The tug of war between the best lotion to keep tattoos bright have been persistent since forever. Reasonably so, as the market is overwhelmed with numerous tattoo products, formulas, and solutions.
There are too many ingredients, labeled purposes, proven results, and usage you must consider before grabbing a product.
It’s time-consuming and frustrating. Ugh!
Photo | Product | Buy |
![]() | Ora’s Amazing Herbal | View on Amazon.com |
![]() | Platinum Rose Healing Ointment | View on Amazon.com |
Dr Pickles Premium Balm | View on Amazon.com | |
![]() | Eucerin Original Healing Lotion | View on Amazon.com |
So, if you’re still being pulled from all directions while shopping for an aftercare product, here are few tips to consider.
In our article, you will get to extensively evaluate the best tattoo lotions targeted skin types, application methods, effectiveness, varying consistencies, and other fundamental distinctions.
Why go through so much trouble, you ask? Good question!
Just like any other tattoo addict, we take tattoo aftercare seriously. And so does your skin! So, here’s a chance to finally let your tattoos bright with the correct aftercare tattoo products and the quickest healing process.
Now that’s a ride you wouldn’t want to miss, am I right?
Tattoo Lotion vs. Ointment vs. Body Lotion
With so many different types of tattoo aftercare products, choosing among them might be the first topic that you need to tackle in order to narrow down your options. So which one should you choose?
To be quite honest, these are just very technical classifications of the products that are marketed for aftercare. If you’ll look at their ingredients, they’re all the same as they are all made to help heal and protect the skin. So at the end of the day, it’s really up to you which one to go for.
If you want to differentiate tattoo lotions vs ointments vs body lotions, the process is quite simple. Each tattoo lotion is labeled according to their intended purpose, so it’s pretty easy to tell which is which.
In terms of performance, they don’t necessarily have major differences as their formulation can be quite similar. In most cases, their consistency would be where the differences lie. Ointments, for one, are always meant to be lightweight and fast-absorbing.
Tattoo lotions and balms are often a bit heavier, some even mimic the consistency of petroleum. Body lotion, however, come in different consistencies, depending on what skin type they’re for.
What Makes A Good Tattoo Healing Lotion?
While many over-the-counter lotions can be used for aftercare purposes, we suggest using one of the 12 best tattoo lotions abovementioned instead. These products meet the following criteria in what makes for an effective tattoo healing lotion.
Easy to apply consistency
The lotion should be of the right consistency for ease of rubbing onto clean, dry skin. There’s no right or wrong consistency for as long as the lotion is easy to apply on skin. Some of the lotions mentioned above have a rich, creamy and thick consistency while others are fairly thin and easily melted.
Contains safe yet effective skin-nourishing ingredients
These include vitamins, such as Vitamin B5, as well as essential oils, glycerin, essential fatty acids, and emollients that bring in and trap extra moisture in the skin. Always check the ingredients list since you don’t want possibly harmful ingredients coming into contact with your newly-inked skin. These harmful ingredients include fragrances, parabens and preservatives as well as mineral oils.
Tip: Look for a lotion without a scent since even a subtle artificial scent can mean that it contains artificial fragrances and preservatives.
We also suggest looking for these qualities:
- It’s manufactured by a reputable company or it has a reliable brand.
- It’s endorsed by or popular among tattoo artists and enthusiasts.
- It’s reasonably-priced so you can actually afford to buy it. Tattoos in themselves can be expensive.
- It comes in a quantity sufficient for your tattoo-related needs for a short period.
12 Best Lotion to Keep Tattoos Bright- Tattoo Brightener
1. Ora’s Amazing Herbal
Quick Summary
- Slow infused herbal composition
- Accelerated healing
- Soothes and optimally minimizes itching
- Extended application
- Tattoo quality enhancing
- Ethically, socially and environmentally friendly
- Consistent and smooth application
- Travel friendly
If you are looking for the best lotions for your tattoo and skin, then these products from Ora’s amazing herbal care products would be the most ideal place to start.
