That fresh ink is exciting, but what happens *after* the needle stops? The healing journey is just as crucial as the art itself. Many new tattoo owners feel lost when it comes to aftercare. Should you use Vaseline? Coconut oil? There are so many products out there, and choosing the wrong one can lead to itching, dryness, or even ruin your beautiful new design.
Picking the perfect tattoo ointment is the difference between vibrant, clear skin and a dull, irritated patch. You want something that soothes the sting, locks in moisture, and fights off infection without clogging your pores. We understand this confusion. This post cuts through the marketing hype and the confusing ingredients lists.
By the end of this article, you will know exactly what key ingredients to look for, which ointments serious artists recommend, and how to keep your tattoo looking sharp for years to come. Get ready to unlock the secrets to flawless tattoo healing, starting right now.
Top Tattoo Ointment Recommendations
- TATTOO AFTERCARE ESSENTIAL: Hustle Butter is the original tattoo aftercare balm for new and older tattoos. With over 10 years in the market, we are a pioneer of the tattoo aftercare category.
- TATTOO BALM SAFE FOR USE WHILE HEALING: Hustle Butter is not only safe for new tattoos but is the #1 artist recommended tattoo aftercare product to moisturize and nourish skin as the tattoo heals.
- MADE WITH VEGAN AND NATURALLY DERIVED INGREDIENTS: Certified cruelty-free, vegan, and petroleum free. It is made from only the finest naturally-derived ingredients, including Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Mango Seed Butter and Green Tea Extract.
- USED BY ARTISTS WORLDWIDE: Hustle Butter is the #1 brand used and recommended by artists. Hustle Butter makes the full tattoo process better and more efficient for the artist and the client.
- THE MOST RECOGNIZED NAME IN TATTOO CARE: Back in 2011 Richie Bulldog and Seth Love knew tattoos needed more care than what was available on the market. With the perfection of our flagship product, Hustle Butter Deluxe, a brand was born.
- TATTOO AFTERCARE ESSENTIAL: Hustle Butter is the original tattoo aftercare balm for new and older tattoos. With over 10 years in the market, we are a pioneer of the tattoo aftercare category.
- TATTOO BALM SAFE FOR USE WHILE HEALING: Hustle Butter is not only safe for new tattoos but is the #1 artist recommended tattoo aftercare product to moisturize and nourish skin as the tattoo heals.
- MADE WITH VEGAN AND NATURALLY DERIVED INGREDIENTS: Certified cruelty-free and vegan, our tattoo balm is also petroleum free. It is made from only the finest naturally-derived ingredients, including Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Mango Seed Butter and Green Tea Extract
- USED BY ARTISTS WORLDWIDE: Hustle Butter is the #1 brand used and recommended by artists, because they helped create it. Hustle Butter makes the full tattoo process better and more efficient for the artist and the client. Hustle Butter does not remove stencils or clog tubes allowing for colors to go in easier.
- THE MOST RECOGNIZED NAME IN TATTOO CARE: Back in 2011 Richie Bulldog and Seth Love, staples in the tattoo community, knew tattoos needed more care than what was available on the market. Through their experience with long and painful processes and uncomfortable heals, they made it their mission to build a superior product that could be used before, during, and after tattooing. With the perfection of our flagship product, Hustle Butter Deluxe, a brand was born.
- TATTOO OINTMENT- INK-EEZE Pink Tattoo Ointment is a NON-Petroleum based ointment infused with essential oils. The formula was specifically developed by tattooers and skin care specialists for use as a lubricant during the tattoo process and collectors to use as an aftercare. A little goes a long way
- INGREDIENTS - Carthamus tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Beeswax, Synthetic Beeswax, Fragrance, Calophyllum Inophllum Seed Oil, Tamanu, Royal Jelly Extract, Propandiol, Propolis Wax, Red 7
- NUMEROUS BENEFITS- Non-petroleum based, Cruelty free, Safe ingredients, Made in the USA
- DIRECTIONS: ARTIST- Apply as needed during the tattoo application. Store in a dry, cool place. AFTERCARE- Apply thin coats as needed during the recovery period
- ABOUT INK-EEZE- We continuously strive to distribute top quality products which support and enhance the Tattoo Industry. Our products speak to a new generation of people and artists alike, who are passionate about their tattoos and protecting them
- SUPERIOR HEALING: Get everything you need to heal your tattoo & keep it looking as good as the day you got it. Maintain & enhance vibrant color with this 3-piece Tattoo Care Kit. It includes everything you need to care for new ink, help it heal quickly & keep colors bright (reducing the need for expensive touch-ups). Plus, you can’t beat the savings when you buy the full aftercare suite together.
- ANTIMICROBIAL SOAP: Get broad-spectrum antimicrobial & antibacterial protection in a pH balanced formula. Unscented & alcohol-free, our deep cleansing soap is a gentle way to disinfect fresh ink & help prevent infections. Formulated with premium grade moisture-rich olive oil, this soap deeply cleanses to remove dead skin & dirt while minimizing irritation, dryness & leaves no residue.
