Best Lotion For Tattoo Aftercare 2022: Make Your New Ink SHINE

The best lotions for tattoo aftercare doesn’t exactly have to be a tattoo lotion made specifically for aftercare!

There are many well-known best lotions for new tattoos brands that are just as effective as specialty products. Both of these types of skincare products provide numerous benefits in the aftercare of new tattoos, such as keep your tattoo moisturized and the colors of the new tattoo vibrant.

PhotoProductBuy
After Inked Moisturizer- Best Lotion to Use for Tattoo AftercareAfter Inked MoisturizerView on Amazon.com
Gold Bond Lotion- Best Lotions for Tattoos for AftercareGold Bond LotionView on Amazon.com
Lubriderm Daily Moisturizing Lotion- Best Ointment for Tattoos AftercareLubriderm Daily Moisturizing LotionView on Amazon.com
Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion- Best Tattoo Aftercare CreamEucerin Intensive Repair LotionView on Amazon.com

All of these tattoo aftercare products are also non-scented tattoo lotions, a must since perfumes and fragrances can irritate the sensitive skin after a new tattoo. The last thing you want is for your sensitive skin to become irritated and, worse, infected from undesirable ingredients such as olive oil, mineral oil, coconut oil, shea tattoo butter, aloe butter, and others .

5 Best Lotion for Tattoo Aftercare

1. After Inked Moisturizer- Best Lotion to Use for Tattoo Aftercare

Quick Summary
  • Comes in a 3-ounce tube
  • Petroleum, parabens and fragrance free
  • Gluten-free and vegan-friendly moisture lotion with essential oils
  • Enriched with grape seed oils, coconut oil
  • It’s also often used during the tattoo process to keep the skin supple and moist
  • They offer users with a 30-day money back guarantee with no questions asked
  • It ensures your new ink stays protected and moist anywhere you go
  • It’s a popular choice for both tattoo artists and their clients

More often than not, the best aftercare tattoo healing ointment is a specialty product, and such is the case with the After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer. It has been formulated to provide extra moisture to tattooed skin and, thus, make it heal faster and better.

WHY IS THIS THE TOP PICK?
Effects subjected to tattoo trauma

According to its manufacturer, the After Inked Tattoo ointment is a patented formula, an assurance that its formulation isn’t a hodgepodge formula made by amateurs. The ingredients, which include grape seed oil, coconut oil, olive oil have been chosen for their beneficial effects on skin that has been subjected to new tattoo trauma. Keep in mind that tattooing means the use of needles for piercing the skin’s surface and embedding the new ink, a process that results in temporary skin trauma.

decrease the appearance of scars and tighten pores

Grape seed oil, coconut oil a by-product of winemaking and made from leftover grape seeds, is high in Vitamin E, essential oils, a micronutrient known to fight the effects of free radical damage including premature aging. When used as is on the skin, it’s known to moisturize the skin, decrease the appearance of scars and tighten pores. Don’t worry since it quickly penetrates the skin without making it feel oily or greasy.

promote faster skin healing process

Since grape seed oil, coconut oil is added to After Inked tattoo moisturizer, it will add extra moisture to your skin and promote faster healing process. Remember that itchy skin isn’t a good idea after a new tattoo since it can increase the risk of bacterial infections. Fortunately, regular and proper application of this tattoo moisturizer should keep itchy skin and bacterial infections at bay.

heightened the new tattoo colors

We especially liked that the moisturizing lotion neither sticks nor stains clothes.  There’s also the fact that frequent applications of this After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer actually heightened the new tattoo colors! There were no fading into grays of black new ink or fading into pastels of previously bold colors a few weeks into the application.