These products are made specifically for optimal counteracting of the effects of getting a tattoo. Providing soothing and anti-itch properties to complement the accelerated healing as well as enhancing a tattoo’s authentic highlights.
Ora’s tattoo aftercare product will ensure you have an appealing recovery and successful tattoo procedure as it provides continued aftercare services that result in healthy skin and quality tattoo expressions.
Ora’s aftercare products are formulated using natural ingredients free from petroleum, paraben, synthetic material, lanolin, aloe, olive oil, mineral oils, dyes, grains and wheat among other potential allergens and hazardous health materials.
The main composition of Ora’s tattoo aftercare products includes slow infused herbal components that provide medicinal value which facilitates accelerated skin healing as well as optimal condition tattoo maintenance.
THINGS I LIKED ABOUT IT
- Dominantly herbal composition
- Non-irritant, non comedogenic, and non-allergenic
- Ethically, socially and environmentally friendly
- Versatile and extended use
- Once applied, your skin feels soft and smooth and tattoos looking rich and vibrant
- Tattoo quality enhancing
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
- There may be some shipping inconveniences
2. Platinum Rose Healing Ointment Tattoo Brightener Balm
Quick Summary
- It’s a certified natural tattoo lotion
- Made for lubricating, moisturizing, soothing, and nourishing the skin
- Shea butter, jojoba oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter, aloe butter, vitamin c, vitamin E, English rose oil
If you’re looking for an all-around tattoo balm that can do a lot, the Platinum Rose Tattoo Butter would be a solid pick for you.
Touted as a tattoo balm for the pre, during, and post-tattoo period, this is another versatile option that tattooists and tattooed folks love. It offers effective skin healing and nourishment so it can ease the recovery of your tattooed skin.
Like many other tattoo balm on this list, this tattoo lotion comes with all-natural ingredients. However, it takes things up a notch by not just using organic ingredients but also utilizing food-grade ingredients to further ensure your safety.
This makes it extra attractive to those who want to use the best ingredients for their skin.
THINGS I LIKED ABOUT IT
- Promises faster healing
- Works as an effective tattoo lubricant
- Fragrance free
- Made with all-natural ingredients
- Useful at every stage of the tattooing process
- Has a nice but temporary mild rosy scent
- Paraben-free and it isn’t petroleum based
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
- Quite expensive
- Applying too much leaves the skin feeling greasy
- Contains fragrance
3. Dr Pickles Premium Tattoo Brightener Balm
Quick Summary
- Fragrance free
- Contains papaw, d-panthenol, beeswax, sweet almond oil, and coconut oil will work to keep your tattoo skin moisturized
- This balm works on both new and old tattoos to soothe
- For tattoo lubrication and aftercare
- Paraben and chemical-free
In case you haven’t found the best tattoo lotion ingredient that will work wonders on your skin yet, you might want to give the Dr Pickles Premium Tattoo Balm a shot.
This product’s main ingredient is papaya, also known as papaw or pawpaw, a tropical fruit that is rich with antioxidants and antibacterial components.
Formulated for use during the tattoo procedure and the aftercare process to keep the skin supple and moist, this item is also quite a versatile choice.
And since papaw has already established itself as an all-cure for skin woes, we’re pretty confident that it might just be the very item you need to get the best results from your fresh ink.
THINGS I LIKED ABOUT IT
- Doesn’t have a sticky or greasy feel
- Goes on smooth and tattoos looking rich and vibrant
- Made with natural ingredients
- Fragrance free
- Made in Australia
- Suitable for all skin types
- Cruelty-free
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
- Vegan-friendly but not vegan as it contains a small amount of beeswax
- Quite pricey
4. Eucerin Original Healing Lotion
Quick Summary
- Body lotion for dry skin
- Thick and rich formula
- Application is easy and non-greasy
- Fragrance free
- Contains water, mineral oil, lanolin oil, sorbitol
If you want to look at a tattoo lotion offered by a tried and tested brand, the Eucerin Original Healing Lotion is for you.
While this daily moisturizing lotion isn’t specifically made for tattooing, it can hold a candle against many tattoo creams in the market for how moisturizing and healing it can be.
