After Care Products,
Second Skin,
Soaps, & More
If you’re not sure what products are safe to use on your fresh tattoo, I’ve put together a list that I think works pretty well. I organized them into categories, so if you’d like to skip to certain products, you can click the buttons to jump there right away.
Please note:
These are just general recommendations for products that I think have a good reputation. If you’re skin has unique needs or you’re unsure if you can use any of the products I’ve listed, please consult your doctor or physician for their professional opinion.
After Care Products
These are recommended aftercare products both on the cheaper and pricier side.

After Inked Tattoo Aftercare Lotion
$75.00
A luxury brand option, higher cost but strong reputation.

Mad Rabbit Tattoo Moisturizer & Balm Set
$38.00
A full kit (moisturizer + balm) which covers both new healing and longer‑term upkeep.

Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm & SPF 30 Set
$35.00
Premium kit that includes UV protection which is great for tattoos (especially once healed).

Hustle Butter Deluxe
$23.99
One of the more premium creams, highly recommended. Great for new tattoos and for ongoing use.

OG Tattoo Aftercare Balm
$18.95
Mid‑tier value—good quality without the highest price tag.

Platinum Rose Tattoo Aftercare Unscented Balm
$16.79
A solid unscented option on the budget side.

Viking Revolution Tattoo Care Balm
$9.88
More budget‑friendly while still marketed specifically for tattoos.
Second Skin Recommendations
These are recommended second skin both pricey and cheap.

SecondSkin™ Premium Matte Tattoo Bandage Roll
$35.00
Premium version with a matte finish, thinner/ flexible film, still high end (~$35+) for size.

BeardedMoney Tattoo Aftercare Wrap
$35.00
Another premium wrap (~$35) as an alternative – good quality brand.

Electrum DERMOR Protective Dermal Armor
$34.95
Specialty premium film (~$34.95+) — more niche / higher price.

LotFancy Waterproof Tattoo Aftercare Bandage
$11.69
Slightly higher budget (~$10–11) with waterproof transparent film, from Target + other retailers.

NOGIS Tattoo Aftercare Bandage Roll
$9.99
A budget option (~$9‑10) with breathable film roll.

Sorry Mom Tattoo Film
$9.95
Mid‑tier roll (~$10‑32 depending size) from a brand specialising in tattoo after‑care film.

YOKACOS Tattoo Aftercare Bandage Roll
$8.99
Very affordable transparent film roll (~$9) from a major retailer (Walmart). Good entry‑level option.

SecondSkin™ Original Personal Pack
$8.95
Trusted brand, personal‑pack format. Premium quality, medical‑grade film.
Other Second Skin Options
If you’re allergic to traditional second skin products used for tattoo aftercare, there are several latex-free and hypoallergenic alternatives available. These options provide protection and promote healing without the risk of allergic reactions. And if all else fails saran wrap is always a classic!

Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Wrap
$36.00
An artist-recommended, latex-free bandage that promotes faster healing and reduces scabbing. Its breathable and waterproof properties make it a top choice for optimal tattoo aftercare.

Saniderm Tattoo Aftercare Transparent Adhesive Bandage Roll
$31.95
A professional-grade, sterile, and latex-free bandage that provides optimal healing conditions for your tattoo. Trusted by tattoo artists for its effectiveness and reliability.

JOINTHERA Premium LATEX FREE Self-Adhesive Bandage Wrap
$24.99
This colorful, latex-free bandage wrap is not only hypoallergenic but also adds a fun touch to your tattoo care routine. It’s perfect for individuals who want both functionality and a bit of flair.

Lotfancy Waterproof Transparent Tattoo Aftercare Bandage
$11.69
A budget-friendly, latex-free option that offers waterproof and breathable protection for your tattoo. Ideal for those seeking an affordable solution without compromising quality.
Recommended Soaps
Here’s a list of approved soaps that won’t irritate your tattoo. This is based on general skin types, so please keep in mind your skin’s unique needs.

Saniderm Tattoo Foam Soap (32 oz)
$24.95
Large‑volume/professional size option; useful if you’re doing multiple tattoos or want to stock.

InkGuard Vegan Tattoo Aftercare Cleanser
$18.00
Boutique/vegan option; higher price relative to others, and good for those prioritizing cruelty‑free or natural ingredient sets.

Hustle Bubbles Antibacterial Foaming Soap
$14.99
Artist‑grade antibacterial soap made for tattooing environment and aftercare.

Mad Rabbit New Tattoo Body Wash
$12.00
Mid‑tier price; tailored for new tattoos, vegan, fragrance‑ & alcohol‑free.

Hibiclens Antiseptic Skin Cleanser
$11.69
More medical‑grade antiseptic. Might be over‑kill for some users, but useful if you want extra assurance of antibacterial action.

After Inked Tattoo & Piercing Aftercare Foam Cleanser
$9.99
Premium foam cleanser option; gentle yet effective for tattoo skin.

Tattoo Goo Antimicrobial Soap
$8.99
Specifically designed for tattoo and piercing aftercare. Unscented, alcohol‑free, gentle on fresh ink.

Dial Antibacterial Bar Soap Gold
$5.19
A very budget‑friendly classic; widely recommended in aftercare forums as a safe go‑to for new tattoos.
Numbing Cream
I personally haven’t found a numbing cream that works for me and my clients, but I am putting links to products that I have researched and found to have a good reputation. This is in case you’d like to use it for your appointment, but please read the usage instructions carefully before you decide to use it.
Please note: I do not provide numbing cream at my appointments, so if you’d like to use it, please bring your own.

Hush Anesthetic Tattoo Numbing Gel (4 oz)
$39.99
Specifically formulated for tattoos, this gel is a favorite among tattoo artists for its effectiveness and skin-friendly ingredients.

Numbed Ink Signature Plus Tattoo Numbing Cream
$34.99
A premium choice, this cream is known for its high-quality ingredients and effectiveness. It’s designed for those looking for a top-tier numbing experience during their tattoos.

Painless Tattoo Numbing Cream
$28.00
Offers long-lasting numbing effects, making it suitable for extended tattoo sessions. It’s designed to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

TKTX Numbing Cream
$20.00
This maximum strength cream offers 8+ hours of pain relief, making it suitable for large or detailed tattoos. It’s trusted by professional tattoo artists worldwide for its reliability and long-lasting effects.

Numb Master Lidocaine Cream
$16.50
Formulated with liposomal technology, this cream ensures effective penetration and faster numbing effects. It’s a fast-acting option for those seeking quick relief during their tattoo sessions.

CVS Maximum Strength Lidocaine Cream
$10.19
A pharmacy-grade lidocaine cream that provides effective numbing for minor procedures. It’s easily accessible and reliable.

Dragon Pain Numbing Cream
$9.49
An affordable option that provides effective numbing for tattoo procedures. It’s a budget-friendly choice without compromising on quality.

Equate Lidocaine Pain Relieving Cream
$5.12
A budget-friendly lidocaine cream available at Walmart, offering effective pain relief for minor procedures.
