The present invention provides ink-jet inks for ink-jet printing, comprising from 0.1% to 5% by weight of at least one dye; from 8% to 20% by weight of a diol selected from the group consisting of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, and combinations thereof; from 0.1% to 5% by weight of an aliphatic alcohol or aliphatic alcohol mixture; and from 0.1% to 1.5% by weight of at least one component independently selected from the group consisting of buffers, biocides, and metal chelators, with the proviso that no surfactant is present in the ink-jet ink composition. The ink-jet inks formulated according to the present invention provide good dot size, color-to-color bleed alleviation, improved coalescence, less chia, and improved print head materials compatibility.