Eucerin body lotion also has a century-long legacy, so the formulation of Eucerin’s products aren’t up for debate.
As a healing body lotion, this tattoo lotion is formulated to help repair skin damage by packing in the moisture and sealing it in for long periods of time. This makes it a perfect option for tattoo aftercare.
THINGS I LIKED ABOUT IT
- Recommended by tattooists
- Made by a doctor-recommended brand for various skin woes
- Thick but fast-absorbing and non-greasy
- Very affordable
- Brand is developed by dermatologists and medical experts
- It works great for both new and older tattoos
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
- Quite heavy and difficult to spread
5. Viva Naturals
Quick Summary
- Raw, unrefined organic shea butter
- It is chock-full of vitamins A and E, as well as essential fatty acids, these will also help to keep your skin moisturized
- Thoughtfully processed to preserve its nutrients
Rounding out our selection of products is the Viva Naturals Organic Shea Butter. This item is also more of a repurposed choice for tattoo aftercare because of how potent shea butter is in caring for your skin.
The most important thing to note about this product is the fact that it’s a singular ingredient item. It’s only really just shea butter in its pure form. There are no other ingredients in this daily moisturizing lotion as it’s also meant to be used as an ingredient for other DIY skincare recipes.
Because of this, it promises to offer you all of the great benefits of this natural ingredient. Since it’s also carefully processed so as not to burn off and degrade its nutrients, you’re further guaranteed to get a lot out of this product.
THINGS I LIKED ABOUT IT
- Guaranteed to be an all-natural product
- Doesn’t contain any other ingredients
- Can be used for other DIY skincare creations
- Pure shea butter with most of its nutrients intact
- Has a mild scent
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
- Some folks aren’t too happy with the consistency of the product
6. Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion
Quick Summary
- Available in a large 32-ounce bottle
- Formulated with Vaseline Jelly for locking in moisture
- It’s completely fragrance-free
- Over-the-counter yet prescription-strength moisturizes
- This lotion is paraben and scent-free, and its affordable price tag
- This tattoo aftercare is key if you wish for your body art to remain in good condition as well as prevent any sort of skin problems
- It’s the richest formula they make with clinical trials that show it can help heal dry skin in five days
- Non-greasy formulation
Vaseline body lotion is another trusted brand in tattoo care and many of its lotions can actually be used in tattoo aftercare. The Vaseline Intensive Care tattoo body lotion is our one of the best choice because it’s unscented and it’s effective against dry skin.
We also like that it’s been awarded the National Aczema Seal of Acceptance, a proof that it contains gentle yet effective ingredients against extremely sensitive or dry skin.
The Vaseline Jelly daily moisturizing lotion formulation makes the lotion feel almost like gel in the hands but feel like creamy lotion when applied on the skin. But it isn’t just the feel that matters – more importantly, it’s the actual effect on the skin!
Thanks to its wide variety of skin-nourishing ingredients, particularly glycerine, it brings in more moisture into the skin and locks it in, too.
THINGS I LIKED ABOUT IT
- Prescription-strength formulation but gentle on skin
- No side effects on sensitive and/or dry skin
- Large bottle for longer use
- Applies easily, absorbs quickly
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
- May have a slightly oily after-feel but goes away in a few minutes
7. Hustle Butter Deluxe
Quick Summary
- Hustle butter suitable for use at every stage of the tattoo process
- Made with vegan, cruelty-free ingredients
- Comes in a 5-ounce tub
- Free of petroleum, parabens and other harmful materials
The Hustle Butter Deluxe is, in our books, the best lotions for tattoo aftercare – or more appropriately, it’s a tattoo butter.
We love it because hustle butter deluxe is an all-around tattoo-specific product that can actually be used before, during and after the tattooing process! We have to say that it’s one-of-a-kind!
In this case, the best lotions for tattoo aftercare isn’t actually a lotion! Instead, it’s a butter that contains numerous skin-friendly ingredients including aloe butter, sunflower oil, rice bran oil, green tea, mint essential oil, Vitamin E complex, rosemary oleoresin, and essence of papaya and coconut.
