It is just as important to take care of your tattoo as it is to choose the perfect design. Get either wrong and you’re left with a permanent reminder of the bad choices you made. Or you may find yourself searching for removal creams and cover-up products.
Unfortunately, I can’t tell you whether to get a sailor, skull, or snake, but I can point you in the right direction of the best lotions for tattoo aftercare. If you want to pay homage to the seas, or to the mysteries of the serpentine world, then ensuring your tattoo heals correctly is something we all can agree on.
Continue reading as I navigate the world of tattoo lotions, creams, balms, and salves—keeping the crust at bay and your body art thriving.
The Key Takeaways
The best way to prolong the life of your tattoo is by selecting the right lotions. I asked for help from my artist and hundreds newly tattooed men who have used the products.
By weighing up the pros and cons of each, I have been able to pull together a list of seven essential options, from After Inked’s bestselling formula to Tattoo Goo’s budget-friendly option, that are proven to promote proper healing, prevent infections, and preserve the vibrancy of new ink.
Why it’s great: My go-to lotion, it’s a must-have for anyone who is getting a new tattoo or who already has one.
This best-of-the best lotion for tattoo aftercare contains powerful antioxidants and a blend of nourishing ingredients that enhances ink vibrancy. It is nonsticky and highly absorbent. It’s fragrance-free for optimum comfort, and it has a silky texture that instantly soothes that stingy sensation.
Who is this for? It can be used for all skin types and tattoos, whether they are fresh or faded. It’ll help retain your skin’s natural moisture and the tattoo’s vibrant appearance (particularly if it has color).
There are flaws, but they’re not deal breakers. If you apply too many, it may take some time to rub in. Start with a small amount and then add more as needed.
Scent: | Form: Cream| Size: 3oz | Skin Type | Active Ingredient: Shea butter
Why it’s great: If Tattoo Goo were playing aftercare lotion bingo, they’d be celebrating a big win. This simple formula ticks all the boxes. It is unscented and petroleum-free, which allows your ink breathe.
Better yet, you can use it on old tattoos to enhance the color, and it’ll even help relieve the urge to itch.
Who is this for? This lotion can be used on tattoos both healing and already healed. It provides deep moisturization to all skin types, preventing dryness and keeping tattoos vibrant. It’s one of the cheapest options around but does as good a job as any.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. Be careful as the cream is quite runny. It is easy to overuse the cream if you squeeze too hard.
Scent: | Form: Cream| Size: 2oz | Skin Type | Active Ingredient: Vitamin B5
Why it’s great: A lightweight, long-lasting moisturizer that’s non-greasy and anti-aging, this lotion stops skin from drying up while healing new tattoos and helping old ink bounce back to life. It also has one of the most aesthetically pleasing bottles I’ve come across—so it’ll look great sitting next to your Aesop hand wash.
Who is this for? Backed clinically by dermatologists, it’s designed for guys with or without ink, so you can use it on all areas of your body (not just those that have been tattooed). It’ll help hydrate, replenish, and promote healthier-looking skin. Its unique qualities are enough to make it one of the best tattoo aftercare products.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. Compared to some of the other options on this list, it’s quite expensive. It’s more expensive, but the bottle is bigger and cooler so you should get twice as much out of it.
Scent: | Form: Lotion| Size: 9oz | Skin Type | Active Ingredient: Vitamin A
Why it’s great: Made with natural ingredients like shea, mango, and aloe butter, Hustle Butter’s aftercare balm is a great moisturizer to use before, during, or after you get your skin tattooed. It provides your skin with nutrients and speeds up healing.
This page is for: Not only does it help with healing, this lotion for tattoo aftercare also prevents fading and revives color in older tattoos—making it suitable for ink newbies and veterans alike. If you tend to find lotions a little too runny, you’ll prefer the paste-like consistency.
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. Initially, it feels a bit greasy, but it doesn’t take too long to absorb.
Scent: Tropical | Form: | Size: 5oz | Skin Type | Active Ingredient: Coconut oil
Why it’s greatWant to know the secret? A moisturizer without scent can also help to heal new tattoos. I know this from my own experience. Lubriderm’s is a good option for everyday use.
Housed in a generously sized 16oz bottle (it’ll last for sure), it’s formulated with pro-ceramide and glycerin that effectively penetrate the skin’s surface to restore its moisture barrier and give you a healthy glow.
Who is this for? This hydrating formula is fast drying and can be applied to both new and older tattoos. It also works on all skin types. It’s ideal for guys looking for an everyday moisturizer that doubles up as one of the best lotions for tattoo aftercare.
