Setting up an appointment for a tattoo is an exciting thing, but most people are still feeling some anxiety when it comes to pain. Tattoos are gorgeous, but they do come with a few uncomfortable skin sensations. This depends on the level of sensitivity of each person, but overall it is a physical feeling unlike any other!
We won’t deny it – it might not be the most pleasant sensation there is, and some parts of the body will hurt more than others. It is not the same level of pain on soft tissues, as it is on body parts close to a bone.
But, the good part is that we can talk about the solutions to this! Below in this article, we will review several tattoo numbing cream brands for you, so you can have a pleasant next tattoo session.
Best overall
Premium Pick
Budget Pick
These are our best tattoo numbing creams we selected for you. The variety is excellent, and you can choose between numbing creams, gels, or even sprays. Tattooing will be less painful from now on, so simply choose something from our selection below to fit your needs.
Why do you need Tattoo Numbing Cream
As a tattoo artist, some things are crucial for the salon or place where you work; tattoo machines, ink, ointments, bandages, but also the tattoo numbing cream. You can never know whether a customer suddenly gets too sensitive to the pain, so think of these creams as a ‘first aid kit’ for sensitive skin. It will help you finish the tattoo much faster as well because the pain will not hinder or prolong the tattoo session.
This product is perfect for tattoo (and piercing) artists, as well as for everyone getting a tattoo. These lines of business include certain levels of pain, and customers always have to be as comfortable as possible. Such creams are also used by cosmeticians (waxing), or beauty workers (microblading), and similar.
Read also: Best Numbing Sprays for Tattoo
The Best Tattoo Numbing Creams in 2022
1. Ebanel 5% Lidocaine Topical Numbing Cream
Best overall
Our best overall pick would be the best pick for any tattoo artist that wants to be fully equipped and prepared beforehand. Not all customers stand the pain, so it is best to have this product around the salon.
From the Ebanel Laboratories, we have the primary and best overall pick cream. This product has several purposes, which makes it convenient and practical. It is a numbing cream that at the same time reduces pain and acts as an anesthetic. It is enriched with many good ingredients, like vitamin E (good for skin health), Aloe Vera (for skin glow and elasticity), Allantoin (moisturizing), and Lecithin (hydrates skin).
What makes it good is that it acts fast, which is the whole point of pain-numbing products; in this case, the effect starts after half an hour and lasts for 60 minutes. The effect is even almost the same
The package dimensions are 6.3 x 3.58 x 2.13 inches, and the total weight of the packages 4.66 ounces only.
Pros
- Both skincare and pain relief at once
- Anesthetic foremost
- Non-greasy (oil-free)
- Fragrance-free
- Superb strength
- Acts very fast
- Packed with child-resistant safety caps
- Soothes skin and leaves it supple
Cons
- Not suitable for injured skin or post-operative care
- Not effective on complex health issues (bone pain and similar)
2. Hush Anesthetic Tattoo Numbing Gel
You can choose this gel if you want to spare your sensitive customers the chemical overload. It is a mild gel with good effect, without too many harmful ingredients, and it leaves the skin nurtured afterward.
Hush Hush Projects has made a product that numbs pain and is a light formula in the form of a gel; easily absorbing and cooling at first. Our premium pick gel is slightly more potent than other brands, and it has an effect that lasts up to 2 full hours! This would be convenient for medium or large size tattoos done at that time. The gel does not contain harsh chemicals, it is vegan-friendly, and it does not increase pain sensitivity for extremely thin and sensitive skin.
Package dimensions are: 5.5 x 1.2 x 1.1 inches. The total weight of this lightweight package is just 3.99 ounces.
Pros
- Stronger than cream formulas
- Long effect of 2 hours
- Vegan
- Gentle on the skin
Cons
- For those sensitive to pain, it might be needed to re-apply and double the amount
3. Aspercreme Maximum Strength Pain Relief Cream
The Aspercreme is a good product for tattoo artists that are not able to splurge large sums for pain-relief products. With this cream, you could still do tattoo work on a budget, and help some customers sit through the session.
As our budget pick, we chose the Aspercreme Store by Chattem.Inc, and their pain numbing cream for immediate effect at a great price. It prevents pain because it contains the powerful 4% Lidocaine, and acts directly on the source of the pain. Once you apply it, it will start acting in circa 4-5 minutes, not only on the skin but tissues underneath too. It is even labeled that it relieves pain on muscles, sprains, back pain, and similar!
Dimensions of the package are 6.13 x 1.5 x 4.13 inches, and its weight is 4.64 ounces.