You might think that expensive and cheap tattoo machines are the same, but there is a big difference. Expensive ones can be customized with different needles and ink colors while cheaper models only have 1 color of each type available to choose from in their set up menu options.
THINGS I LIKED ABOUT IT
  • No greasy and oily after-feeling
  • Fragrance free
  • Skin absorbs it almost immediately
  • Doesn’t cause irritation, itching and fading of colors
  • Only requires a small dot to cover a large area
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
  • Expensive

2. Aveeno Moisture Lotion- Best Tattoo Aftercare Product

Quick Summary
  • Comes in an 18-fluod ounce bottle
  • Doesn’t contain harmful ingredients
  • Contains skin-nourishing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, vitamin E, A, D and B, and is loaded with antioxidants and fatty acids
  • Prevents chaffing, chapped and cracked skin
  • It is mild which makes it a good choice for every skin type
  • This lotion is paraben and scent-free, and its affordable price tag
  • Upon applying, you’ll help moisturize your new ink for a full 24 hours
  • Creates a protective barrier on top of your skin

The best cream to use for aftercare can also be a baby-friendly skin advanced therapy healing ointment and the Aveeno Baby daily lotion is among the best we’ve come across. There are many reasons to like it for your adult skin, especially on your new tattoo skin, from its non-toxic formulation to its ease of application.

WHY IS THIS THE TOP PICK?
gentle formulation is suitable for new tattoo skin

The best thing about baby-friendly tattoo lotions is that these are formulated to be as gentle as possible on baby’s skin, and just make sure to know how sensitive babies’ skin can be! Such a gentle formulation is also suitable for use on new tattoo skin since it’s also as sensitive as baby’s skin, perhaps even more so because of its recent trauma.

rich emollients

There are also rich emollients that introduce and trap moisture in the skin so it feels softer and suppler, not dry and chapped. Dimethicone, a type of skin-friendly silicone, which conditions and protects the skin by creating a natural seal. Glycerin, a vegetable-derived moisturizer, also keeps the skin hydrated by forming a moisture barrier. Aside from its superior moisturization benefits, it’s also easy to apply, thanks to its fairly thin consistency. It also doesn’t leave an oily feeling.

THINGS I LIKED ABOUT IT
  • Gentle on skin without risk of increased irritation
  • Easy to apply on sensitive skin
  • Eases the itching from itchy skin
  • Large bottle
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
  • May be too thin for some users

3. Gold Bond Lotion- Best Lotion for Tattoos for Aftercare

Quick Summary
  • Enriched with seven intensive moisturizers
  • Tattoo lotion comes packed with Vitamin A, C, E and shea tattoo butter to help heal dry skin without the grease
  • This tattoo balm provides 24-hour moisturization
  • Non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic
  • Fragrance Free with Aloe
  • Enjoy the 3-in-1 blend of cocoa butter, African shea butter and coconut oil for ultimate hydration
  • Suitable as hand and body tattoo lotion
  • Most recommended brand by tattoo artist

Yet another tattoo lotion formulated for general purposes but suitable for aftercare lotion with essential oils is Gold Bond best tattoo balm. It’s fairly affordable and best tattoo lotion, comes in a large bottle and nourishes dry, severe itchy skin well.

WHY IS THIS THE TOP PICK?
neither too runny nor too creamy

Take note that the tattoo lotion has a floral scent instead of the fresh, clean scent as advertised, but it’s barely noticeable and it fades away quickly.  We like that it has the right consistency, neither too runny nor too creamy, so this daily moisturizing lotion should be rubbed in for the skin to absorb it. Be sure to use gentle motions with your fingers when rubbing it into your week-old tattoo so as not to irritate your skin.

As soon as it’s applied, your skin should feel relatively cooler and fresher, as well as significantly less dry. The extra moisture will aid in faster healing process by keep your tattoo moisturized for several hours after application.

apply twice a day

The manufacturer says that it provides 24-hour moisturization but we say that it’s more like 12 hours. You should ideally apply it again about twice a day for best results.  This way, its skin-nourishing ingredients including Vitamin C, A and E will find their way, so to speak, into your skin’s lower layers.

Despite its richer and creamier formulation than most best tattoo lotions for tattoo healing, it doesn’t clog the pores (i.e., non-comedogenic). Even if you have acne-prone skin, particularly on your body and limbs, you’re less likely to develop pimples.

relief from the itchiness, irritation

More importantly, it actually provides significant relief from the itchiness, irritation, and sensitivity in the skin after a tattoo! You’re less likely to feel the itch and scratch it, a common urge in the days after a tattoo session. Your skin will then heal faster and better so the beauty of your tattoo becomes visible sooner.

