Aftercare of a fresh tattoo is paramount, especially when it comes to keeping it infection-free, boosting recovery and making it look its most attractive over time.
With the right products, discomfort and pain can be greatly reduced helping you bask in the joy of your newly inked skin within the shortest period of time.
Doing this requires you to have the right tools for treatment and aftercare. So, attention must be paid to the correct products for post-tattoo care, especially about their chemical composition.
Certain ingredients provide a soothing effect, and prevent infections making recovery time quicker and more painless over a quicker period of time.
This article aims to assist you by telling you all about, and explaining all the best products for tattoo aftercare that tattooists and experts recommend. So, stick around to learn first-hand from the experts.
16 Top-Rated products for tattoo aftercare
When it comes to tattoo aftercare, the type of products you choose directly influences how your tattoo heals and the clarity with which the vivid colours of your tattoo continues to display over time.
The categories of products that should be taken into account are as follows: cleansing products for tattoo maintenance, moisturizers, and ointments, oils, and balms for good healing.
Importantly, some key ingredients to search for in tattoo aftercare products are things like soothing and anti-inflammatory components, hydrating and moisturizing agents, antimicrobial and antioxidant elements to keep your skin as healthy as possible as your tattoo sets.
To save you all the hassle of doing the homework yourself, here are some of the best products for tattoo aftercare as recommended by experts.
1. Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm
The product "Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm", is a quality aftercare cream that not only works on moisturizing and caring for tattoos but also helps to heal them.
Mad Rabbit is formulated from the natural sources of shea butter, cocoa butter, beeswax, calendula, and sweet almond oil that can help ease pain and create healthy-looking skin after being inked.
The balm not only helps but also supports the area around the new tattoo to maintain moisture and allows the skin to follow its natural healing process further.
Mad Rabbit is a product line offering multiple tattoo aftercare products for different needs such as Tattoo Balm, Soothing Gel, and SPF 30 sunscreen.
Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm is a vegan and cruelty-free, non-greasy, and quick-healing skin moisturizer that makes tattoos stand out all the time.
One of the benefits of this product is it doesn’t fade colours, dries fast, and hydrates your skin all while there is no notable side effects.
2. Hustle Butter Deluxe
Hustle Butter Deluxe is a popular tattoo care product that has the function of being a gloving & after-care product and also a moisturizer.
It is an emollient oil-based lubricant which is a petroleum replacement used while applying the tattoo and has been recommended by many artists and their clients owing to its high effectiveness in treating swelling and skin irritation.
Hustle Butter Deluxe consists of only natural ingredients like Shea, Mango and Aloe Butters, Coconut, Sunflower and Rice Bran Oils, Rosemary Oleoresin, Green Tea, Vitamin E Complex & Mint Arvenis Essential Oil.
With Essence of Papaya and Coconut, and it is certified vegan/cruelty-free and is non-comedogenic.
It is also one of the products most highly rated by consumers for its pleasant-smell, quick healing of tattoos and also for its long soothing effects for a long time after the initial healing period of a new tattoo being finished.
Hustle Butter Deluxe is organic and has a full range of shea butter and other essential oils to help eliminate redness, swelling, and bleeding.
With a record for convenience in its use, Hustle Butter Deluxe can be used during the pre, during, and post tattooing process, and it can facilitate faster healing.
3. Tattoo Goo Balm
Tattoo Goo is more than just a product line as it is designed to help tattoo healing, and maintain processes that can help tattoo artists and tattoo lovers alike.
In addition to the classic Tattoo Goo balm that helps prevent the skins excess dryness during the healing process and beyond, there are some specialty Tattoo Goo liniments available to target other specific needs.
Tatoo Goo is shaped as a lip balm, and has a unique advantage over other healing creams in that it prevents scabbing while also can speed up healing time.
Tattoo Goo is designed to help with the replenishment of any moisture lossed during the healing period and aids in the reduction of scabs formed accelerating healing.
Tattoo balms, such as Tattoo Goo, serve to save the skin in the immediate area from drought and directly contributes successfully to rehydration.
Tattoo go has all natural ingredients, they are composed of olive oil, beeswax, cacao butter, wheat germ oil, tocopheryl acetate, lavender oil, sunflower oil, rosemary extract and DandC green6 , which help to pamper and make the skin healthy.
Tattoo Goo balm is often considered cleaner and more secure than petroleum-based products due to no bacteria being trapped while still allowing oxygen into the skin.
