How badly will my tattoo hurt? Will I cry? What is tattoo pain like? These are typical, standard questions to ask before getting a tattoo. The good news is, the best tattoo numbing creams alleviate and even completely eliminate the pain associated with getting inked.
Tattoos used to be the mark of courage and only for strong, people unafraid of pain, and with skins of steel. But not anymore. As tattoos are becoming a mainstream part of our society, the optimum numb creams are now available to make the tattoo experience more enjoyable.
Check out our list of the top ten best skin numbing creams for tattoos to help you conquer the pain and have an enjoyable tattooing experience.
10 Best Numbing Creams for Tattoos Reviews
1. Numb Master Cream- best numbing cream for eyebrow tattoo
First on our list of best tattoo numbing cream for long tattoo sessions would be the Numb Lidocaine blue gel.
Quick Summary
- Liposomal Lidocaine HCl 5%
- Child Resistant Cap, 4.2oz
- Fast longstanding & quick formula
- Non Greasy & Oily
- This product that contain various types of numbing agents, the reduced rate of blood flow causes the effects of other numbing agents to last longer
- Ingredients: Lidocaine 5%, Allantoin Gel, Carbomer, Citric Acid, Deionized Water, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Triethanolamine
- This cream include insect bites, minor cuts, skin inflammation, and sunburn
- The chances of any side effects occurring will generally be low
- Long 2 Year Shelf-Life
Liposomal Lidocaine HCl 5%
The Liposomal Lidocaine gel is the finest option for eyeliner tattoo before a tattoo. In case you have sensitive skin, this would be ideal for your procedure.
Fast, longstanding & Quick Formula
This cream provides an ideal for long tattoo session. Applying this cream will achieve a long tattoo numbing experience of two hours. You will start experiencing numbness at between 3-5 minutes but will be fully effective after 25 minutes. Its formula makes it the best.
Additionally, you need not be worried about the expiry of the Numb Master as it has a 2-year shelf life.
Non Greasy & Oily
You will find the blue gel to be the finest one for foot tattoo because it is water-based and hence making it easy to use numbing tattoo cream and wipe off from your skin. Due to the sensitivity of particular body parts, users also report it to the utmost numbing agent for eyebrow tattoo, as it is easy to wipe off.
Child Resistant Cap, 4.2oz
The cream, which is also one of the ultimate blue gel for laser tattoo removal for over the counter comes in a safe childproof packaging. This makes it safe and ensures that only adults can access it. This cream is made in the USA and in accordance with FDA regulations, ensuring that there are no harsh chemicals and additives, making it one of the best over the counter creams for tattoos available.
- Easy to wipe water-based cream
- Longstanding and fast-acting formula
- Safe for non-prescription use and ideal for sensitive skin
- 2-year long shelf life
- Most potent over the counter numbness formula
- Safe childproof packaging
- A bit pricey
2. Ebanel Numb 520- best numbing cream before tattoo
The numb 520, would be our second pick for the uncomparable product make pain free. Famed for its fast action and temporary relief, it has become a favorite for many enthusiasts, some who seek the best product for tattoo removal.
Quick Summary
- Maximum strength Lidocaine 5%
- Extra soothing and hydrating features
- Fast longstanding & Quick Formula
- This product uses natural ingredients to soothe your epidermis and speed up healing
- Non Greasy ,Oily, Odorless
- Childproof packaging, 2.7oz
- The effects last between one to two hours
- Their effects last up to two hours maximum
- As instructed on the bottle (Use plastic wrap, sanitize area, etc)
- Made in the USA
Maximum strength Lidocaine 5%
The unique formula of Lidocaine 5% is the main reason the cream ebanel made it in our list of the best product for tattoos. This particular feature makes it one of the best and cheapest tattoo cream and other sensitive areas.
The Lidocaine HCl temporarily blocks the sensory nerves and thus inhibiting pain while you have that tattoo drawn or removed.