Before you get your first tattoo, be sure to choose the right tattoo machine. Each machine has their pros and cons and you can read this article to determine which one is right for you
THINGS I LIKED ABOUT IT
  • Easy to apply
  • Fragrance free
  • Formulated for severe itchy skin including acne-prone skin
  • Right consistency for a moisturizing lotion
  • Lessens the itching and irritation after a tattoo
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
  • Pump operation takes some getting used to

4. Lubriderm Daily Moisturizing Lotion- Best Ointment for Tattoos Aftercare

Quick Summary
  • Comes in a 6-fluid ounce tube
  • Enriched with essential moisturizers including Vitamin B5
  • Non-greasy, fragrance-free formula
  • It forms a protective barrier that keeps out germs and seals in moisture
  • The protective barrier and hydrating the skin, snail creams may be useful to help heal the skin after tattoos
  • After using, you’ll feel great – color tattoos will look brighter, and you’ll reduce tired and itchy skin
  • Recommended by both dermatologists and tattoo artist

If you’re looking for the best tattoo lotion to use for tattoo aftercare for every skin type, you may just make sure to find it in this Lubriderm daily moisturizing tattoo lotion. This daily moisturizing lotion enriched with Vitamin B5, a micronutrient known for its skin-nourishing property, and it doesn’t contain fragrances, among other possibly harmful ingredients.

WHY IS THIS THE TOP PICK?
fragrance free in its ingredients

As soon as you open the tube and smell the tattoo lotion, your first observation is that it has a neutral smell! There’s no fresh, clean scent or flowery scent to it, a sign that indeed it doesn’t have fragrances in its ingredients. Take note that fragrances in skin care products can irritate skin, especially dry and severe skin like one with a new tattoo. A number of tattoo parlors recommend going fragrance-free as well.

skin feels softer and suppler after the application

Due to its slightly runny consistency, it’s quickly absorbed into the skin instead of leaving behind a sticky feel. Your skin doesn’t feel greasy or oily even after a generous application for as long as it’s rubbed in well. Your skin also feels softer and suppler after the application that, over time, means less signs of aging.

Of course, your skin feels more moisturized, too, with every application. The more moisturized it is, the lesser itchiness and irritation you will feel. This is because dry skin feels itchier so the urge to scratch it as often as possible becomes stronger. In time, the frequent scratching will not only damage your new tattoo but will also cause skin infections.

good for severe drye skin

If you have severe dry skin to start with, this Lubriderm lotion for tattoos will not irritate it further. We know of many people with rosacea or who lead an active outdoor lifestyle who praise its hypoallergenic quality. With tattoos, especially new ones, a hypoallergenic aftercare product is a must since the skin is at high risk for infection.

THINGS I LIKED ABOUT IT
  • Easy to squeeze from tube
  • Fragrance free
  • Feels soft on the skin
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Forms a protective daily moisture barrier on skin
  • Reduces itching and irritation
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
  • Some users say that more tattoo lotion is needed for a small area

5. Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion- Best Tattoo Aftercare Cream

Quick Summary
  • Acts in three ways – moisturizes, conditions and exfoliates extra-dry and flaky skin
  • Provides 24-hour moisturization
  • Dyes and fragrance free
  • It starts with shea butter, coconut oil, green tea leaf extract, sunflower oil, jojoba, olive oil, wheat germ oil, and more
  • It forms a protective barrier that keeps out germs and seals in moisture
  • Comes in a 16.9-fluid ounce pump bottle
  • Most tattoo artist advise their clients to apply this tattoo lotion

After a new tattoo, your skin will feel drier and flakier than usual, a common side effect of the art. Such dry and flaky feeling is caused by the recent trauma sustained by your skin from the needles and inks.  This is where the Eucerin Intensive Repair tattoo Lotion comes in handy.

