For a beautiful tattoo, you need to take care of the tattoo aftercare. We have lotions, balms, salves, and many more products in this tattoo aftercare guide!
Taking good care of the tattoo is the most important thing you can do as a customer and the most important thing to recommend as an artist. It’s pointless to invest time, money, and skill into a gorgeous tattoo if you’re not prepared to take good care of it!
And, we don’t blame you if you often skip the aftercare products when you get a tattoo – maybe some were not good, some not available for purchase, or you could not pick the right one out of too many.
Well, because of this, we will help you in an efficient way to choose the best tattoo aftercare products for your gorgeous ink. No more lengthy browsing, because we listed everything you need below. Let’s begin.
Best overall
Runner Up
Our Aftercare Kit Pick
These were our top 3 tattoo aftercare products that we will cover today. We have many more products to come further down, and their features are all explained below. You can find out more about their ingredients, most beneficial features, usages, and much more, so keep on reading!
Why Do You Need Tattoo Aftercare Products?
You need tattoo aftercare products if you want to have a gorgeous tattoo for a longer time, without needing to touch it up! Without good aftercare, you will be at risk of improper healing, meaning the tattoo will most likely peel badly, or the skin will get too dry, leading to flakiness.
With good tattoo aftercare, your ink will keep its vibrancy for longer, and the skin will remain healthy and moisturized too. There is no gorgeous tattoo without gorgeous skin – it seems these two go together to a certain extent.
The tattoo aftercare products are for everyone that has a tattoo, especially a new one. Most or all of these products, work wonders for both old and new tattoos by nurturing the skin with good ingredients, giving it a nice shine and moisture. Of course, some of the products with a lighter formula could be used as regular skincare, but they are specifically great for tattoo healing.
Read also: Best Lotion for Tattoo Aftercare
The Best Tattoo Aftercare Products in 2022
1. Hustle Butter Deluxe
Best Overall
This skin butter is perfect for you if you need something to calm the skin, and speed up the healing at the same time. You can use this on all occasions, before or after the tattoo as well. It has multiple uses and will nourish your skin nicely.
The first pick is the best overall, the brand Hustle Butter with their skin butter that is perfect as skincare for all stages – before, during, and after the session. Your skin will be moisturized and well-lubricated, and very supple! The good part is that this is vegan, so no animal cruelty was practiced here as well. And, also the ingredients are a nice supplement for petroleum cosmetics. When you apply it, it will help reduce redness or irritation and speed up skin healing. The tattooing will go smoothly because this will not smudge the stencils!
Package dimensions are 2.1 x 2.3 x 2.4 inches, with a total weight of 5 ounces.
Pros
- For all stages (before, during, after)
- Nourished skin
- Vegan
- Petroleum substitute
- Soothing irritated skin
- No stencil erasing
Cons
- Those with very dry skin should reapply more
- The scent could be strong for some
2. After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer and Lotion
Runner Up
After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer and Lotion
You can choose this aftercare product if you like simple cosmetics without a scent, but full of good ingredients. The grape seed oil will soften your skin and heal your skin better in no time.
As the runner up choice, we have the brand After Inked with their tattoo aftercare lotion. This one doesn’t have a scent at all, so it will be pleasant for everyone. Also, you can use it daily as regular skincare, or for tattoos specifically and for a limited time. On old tattoos, it revives their color, and on new tattoos, it helps with the healing. The ingredients contain grape seed oil that’s known as nourishing for the skin. Besides, there are no petroleum, parabens, or cruelty / non-vegan ingredients. It won’t cause allergies because it’s hypoallergenic.
Package dimensions are 6 x 6 x 6 inches, with a total weight of 2.5 ounces.
Pros
- No scent
- Nourishing
- For daily skincare regular use too
- No harmful ingredients
- Vegan
- Reviving old ink color
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Consistency is a bit thick
3. Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit
Our Aftercare Kit Pick
This is the best choice if you want more things at once! With this, you will get sunscreen, nourishment products, as well as cleansing soap, so you’re kind of equipped quite well with these light formulas.
As a third, and as an aftercare kit pick, we chose the Tattoo Goo brand from the Pirate Face manufacturer, with their kit of tattoo aftercare products. This kit contains all the things for healing a tattoo. The old ink colors will look more vibrant with the help of these four items in the kit: lotion, balm, soap, and SPF 30 lotion. You see, you get sunscreen protection too, and all these are made with vegan ingredients. The formula is enriched with essential oils that by the way, smell amazing! But, besides vegan ingredients, there are also vitamins A and D, as well as olive oil for softening. The skin is supple and soft after the application because the formula is also water-based and light.
Package dimensions are 6 x 4 x 3 inches, with a total weight of 8 ounces.