Pros
- Contains Lidocaine (4%)
- Has an effect on sprains and other injured tissues
- Affordable
- The effect lasts a few hours
- Odorless
- Oil-free
Cons
- Less effective on serious or extreme pain spots
- Not effective for arthritis and harsh pains
4. Uber Numb 5% Lidocaine Topical Numbing Cream
This cream is a good choice for customers that would be extremely sensitive to pain, so now you, the tattoo artist, can make their tattoo session more pleasant. It would be good for small tattoos on body parts that hurt more during tattooing.
This cream made by UberScientific is a cream with even more lidocaine than other brands – so far extremely convenient because lidocaine is the crucial compound to fight pain. It is a light formula cream without oils, and it seeps into the skin very fast. The first effect starts circa half an hour after applying, and it will last about an hour. At the same time, the cream will soothe inflamed skin in that area.
The dimensions of the package are 2.75 x 2.75 x 3.21 inches, and it weighs just 3.21 ounces.
Pros
- 5% lidocaine
- Non-oily
- Fast effect
- Reduces inflammation and swelling
- Soothing the irritated skin
- Refunding if customer not satisfied
Cons
- For best effect, apply generously or double the amount
- Not extremely effective for those resistant to painkillers and similar
5. Ebanel 5% Lidocaine Spray
Usually, all numbing creams should act on the same principle, but to avoid messiness, the spray is a cleaner option for you. This is a good choice for artists that dislike messy preparations.
We have another product by the Ebanel Laboratories, but this time it is a spray formula. Sprays are always convenient because they are even lighter on the skin than clear gels, and this one gives a super-hydrating and cooling feeling. It contains 0.25% Phenylephrine (acting as an anesthetic on the skin), and overall it relieves sensitivity, pain, and irritation. The sprays are enriched with Allantoin and Arginine too, both making the skin hydrated and soft. The full effect starts in around half an hour.
The dimensions of the package are 5 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches, and it is a lightweight pack of 3.21 ounces.
Pros
- Light spray formula
- 0.25% Phenylephrine
- Contains arginine and allantoin
- Acts in a few minutes
- Can be applied mid-session
- Oil-free
- Fast shipping
- Fit for surface effect
Cons
- Hard to open and close (child-proof tight package)
- Specific scent
6. Dr. Numb 5% Lidocaine Numbing Cream
You can freely choose this product if you need something that would last a bit longer than 1-2 hours as other such creams. If you are working with a tight schedule, but have lots of medium tattoos, this is a pick for you.
Another cream on the list – this one by Dr. Numb Store, specifically created for pain relief, and soothing of the skin at the same time. It’s a cream enriched with vitamin E (for skin health), but it acts for pain, burning, soreness, and itching. The first effect will start after 15 minutes of application, and could last to 4 hours (depending on amount)! It is non-greasy and preferred by most experts.
Product package dimensions are 5.5 x 3.2 x 1 inch, and extremely lightweight with just 0.81 oz.
Pros
- Soothing skin
- Fast effect
- It lasts from 2-4 hours
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-oily
Cons
- Use more product if extremely sensitive
- Not suitable for serious pain (back pain and similar)
7. Numb Master 5% Lidocaine Topical Numbing Cream
For tattoo artists that want a mess-free ointment to prevent pain in customers, this is a good purchase. It will not only soothe the skin of the customers, and prevent pain with 5% lidocaine.
From the manufacturer Clinical Resolution Laboratory, we have a cream that is powerful and has a bold effect. It’s like a topical anesthetic and nurtures the skin with Aloe Vera, Lecithin, and Vitamin E – all for skin softness. The first effect starts in 20 minutes and lasts for 2 hours. It’s oil-free and not messy. Also, suitable for all types of skin.
The dimensions of the package are 3 x 2 2 inches, and weighing 4 ounces.
Pros
- An anesthetic, strong effect
- Fast-acting
- Enriched with skin-soothing ingredients
- Child-proof cap package
- Non-greasy
- For all types of skin
Cons
- Could be pricey for some people
- Leaves a mild residue on the skin
8. UltraNumb Anesthetic Skin Numbing Cream
Maybe you’re a tattoo artist that doesn’t have much need for numb creams in the salon. This perfect small size product would be a good investment, and you will prevent waste of it too.
From manufacturer UltraNumb we have a multipurpose cream. It does the job for tattooing, as well as laser work, piercings, or waxing too. It has a good price and arrives in a few days. A jar of 3 oz. is enough for 4 x 4 inches of skin. It is oil-free and also comes with a manual and instructions for usage.
Dimensions of the package are 1 x 6 x 4 inches, with a weight of only 0.71 oz.
