A good lotion or moisturizer can make old ink look like new. See our reviews of several lotions and moisturizers for old tattoos, and rejuvenate the skin fast.
It is all fun and great when you put tattoos one after another. But, as time goes by, the tattoos are not immune to getting old, just as we do! The skin is always visibly changed after a certain number of years, so it would make sense that the tattoos get old with the skin together – same speed, the same way.
So, you probably think there must be a way to protect old tattoos from fading and aging fast. And it must confuse you to research in many places for various products because you don’t know what guarantees the care for your old tattoos. We can help you find the best lotions for old tattoos to keep your tattoos vibrant for a long time. Let’s start!
Best Moisturizer Overall
Vegan Pick
Best Tattoo Healing
These were our top 3 lotions we’ll talk about today. Every one of them is superb feature-wise, but most importantly, they all offer the much-needed rejuvenation of old ink. They differentiate between some features, but they all offer tattoo skincare, so let’s choose the best one for you!
Why do you need lotions and moisturizers for old tattoos?
You need to take care of your skin, always, regardless of tattoos or not. But, old tattoos need special care (if possible), and much more skincare attention, because the ink tends to age the same as the skin, if not even faster. Depending on many factors like sun, stress, nutrition, pollutants – the skin ages according to them, and so do the tattoos underneath it. So, with proper skincare for old tattoos, you’ll be able to reduce the skin damages of the years up to then and replenish the vibrancy of the old ink. With proper skincare like this, you can keep your tattoos vibrant for a very long time.
The lotions and moisturizers for old tattoos are meant for everyone that has tattoos, especially ones made a long time ago. If you dislike the idea of cover-ups or touch-ups, then investing in a good lotion/moisturizer is the right move. These lotions even offer suitable daily usage, so they are for all people, but even more beneficial for those with (older) tattoos.
Read also: Best Tattoo Starter Kit
The Best Lotions for Old Tattoos in 2022
1. Hustle Butter Deluxe Tattoo Butter
Best Moisturizer Overall
Hustle Butter Deluxe Tattoo Butter
Pick this tattoo butter if you want your tattooed skin to be very soft, nurtured, and color-revived. It smells amazing, so it will feel like regular skincare, and your old tattoos will get a nice ‘touch-up’ of skincare overall.
Our first pick is the best moisturizer overall, the brand Hustle Butter. This product is extra-nourishing and provides good skin hydration. It is also a great vegan replacement for non-vegan ingredients, and you can always use it in place of petroleum. You can use it on new tattoos as well, but for old ones, it provides good color reviving and skin-replenishing. It is great for soothing irritated skin, reducing bumps and redness, and even swelling. All ingredients are vegan and great for the skin – coconut, shea, mango, aloe, vitamin E, papaya, and similar butter types.
Package dimensions are 2.1 x 2.3 x 2.4 inches, with a total weight of 5 ounces.
Pros
- Hydrates
- Petroleum substitute
- Vegan ingredients
- Color reviving
- Soothes irritated skin
- Nice smelling kinds of butter as ingredients
Cons
- Repeating of applications for extra-dry skin
- Spread it evenly, because the texture is grainy otherwise
2. After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer
Vegan Pick
After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer
Choose this tattoo lotion to keep your tattoos vibrant with the help of healthy and vegan ingredients. If you like vegan products that have amazing components for the skin, and all are packed as light lotion formula – this is for you.
Our second pick is the vegan pick of this list, the brand After Inked. This vegan moisturizer is a lotion formula, so it spreads smoothly and evenly over the tattoos. It provides great hydration and it’s fit for daily use because it is a lotion after all. All the old tattoos will be more colorful and pigmented and nourished too because it has grape seed oil (great for skin health).
This lotion has no sticky or oily residue, and your clothes will remain clean. It has no bad ingredients – paraben, petroleum, gluten. Also, it is not tested on animals and is approved by dermatologists as well. The lotion is hypoallergenic and safe for all skin types.
