If you are a tattoo artist and want the best for your clients, we suggest you stock up on some of these good-quality creams. While selecting a cream or lotion for your new tattoo, make sure you choose something with a skin-friendly and fragrance-free formula. We have compiled a list of the best tattoo creams and lotions in this article. Scroll down to take a quick look at them!

When Should You Apply Lotion To A New Tattoo?

The cream should be applied as soon as the tattoo starts drying. Start using a moisturizing lotion on your tattoo after 3 days to get the best results. Use it around 2 to 3 times a day to keep your skin moisturized and lubricated.

What Lotions Should You Avoid With Tattoos?

One must avoid fragranced lotions, A+D ointments, and white cream lotions. All of these produce a burning sensation when applied to the tattoo and can cause redness and itchiness. Now, that you know when you should start using tattoo lotions and which ones you should avoid, let’s check out the best creams and lotions for tattoos available in the market.

15 Best Creams And Lotions For Tattoos

1. Best Overall: Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy

Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy is a great on-the-go solution to protect and soothe extremely dry skin and minor irritation. Unlike other creams or lotions, this multipurpose ointment is frequently recommended by tattoo artists for aftercare. The formula is clinically proven to restore healthy skin and contains 41% petrolatum. It creates a protective barrier over the skin, allowing easy flow of oxygen and fluid. Key Ingredients: Petrolatum Pros

 Easy to spread  Offers intense hydration  Paraben-free  Dye-free  Fragrance-free  Preservative-free  Dermatologist-recommended

Cons

 Greasy texture

2. Best For Sun Damage: Hustle Butter Deluxe Luxury Tattoo Care & Daily Moisturizing Cream

Hustle Butter Deluxe Luxury Tattoo Care & Maintenance Cream is a vegan alternative for the traditional tattoo lotions. It is as rich and luxurious as it sounds. This clinically tested and certified product lubricates the skin for faster healing. It is made of natural ingredients such as shea butter, sunflower oil, aloe vera, and mango butter. These ingredients hydrate and heal the skin, keeping it soft and smooth. It is a perfect replacement for petroleum-based products and makes your skin feel rejuvenated. This cream also allows your skin to breathe easily and protects it from infection. Key Ingredient: Shea butter, Mango butter, Aloe vera, Coconut oil, Sunflower oil, Rice bran oil, Rosemary Green tea, Vitamin E, Mint oil, Papaya, and Coconut oil Pros

 Prevents sun damage  Hydrating formula  Creamy texture  Vegan  Cruelty-free  Non-comedogenic  Phthalate-free  Paraben-free  Easy to use

Cons

 Greasy  Expensive  Requires frequent reapplication

3. Best For Hydration: Eucerin Intensive Care Lotion

Eucerin Intensive Care Lotion is a 3-dimensional system that moisturizes, exfoliates, and smoothens dry and flaky skin. This ointment is enriched with alpha hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin and restores the skin radiance. The combination of Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs), hydrogenated castor oil, and dimethicone offers intense moisturization to the skin. It delivers 24-hour hydration and improves your skin. Key Ingredients: Alpha hydroxy acid, Castor oil, Lactic acid, and Dimethicone Pros

 24-hour hydration  Fragrance-free  Dye-free  Paraben-free  Affordable  Dermatologist-recommended

Cons

 Sticky  Difficult to apply  Contains mineral oil

4. Best Non-Greasy: Viking Revolution Tattoo Care Balm

Viking Revolution Tattoo Balm is a vegan moisturizer with a non-greasy finish. It contains no harsh chemicals and, hence, is 100% safe to apply. The gentle natural ingredients in this tattoo care balm not just soothe and moisturize the sore skin but also speed up the healing process. It is specially made for tattoos and is used to keep them looking vibrant for years. Its gentle and chemical-free formula does not clog the pores and, thus, nourishes the skin. Key Ingredients: Shea butter and Hemp seed oil Pros

 Easy to spread  Pleasant fragrance  Value for money  Works on older tattoos  Chemical-free  Non-greasy  Vegan

