<p>After reading the <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/about-the-institute/a19748212/good-housekeeping-institute-product-reviews/” target=”_blank”>Good Housekeeping Institute</a>’s expert reviews of <strong>tattoo aftercare lotions, <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/g1288/best-sunscreens/” target=”_blank”>sunscreens</a> and other products</strong> to consider, look to the end of this guide for the best ways to take care of your tattoo, according to dermatologists and tattoo artists. </p>”/>
2
Best Overall Tattoo Lotion
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Pros
- Proven to heal and protect skin barriers
- Formulated with nourishing glycerin
Cons
- Needs more effort to rub in
Aquaphor’s all-purpose ointment won a top spot in the 2022 Good Housekeeping Beauty Awards for its nourishing glycerin and panthenol formula. It creates a protective barrier that allows skin to heal and prevents moisture loss, according to the GH Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab’s data evaluation. Plus, 91% of consumer testers found that it repaired extremely dry, cracked skin. Nomy recommends using Aquaphor for two to three days, two to three times a day, and washing it off between applications. Avoid using too much product and rub it in completely, leaving your skin hydrated but not tight.
| Key ingredients | Glycerin and panthenol |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All |
| Size | 7 oz |
| SPF | No |
3
Best Value Tattoo Lotion
Lubriderm Daily Moisture Body Lotion
Now 27% Off
Pros
- Fragrance-free formula
- Feels moisturizing on skin
Cons
- Sheer formula
For at least a month after getting a tattoo, it’s important to use a moisturizing lotion. “It helps the tattoo settle into your skin and look like it’s a part of you,” Nomy says. “Look for a lotion that’s unscented, like Lubriderm.” Formulated with vitamin B5, it’s made to improve your skin’s moisture barrier, too. One GH editor already owned the body lotion and used it on their healing tattoos. She attests that it made her skin feel moisturized all day long. While it absorbs easily, it layers on more thinly.
| Key ingredients | Vitamin B5 |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Normal, dry |
| Size | 24 fl oz |
| SPF | No |
5
Best Creamy Tattoo Lotion
Eucerin Intensive Repair Essential Oil Balm
Pros
- Offers lasting hydration
- A little bit goes a long way
Cons
- Some testers called it “too greasy” and “too tacky”
When tattooed skin feels particularly parched, Eucerin’s repair balm is creamy and nourishing on skin. Loaded with emollients like castor oil, shea butter and glycerin, the formula is non-irritating and keeps skin hydrated for 48 hours after one application, according to the Beauty Lab’s evaluation. Those looking for the same texture of petroleum products without the crude oil derivative can opt for this smooth formula. Oily in consistency, it can be greasy but a little bit goes a long way.
| Key ingredients | Castor oil, sunflower oil, shea butter and glycerin |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All, excluding oily skin |
| Size | 7 oz |
| SPF | No |
6
Best Tattoo Ointment
A&D First Aid Ointment
Pros
- Made with soothing ingredients
- Formulated to protect skin
Cons
- Lanolin ingredient may irritate sensitive skin types
Another option that Nomy recommends for those first few days: A&D Ointment. Again, don’t use too much, and wash in between uses. “You don’t want to layer it on,” he says. Often used to treat baby rashes, it’s specifically formulated with lanolin and petrolatum to soothe minor cuts and abrasions. “Occlusive ointments are helpful the first week following tattoos as moist environments are optimal for healing,” says board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, M.D. Sensitive skin types may not be compatible with the lanolin formula as the ingredient could irritate eczema, psoriasis and more.
| Key ingredients | Vitamin A, vitamin D, lanolin and petrolatum |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All, excluding sensitive skin |
| Size | 1.5 oz |
| SPF | No |
7
Best Tattoo Salve
Zincuta Skin Ointment
Pros
- Creates a protective barrier
- Helps the skin healing process
Cons
- Not kosher or vegan
One tester enjoys this glossy salve that sits on top of the skin and creates a nice protective barrier. “I used it a few years ago to help protect a large tattoo, and my skin healed pretty quickly,” they said. The ointment contains occlusive ingredients axungia and beeswax as well as slippery elm extract, which is great for people with dry or dehydrated skin. A thin layer of it on the affected area can help moisturize chapped skin. Just note that this product is not vegan and not kosher as it contains animal fat. Dr. Shirazi adds, “A protective balm is beneficial the first week of wound healing, but this has some potential allergens like beeswax which could delay healing or cause irritation in some skin types.”
| Key ingredients | Slippery elm extract, axungia and beeswax |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All |
| Size | 2 oz |
| SPF | No |
8
Best Tattoo Lotion for Sensitive Skin
Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Pros
- Can help repair skin barrier
- No greasy residue
Cons
- Some online reviewers noted slight formula separation
Dr. Gohara recommends this cream designed to help wounded skin, easing the healing process. Also named in our best moisturizers for sensitive skin guide, the formula is beloved by GH Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann who praised its ability “to help sensitive or compromised skin bounce back. It absorbs quickly and calms and moisturizes my skin with no greasiness.” For freshly healed, sensitive skin, Dr. Shirazi calls the occlusive formula a great choice. “It’s best to apply to damp skin,” she adds. Several online reviewers have mentioned that the formula tends to separate. To solve this issue, run the tube under warm water, then give it a good squeeze to mix the contents.