Extra soothing and hydrating features
Why else would we consider the Ebanel 2-Pack 5% as the best pre tattoo cream? It has a unique infusion of Vitamin E and Aloe Vera, which, together with other hydrating ingredients, create a soothing feeling.
Fast longstanding & Quick Formula
When it comes to best rated tattoo cream, then this pain relief cream offers you the ideal longstanding and quick numbs. You’ll be amazed at how fast this topical lidocaine gel numbs at between 2 to 3 minutes. For the best output, it will peak at between 20-30 minutes and last for almost 1 hour.
Non Greasy & Oily, Odorless
When it comes to not being messy and greasy, this is one of the best topical creams for tattoos. The Ebanel 2-Pack 5% is uniquely modified into a water-based, odorless and non-greasy cream and that is suitable for all skin types.
This also makes it one of the best tattoo removal cream. You wouldn’t want chemical-based cream in your mouth, would you?
Childproof packaging, 2.7oz
The numb 520 numb 520 topical cream comes in a secure childproof 2.7oz packaging. For your safety, the cream is made in the USA under strict guidelines regulated by the FDA.
- Extra soothing and hydrating
- Odorless, water-based cream
- Long-lasting and fast-acting formula
- Safe for non-prescription use and ideal for sensitive skin
- Strongest over the counter numbness formula
- Safe childproof packaging with no harsh chemical additives
- Can cause side effects on certain skin types. Make sure to carry out a patch test before the actual usage.
3. Deeveeant Lidocaine numbing cream
Across many reviews, you will find that the Deeveeant Lidocaine 2oz is ideal in sensitive skin areas, making it one of the best for tattoos. Despite it being averagely expensive, it is the best bet making it the third in our list.
Quick Summary
- High-Quality Pre-treatment Medical Grade lidocream
- Special medicated Triple-Dip formula
- Medical Grade Lidocaine 4%
- This the cream is made up with 100% natural ingredients
- Long-lasting Numbs
- This can also speed up the healing process
- This makes it perfect to use if you’ve got a long tattoo session booked in
- Deeveeant Lidocaine recommends that you or your artist apply a thick layer of the cream and cover the area with some plastic wrap and apply light pressure
- After 15 minutes of applying and provides a painless tattoo session
- Unique Design and that is childproof, 2.0oz
excellence Pre-treatment
Whether you’re looking at tattooing, waxing, laser hair removal, or even injections, the Deeveeant Lidocaine cream is just the right pick for you.
It comes with a excellence pre-treatment lidocream of medical grade and that can easily fill your tattoos too. This special feature makes it suitable for various skin procedures.
Special medicated Triple-Dip formula
Unlike the rest of the creams that only contain Lidocaine and a few additives, this special medicated cream has a Triple-Dip formula, and that deliver the effect well. With a combination of Jojoba, green tea tree and Aloe Vera and the Deeeveeant Lidocaine cream, you are guaranteed reduced inflammation and skin damage. This earns it a spot for that perfect cream list.
Medical Grade Lidocaine 4%
This medical-grade 4% lidocaine delivers that strongest painkiller punch ideal for your lip tattoo, as it can be really painful.
Additionally, it is a water-based cream and that has also seen it elbow its peers in the great item.
Long-lasting Numbs
You will find the Deeveeant Lidocaine cream to be a darling owing to the long-lasting effect it has. This has earned it a spot in our review of the foremost tattoo numbing spray for long tattoo session.
You notice that starts at around 30 minutes, and with the best results being achieved between 45 minutes. For that tattooing, the effect will numb the pain receptors in the skin last for even two hours.
Unique Design that is childproof, 2.0oz
Coming in a uniquely designed anti-leeching tube, this item for your foot tattoo has a childproof 2.0oz packaging. This also ensures that your cream will be safe from adverse weather conditions and improve on the shelf life. This cream is made in the US and manufactured in accordance to the FDA guidelines.