Cons

 May irritate the skin

5. Best For Itchy Skin: Ora’s Amazing Herbal Tattoo Salve

Infused with organic herbs, Ora’s Amazing Herbal Tattoo Salve is an ideal choice for tattoo aftercare. It offers relief from itchiness and redness and reduces the risk of infection. This product is mildly scented with cedar leaf, tea tree, and rosemary to keep any odor away. Apply a thin layer of Ora’s Amazing Herbal Salve to your new tattoo and keep it lubricated without clogging pores or leaching color. All the ingredients in this salve are carefully selected to expedite the healing process. Key Ingredients: Grapeseed oil, Organic coconut oil, Beeswax, Vitamin E, Rosemary essential oil, Thuja oil, and Tea tree oil Pros

 Lanolin-free  Aloe-free  Paraben-free  Mineral oil-free  Synthetic fragrance-free  Gluten-free  Dye-free  Suitable for sensitive skin  Easy to use  Natural ingredients  Herbal fragrance

Cons

 May irritate the skin

6. Best Gentle Formula: The Mad Rabbit Difference Tattoo Balm

Made from all-natural ingredients, the Mad Rabbit Tattoo Aid works great for all skin types and ink styles. It not just moisturizes the skin but maintains the vibrant color of the tattoo for many years. This balm keeps your skin cells healthy and protects them from UV radiation. It is petroleum-free and adds life to dull and faded tattoos. What makes it worth trying is its texture. This tattoo aftercare cream spreads like butter on the skin and rejuvenates it in no time. Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Beeswax, Cocoa butter, Calendula oil, Frankincense, Lavender, Sweet almond oil Pros

 Brightens the tattoo  Prevents ink discoloration  Revives and refreshes old tattoos  Eliminates dryness  Vegan  Natural ingredients  Paraben-free  Sulfate-free  Cruelty-free

Cons

 Overpowering fragrance

7. Best Vegan: After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer And Aftercare Lotion

After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer And Aftercare Lotion is an ideal choice to preserve the color of your tattoos. This vegan product is enriched with natural ingredients that offer deep nourishment to the skin and elevate the healing process. It is clinically tested to ensure that the quality of the product meets the stringent standards that exceed your expectations. In addition to tattoo aftercare, this lotion can be used on any permanent makeup procedure on your brows and lips. Key Ingredients: Grapeseed oil Pros

 Non-allergenic  Dermatologist-tested  Non-irritant  Cruelty-free  Vegan  Petroleum-free  Paraben-free  Fragrance-free  Gluten-free

Cons

 Expensive

8. Best Non-Comedogenic: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

If you are budget-savvy and looking for an affordable option, then Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion might be a great choice for you. This lotion keeps your skin moisturized and lubricated the entire day. The formula is infused with the highly nourishing colloidal oatmeal that helps in calming inflammation and redness. Its gentle formula helps improve the skin condition in 2 weeks. Key Ingredients: Colloidal oats and Dimethicone Pros

 Non-greasy  Non-comedogenic  Gets absorbed quickly  Dermatologist-recommended  Fragrance-free

Cons

 Difficult to spread

9. Best Quick-Absorbing: Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion

Searching for a long-lasting moisturizer? Look no more! Add Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion to your collection and keep your skin nourished all day long. Its quick-absorbing formula comes with a fresh, clean scent and is specially formulated for your skin care needs. This lotion penetrates deep into your skin to deliver intense hydration that lasts up to 24 hours. It contains a triple vitamin blend that heals the skin, shields it from environmental aggressors, and improves the skin texture. Key Ingredients: Aloe, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C Pros

 Non-greasy  Dermatologist-tested  Hypoallergenic  Non-comedogenic  Pleasant fragrance

Cons None

10. Best Value For Money: Lubriderm Dermatologist Developed Daily Moisture Lotion

Lubriderm Dermatologist Developed Daily Moisture Lotion is an unscented formula that replenishes and moisturizes normal to dry skin. Its clinically proven formula is enriched with moisturizers that heal and nourish the skin. Plus, it improves the skin’s moisture barrier and offers a pleasant, soft, smooth, and clean feel to the skin. It gets absorbed in seconds and nourishes your skin for hours. Apply a thin layer of Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion and revive your tattooed skin within no time. Key Ingredients: Vitamin B5 Pros

 Non-greasy  Fragrance-free  Fast-absorbing formula  Easy to spread  Light fragrance  Lanolin-free  Affordable