These petroleum-based ingredients apparently work in synergy to prepare the skin for the physical trauma of tattoos and to aid in its healing afterward.
Before you get your new inked tattoo, you can apply hustle butter deluxe for a few days so as to make your skin stronger against the needles’ trauma.
While the tattooing session will still involve a certain level of pain, it may not be as painful as you expected it. This is because your skin is more moisturized and, thus, better able to take the stress.
THINGS I LIKED ABOUT IT
- Specifically formulated for tattoo care
- Traps extra moisture in the skin
- Natural ingredients
- Preserves the color of the tattoos
- Easy to apply on all skin types
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
- Slightly pricey
8. H2Ocean Aquatat Moisturizer
Quick Summary
- Enriched with Vitamins A, B, C, D and E as well as palm seed oil
- Fragrance free, dyes and mineral oils free
- Helps renew and revitalize older tattoos
- Non-greasy and has a fairly neutral scent
- Help to minimize sun damage
- Comes in a 1.75-ounce bottle
Yet another tattoo-specific moisturizer is the H2Ocean Aquatat moisturizer. Many tattoo artists and enthusiasts actually recommend it because it’s an effective product. You can use it for your normal sun protection tattoo care routine, and be sure that you use it all over.
Within a day or two, your newly-tattooed skin will show signs of positive improvement after applying this lotion. Your skin will likely be less itchy and irritated while also showing signs of faster healing than with other lotions.
Your skin may even be less reddish within a shorter period, a bonus point since reddish skin gets in the way of appreciating the beauty of tattoos.
You can apply the lotion as many as three times a day, if necessary, without worrying about your still sensitive skin becoming clogged or irritated.
This is because the lotion doesn’t have clog-causing ingredients like fragrances, petroleum and parabens and it’s fairly thin enough to be quickly absorbed by the skin.
THINGS I LIKED ABOUT IT
- H2Ocean tattoo moisturizer is a go-to item for many tattoo artists
- Keeps irritation and itchiness at bay
- Suitable for sensitive skin
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
- A bit pricey
9. After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer
Quick Summary
- Grape seed oil, vitamin c, coconut oil enriched, Shea Butter formula
- Clinically and dermatologist tested
- Ethical, social and environmental development
- Premium brand highly recommended by professional tattoo artists.
- Skin moisturizer
- Tattoos bright and enhance the color of older tattoos
- Featured on shows Ink Master
Getting a tattoo requires effective follow-up and aftercare to achieve the best possible results.
The after inked moisturizer & aftercare lotion are considered to be one of the best tattoo lotions to use for tattoo care purposes considering it offers optimal aftercare services that ensure your skin maintains optimal health and nourishment while your tattoo maintains the best possible expression to suit the artistic vision achieved by a tattoo artist.
It was featured on Ink Master as well.
The after-inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion come clinically tested and as well further dermatologist tested to ensure no skin irritation or harm results from its utilization.
This makes the after inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion the ideal aftercare products for any skin type thanks to the non-allergenic, non comedogenic, and non-irritant formulation.
THINGS I LIKED ABOUT IT
- Tattoo quality enhancement
- Natural ingredients
- Grape seed oil, coconut oil infusion
- Effective skin moisturizer
- Clinically and dermatologist tested
- Enhanced healing new tattoos, as well as keeping older tattoos
- Professional tattoo artist recommended
- Optimal consistency
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
- May not be ideal for use immediately after getting a tattoo.
10. Tattoo Care Sunscreen: Best for Color Tattoos
Quick Summary
- Contains 30+ SPF
- Skin protection and water-resistant
- Accelerates skin healing new tattoos, as well as keeping older tattoos
- Soothing effect for sensitive skin
- Ability to keep skin moisturized for a full 24 hours
- 1.35 oz / 40 ml packaging
Next on our list of best tattoo lotions is the Tattoo Care Sunscreen UVA UVB 30+ 1.35oz. We recommend because it contains special ingredients that both facilitate faster healing of the skin and protected from harmul UV rays.