There are flaws, but they’re not deal breakers. I’ve noticed that many reviewers have said they find the product to be rather watery. Don’t apply too much product at once. This could get messy.
Scent: | Form: Lotion| Size: 16oz | Skin Type | Active Ingredient: Vitamin B5
Why it’s great: The yellow guy in a sky will fade your tattoo faster than anything else. This is why it’s super important to invest in a proper lotion for tattoo aftercare that protects your ink from harmful UV rays.
Bricknell’s formula is effective, soothing, strengthening and replenishing the skin. Its all-natural ingredients are a bonus, as is its ease of application.
This page is for: Use it when you go on vacation, or whenever your tattoos are exposed to the sunlight.
There are flaws, but they’re not a deal breaker. The texture is quite thick, so you’d be smart to start with a small amount first and apply more if needed.
Scent: | Form: Cream| Size: 8oz | Skin Type | Active Ingredient: Vitamin E
Why it’s great: 100% vegan with no nasty scent, believa’s lotion is full of rich, natural ingredients and free from petroleum, parabens, silicones, and coloring agents. Produced in a butter form, it’ll gently soothe and heal your new ink while providing UV protection and giving your skin all the essential minerals it needs.
Who is this for? This lotion for tattoo aftercare is formulated for use before, during, You can also find out more about the following: after tattooing, so it’s a great option for tattoo artists and Chairs (especially if your skin is sensitive).
There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. It does smell like coconut, even though it’s all-natural. It’s certainly not overpowering, but you’ll notice it for sure. Some people will love the fragrance, while others may prefer to have no scent at all.
Scent: | Form: Butter| Size: 3.38oz | Skin Type | Active Ingredient: Shea butter
Considerations to Make When Buying the Best Tattoo Aftercare Lotions
Ingredients
The best tattoo aftercare products will contain ingredients that are gentle, yet nourishing. You should look out for ingredients such as shea butter, vitamin E and natural oils. These products will heal your new tattoos without causing any irritation.
Fragrance
While there are some options with a light scent, tattoo artists generally recommend using a lotion without fragrance. Your skin is more sensitive immediately after getting a new tattoo. You should take all precautions to avoid irritation and allergic reactions.
Size
To make sure you’re getting enough
How We Selected
All the men and dogs claim to have the best products for tattoo aftercare. Guess what? Very few live up to the hype – which is why I took it upon myself to filter through the fluff and draw up a list of products that aren’t all bark.
Brand Reputation Only the best brands of tattoo aftercare lotion were considered. I thoroughly examined the histories and products of well-known manufacturers.
Customer Feedback I read numerous reviews from customers, both positive and critical. The reviews provided a wealth of information about the real effectiveness and reliability for each tattoo lotion.
Price RangeBy comparing lotions in different price ranges, I was able to find a variety of options that fit into varying budgets without sacrificing the quality.
Why trust Us?
Billy Webb, a FashionBeans writer with years of experience, has become an expert in fashion and grooming through his detailed articles. Billy Webb’s work is a wide range of topics in grooming, and he has a passion for it. He also offers practical, sustainable solutions.
Moreover, Billy’s review of Beardbrand products showcases his ability to delve into brand philosophies and product specifics, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of what makes each product stand out??. His personal experiences and analyses ensure that the readers are receiving well-rounded and researched advice.
Billy is a trusted source of information for anyone looking for guidance on their grooming routines. He also offers advice on the best aftercare lotions for tattoos.
Overall, his work shows a profound understanding of grooming, which makes his recommendations a trusted resource for readers.
Final Verdict
You can’t beat the feeling of getting a new tattoo. Even if it is served up with a side of pain (there’s numbing cream or spray for that, y’know). So don’t go killing the mood with poor aftercare.
For the best of the best lotions for tattoo aftercare, choose After Inked’s lotion, and your fresh ink will be in safe hands. Affordable, effective, and suitable for all skin types, it’ll alleviate dryness, amplify vibrancy, and keep your art looking awesome for longer.
You can find out more about this by clicking here.
-
-
Some artists will push you to use certain specialist products, which are the safest and most effective. However, I’ve always found a fragrance-free moisturizer can usually get the job done just as well.
-
Keep the newly inked area clean, hydrated, and protected. After washing, apply a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser to the tattoo. Then pat it dry with a soft towel and use an aftercare lotion that has healing ingredients. It’s important to avoid exposing the tattoo to direct sunlight, chlorine, or abrasive materials during the initial healing weeks.
-