WHY IS THIS THE TOP PICK?
formulated for extra-dry flaky skin

What we liked most about the Eucerin tattoo lotion is that it’s actually formulated for extra-dry, extra-flaky skin, not just for dry to normal skin. As such, it has a richer and creamier consistency than many hand and body tattoo lotions, a must to effectively penetrate the skin’s lower layers. It should be rubbed in well into dry, flaky skin for it to be effective, as desired, which should take a few seconds of back-and-forth or circular motions over your newly-tattooed skin.

skin-nourishing ingredients

Due to its rich, creamy and thick consistency, it only requires a small amount to cover a fairly large area of your skin. A small pea-sized amount should suffice for a couple of inches of skin. But be sure to apply more of it on a larger area so that its skin-nourishing ingredients can do their work.

Let the body tattoo lotion sit for a few seconds before putting on clothes over it. While it won’t stain clothes, you don’t want it sticking to your clothes either. There’s also the matter of fabric being in sticky contact with your newly-tattooed skin and causing further irritation. A few seconds after applying it, your skin will be softer and suppler, less itchy and irritated. You don’t have to apply it every couple of hours since its skin-nourishing effects last for several hours.  You can re-apply it, nonetheless, if your newly-tattooed skin feels rather dry and flaky due to environmental factors.

THINGS I LIKED ABOUT IT
  • Rich and creamy suitable for extremely dry, flaky and irritated skin
  • Leaves your skin feeling softer and smoother
  • Fragrance free
  • Creates a protective daily moisture barrier
  • Applies easily
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
  • May leave a sticky feeling in some people

6. Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion- Best Aftercare Tattoo Cream

Quick Summary
  • Comes in a 16-ounce container
  • Non-comedogenic
  • It’s completely fragrance free
  • Neutral pH formulation
  • Contains skin-friendly natural ingredients including shea butter, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, green tea leaf extract, and more
  • Make sure you use a clean utensil when applying to avoid exposing your ink to any potentially harmful bacteria
  • Recommended by world-renowned tattoo artist and board-certified dermatologist based in New York City

When looking for the best natural tattoo aftercare moisturizing lotion, our first step will likely be to look for the most reputable brand. This isn’t surprising as the power of a brand cannot be overemphasized, and positive customer experiences is an essential part of it. The Cetaphil brand is a well-known best lotions for tattoo care brand in skin care and its daily moisturizing lotion is a widely-used tattoo aftercare lotion.

WHY IS THIS THE TOP PICK?
effective formulation

Cetaphil skin care products are well-known for their gentle yet effective formulation, so gentle the best lotions for tattoos after its healed that it can be used on sensitive baby skin. This Cetaphil daily moisturizing lotion isn’t an exception, thanks to its ultra-gentle formulation that can be used on skin with new tattoo.

easy to apply and rub

But don’t be fooled by its gentle formulation because it’s an effective aftercare product in terms of moisturization, particularly in keeping it in. It isn’t as rich and creamy as the other tattoo lotions on this list, it’s exactly the reason for its suitability as an aftercare moisturizing lotion for new tattoo skin. Its lighter consistency means that it’s easier to apply and rub into skin and it won’t cause allergic reactions.

less risk from allergic reactions

The latter is particularly important in new tattoo skin since the tattooing healing process itself can cause allergic-like reactions, such as redness and rashes of the skin. The less risk from allergic reactions from an aftercare moisturizing lotion, the better for the skin’s healing process.

We also want to point out that the tattoo lotion decreases the feelings of itchiness, a common side effect of new tattoo. You may have to reapply the tattoo lotion more often but that’s still okay.

THINGS I LIKED ABOUT IT
  • Gentlest formula for sensitive skin
  • Thinner consistency for better application
  • Doesn’t cause allergic reactions on sensitive skin
  • No sting on the eyes and open skin
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
  • May be oilier than Cetaphil’s other lotions

Final Words

We believe that the After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer is the best tattoo aftercare lotion there is!

It has a specific formulation for speeding up the healing process in the skin temporarily damaged by the needles. It contains beneficial ingredients proven to nourish the skin and provide excellent moisturization.

Plus, it’s so easy to apply on sensitive skin! It rubs well so there’s less friction on the broken skin.

But if you choose one of the other lotions on this list, it’s your prerogative! In the end, it’s your skin and your tattoo and, thus, it’s your choice.

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