- HEALING BALM: Formulated with 60%+ olive oil, lavender oil & only all-natural ingredients, our balm is the original go-to for ink that is healing or healed. Our rich balm is made to mimic the natural oils that occur in your skin so it goes on smoothly & absorbs well for moisturized skin & vibrant ink.
- AFTERCARE LOTION: This light lotion prevents scabbing & speeds the healing process. Moisturizing with the bonus of itch relief, our lotion soothes healing skin & keeps healed ink looking sharp for life! Formulated with Olive Oil & Panthenol, our lotion provides essential oils & Vitamin B5 to deeply re-moisturize dry skin, essential during the healing process. This antioxidant rich formula is also perfect for older tattoos to bring back color and stimulate collagen!
- CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST TESTED: Tattoo Goo products are pharmacist developed & supported by clinical studies confirming Tattoo Goo After Care products are not associated with skin irritation or allergic dermatitis (inflammation of the skin). Cruelty Free, Petroleum Jelly & Lanolin-free & proudly made in the USA. Apply with confidence!
- LIMITED EDITION - Inkeeze, the leading brand in tattoo care, is proud to unveil its first-ever special edition Mutant Ape Yacht Club tattoo ointment, dubbed "Mutant Serum." This limited edition Green Tattoo Ointment features ‘Murray’ The Tattooed Mutant Ape #18308 and is bringing a bold new look to Inkeeze's most popular product of all time.
- NFT - The limited edition ointment, known as Mutant Serum, is a creative new way to bridge the world of NFTs with the world of tattoo care by utilizing the IP granted by Yuga Labs to their NFT owners.
- UNIQUE BLEND - The "Mutant Serum" Green Tattoo Ointment is specially formulated with a unique blend of ingredients.
- THE DIFFERENCE - One of the major differences between the Mutant Serum Green Tattoo Ointment and traditional ointments is that it won't clog tattoo machines and a little bit goes a long way. This makes the Green Tattoo Ointment a favorite among tattoo artists and a must-have product for anyone looking to take their tattoo care to the next level.
- COLLECTIBLE - The Mutant Serum comes in a 16oz container, making it the best value buy at Inkeeze. This is not only an excellent product for tattoo care but also a collectible and a part of the web3 conversation.
- FROM THE LEADER IN TATTOO AFTERCARE: For years now, Mad Rabbit has consistently ranked among the most popular and highest-rated tattoo products on the market. We’ve created a top-of-the-line Tattoo Glide to help professional tattoo artists do their best work.
- LUBRICATES AND PROTECTS THE TATTOO SURFACE: Clean Emollients, oils, and butters protect skin during the tattoo process.
- SUPPORTS SKIN COMFORT : Dry or cracked skin can interfere with the process after a tattoo. The clean moisturizing ingredients in Mad Rabbit Pro Tattoo Glide protect against this, helping to ensure that your body art looks its best.
- PACKED WITH SKIN-HEALTHY POWERHOUSES: Sunflower oil helps skin retain moisture to prevent dryness. Shea butter helps condition dry, cracked skin and maintain a healthy-looking barrier. Cocoa butter deeply nourishes and helps keep skin soft. Lavender oil provides soothing and calming benefits.
- 100% CLEAN, CRUELTY-FREE FORMULA with no petrolatum.
- HEALING BALM - Made with the finest blend of humectants, essential oils and premium natural ingredients for moisturization, anti-oxidation, and stimulation of circulation. Designed to help the skin heal itself for vibrant new tats.
- ANTIOXIDANT SUPPORT - No preparation has more antioxidant activity than Tattoo Goo. We use quality pumice grade olive oil to help manage the skin healing process along with wheat germ oil, loaded with the antioxidant vitamin E, and rosemary extract.
- MOISTURIZER & BRIGHTENER - With 98% natural healing ingredients including triglycerides, olive oil, lavender, cocoa butter, and wax ester beeswax to help soothe inflammation, lubricate and moisturize. Petroleum and lanolin-free, never tested on animals.
- AVOID DRIED OUT TATS - Using aftercare products does not allow the tattoo to dry out. It makes a tattoo softer and promotes quicker healing by keeping the area lubricated and moist. Compact tin makes it super convenient to apply whenever needed.
- CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST TESTED - The product is pharmacist developed and clinical studies confirm Tattoo Goo after care products are not associated with skin irritation or allergic dermatitis (inflammation of the skin). Apply with confidence!