Pros
- A few products in a kit
- SPF included
- Vegan ingredients
- Essential oils and nice scent
- Vitamins and olive oil too
- Nourished, soft skin
- Water-based formula
Cons
- Needs more applying for extra-dry skin
- The scent is strong for some
4. Viking Revolution Tattoo Care Balm
Viking Revolution Tattoo Care Balm
This is your go-to pick if you like a more dense, thick, and greasier formula when it comes to skincare. If lotions and creams do nothing for you, this semi-balmy consistency will moisturize your tattoo well enough.
As fourth, we chose a balm formula, great for those with dry or skin prone to cracking. The brand Viking Revolution offers a great formula fit for all stages – before, during, and after the tattoo session. The balm is a mix-consistency of balm and lotion, and it helps brighten even older tattoos. Irritated skin will heal fast and be moisturized, and the smell is gorgeous too! In case you are not satisfied for some reason, the customer support is helpful and kind for your needs.
Package dimensions are 2.9 x 2.9 x 0.9 inches, with a total weight of 3.21 ounces.
Pros
- Fit for all stages
- Nice balm-lotion consistency
- Brightens old ink
- Heals skin fast
- Nice scent
- Moisturized skin
- Good customer support
Cons
- A bit greasy for some, so it could require more intense rubbing into the skin
5. Ora’s Tattoo Aftercare Salve
So, if you have a soft spot for small businesses, and you also prefer ointment formulas like this one, you have your answer. This is perfect for you if your skin loves herbal ingredients, and if you need some practical healing ointment like this for any skin issue overall.
The brand Ora’s Amazing Herbal offers an adorably packed tattoo aftercare salve formula that’s more a blend of balm + salve + lotion, so something like an ointment. It is a great moisturizing product that has no artificial colors, no parabens, or fragrances, and all ingredients are organic and herb-based. What makes this product special is that this is a family business, so it’s prepared with love and care, every batch! You can use it for tattoo aftercare, or minor skin issues like bumps, bruises, and burns.
Package dimensions are 2.24 x 1.69 x 1.65 inches, with a total weight of 1 ounce.
Pros
- Salve formula similar to an ointment
- All-natural ingredients
- Herb-based
- For tattoos as well as skin issues
- Family business (every batch gets proper attention)
Cons
- Examine all herbs included in case you have reactions to certain herbs naturally
6. Malibu Tan Hemp Tattoo Enhancing Body Moisturizer
Malibu Tattoo Enhancing Moisturizer
You can make a definite choice with this tattoo aftercare product if you like light lotion formulas that won’t leave your skin greasy, but will leave it smelling heavenly! It would be a perfect addition to your skincare in every aspect, and it’ll revive the tattoo ink without clogging the pores.
The Malibu Tan brand offers a nice lotion formula as your next tattoo aftercare product. This lotion is not greasy at all and seeps into the skin nicely. It has great ingredients for the skin, such as hemp, aloe vera, and shea, all of them nourishing and softening it. Your tattoos will be more vibrant, will heal faster, and the skin will be incredibly soft. If you dislike strong scents, this is for you because the scent is nice enough to be subtle!
Package dimensions are 7.9 x 4.1 x 3.3 inches, with a total weight of 2.55 pounds.
Pros
- Light lotion formula
- Non-greasy
- Easy to absorb
- Smells nice
- Skin heals fast
- Reviving ink color
- Soft, supple skin
Cons
- Apply a few times per day for better effect (due to the light formula)
7. Ink Scribd Tattoo Intensifying Cream
Ink Scribd Tattoo Intensifying Cream
You need this tattoo aftercare product if you like a cream formula that will resolve any skin issues, while at the same time nourish your freshly done tattoo. You’ll get good hydration, any irritations will be gone, and the tattoo will heal gorgeously,
The title of this sounds interesting – tattoo intensifying? Yes, this balm has an ointment formula that is similar to a cream, and it works wonders for your tattoos. This cream will soothe the skin that’s irritated, and every tattooed skin has some irritation of course! The formula will moisturize the skin and leave the pigment nice and vibrant.
The ingredients won’t cause inflammation or allergy, and will even soothe them because they are all-natural and herb-based. It will help for any itching or too dry skin, and all healing will go faster and better. You’ll also notice how the ink looks shinier and nicely pigmented. In case of dissatisfaction, you could ask for a refund within a full year!
Package dimensions are 2.5 x 2.4 x 2.2 inches, with a total weight of 12.8 ounces.
Pros
- Creamy, ointment formula
- Soothes irritation
- Nice moisturizing
- Vibrancy of pigment
- Soothing allergies
- Herbs and natural ingredients
- Soothes itching
- Refund within a year if not satisfied
Cons
- A bit greasy for some, so apply just a little bit to spread thinner
8. Tattoo Goo Blue Wave Cleansing Solution
Tattoo Goo Blue Wave Cleansing Solution
If you want to carry your tattoo aftercare product everywhere with you (great idea!), then this is your perfect pick. You can easily take it out and spray over the tattoo without hurrying home to get all the creams and lotions and whatnot. Perfect if you are always on the go with a busy schedule!