Package dimensions are 6 x 6 x 6 inches, with a total weight of 2.5 ounces.
Pros
- Vegan
- No cruelty/testing on animals
- Smooth application
- Lotion formula
- Grape seed oil
- Non-sticky
- No petroleum or parabéns
- Approved by experts
- All skin types
Cons
- Some would require more applications to notice a result
- Shake bottle before use, to avoid thickness of the product
3. Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Best Tattoo Healing
Pick this ointment if you like a trusted brand that is well-known and offers multi-usage as well. This is a great addition to your cosmetic bag because you will use it on old and new tattoos, as well as all ‘tricky’ skin areas on the body too.
Our third pick is the brand Aquaphor, from Beiersdorf.Inc, with the best tattoo healing product! This ointment is amazing not just for old tattoos, but for new ones too, and all specific skin areas with dry skin; elbows, knees, feet, hands, lips, and more. This ointment is not quite cream or lotion or ointment, but a nice, smooth semi-solid formula that adds a protective barrier once applied. It contains no fragrances or preservatives, or even harsh chemicals, and helps in fast healing and hydration as well.
Package dimensions are 3.07 x 1.97 x 8.03 inches, with a total weight of 4.9 ounces.
Pros
- Fast healing
- Supple hydration
- Multiuse (other body parts/skin areas)
- Lasts a long time (a little is enough for application)
- Semi-solid formula
- No scent or harmful ingredients
Cons
- Feels a bit ‘thick’ in the hands, and hard to spread
4. Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion
Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion
Choose this lotion to keep your tattoos vibrant if you like a practical use with a pump bottle. No more squeezing tubes or using up the last product dollop of other package types. Practical usage without residue on clothes sounds amazing!
Our fourth pick is the Lubriderm brand, by Johnson & Johnson, with their lotion packed in a practical pump bottle. This lotion is deeply hydrating and without a scent (for those preferring clean formulas). It contains vitamin B5 (crucial for skin health) to provide the skin with good nutrients. The lotion is good for normal and dry skin as well, and once you apply it, it won’t leave a greasy residue on the skin or clothes. The effect of this lotion (moisture) lasts for a whole day (24 h.), and it absorbs very fast too.
Package dimensions are 2.07 x 3.99 x 9.2 inches, with a total weight of 1.69 pounds.
Pros
- Pump bottle
- Hydrating
- No scent
- Good consistency
- Vitamin B5
- Normal to dry skin
- No greasy residue
- Fast absorbing
- 24 h effect
Cons
- Ensure good tightening of the package with a seller, before the shipping
- It says no scent, but there is a specific ingredient smell, bland scent to it
5. CeraVe Lotion
Pick out this lotion if you are a fan of deep moisture and skin exfoliation. These two things keep your skin always looking radiant and youthful, so all tattoos will look refreshed too. Both skincare and hydration of tattoos at the same time!
The pick no. 5 is the CeraVe brand and their lotion with some good features. So, this lotion is great for smoothing and nourishing bumpy skin that is irritated easily. For tattoos, it makes wonders for both old and new tattoos. The ingredients are nothing short of excellent – vitamin D for skin health, Hyaluronic acid for replenishing moisture and youthful skin look, and also salicylic and lactic acid – for skin smoothness and health.
The formula has no scent and is pleasant once applied. Your skin will be mildly exfoliated as well and restored after absorbing the product. The formula is hypoallergenic, and the texture is ideal for all skin types, especially rough, dry, and sensitive skin (also for psoriasis issues). Package dimensions are 1.4 x 2.8 x 6.77 inches, with a total weight of 1.33 pounds.
Pros
- Smoothening skin
- Amazing ingredients (hyaluronic acid, vitamin D, acids)
- No scent
- Easy to apply
- Mild exfoliation and restoring of skin
- Hypoallergenic
- All skin types
- Fit for skin issues too
Cons
- More applications could be needed for those with extremely dry skin
6. Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion
Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion
This lotion is perfect for you if you want a double benefit – tattoo skin care as well as anti-aging effects of the skin. This is ‘two birds with one stone’ for all those that need the best of multiple, different lotions for skin.