- Excellence medical grade pre-treatment 4% lidocaine
- Non-oily water-based cream
- Longer lasting effect
- No side effects
- Special medicated Triple-Dip formula
- Strongest over the counter numbness formula
- Safe child proof packaging
- If you believe that your skin may react adversely to the application of numbing agents, it’s always best to speak to a doctor before any attempts to apply a product
- More expensive compared to its peers
4. GREENCAINE BLAST- best over the counter numbing cream for New tattoos
Next on our list of best tattoo numbing creams for piercings is the Greencaine Blast lidocaine 4% gel 4oz, 113gm. This gel is also ideal for waxing, hair removal and general pain free for adults and children. You’ll also find some numbing agents that are suitable for use before your tattoo session and others that require the skin to be broken before being applied.
Quick Summary
- Premium quality advanced topical Lidocaine 4% micro-emulsion
- Soothing and hydrating effect
- Long-lasting Numbs
- It has a microemulsion delivery system
- This cream that contain tetracaine, they work as nerve blockers
- It also has soothing plant extracts like comfrey, chamomile, and menthol
- It work by constricting the blood vessels, which will reduce the bleeding and swelling
- Unique Childproof 4oz 113gm Design approved by FDA in the US
You need not be worried about how to use this cream, it comes with clear directions making it easy to use at home, whether on your own or assisted.
Here are a few reasons as to why the greencaine blast product has made it in the list of top product for getting a tattoo;
premium quality advanced topical Lidocaine 4% micro-emulsion
The Greencaine™ topical anesthetic cream comes with a premium quality lidocaine that offers a strong effect. Did you know that it is rated as the greatest for tattoo removal by the non-profit organization CleanSlateLA?
Non-oily, Soothing and hydrating effect
To sooth and moisturize your skin during that procedure, this formula combines active ingredients such as aloe vera and jojoba. Additionally, this cream is non-oily, making it easy to clean and wipe after 20 minutes of your tattooing procedure.
Long-lasting Numbs
With this item, you will get long lifespan numbness of between 20-45 minutes. This makes it ideal for mid to long tattooing periods.
Unique Childproof 4oz 113gm Design approved by FDA in the US
The large Greencaine Blast comes in a 4oz 113gm tube and that makes it long lifespan and ideal for repeat usage. It also comes in a child-resistant cap, and sealed to provide maximum strength protection for you.
You need not worry about the quality of this cream, its manufactured in the US as it passed through the rigorous FDA laboratories.
Moreover, this cream comes with a 30-day 100% money back guarantee if it doesn’t meet your expectations. It is made to perfection, and that has seen it become a darling of many tattooing enthusiasts.
- Advanced lidocaine 4% micro-emulsion
- Non-oily cream and that is easy to wipe off
- Smooth and hydrating effect on the skin
- Long lifespan effect
- Large 4.0oz 113gm cream that is ideal for repeat use.
- Manufactured in the US and approved by FDA
- Safe childproof packaging
- A 30-day 100% money-back guarantee
- Side effects normally occur in people who have very sensitive skin
- Some people have found it hard to break the sealant on the tube
5. Doctor Recommended Fast Penetration- best skin numbing cream for tattoos
Finally, the Lidocaine Ointment Topical Tattoo Cream 1.35oz, 38gm closes out list of the supreme item recommended by tattoo artist. This doctor and tattoo astists recommended ointment is ideal for several other uses ranging from being managing anorectal disorder to being a pain free.
