Lotions have a more liquid texture than ointments, making them easier to apply on freshly tattooed skin. Be wary of any cream that contains fillers or fragrances, as these could irritate and hinder proper healing.
Lubriderm
Most artists recommend Lubriderm, available at most stores and developed and recommended by dermatologists. Packed with shea butter, vitamin B5, and other skin-nourishing elements to soothe the skin while locking in moisture without clogging pores, Lubriderm can provide instant hydration while alleviating any signs of dry skin or flaking.
After Inked
After Inked offers a non-petroleum aftercare lotion designed for tattoo artists that can be used before, during, and after their tattoo process. Packed with grape seed oil to moisturize skin and promote healing, while the formulation includes panthenol, bisabolol, and vitamin E to soothe fresh tats. This lotion is hypoallergenic, paraben- and cruelty-free, making it suitable for all skin types and dermatologist tested!
Rose’s Recommendation
Rose suggests using natural products with organic ingredients whenever possible, as these will often be more gentle on the skin. She prefers lotions containing shea butter and other oils to soothe freshly inked tattoos.
Tattoo Goo
Tattoo Goo is another excellent solution, known for keeping new ink moisturized, preventing scabbing and speeding healing, and keeping its colors vivid while flying healing time. Packed full of Panthenol (Vitamin B5), known to soothe skin conditions quickly and effectively, Tattoo Goo’s formula offers all these benefits and more!
Aquaphor
Artists often recommend Aquaphor tattoo lotion due to its moisturizing qualities, as new Tattoos often produce lymph fluid, blood, and excess ink during their healing processes – this needs to be moisturized to not dry out and cause cracking, flaking, or smudging of the tattoo surface. The petrolatum-based ointment is nongreasy and easy to apply directly onto the skin while also being hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. Though most tattoo artists advise against Vaseline, Aquaphor is a multi-ingredient ointment that does not contain pure petroleum jelly. Aquaphor allows airflow for improved skin healing while being packed with panthenol and glycerin for additional benefits. Aquaphor should be applied directly onto your tattoo during recovery until its ink has fully set; switch to light lotion. You may still apply Aquaphor during this period to protect it from dirt or contaminants that could lead to infection.
Billy Jealousy
This product may be slightly more costly, but its ingredients include skin-soothing components like shea butter, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, and green tea leaf extract to soothe sensitive skin. Plus, cucumber extract helps make Tattoos appear brighter, while hydrolyzed oat proteins moisturize skin hydration levels with essential oil fragrance for light fragrance and suitable for sensitive skin. Billy Jealousy products are cosmeceutical grade salon-quality, cruelty-free, vegan-friendly grooming brand! With the Marked IV Life Tattoo Care Kit, you’ll have everything you need to revitalize old Tattoos or assist new ones in healing quickly and successfully. Travel-sized versions of Tattoo Wash, Lotion, and Salve help maintain and restore Tattoos as part of this daily tattoo maintenance kit, keeping the ink as fresh and vivid as ever.