| Key ingredients | Glycerin |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Sensitive |
| Size | 1.3 oz |
| SPF | No |
9
Best Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Tattoos
Aveeno Kids Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Now 16% Off
Pros
- Claims to be water- and sweat-resistant
- Includes SPF 50
Cons
- May leave a white cast behind
After getting a tattoo, “you should stay out of the sun for three or four weeks, at least while it’s healing, and you should avoid being in the water for an extended time,” Nomy says. Otherwise, the color will fade, “especially in the first few weeks.” He recommends kids’ sunblock with zinc to his clients, to avoid irritation. Designed with sensitive skin in mind, the mineral sunscreen is supposed to be mild. Since it’s a sunscreen first, rather than a moisturizer, it’s more likely to leave a white cast behind on skin, according to reviews.
| Key ingredients | Mineral SPF |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All |
| Size | 3 fl oz |
| SPF | Yes |
10
Best Oil-Free Tattoo Lotion
EltaMD UV Restore Sunscreen SPF 40
Pros
- Made with SPF 40
- Amazon reviewers say it shields against sun and wind
Cons
- Pricey
Both Nomy and Dr. Gohara say that sunscreen is an important element of aftercare for a tattoo. “UV light can fade tats — it’s an ongoing commitment to protect them from these harmful rays,” says Dr. Gohara. “Not just in the days after, but forever!” Her recommendation: EltaMD UV Restore. It’s made with squalane, known for its moisturizing and anti-aging benefits. Several Amazon reviewers rave about its protection against the sun and wind, noting that it’s saved their skin from chapped, dry redness.
| Key ingredients | Mineral SPF, squalane and ginger root extract |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All |
| Size | 2 fl oz |
| SPF | Yes |
How we chose the best lotions for tattoos
To evaluate moisturizers and lotions, GH Beauty Lab scientists distribute label-masked formulas from multiple brands to a diverse group of women with varying skin types. Testers rate the products based on factors like texture, scent, ease of use, irritation and skin appearance after use. GH Beauty Lab experts also use instruments to measure product effectiveness.
Our list of the best tattoo lotions is based on Lab evaluations and brand performance over the years, as well as recommendations from dermatologists and tattoo artists.
What to consider when using lotion for tattoos
According to Daniel Winter, an LA-based tattoo artist at Winterstone, and Dr. Gohara, here’s what you should look for:
✔️ Fragrance-free formulas: Winter recommends unscented moisturizers. “The skin is sensitive when your tattoo is fresh, so you want to make sure that the lotion you’re using won’t irritate it,” he says.
✔️ Added SPF: Sun protection is key. Dr. Gohara suggests applying a broad-spectrum sunblock with a minimum SPF 30, preferably a mineral one, every two hours.
✔️ Minimal application: Keeping your skin moisturized is needed to move along the healing process. It’s important, though, to be mindful of how much lotion you’re using. Winter suggests only a pinprick amount to ensure you’re not oversaturating the area.
What is the best aftercare for a tattoo?
“You want to minimize the risk of infection and protect against outside germs, as well as speed up the process of healing,” says Nomy. Dr. Gohara adds, “It’s important to use a barrier cream because the process [of getting a tattoo] “The skin’s barrier function is compromised, and it’s essential to replenish the essential fats and proteins that get disrupted in the process,” says Nommie. Without them, healing can take longer, says Dr. Gohara. “This can further compromise the skin’s barrier function, potentially leading to scarring, redness, irritation, and inflammation,” he says.
Before using the lotion, your tattoo artist may take steps to protect your new tattoo. “At my shop, before we have the client apply the lotion, we use Saniderm, which is basically a clear, semi-permeable membrane. It’s like a clear bandage,” Nomy says. “It keeps the tattoo moist and protected for about three days without any foreign material getting on the tattoo. It’s a sterile environment.”
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
This guide is Lisa BainOversees the Hearst Health newsroom. She interviewed tattoo artist Mike Nomie and board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, and also consulted with GH Institute beauty and health review analysts to make these recommendations. Kiara Butlerregularly coordinates field testing and analysis of beauty and health products for GH Laboratories. In addition to her experience at GH, Butler’s background as a cosmetic chemist includes evaluating ingredient efficacy and scrutinizing product claims.
Commerce Editor Jacqueline Sagin This guide was recently updated, as not only does she personally tattoo, but she interviewed tattoo artist Daniel Winter to update the information in her buying guide.
Lisa is a writer and editor who specializes in writing investigative health reports and other articles that help people live the healthiest lives possible. She has won many editorial awards, including a National Magazine Award. She is the former Executive Director of the Hearst Health Newsroom, a team that produces health and wellness content. Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Women’s DayHe also works as a staff member. Women’s Health, Good Life, Childrearing, Esquire and Glamour.
Jacqueline (she/her) covers beauty, lifestyle and all things e-commerce for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Prior to joining GH in 2021, she was a Style and Beauty Review Fellow at Insider, where her responsibilities included testing viral trends and reviewing sustainable brands. She is a graduate of the University of Florida School of Journalism, specializing in Magazines and Mass Communications.
Dr. Shirazi is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.
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