potential consequences.