4. Aquaphor healing ointment
Many people know about Aquaphor Healing Ointment, a skin care product that is loved for providing moisture, as well as protection, to dry, irritated, or damaged skin.
It is composed of a mixture of mineral oils, waxes as well as other emollients like glycerin lecithin and propylene glycol.
Those ingredients bind together to act as a protective coating on the skin retaining moisture and holding water.
Aquafor is most widely applied to soothe cracking, sensitive, flaking, and inflamed skin or to prevent wetness on the affected regions.
Aquaphor is suitable for most peoples skin, however those who have acne-prone skin be aware as the medication may cause an increase in the severity of acne.
Aquaphor can function as a sealant to lock in moisture and accelerate the effects of other beauty products. It can be used as a a slugger, by applying a thin layer of Aquaphor atop other skincare products before you sleep.
This approach can be effective as it introduces important components for skin barrier function, moisture maintenance, and healthy-looking skin.
5. Tatwax original soothing balm
TatWax Original Soothing Balm is a velvet-toned formula that is 100% natural and devoid of lanolin, alcohol and petroleum.
The product is made to help your skin breathe and toned with a super moisturizing formula that doesn't block pores, leaving tattoos soft, smooth and the colors very vivid.
Tatwax balm is enriched with vital vitamins and soothing aloe vera as well as other all-natural ingredients including canola oil, grape seed oil, cocoa seed butter, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax.
This product has been developed to exhibit its anti-irritant and anti-infection properties, keep the skin freshened following inking, and enhance tattoos with an ever glowing color.
6. Badger Tattoo Balm
The Balm from Badger Tattoo is a product tailored to be used on both new and existing tattoos to ensure protection and hydration keeping the colours of your new or existing ink looking bright and clear.
Contained in it is coconut oil responsible for moisturizing, and has oil from Tamanu which helps to nourish the skin. Badger Tattoo balm is 100% certified organic, and is gluten free.
Badger Balm salve is specially designed to have light consistency making it easy to apply and is perfect for soothing during aftercare.
For so many people it is already a favorite and is widely known for its mild yet strong composition, suitable for sensitive skin and tough enough for tough skin.
7. H2Ocean's Tattoo Aftercare Cream
H2Ocean's Tattoo Aftercare Cream is a cruelty-free aftercare cure and moisturizer which is vegan-friendly and won’t clog pores.
H2Ocean's Tattoo Aftercare Foam employs Dimethicone that provides a liquid bandage around that tattooed area that doesn’t allow airborne pathogens to get into the affected area thereby preventing pus, scabbing or scarring.
H2Ocean’s products are excellent at preventing infection and the development of scaring. In general, the tattoo aftercare product lines of H2Ocean are aimed at speeding up healing and ensuring that the skin is healthy both during and after tattooing.
8. Inkredible tattoo care
Inkredible Tattoo balm is incredibly lightweight and also made of breathable, all natural ingredients that should hydrate and nourish your skin by penetrating deep into your freshly tattooed skin keeping it well hydrated .
The brand advises using an unscented antibacterial soap in combination with the balm to maintain the cleanness of the wounds without blocking the pours of your skin.
Inkredible cream was designed to enhance pigmentation of new tattoos to extend their life so you can keep them always looking fresh and vibrant.
Inkredible is dermatologically tested, cruelty free and is suitable for all tattoos. Inkredible is also paraben and fragrance-free.
9. Tattoo aftercare butter balm
Tattoo Aftercare Butter Balm is an emollient and curative balm formulated to provide relief and protection to tattoos both fresh and old.
This healing balm comes in a roll tube, allowing you to apply or roll it with ease and smoothness whenever and wherever you find a need.
The product is made with a mixture of natural and organic components that include butyrospermum parkil, simmondsia chinensis seed oil, helianthus annuus seed oil, macadamia ternifolia seed oil, cera alba, tocopheryl acetate and parfum.
Tattoo Butter helps reduce the time for a tattoo to heal, thereby making it look fresher and cleaner for a longer time.
The balm also makes the colour of the tattoo more vibrant. Tattoo Butter is simple and easy to use, non irritating to the skin, and does not contain chemicals, fragrances, and preservatives that can be harmful to the skin.
10. After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer and Aftercare Lotion
After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer and Aftercare Lotion is another outstanding Vegan friendly product that is aimed at giving the best hydration and protection for any and all recently tattooed skin.