For number 8, we have something that stands out and is quite different from the rest of the tattoo aftercare products on this list. Now we have a cleansing solution that will ensure the good hygiene of your new tattoo. This is a solution formula that is medically-approved and fully sterile. It is amazing for both tattoos and piercing cleansing and disinfects them fully with the sodium chloride of 99.9%.
The healing will be faster, all lymph liquid or blood and residue will be cleanser – plus, this is safe for oral and topical uses! The best part is that this has no sea salt because salt aggravates sensitive skin. It’s packed with a practical pump, and the package is eco-friendly (no aerosol).
Package dimensions are 4.9 x 1.8 x 1.7 inches, with a total weight of 2 ounces.
Pros
- Cleansing solution
- Medical approval
- For tattoos and piercings
- For oral and topical use
- Fast healing
- Spray
- No sea salt
- Pump package
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- The package needs to be done better and more secure before shipping
9. Barker Goods Organic Tattoo Balm
Barker Goods Organic Tattoo Balm
If you like to hydrate the new tattoo with something dense and greasier than most cosmetics, this is your pick. Your tattoo will get the proper layer of moisturizer made of all-natural ingredients, and any irritation will be gone ASAP!
From the Barker Goods brand, we have a pure balm formula that is made with all-natural and vegan ingredients. This balm is a substitute for petroleum, and it will make your tattooed skin incredibly soft and supple, moisturized and nourished. To prove its vegan ingredients, the manufacturer shows a USDA certificate. You can say goodbye to cracked or irritated skin, and make your tattoo gorgeous much faster! It is hypoallergenic and for all skin types, very easy to use (economically too, due to the balm consistency), and it gives old ink new brightness!
Package dimensions are 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.75 inches, with a total weight of 2.08 ounces.
Pros
- Vegan and natural (certified)
- Softened skin
- Removing irritation
- Reviving old ink
- Fast tattoo healing
Cons
- Ensure proper and secure packaging before the shipping
- The formula is a bit greasy and thick – so apply a little bit only
10. Fistcuffs Tattoo Balm Tin
Again, a perfect pick for you if you like small containers of balm consistency! You can carry this with you because it is a practical package, and it will last a long time – balm cannot be applied too much on the skin. Plus, your skin will smell minty fresh too!
And it is time, to sum up, the list, with a gorgeous tin full of tattoo balm by the brand Fistcuffs Moustache Wax. This balm will speed up the healing of your new tattoo with the help of its ingredients; soothing skin butter, fine oils (like the tea tree oil) for softening of the skin, and similar. The scent of this balm is incredible and refreshing like peppermint, so you’ll have a nourished skin smelling nice!
Package dimensions are 2 x 2 x 1 inch, with a total weight of 0.63 ounces.
Pros
- Fast healing of tattoos
- Natural ingredients
- Economical balm formula
- Soft and supple skin
- Mint scent
Cons
- The lid on the tin container is a bit tough to open
How we picked and tested the tattoo aftercare products
To find as many good tattoo aftercare products, we tried to gather these features for most of them and our research as well:
- Usage in all stages (before, during, after)
- For old and new tattoos
- No petroleum or harmful ingredients
- Pleasant scent (not strong)
- Fit for regular skincare use
- SPF factor
- Vitamins and oils
- Easy to absorb
Tattoo Aftercare Products Buyer’s Guide
Is dry healing of a tattoo an option?
In general, dry healing of a tattoo is a rare thing and not many are for it. When a tattoo is left fully dry, the skin could suffer from itching, redness, burning sensations, irritations, and similar. You will be at risk for scabbing and ink damage as well.
What is best for tattoo aftercare; butter, lotion, soap, salve, or a cleansing solution?
This is just personal preference and your choice, but also skin type could play a small role. For example, butter and salve would be more fit for dry skin, and lotion formula for greasier or normal skin. You could use the soap and cleansing solutions along with the products you’ll apply on the tattoo.
What if I forget to apply the tattoo aftercare product at a certain time?
This is not a big problem. You will just notice the skin is a bit drier than usual and that alone will remind you to reach for the balm or lotion, or whatever you chose from above! As long as you do remember to use them, the tattoo will heal gorgeously.
What to do if I have irritation with a certain ingredient?
In this case, just cleanse the tattoo with a regular skin cleanser that you would use regularly and pat dry gently. You should also contact a medical expert and the tattoo artist to get information from both on the next steps. Often, soothing medical creams are recommended for this.
Conclusion
Now is the time to choose the best tattoo aftercare product for you! Our best overall pick was the Hustle Butter Deluxe with the vegan butter formula. Then, the runner up was the After Inked lotion that is not scented and also hypoallergenic. And, the aftercare kit pick was the third-place Tattoo Goo, a pack of few products to make the aftercare complete!
What you choose will be solely your choice, but you need to have some tattoo aftercare product when you get a new tattoo. Make the ink gorgeous!