If you wondered why this is a top pick in this list of the best tattoo lotion, this would be the reason. The Tattoo Care Sunscreen UVA UVB 30+ 1.35oz contains special 30+ SPF that blocks both the harmful UVA and UV rays from affecting your skin. This is an important step in any skin-care routine all year long.
Did you know that this lotion adds a second layer to your tattoo hence protecting the new ink from fading or washing away?
The 30+ SPF aftercare lotion is water-resistant and hence will not be washed away during that swimming vacation. Additionally, it contains unique ingredients such as Cocoa Butter, Jojoba, Calendula, Vitamin E, and Bisabolol, which help accelerates the healing process of the skin after getting that tattoo.
THINGS I LIKED ABOUT IT
- Contains 30+ SPF that block against UVA and UV rays
- Accelerates skin healing process
- Contains special ingredients such as Vitamin E and Calendula and which soothes and moistens the skin
- Water-resistant
- Developed by dermatologists with over 30 years’ experience hence ideal for use on sensitive skin
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
- The lotion comes in smaller packaging and might not be ideal for those with medium to large tattoos
11. Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Quick Summary
- Aquaphor is a go-to in most tattoo shops
- Safe for all skin types
- It helps revive older tattoos
- Non-comedogenic
- The lotion is smooth and leaves skin feeling very soft
- It makes old tattoos pop
- Keeps your skin moisturized for 24 hours and can keep tattoos looking as bright and fresh
- lavender oil, grapeseed oil, vitamin b5, sunflower oil, fatty acids, mango butter, hemp seed oil, and other nutrients to keep the skin healthy
Just before your tattoo artist starts the process, you can also ask for your skin to have a thin layer of the Aquaphor Healing Ointment. This lotion will keep your tattoo looking fresh and clean.
Your tattoo artist may even have it on hand! The aquaphor healing ointment doesn’t affect the stencil or the ink so your tattoo should come out as expected.
After the tattoo session, your tattoo artist can also apply the body butter on your newly-tattooed skin as a protective barrier. With it in place, your skin can be less likely to be exposed to bacteria and other pathogens that cause infection. You may even continue using it on your tattooed skin to preserve its bold and bright colors.
12. Tattoo Goo Daily Moisture Lotion
Quick Summary
- This item is part of most tattooed person’s skin-care routine
- Natural ingredients
- Fragrance-free
- Ability to keep skin moisturized for a full 24 hours
- No petroleum-based ingredients like vitamin b5, grapeseed oil,
The Tattoo Goo daily moisture lotion comes adequately composed of some natural elements, including herbs that have scientifically been proven to contain soothing as well as healing properties that are crucial for anyone’s skin health.
For tattoo artists, this daily moisture lotion is utmost lotion for both preparing the skin and the actual tattooing procedure.
The natural and organic properties that come included in this tattoo aftercare product. It has been known to be used long after tattoos have completely healed.
This tattoo balm is owing to its healing acceleration abilities as well as skin nourishing and tattoo maintenance properties too.
For rapid and minimal risk of infections, Tattoo goo has proven to be of effective functioning.
What You Need to Know before Buying Tattoo Lotions
How We Choose Our Selection of Tattoo Lotions
First off, allow us to clue you in on how we chose our picks above. Here are our main criteria:
protective and Healing properties leaving your skin feeling super smooth
The most important things we look for in the best lotion for new or old tattoos are its ability to help protect and heal your skin. These are essential if you’re going to nurse your tattooed skin back to health since you’ll be starting off with a damaged and wounded skin.
As you would see in our list, all of our picks are moisturizing and have an ability to provide a protective barrier to the skin without overwhelming or suffocating the wound. The daily moisturizing property helps restore the skin’s moisture barrier and nurses it back to good health.
The protective properties prevent skin inflammation, infection, and other complications that can arise due to the open wound the tattoo created.
By combining the two, we’re pretty sure that you’ll be able to address most of the things you need to help your skin recover from the trauma caused by tattooing.