Quick Summary
- Non-greasy ointment
- Topical Lidocaine
- Fast penetration into the skin
- For vitamin E you will not face any issue like tattoo drying or damaging tattoo ink
- Use this cream and plastic wrap to allow it to fully seep in, and then you’ll feel totally ready to brave the tattoo needle without making a sound
- Propylene glycol, which enhances skin penetration, meaning that the cream is able to reach deep down to numb nerve endings in order to block pain signals effectively
- Long-lasting Numbs for those procedures
- This treatment works great during and after the tattoo session
- Made in the USA and FDA approved
These are some of the reasons why we settled on the Lidocaine Ointment 1.35oz to close the list on the greatest topical cream;
Non-greasy ointment
Like the rest of the lidocaine creams, this ointment is non-greasy making it suitable for use especially if you were shopping for top product for eyeliner tattoo. We bet you wouldn’t want oils and greases in your eyes while getting that tattoo.
Topical Lidocaine
The topical lidocaine ointment is a strong component that delivers a strong effect ideal for waxing, piercing or tattooing. It is also suitable for burns, itching, scraps and insect bites.
Fast penetration into the skin
You will love this unique lidocaine formula that delivers a fast penetration into the skin. Isn’t this what you would want in to see in the superior item?
Long-lasting Numbs
The numbness effect of the Lidocaine Ointment 1.35oz ensures that you will feel numbness at 3 minutes, and that lasts from almost 20 minutes to 30 minutes. If you’re looking for a numbing agent to get you through potentially an entire tattooing session at getting the supreme for lip tattooing too, tattoo artist highly recommends it also.
Made in the USA and FDA approved
Lidocaine 1.35oz Ointment is made in the US and underwent rigorous tests under the supervision of the FDA. This ensures that you get the best of quality while adhering to strict health parameters.
However, you should only use this ointment under strict dosage and in line with your medical condition as prescribed by a medical doctor.
- Topical highly effective lidocaine formula
- Non-greasy ointment and that is easy to wipe off after use
- Fast penetration into the pain receptors in the skin
- No side effects
- Long lifespan effect of up to 1 hour
- Manufactured in the US and approved by FDA
- Safe child proof packaging
- Minor side effects generally last for no longer than a day or two
- Should be used under the guidance of a medical doctor, and especially when used on children.
6. Medinumb Lidocaine numbing cream
In this detailed this, we propose that you go for the Medinumb Lidocaine Cream 2oz, 56gm. It is also suitable for your pain relief and various hair and skin-related treatments.
Quick Summary
- Soothing effect on the skin
- Highly effective medical grade 4% Lidocaine 2oz formula
- Long lifespan numbness
- How efficient this cream for tattooing is depends on each person’s skin and pain tolerance
- It contains propolis which is important for the healing process
- Childproof
- Made in the USA
It can easily slot amongst the paramount tattoo numbing aftercare product owing to the several therapeutic values that it gives the users. If you’ve got a nagging irritating skin and sunburns, then Medinumb Lidocaine is one of the best arsenals.
Soothing effect on the skin
This cream has a combination of 12 assorted active ingredients will leave a soothing effect on your skin during including; Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Arginine, Benzophenone-4, and Jojoba Oil.
Highly effective medical grade 4% Lidocaine 2oz formula
Nothing annoys more than buying a product touted as elite, only to find out that it doesn’t meet your expectations. With the medical grade 4% Lidocaine formula, this cream offers highly effective numbness that is suitable for all your tattooing and other dermatological procedures.
Long lifespan numbness
If you’re worried about how to get that product for long tattoo session, this is all that you need. This cream numbs your skin receptors for up to two hours, meaning you can apply a thick layer before heading for your tattoo session.
Childproof
The cream comes in a 20z 56gm package that is childproof and ensures that it has a longer shelf life. It has critically undergone laboratory tests under the FDA in the USA.
- Long-lasting and fast-acting formula
- 2-hour long maximum effect
- Non-oily and easy to wipe off
- Strongest over the counter numbness formula
- Safe child proof packaging
- Approved by the FDA in the US
- The downside assigned to the Medinumb Lidocaide Cream is that it has several elements listed as ingredients, but has no approval from the health agency from the FDA
7. LMX5 Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream
This is one of the item for tattoo and other skin-related treatments, which enjoys quite an impressive brand reputation in the medical circles. So, if you are that kind of person that only trusts medically vetted over the counter tattoo creams, then you can go for the LMX5 Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream.