This lotion is made up of natural oils like grape seed oil, shea butter and jojoba seed oil and these oils provide moisture to the skin without causing pores to block.
It is non-fragrant, non-petroleum and non paraffinum, which can be detrimental to the healing of tattoos.
After Inked can also be used on any permanent makeup procedure on lips, brows, eye liner, and areola.
11. Viking Revolution Tattoo Care Balm
Viking Revolution Tattoo Care Balm is a product that is dedicated to supporting the healing process of tattoos.
As per Amazon customer reviews, the beneficial reviews of the balm confirm that it performs well during the healing period in the expectable stages of recovery which lead to fantastic results.
The balm is regarded as a natural aftercare with no chemicals leading to the soothing and healing of the skin and is great smelling too.
Viking Revolution preserves art, boosts colours and helps prevent fading keeping your ink looking as pristine as possible for the longest period of time.
12. SkinFix Inked tattoo balm
Skinfix Inked Tattoo Balm is a unique skincare product created exclusively for treating freshly tattooed skin. It provides immediate effective hydration and brightens the colour of the tattoo.
About 0.5% of Allantoin forms the key ingredient of the balm and helps to protect and relieve any pain during the recovery stage of the newly tattooed skin together with 34% of coconut oil which acts as an emollient or moisturizer of the skin.
The product is used to lessen scabbing as well as shield the palpable skin structure following the tattoo.
The balm's reviews on Amazon highlight its capability of melting into the skin all while leaving no greasy residue, a drawback of other tattoo aftercare products.
13. Saniderm transparent adhesive bandage
Unique to this list is Saniderm adhesive bandage, used for fresh tattoos they are a medical-grade, waterproof, breathable, and flexible medical bandage made of polyurethane acrylic adhesive which enables them to be resistant from water while allowing air to pass through and yet still be flexible.
The bandage acts as a shield to keep the tattoo away from any dirt, bacteria and friction, keeping air flow and moisture retention.
Clean and dry skin is the Saniderm bandage's ideal application site, and it could stay on for 24 hours at a time for first application, with a second application used for another 3-5 days.
The bandages come in different sizes from large to small which can be cut into various shapes to fit the area of the tattoo.
However, Saniderm is not suitable for those allergic to latex or plaster adhesives and should not be worn for extended periods of time during warm weather due to build up of sweat.
14. Stories and ink daily moisturizer
The Stories and Ink Daily Moisturizer is guaranteed vegan friendly, gluten and fragrance free, suitable for all skin types cream which does not contain parabens.
Stories and Ink soothes and hydrates damaged skin with a non greasy texture allowing your skin to breath during recovery.
This moisturizer has natural active compounds like Inca Inchi Oil, Vitamin E Acetate and Coconut Oil which help in moisturizing as well as keep the elasticity of the skin.
The formulation also has Life Nexus™, a mixture of patented technology that firms up and smooths the skin and intensifies ink vibrancy. Moisturizer delivers a "matte" effect and can be applied on clean and dry skin every day.
15. Billy Jealousy's tattoo lotion
Billy Jealousy's Tattoo Lotion is formulated to increase tattoo saturation, heal skin after tattooing, and create a barrier against the darkening of tattoos.
This lotion which is paraben-free and cruelty-free is made in the USA and it can be used during the healing of a tattoo.
The balm, which is mentioned for its ability to keep tattoos looking crisp and tidied, is definitely one of the best aftercare products on the market.
16. Malibu Tan Hemp Tattoo Enhancing Body Moisturizer
Although last on my list, Malibu Tan Hemp Tattoo enhancing body moisturizer is never the less here.
With a formulation consisting of silicones, this product is well-crafted to serve as a protective hydration barrier that keeps your new or old tattoo away from conditions that may quickly ruin its quality.
Besides serving as a hydrating barrier for your tattoo, Malibu Tan Hemp Tattoo also aids in nourishing your skin with an improved appearance, especially for your tattoo, thus making them more colourful, clearer, and bolder as each day goes by.
To crown it all, Malibu Tan comes with a mild but very attractive fragrance that keeps you smelling nice all day long and is free of parabens, dyes, and gluten and is cruelty free.