Product texture and feel
It’s important for us to make sure that the product feels nice and comfortable on the skin. If not, it can cause irritation or prevent some folks from using it altogether. This is why we go for the ones that go on smoothly, feel light, and aren’t sticky or greasy so you can be sure that you’ll be comfortable to slather them on day in and day out.
Composition
It’s crucial to go for skin care products that are made of good ingredients that will not harm your skin in any way. This is why we made sure to only recommend the products that do not contain toxic components that are common causes of irritation and serious reactions.
Types of Lotions for Tattoos
First, specialized tattoo creams and lotions are specifically formulated for tattooed skin care purposes. These are usually formulated with ingredients that nourish sensitive skin while also speeding up the healing process.
Second, daily moisturizing tattoo lotions can also be used in the aftercare of tattoos since these also add extra moisture to the skin and facilitate healing for the broken skin. We suggest looking for tattoo lotions with mild formulations or formulated for sensitive skin.
Third, natural oils and butters are also suitable for aftercare of tattoos. The most popular are coconut oil and cocoa butter since these are all-natural substances. These also have a pleasant scent to them without the addition of artificial fragrances and other additives, if you want a skin care product with a subtle scent.
Each of these products have their pros and cons. You should carefully weigh these pros and cons before making your choice.
Application Instructions
If you’re already using a tattoo aftercare lotion, you should ideally avoid using other lotions. You must also follow the application instructions for each product. These tips can be applied no matter your preferred product.
- Make sure that your tattooed skin is as dry as possible after it has been washed with mild soap and warm water.
- Place a small amount of the lotion on your clean hands.
- Gently massage it over your entire tattoo until it has been absorbed well into your skin.
- Reapply at midday, if your skin seems too dry.
- Wash your tattooed skin with mild soap and warm water before going to sleep. Pat it dry and then reapply the lotion again.
How to Care for a New or old Tattoos
Here are the most basic steps in caring for new and old tattoos:
- Keep your skin properly moisturized to keep it in top shape.
- Use the best tattoo lotions for new color tattoos to make sure that you will be able to take care of your damaged skin.
- Do not expose your skin to things that can damage it like sunlight, high-temperatures, sweat, fragrance, and chemicals among many others.
- Let your new tattoo breathe so it can heal itself naturally.
- Do not scratch or pick at the healing tattoo as that will hamper the process.
- Do not keep it wet for long periods, too. This can also prevent the skin from healing tattoo properly.
- Follow your tattooist’s advice to a T. They will let you know what you should and shouldn’t do as your new and old tattoos heals.
- Be patient with healing times. Your new ink might take some time to heal and rushing the healing process can do more harm than good, so don’t be impatient.
What Not to Do After Getting a Tattoo
Aside from avoiding putting certain items on your new and old tattoos, you should also avoid doing certain activities to ensure the proper healing tattoo of your skin. Here are the ones that you should delay if you just got inked:
- Going swimming as that will keep your tattoo skin wet and can introduce bacteria to the open wounds.
- Going to a sauna as this will expose your skin to too much moisture and heat.
- Sunbathing as sunburn can cause more damage to your already damaged skin.
- Wearing tight clothing as the fabric will rub and put pressure on your new tattoo which can irritate and keep it from healing faster.
- Scratch or peel at the flakes as this will further slow down the healing process.
- Let other people touch the new ink as this can cause an infection.
- Over moisturizing as this will cause irritation and other complications.
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Picking the Best Lotion for New Tattoos for You
We’re going to be quite honest with you, picking the best lotion for new tattoos might not be the easiest thing to do, especially if your skin is sensitive.
This is why you need to know what you should look for and arm yourself with the right information in order to find your perfect match.
You shouldn’t risk the output of your tattoo and the health of your skin by just going for the first lotion you find and thinking that all of these skin care products are the same.
If you still can’t take a pick and need our help to pinpoint one product to try, we’d tell you to go for something tried and tested like the Hustle Butter Deluxe product above.
This cure-all skin care product is a multipurpose pick that lots of people recommend for tattoo aftercare so we believe it’s worth a shot. If it doesn’t work on your fresh ink, at least it’s cheap and it can be used for other purposes.
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