Quick Summary
- Soothing effect on the skin
- Effective 5% Lidocaine pain relief formula
- Long lifespan numbness
- The product can be reapplied throughout the tattoo session to ensure a painless tattoo experience
- Childproof
- It is a non-oily treatment that will also help in boosting the healing process
- The product contains 5 lidocaine, aloe vera which reduces skin inflammation
- Apply it before going to the tattoo parlor because it takes time to settle
- Best for long tattoo sessions due to it’s sheer strength
- Made in the USA
Other uses include procedures like body piercing, tattoos and their removal, laser hair removal, waxing, microblading, tweezing and even other advanced like botox.
Here are the reasons why this skin cream made it to perfect;
Soothing effect on the skin
This cream contains ingredients that will tattoo cream work to relieve your skin irritation. This cream work perfectly for burns, scraps, abrasions and insect bites.
Effective 5% Lidocaine formula
Tattoo artist recommend it as the right products owing to the highly effective 5% Lidocaine formula. This formula effectively penetrates the skin, deadening the pain receptors for that effective effect.
Long lifespan numbness
The unique formula delivers a long lifespan numbness that is ideal for that tattooing or pain relief cream.
Childproof
The LMX5 Lidocaine pain relief cream comes in a 15gm packaging that is childproof and offering a longer shelf life. Like most of best otc creams for tattoos, the LMX5 Lidocaine Cream is made in the USA and approved by the FDA.
- Effective Lidocaine 5% formula
- Long lifespan and fast absorbing
- Non-oily and easy to wipe off
- Safe child proof packaging
- Approved by the FDA in the US
- In as much as it’s one of the supreme topical numbing creams for tattoos, certain people reported side effect to it such as redness and swelling
8. Hush Anesthetic- best tattoo numbing gel
Hush Topical Anesthetic Tattoo hush gel is a product that was made with tattoo artist and clients in mind. Hush anesthetic formulation is arguably better than some of the optimum item for skin needling and hair treatment. The ratings of this hush anesthetic shoot higher because it fits within the dimension of the product that tattoo artists use this hush gel.
Quick Summary
- Non-oily, easy to wipe gel
- Expedites the skin healing
- Longer lasting numbness
- Childproof packaging
- This comes in a bottle and all you need to do is use it and wrap it before your tattoo appointment
- This gel you have to use as per the prescription on the bottle and you will really get a smooth tattoo experience
- The product has 4% lidocaine to block pain signals
- The effects last up to two hours and they won’t interfere with the ink or your blood circulation
- Contains 5 lidocaine, Cocoa butter, shea butter, aloe butter, and coconut oil ensure that your skin stays hydrated and healthy
- Made in the USA, and FDA compliant
- HUSH products have been used in countless, painless tattoo sessions around the globe
- This is a popular choice among tattoo artists worldwide
However, being preferred by the tattoo artists does not imply that it cannot serve other purposes. There are several uses of Hush Anesthetic Gel. This hush gel works on its favor as that aspect increases its brand loyalty.
Let’s get to the actual reasons as to why this gel made it in the list of optimal for getting tattoos;
Non-oily, easy to wipe gel
Imagine getting that eye or lip tattoo, and the only products available are oil based. Hectic right? This is where the Hush Gel 2oz, 60gms comes in with its non-oily gel option.
Due to this, it has earned its spot among the prime for eyeliner tattoos too.
Expedites the skin healing process
Worried about the healing and damage to your skin after your procedures? This hush gel has got your back. Its uniquely concocted ingredients expedite the healing of your skin as well as make sure that it’s safe for use on pale skin. If you were shopping for this item, you’ll absolutely love it.
Longer lasting numbness
With the Hush Anesthetic Tattoo Gel, you get a longer lasting numbness and that could last up to two hours.