Cons

 No SPF

11. Best For Sensitive Skin: Tattoo Goo Tattoo Aftercare Lotion

Tattoo Goo Tattoo Aftercare Lotion is a natural tattoo aftercare product that is mainly developed for sensitive skin. It is formulated with a unique combination of skin-loving ingredients that moisturize dry, freshly inked skin. This lotion gets absorbed quickly into the skin without clogging the pores. Its unique water-based formula restores the skin’s natural moisture balance, speeds up healing, and protects the ink from fading. This lotion is free of alcohol and mineral oil, and it provides long-lasting protection against dryness. Key Ingredients: Panthenol and Olive oil Pros

 Non-greasy  Gets absorbed quickly  Dermatologist-approved  Does not clog pores  Vegan  Cruelty-free  Petroleum-free  Lanolin-free

Cons

 Overpowering fragrance

12. Best Water-Resistant: CannaSmack Hemp Infused Ink Guard SPF 30

Formulated with premium hemp seed oil, CannaSmack Hemp Infused Ink Guard SPF 30 provides much-needed hydration and nourishment to your skin. Its water-resistant formula with a unique photostable UVB shield, SPF 30, and vitamin E protect your tattoo from fading. The help seed oil helps in healing inked skin, while aloe vera aids in taming inflammation and redness. Plus, the combination of beeswax, coconut oil, and sunflower oil keeps the skin hydrated. This mess-free formula spreads evenly on the skin. CannaSmack comes in a half-ounce chunky balm stick that prolongs the vibrancy of the ink in the tattoos. Key Ingredients: Hemp seed oil, Aloe vera leaf extract, Beeswax, Coconut oil, Sunflower oil, and Vitamin E Pros

 Non-comedogenic  Water-resistant  Easy to apply  SPF 30  Paraben-free  Gluten-free  Sulfate-free  Color-free  Fragrance-free  Cruelty-free  Petroleum-free

Cons

 Expensive

13. Best Fragrance-Free: MARLOWE Sensitive Skin Body Lotion

MARLOWE Sensitive Skin Body Lotion is a fragrance-free moisturizer that softens and soothes sensitive skin to reduce itchiness. This tattoo aftercare lotion contains natural and organic ingredients that aid in skin restoration and moisture. It is rich in antioxidants that fuel skin cell repair and protection. MARLOWE body lotion is an ideal choice to reduce inflammation. It does not clog pores and makes the skin feel breathable. Lightly coat your skin with a thin layer of this lotion to accelerate the healing process. Key Ingredients: Deep-sea algae extract, Green tea extract, Willow bark extract, Passion flower extract Pros

 Non-greasy  Paraben-free  Phthalate-free  Cruelty-free  No harsh ingredients  Affordable

Cons

 Sticky texture

14. Best For Dry Skin: Malibu Tan Hemp Tattoo Enhancing Body Moisturizer

Malibu Tan Hemp Tattoo Enhancing Body Moisturizer comes in a mess-free pump dispenser for convenient application. Natural ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, coconut nut oil, and hemp seed deeply nourish your skin. It gives ultimate protection against dry skin and brightens the appearance of the tattoo. This tattoo moisturizing lotion is formulated with silicones that create a protective barrier over the tattoo, making it look clearer, bolder, and more colorful. It is free of dyes, gluten, and parabens. Key Ingredients: Hemp seed oil, Shea butter, Aloe vera, and Coconut nut oil Pros

 Pleasant fragrance  Non-greasy  Easy to apply

Cons

 Requires frequent reapplication

15. Best Affordable: H2Ocean Ocean Care Skin Moisturizing Cream

Searching for a vegan, skin-friendly lotion at a cheap price? If yes, this all-natural tattoo aftercare cream from H2Ocean might be the right choice. This water-based lotion comes in the form of gel and can be applied easily on the skin. It works great for all skin types and deeply nourishes the same. This product is designed to speed up the tattoo healing process and limit the damage to ink color. It is paraben-free and ensures a great tattoo healing experience. Key Ingredients: Aloe vera gel, Cetyl alcohol, Rosehip seed oil, Purified water, Sea salt, Coconut oil, and Glycerin Pros

 Easy to use  Petroleum-free  Unscented  Gets absorbed quickly

Cons

 May cause a burning sensation

Tattoos are a way to express yourself but at the cost of damaging your skin. Lotions and creams are essential for healing and moisturizing your tattooed skin. They restore your skin’s elasticity and heal your skin’s ruptures. Therefore, invest in a tattoo-safe lotion if you plan to get inked soon. Since the market is filled with uncountable tattoo-safe lotions, choosing one is a task. So, we have curated some factors you should keep in mind when buying a cream or a lotion for your tattoos.