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Affordable
- Discount for a larger order
- Fast shipping
- Oil-free
- Manual included
Cons
- More product needed for extreme pain-numbing
- Small package (read package amounts carefully)
9. Numbskin Numbing Cream 5% Lidocaine
This product is a great pick if you need something that acts at least 2-3 hours, and is fit for all skin types. It is practical to have this in the tattoo salon, and if not satisfied, you’ll get a refund.
The Numbskin Store brand by SeeNext Venture offers a product that is a local anesthetic that acts fast and has several uses. You can apply it for tattooing, piercing, microblading, laser work, and more. The effect can even last for 4 hours tops, and the first effect is in 15 minutes. It is made of vegan ingredients and is hypoallergenic. If you are not satisfied, they give a refund as well.
The package dimensions are 5.8 x 1.7 x 0.63 inches, and it’s quite lightweight too, with just 0.63 oz.
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Fast-acting
- Long-lasting effect
- Hypoallergenic
- Refund possible
- Vegan
Cons
- Reapplying needed after the third hour
10. Numb-if Numbing Gel 5% Lidocaine
This gel is a good choice if you are a tattoo artist with different needs for numbing products constantly. You can order a small or larger package, and rest assured of the best ingredients for the customers at all times.
Finally, we sum up the list with the Numbify line and the gel product from the manufacturer Pain Relief Naturally. It promises a strong and fast effect and is made with FDA-approved ingredients. It has an affordable price too.
You have the option for a package of 1, 2, or 4 oz. gel.
Pros
- FDA approved
- Affordable
- Potent lidocaine 5%
- Can be used for mild bone pains too
Cons
- Unusual consistency (not fit for mucosal tissues)
- Peculiar scent
How we picked and tested these tattoo numbing creams
The main focus of our research and selection was choosing the best products out of a vast pool of options. These were the main features that we valued most:
- Nourishing and soothing the skin
- Easy to absorb beneath the skin
- Acting fast
- Long-lasting effect
- Affordable prices
- Non-sticky
- For all skin types / hypoallergenic
Tattoo Numbing Creams Buyer’s Guide
Why is lidocaine a popular ingredient for tattoo numbing creams
Lidocaine is an anesthetic that is best used topically and works by numbing the skin area, before, or during procedures that cause pain. Lidocaine ‘goes’ at the nerve endings, and blocks their sensitivity to any sensation, in this case – pain.
What is the importance of nourishing ingredients besides lidocaine in tattoo numbing creams?
More often than not, tattoo numbing creams are enriched with nourishing ingredients that are usually used as regular skincare. For example, the allantoin prevents dryness and peeling of the skin and keeps it hydrated.
Vitamin E is an amazing antioxidant that keeps skin healthy at all times and prevents any irritations or prolonged wound healing.
Then, the lecithin (among many other ingredients) that cools off the skin and keeps it moisturized and extremely supple.
Are tattoo numbing creams safe to use?
Overall, these tattoo numbing creams are safe to use, and lidocaine is a renowned substance for topical anesthesia usage. However, certain precautions always come with any similar product, and these are the several crucial factors to focus on before usage:
- Pregnancy
- Any allergies to chemical compounds (especially lidocaine)
- Medical history (infections, sensitivities, etc)
- Blood disorders
and similar factors of relevance.
What are the possible risks to tattoo numbing creams
In general, tattoo numbing creams are adapted and improved to always be gentle on the skin, because their primary purpose is soothing and numbing skin! However, in rare cases, someone may manifest sensitivity or side-effects to the lidocaine, such as:
- Rash and redness
- Blisters and itching
- Cracked skin
- Swelling
- Hives
and similar…
If this happens, immediately rinse and wash the skin, and if serious, call a medical expert to seek help.
Do I need a prescription to purchase tattoo numbing creams with lidocaine?
If you want to purchase high-grade, potent, and pure lidocaine, you would need a prescription. Otherwise, for a small percentage of this anesthetic in certain products (like tattoo numbing creams), you don’t need the prescription.
Conclusion
Our final comments are not limited to only some products, but we do have clear standouts for the best tattoo numbing cream!
As the best overall winner, there is the Ebanel cream that soothes skin, nourishes it, and acts fast and long as well. As a premium pick on 2nd place, we have the Hush gel formula that’s perfect for larger tattoos and its lasting time. Lastly, as a budget pick, but just as good within its price, is the Aspercreme that’s good enough to last a tattoo session!
We hope that we have helped you pick the best formula for your customers, and now it’s time to choose and be prepared for those that dislike tattoo pain!