Childproof packaging
The special designed packaging for the hush gel is childproof to make sure that it’s only handled by the underage. In addition to all the other qualities, this hush gel is made in the USA and approved by the thorough FDA.
- Non-oily and easy to wipe gel
- Contains highly effective ingredients that expedite healing process.
- Longer lasting and fast effect
- Safe to use on pale skin
- Safe child proof packaging
- Made in the US and is approved by the FDA
- Can cause potentially serious side effects
- It is not readily available in some countries
9. Lidocaine Topical Anesthetic Cream
As you must have realized, in most of the paramount, the Cream 5% Lidocaine Tropical Anesthetic sits deep in the heart of a tattoo artist and the client.
Quick Summary
- Lidocaine 5% cream formula
- Fast acting and longer lasting numbness
- Childproof packaging
- Following ingredient added in this cream which make tattoo experience more comfortable, like shea butter and alpha bisabolol that also helps in tattoo healing
- It reaches maximum power in 20 to 25 minutes and continues to work for about one hour afterward
- Made in the USA, and FDA compliant
But why is this so? It is one of the masterpiece creams for tattoo and has an immense brand reputation.
Ride along as we unpack some of the reasons as to why the Cream 5% Lidocaine Topical Anesthetic Cream is one of the uncomparable;
Lidocaine 5% cream formula
The 5% Lidocaine formula makes it ideal for pale skin making it the perfect. The formula delivers a highly effective effect, just the right one for your procedure. The wrong type of numbing agent not actually working or numbing the tattoo at all.
Fast acting and longer lasting numbness
Numbing Cream 5% Lidocaine Topical anesthetic is of those creams lauded as providing a speedy effect on the skin during the tattooing process. Users seeking it for other skincare purposes may look at it like any conventional cream, but those in the deep business of tattoos, cannot overlook this product. It is a product that assures you of the versatility of use when resorting to skincare during artwork.
Childproof packaging
For safety of use, this cream comes in a childproof cap.
Made in the USA, and FDA compliant
What else would you want as a utmost for a tattoo rather than the US made and FDA approved Cream 5% Lidocaine Tropical Anesthetic.
- Deep tattoo pain relief
- Easy to wipe water-based cream
- Longer lasting and fast acting formula
- Highly ideal for sensitive skin
- Strongest over the counter numbness formula
- Safe child proof packaging
- The downside is that this cream may be abused given that it has Lidocaine 5% high content, however, doctors have not raised a red flag on it
Picking The Best Tattoo Numbing Cream for You
All the products on our list of foremost products are highly effective, safe and of high-quality. But there can only be one winner, and that is the Numb Master Lidocaine 5% Topical because of its rapid onset and proven efficacy.
Most reputed tattoo artists recommend the cream because cream works exceptionally well at preventing and blocking out all pain during tattoo session. The FDA-approved product is safe to use on all areas of the body and for all skin types.
It contains 5 lidocaine that will help to boost the healing process, makes it the utmost tattoo numbing creams for eliminating pain even for the most sensitive parts of the body like lips. It is specially designed for deep penetration into two layers of the skin; the epidermal layer in the dermis layer. Whether you’re getting a tiny delicate tattoo or a larger, more complicated design, this cream will keep your session pain-free.
Though a bit pricey, the numb Master is a worthy investment as numbing cream work for many procedures. Take advantage of this cream’s full benefits by using the cream for other painful experiences such as piercing waxing, laser hair removal, tattoo removal and permanent makeup procedures. The cream is highly recommended by tattoo artists, so if you decide later on that you don’t like your tattoo, it’s still the best tattoo gel to pick.
This fast penetrating has Vitamin E to cool your skin, reduce redness inflammation, and quicken your healing process.
Finally, you know you can trust the numb master cream as it has been heralded tattoo artists, users, and doctors Nationwide. Its unique formulation completely eliminates the sensation of pain, putting its earlier competitors to shame.