Things To Look For In A Cream And Lotion For Tattoo

1.  Tattoo Specific: Look for a formula specifically designed for tattoo care. They are infused with anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate pain or discomfort caused by tattoos.

Must-Have Ingredients: Read the ingredients list carefully before purchasing a cream or lotion. Look for hypoallergenic, moisturizing ingredients that maintain the health of your tattooed skin. Pick lotions that contain any one or most of the following ingredients. Aloe Vera Gel: It soothes and moisturizes irritated skin. Shea Butter: It nourishes both dry and oily skin while healing the tattoos. Beeswax: It keeps the skin soft and helps prevent irritation or inflammation. Castor Oil: It is infused with anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and swelling.

  1. Allergy-Tested: Make sure to purchase dermatologist-recommended creams or lotions that have been tested for toxicity. Opt for lotions containing only clean ingredients to reduce the risk of skin allergies.
  2. Sun Protection: Choose a lotion containing SPF 30 or more to protect your tattoos from getting triggered and faded by sun rays. Additionally, look for a broad-spectrum lotion to protect your skin from UVA and UVB radiation.
  3. Fragrance-Free: Go for unscented lotions to prevent irritating your skin. Steer clear of products containing synthetic fragrances as they irritate the skin and delay the healing process of the tattoos.
  4. Packaging: Opt for a tube or pump bottle to prevent dipping your fingers repetitively into the lotion. It is a hygienic and safe option for new tattoos. Now that you know all the best tattoo creams and lotions available right now, here are some important pointers that will help you find the best lotion for your freshly inked skin.

What Should You Look For In A Tattoo Lotion?

  1. Packaging: While choosing a tattoo aftercare lotion, the packaging of the product plays an integral role. Go for a tube or a pump dispenser as it prevents dipping your hand repeatedly into the product. However, if you choose a salve or a balm that comes in a pot, then make sure to wash your hands before using the same to avoid infection and contamination.
  2. Fragrance-Free: Avoid products that contain artificial fragrances as they cause irritation and delay the healing process. Always go for products that are marked ‘unscented’ or ‘fragrance-free.’
  3. Vegan Or Naturally Derived Ingredients: If you are concerned about your sensitive skin, opt for a product that is either vegan or contains natural ingredients. They tend to have anti-inflammatory properties and are much healthier for your skin than chemical-based products.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti penned this article to recommend the best creams and lotions to moisturize your skin and keep it protected and infection-free. She is a certified skin care coach and has written over 100 articles showcasing her expertise on the subject. She recommends these products based on the ingredients, fragrances added, packaging, application, price, and how easily they absorb into the skin. Can I use Jergens lotion on my new tattoo? Yes. Once the tattoo has dried, you can apply a thin layer of Jergens lotion to speed up the healing process. Just make sure you use the unscented variant. Can I use A&D cream on my tattoo? No. A&D creams are petroleum-based and, thus, block the airflow to your skin. They can clog your pores and delay the healing process. Is cream or lotion better for tattoos? Creams have an oil content that keeps your skin nourished for several hours, but leaves a greasy feeling over the tattoo. On the other hand, lotions have a thinner consistency that penetrates easily into your skin without leaving a greasy residue. Both have equal tattoo healing potential, so choose one according to your requirements. Can I put lotion and ointment on my tattoo? Put unscented tattoo lotion and ointment on your tattoo. When can I start using lotion on my tattoo? Use a lotion after 24 to 48 hours of getting a tattoo. Always follow the instructions by your tattoo artist to prevent skin infections. Can I use Nivea cream on my tattoo? Yes. Nivea cream is a safe and effective moisturizer. You may use it on your tattoo to heal and nourish the skin. What happens if you over-moisturize a tattoo? Over-moisturizing is harmful as it can clog the pores, cause inflammation, and lead to skin breakouts. In extreme cases, it may develop severe infections. Can you use Vaseline on tattoos? No. Vaseline traps microorganisms and moisture in the pores, causing severe infections. Therefore, do not use vaseline on tattoos. Will a tattoo heal without cream? No. Although tattoos can heal without cream, the skin grows dry and tighter. Dry skin develops itchy sensations and slowly fades the tattoo color.

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