Pick number 6 is the brand Alpha Skin Care, by Neoteric Cosmetics. This lotion is good for skincare, but also it offers anti-aging properties to the skin with its AHA acids (known for this effect). The skin will be much more youthful with lessened deep and superficial lines – this means aged skin over some tattoos will look better, and tattoos will look better as well. How? This lotion triggers collagen production in the skin, for health and youthfulness. There are no parabens or harmful ingredients too. You will use only the best on your tattooed skin! For best results, use it twice daily (morning and night).
Package dimensions are 2.13 x 2.13 x 7.75 inches, with a total weight of 12 ounces.
Pros
- AHA acids
- Anti-aging effect
- Replenishing skin and its hydration
- Collagen-producing effect
- No parabens
Cons
- It feels thick for some users
- Shake bottle before use (to avoid unevenness in texture)
7. Neutrogena Moisturizing Lotion
Neutrogena Moisturizing Lotion
Pick this lotion if you love practical usage of a pump bottle (allowing you to use the product fully and not waste it). Also, this is perfect for you if you like beneficial skincare oils (like the sesame). You will treat the skin nicely with such ingredients and you know you’ll get the best because this is dermatologist-approved.
As number 7 pick, we have the brand Neutrogena with a formula that is a blend between oily lotion and lotion. Still, despite this formula, the product is a light texture and it absorbs fast. The package is a practical pump bottle for easy usage and application. The lotion was also approved by dermatologists and medical experts. In the ingredients, there is sesame oil (good for nourishing the skin) and providing proper hydration, without a heavy, greasy feeling. You can use it daily as regular skincare, or for the tattoos only – it is great both ways.
Package dimensions are 2.5 x 3.55 x 11.5 inches, with a total weight of 3.99 ounces.
Pros
- Oily lotion formula
- Lightweight
- Fast absorbing
- Pump bottle
- Sesame oil
- For daily or specific use
Cons
- The scent is strong for some
- Ensure properly secured packaging to protect the pump during shipping
8. Malibu Tan Tattoo Enhancing Body Moisturizer
The Malibu Tan lotion is perfect to keep your tattoos vibrant, but at the same time to nourish the skin and have it smell superb. If you like practical pump bottles of nice-scented products that revive old ink, this is your pick.
Our eighth pick is the brand Malibu Tan with a lotion that will give life and vibrancy to old tattoos! The scent of this product is just heavenly, and it will leave your skin smelling tropical and fresh at the same time. The pump bottle makes it practical to use the product and not waste it. If you use it on the old tattoos, after a while it will make them vibrant, nicer, and overall healthier-looking! It absorbs fast and easy, and it doesn’t leave a greasy residue.
Package dimensions are 8 x 4.2 x3.4 inches, with a total weight of 2.55 pounds.
Pros
- Rejuvenates old ink
- Amazing scent
- Pump bottle
- Easy to use and fast-absorbing
- No greasy residue
Cons
- If you have extremely dry skin, you should apply it more often to achieve luster and skin-shine.
9. Cetaphil Restoring Lotion
Go for this lotion if you like antioxidants in your skincare routine. These ingredients will rejuvenate your whole skin, especially the old tattoos that need lots of care and reviving. You’ll like the non-greasy feeling and the practicality of the pump-bottle.
The ninth pick is the brand Cetaphil with a lotion that offers some nice features. First, the formula is made for skin that needs deep restoration through the usage of antioxidants (they cleanse the skin and organism of free radical damage). The ingredients contain vitamin B3 (good for the skin) that brings back the shine and healthy look.
Your old tattoos will get a vibrant look and smoother appearance overall. There is no scent, and there are no parabens and other harmful ingredients. Once you apply it, it is not greasy or thick at all. The lotion is packed in a practical pump bottle.
Package dimensions are 2.17 x 3.87 x 7.38 inches.