What to look for in a tattoo aftercare product
- Anti-inflammatory ingredients: Look for ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, such as Bisabolol, chamomile, and aloe leaf juice, which are suitable for sensitive, dry, and irritated skin
- Antioxidants: Natural ingredients rich in antioxidants, like vitamin E, rosemary leaf extract, and botanical blends, can benefit tattoo aftercare products by helping to protect the skin and promote healing
- Hydrating and moisturizing agents: Ingredients like coconut oil, sunflower oil, and hydrating olive oil can help keep the skin from drying out and promote comfort during the healing process
- Fragrance-free and alcohol-free: It's important to choose products that are fragrance-free and alcohol-free to prevent skin irritation and allergic reactions
- Gentle and non-irritating cleansers: Use mild, fragrance-free soaps or specially formulated tattoo cleansers to clean the tattooed area without causing irritation
It's essential to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist and to choose products that are safe for sensitive skin and promote healing without causing adverse reactions.
What to Avoid when choosing tattoo aftercare products
When it comes to tattoo aftercare, selecting the right products is crucial for ensuring optimal healing and preserving the vibrancy of your ink.
However, not all products are suitable for tattoo aftercare, and some can even hinder the healing process. Here's what you need to avoid:
Ingredients and Products to Avoid
Petroleum-Based Products: While products like petroleum jelly may seem like good moisturizers, they can actually suffocate the skin, impeding the tattoo's healing process. These thick ointments create a barrier that traps heat and bacteria, potentially leading to infections.
Alcohol-Containing Products: Alcohol is a drying agent and can excessively dry out the tattooed area, leading to irritation and delayed healing. Avoid toners, cleansers, or any aftercare products that list alcohol high on their ingredient list.
Fragrances and Dyes: Artificial fragrances and dyes can irritate the sensitive skin around a new tattoo, leading to inflammation, itching, and even allergic reactions. Opt for fragrance-free and dye-free products to minimize the risk of irritation.
Heavy Creams and Butters: While it's important to keep your new tattoo moisturized, very thick creams and butters can clog pores and lead to breakouts or milia (small, white bumps) around the tattooed area.
Exfoliating Agents: Products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), or physical exfoliants should be avoided on tattooed skin. These ingredients are designed to remove the top layer of skin, which can damage a healing tattoo.
Common Misconceptions
"The more you moisturize, the better": Over-moisturizing can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. It's important to apply a thin layer of moisturizer to allow the skin to breathe and heal properly.
"All-natural products are always safe": Just because a product is labeled as "natural" or "organic" doesn't mean it's suitable for tattoo aftercare. Some natural ingredients, like essential oils or citrus extracts, can be too harsh for a healing tattoo.
"Antibacterial ointments are ideal for healing": While keeping the tattoo clean is essential, some antibacterial ointments can be too strong and may strip away the natural oils needed for healing. They can also lead to allergic reactions in some individuals.
"Tanning will help my tattoo heal": Exposing a new tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning beds can significantly fade the ink and hinder the healing process. It's crucial to keep the tattoo covered and use a high-SPF sunscreen once it's fully healed.
By avoiding these ingredients and products, and steering clear of common misconceptions, you can ensure your tattoo heals beautifully and remains vibrant for years to come.
Always follow the aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist, as their guidance is tailored to their specific ink and technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is the required time for a successful recovery from a tattoo?
Tattoo healing time can be estimated with the tattoo make and its complexity in mind. There will be outward recovery during this two to three-week span, but the dermis itself will not heal fully for up to a year.
2. Would oiling my tattoo aftercare with petroleum jelly be something I can do?
Tattoo aftercare should not involve the use of petroleum jelly as it will lead to good air flow being blocked and can cause skin inflammation, which is needed for new tattoos.
3.What can I do to help my tattoo heal quicker and to minimize pain?
The best way to do that is to ensure to stay away from submerging in water like swimming, taking baths, hot tubs, and suchto avoid your tattoo fading fast or healing poorly.
4. How many lotions for my tattoo should I apply in a week?
Using an unscented lotion can help keep the moisture in your skin and make it softer and more manageable. Apply the lotion 1-3 times daily. Recommended lotions are listed in the article.
Summary - Best Products For Tattoo Aftercare
Taking care of a new tattoo is essential for its proper healing and long-term vibrancy.
By choosing the right tattoo aftercare products with the appropriate ingredients, you can ensure that your tattoo heals properly and maintains its beauty for years to come.
It's important to follow the recommended aftercare routine and consult with your tattoo artist or dermatologist if you have any concerns during the healing process.
With the right products and care, your new tattoo can remain a stunning work of art for years to come.
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