- Upgraded Design, Easy to Use --- Tattoo aftercare balm comes in a tube,this container allows you to glide on the butter easily,Rolls on smoothly and evenly on your skin,No more mess or residue on your finger,convenient to use
- Rich Ingredients --- All-Natural Tattoo butter is made from Shea Butter, Jojob, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Safe for your skin. Luxurious ingredients tattoo balm, reasonable price, A tiny bit goes a long way on the skin,worth it
- Healing New Tattoo --- Luxurious rich natural moisturizing ingredients non-Greasy tattoo aftercare butter will heal your new tattoo effectively and quickly, Less flaking, reduce redness and swelling, relieve pain, lessen itchiness from dry skin
- Brighten Up Older Tattoos --- Tattoo aftercare balm is ultra-moisturizing and absorbs into the skin pretty quickly. Once applied, the colors from the ink will came to life and appear much brighter than before;plus, your skin will be super-soft and supple, Colors still pop
- Suitable For All Skin Type --- This tattoo cream is also great great for people with sensitive skin,aids in so many steps of tattooing,apply it morning and night every day and you will be stunned at how well your tattoo looks
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Tattoo Ointment
Getting a new tattoo is exciting! After the ink is in, you need the right care to help it heal well. Tattoo ointment is your best friend during this time. This guide will help you choose the best one for your skin.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for tattoo ointment, look for a few important things. These features make the healing process easier and safer.
- **Moisturizing Power:** The ointment must keep your new tattoo damp, but not soaking wet. Dry skin itches and cracks. Good moisture helps the skin repair itself.
- **Breathability:** Your skin needs to breathe while it heals. Thick, heavy ointments can trap moisture and bacteria. Look for something light that lets air through.
- **Non-Staining:** The ointment should not ruin your clothes or sheets. Check reviews to see if people mention staining issues.
- **Soothing Ingredients:** The best ointments calm down redness and irritation quickly.
Important Materials in Tattoo Ointments
The ingredients list tells you a lot about how the ointment will work. You want natural, gentle stuff.
Top Healing Ingredients:
- **Natural Oils (Coconut, Shea Butter):** These oils are rich in vitamins. They soften the skin and reduce dryness. They are very gentle on sensitive skin.
- **Beeswax:** Beeswax creates a thin, protective barrier over the tattoo. This barrier keeps germs out while letting the skin heal underneath.
- **Vitamin E:** This vitamin is famous for helping skin repair. It fights off irritation and keeps the area looking healthy.
- **Aloe Vera:** If your tattoo feels hot or itchy, aloe vera brings immediate cooling relief.
Avoid ointments with heavy perfumes or dyes. These additives often cause allergic reactions or slow down healing.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the ointment greatly affects your tattoo’s final look.
What Makes Quality Better?
High-quality ointments use fewer harsh chemicals. They absorb easily into the skin without feeling greasy for too long. Artists often recommend products that are specifically formulated for broken skin. These products balance protection and breathability perfectly.
What Lowers Quality?
Ointments that are too thick slow down healing. If you use a product that blocks air, your tattoo might get weepy or infected. Also, using petroleum jelly heavily is sometimes discouraged by artists because it can draw ink out of the skin as it heals. Check with your tattoo artist before using heavy, old-school petroleum products.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the ointment matters just as much as what you buy.
When and How to Apply:
You usually apply ointment sparingly for the first few days. Think thin layers, not thick gobs. Rub it in gently until it mostly disappears. You should reapply it after washing your tattoo gently with mild, unscented soap.
Different Healing Stages:
- **Days 1-3 (The Oozing Stage):** Use a very thin layer to protect the fresh wound.
- **Days 4-10 (The Peeling Stage):** Increase moisturizing slightly as the top layer of skin starts to flake off. This is when itching gets bad.
- **After Two Weeks:** You can usually switch to a regular, unscented lotion, but continue moisturizing until the tattoo looks completely settled.
The best user experience is one without pain, excessive itching, or weeping. A good ointment makes the healing process almost invisible.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Tattoo Ointment
Q: How often should I apply the ointment?
A: You should apply it about two to three times a day, or whenever your tattoo starts to feel tight or dry. Always apply it after gently washing the area.
Q: Can I use regular lotion instead of ointment?
A: Yes, but usually not right away. Ointments are better for the first few days because they offer more protection. Switch to a gentle, unscented lotion after the first week.
Q: Is it bad if my tattoo looks shiny after applying the ointment?
A: A little shine is normal, but if it looks like a thick, greasy layer, you used too much. Wipe off the excess gently with a clean paper towel.
Q: Will the ointment make my tattoo colors fade?
A: No, a good, quality ointment protects the color. However, using too much ointment or picking at the scabs will cause fading.
Q: How long do I need to use the ointment?
A: Most people use specialized ointment for the first 5 to 7 days. After that, switch to a standard, gentle lotion for another week or two.
Q: What if my tattoo gets itchy?
A: Itching means it is healing! Do not scratch it. Gently pat the area or apply a thin layer of your healing ointment for relief.
Q: Should I use an ointment with SPF protection?
A: No. Never use sunscreen on a new tattoo. Keep it completely out of direct sunlight until it is fully healed (usually 3–4 weeks).
Q: What is the difference between balm and ointment?
A: Ointments are generally lighter and designed to absorb better. Balms are often thicker and create a heavier protective layer, sometimes better for very dry skin types.
Q: Can I use the same ointment for an old tattoo?
A: Yes, you can use quality moisturizing ingredients to keep old tattoos looking vibrant, but you do not need the specialized healing formula.
Q: What should I do if my ointment seems to cause a rash?
A: Stop using that product immediately. Wash the area gently. If the rash gets worse, call your doctor or tattoo artist for advice.