Pros
- Good for restoring skin’s health and look
- B3 vitamin
- Vibrancy for old ink
- No parabens
- No scent
- Non-greasy feeling
- Pump bottle
Cons
- Ensure with a seller to receive proper packaging (undamaged before the shipping)
- Depending on the skin type, it could require more rubbing to absorb well
10. Ed Hardy Moisturizer
This lotion is the perfect pick for you if you like gorgeous scents packed in pump bottles. Not just this, but the lotion is perfect for you if you like vitamins and antioxidants for your skin at all times. Make your skin nourished and supple easily!
The last mention on the list is the Ed Hardy brand, with a lotion that gives amazing care to old tattoos, as well as new ones, and the whole skin overall. This moisturizer prolongs the effect of vibrant ink for much longer, and at the same time, it enhances the good-looking tan of the skin (or the complexion). The ingredients have shea butter (very nourishing for deep hydration), not leaving the skin greasy afterward.
This lotion will make the skin look younger and ‘tighter’, making old tattoos look youthful. The vitamins C, and E will make the skin healthier and radiant in the long run. Also, there is a lotus flower extract that acts like an antioxidant-shield for the skin. It is suitable for all skin types and doesn’t cause allergies. The scent is pure perfection – a blend of honey and bourbon!
Package dimensions are 3 x 2 x 7 inches, with a total weight of 1.2 pounds.
Pros
- Rejuvenates tattoos and skin overall
- Enhances tan, complexion, pigments
- Shea butter for hydration
- Non-greasy feeling
- Vitamins E and C
- Lotus flower extract
- All skin types
- Unique and gorgeous scent
- Pump bottle
Cons
- The pump needs more handling to work properly at first
- Ensure with a seller to secure packaging better (to avoid malfunctions in the pump upon arriving)
How we picked and tested the lotions
These were the crucial features we were focusing on while researching for the best lotions & moisturizers for old tattoos:
- Vegan
- Soothing
- Scent
- All skin types
- Approved by experts
- Multi-use for other skin areas too
- Practical package/bottle/tube
- Vitamins and good oils
- No greasy residue
- Absorbing fast
- Anti-aging effects
Lotions & Moisturizers Buyer’s Guide
What is the best way to protect old tattoos from fading and aging?
Sadly, no miracle product would stop the skin from aging, or the ink from fading. But, with good skincare and good lifestyle habits, the process could be less severe and slowed down. Proper skincare with good products goes a long way – it gives the skin nutrients, and with those, the skin is more elastic, less prone to wrinkling, and the ink underneath the skin is hydrated and less ‘ashy’ or faded looking in the long run.
How do lotions and moisturizers revive old ink?
When you apply a lotion/moisturizer, as we said above, the skin is nourished. Just as the organism needs food and water to survive and be healthy, the skin needs an external, topical ‘boost’ to remain elastic and hydrated. Dry skin is more prone to all sorts of damages, and ink fading is one of them. If you apply the skincare products daily, you will preserve the vibrant look of tattoos, and the smooth skin surface as well.
What to do if I have a bad skin reaction to the lotions and moisturizers?
In case of an allergic reaction, you can do several things to lessen the bad reaction. If you already purchased the product without reading the label, what you can do is wait a day or two to see if the redness persists. If yes, rinse the skin and let it dry naturally without applying anything. Consult a medical expert whether you should use a special medical ointment or now.
Conclusion
We confirmed that skincare for old or new tattoos, or in general, is a crucial thing for healthy and great-looking skin. But, this is even more important when it comes to old tattoos, because they are permanent, and the least you can do is revive their color.
So, a recap, our winner was Hustle Butter Deluxe as the best moisturizer overall; of natural ingredients that smell amazing! Next, we had the vegan pick After Inked, which is a lotion formula with grape seed. And as a third, we had the best tattoo healing product Aquaphor that is a semi-solid, no scent formula.
Do not skip on skincare, because your old tattoos will get a completely new look!
Read also: Best Tattoo Numbing Cream
