I’ve had tattoos since I was 17 years old. (Don’t tell mom.) Those early years were filled with many questionable and impossible choices against my inky skin. Sure, you might be wearing a silly robot drawn by an ex-boyfriend or a leopard-print star you got as twin tats with another ex-boyfriend on your wrist, but especially with technologically advanced laser removal Now that it exists, I don’t regret anything. I also learned a lot about tattoo aftercare and made some very interesting discoveries.
When I first started getting tattoos as a teenager, I was encouraged to use A+D Original Diaper Rash Ointment ($4) — yes, really — post-inking. This makes sense because it forms a protective barrier on the skin and contains healing ingredients such as vitamins A and D. It also seemed like a better choice than other old-fashioned suggestions that are believed to be able to fade tattoos, such as Neosporin and Vaseline. . After my next few tattoos, I was recommended Aquaphor Her Healing Ointment ($13). This is still a standard recommendation from tattoo artists. However, it does contain petroleum jelly and mineral oil, which some people believe draws out the ink. (It also contains lanolin, which is made from sheep’s wool, so it’s not vegan for those who avoid animal products.)
While there doesn’t seem to be much harm in using Aquaphor as a temporary treatment for tattoo aftercare, I’ve tried other things to keep my tattooed skin moisturized during the healing phase. What did you find interesting? Some of these products are not necessarily marketed for tattoo aftercare, but some work surprisingly well. For example, The Outset’s new Botanical Barrier Rescue Balm ($38).
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Botanical barrier rescue balm
Although this balm is not specifically formulated for tattoo care, it is used to hydrate and nourish dry areas such as the lips, body, hands, and feet, making it a true multipurpose product. Outset co-founder Scarlett Johansson also uses it for smooth flying. This includes the brand’s Hyaluloset Complex, a plant-based alternative to hyaluronic acid for hydration and nourishment. It also contains vegetable oils rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, such as rosehip, marula, and camellia. I have been using Barrier Her Rescue Her Balm as a major part of my recent tattoo aftercare. This tattoo was done by talented Los Angeles-based tattoo artist Annie Motel. One of hers is a pink cake, inspired by a cake she used to make more than 10 years ago when she was writing her blog, Her Hat. The other one is based on her aunt’s house. practical magic, my favorite movie. (You know what?) But I didn’t originally intend to use the balm for tattoos.
One day, while I was out, I realized that I had forgotten my tube of Aquaphor. did I have an Outset Botanical Barrier Rescue Berm. I knew it would have the same kind of consistency as other tattoo balms I’ve tried in the past. Plus, it’s a clean vegan formula so I felt safe, so I applied it over my tattoo and it worked just fine. It was non-irritating and immediately relieved the dryness and itchiness, making my tattoo look brighter. Of course I wanted to get permission from the experts, so I sent them the ingredient list and showed them the balm in person, and Motel said it was okay to use. “If you need aftercare, you want products that are gentle on your skin, clean, and don’t contain additives that can irritate or irritate your tattoo.” she explained. Typically, motels will use Aquaphor or unscented lotion on your new tattoo. “Apply twice a day, in the morning and evening,” she advised. “Keep your tattoo clean and dry, and avoid applying too much lotion to areas where the tattoo will soak in. A little bit is all you need to keep it healing properly.”
It’s true that you may not always be ready when it comes to getting a tattoo. Yes, as someone who has millions of beauty and body care products on hand at any given time, I tend not to have something as simple as Dial Soap, which is recommended for cleaning after getting a tattoo. Instead, I always have Halloween-themed candy-scented soaps, which can cause irritation. Because I have both tattoos, I also turned to The Outset for cleansing and used the same brand’s Gentle His Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser ($32). Disclaimer: I didn’t get approval from the motel for this usage, but it worked. It’s gentle on the skin, contains antioxidants, is vegan, fragrance-free, and doesn’t contain tons of questionable ingredients. I mean…why not?
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Gentle micellar antioxidant cleanser
There are a lot more options for tattoo aftercare these days, including great brands and products for tattoo aftercare. But it’s good to know that there are also good alternatives that can come in handy in a pinch. Now, the only question is, which tattoo should you get next?
See more of the best tattoo aftercare products to try
aquafer
healing ointment
This classic and affordable ointment is still frequently recommended by tattoo artists to heal fresh tattoos. Some people may be hesitant because the ingredients include petroleum jelly and mineral oil.
A+D
Original diaper rash ointment
This old-fashioned diaper rash remedy can also be used as a tattoo aftercare ointment. This is definitely the kind of thing that would be considered a TikTok hack today.
Dial
Completely antibacterial liquid hand soap
Here’s another classic recommendation, also known as the gold standard for cleansing right after getting a tattoo. (Please keep strongly scented body washes away from the area for a while!)
green goo
natural skin care ointment
Botanical-focused body care brand Green Goo makes this great salve that moisturizes and soothes with aloe vera, calendula, and myrrh.
Motel recommends using an unscented lotion to keep your tattoo moisturized during its healing phase, so this Aveeno lotion is a great option. Not only is it fragrance-free, it’s clinically proven to soothe rough, dry skin.
mud rabbit
repair soothing gel
This cooling gel relieves the obvious itching during the tattoo healing phase. Made with calming and anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and bisabolol.
mud rabbit
Defend Tattoo Sunscreen – SPF 30
Motel taught me the importance of keeping tattoos out of the sun as much as possible. Otherwise, the color may fade quickly. Of course, you should always wear sunscreen no matter what, and Mad Rabbit’s 100% Mineral Sunscreen is perfect for protecting your butt.
rouzel
shine tattoo spray
Older tattoos may need a little stimulation, and this spray will do just that. Formulated with organic moisturizing shea butter, papaya, and orchid stem cell extract, this spray leaves your tattoo looking bright and refreshed.
rouzel
buff exfoliating wash
This sulfate-free exfoliant uses fruit enzymes to gently and effectively buff away old, dead skin cells, leaving your tattoos brighter and noticeably less likely to fade.
hustle butter
Deluxe Luxury Tattoo Aftercare & Daily Moisturizing Tattoo Cream
A favorite among tattoo fans, Hustle Butter’s Deluxe Tattoo Cream contains shea butter, mango butter, and aloe butter, as well as a variety of botanical oils to nourish new tattoos and help rejuvenate old ones.
hustle butter
Hustle Bubbles Deluxe
Want something specialized for cleaning tattoos? Hustle Butter’s Foaming Cleanser is made with antibacterial soap and botanical oils to keep it hygienic and moisturized. Bonus: Can also be used for piercings.
For past tattoos, I’ve used this petroleum-free balm made with olive oil, lavender, cocoa butter, and wax ester beeswax to keep tattoos moisturized while soothing inflammation.
This aftercare balm protects and hydrates your tattoo with moisturizing tamanu and coconut oil.
