Recommended Products

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.

Circular logo with a teal Buddha head in the center. Around it, white text on a black ring reads "AFTER INKED PROUD USERS." Two smaller Buddha faces are on either side of the ring.

After Inked Tattoo Aftercare Lotion

$75.00

A luxury brand option, higher cost but strong reputation.

A white silhouette of a deer skull with large antlers on a solid black background.

Mad Rabbit Tattoo Moisturizer & Balm Set

$38.00

A full kit (moisturizer + balm) which covers both new healing and longer‑term upkeep.

A white silhouette of a deer skull with large antlers on a solid black background.

Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm & SPF 30 Set

$35.00

Premium kit that includes UV protection which is great for tattoos (especially once healed).

A round, vintage-style logo with the initials “HB” in the center. Around the edge, in distressed red letters, it reads “Hustle, Butter, Grind.” A small circle appears near the top left.

Hustle Butter Deluxe

$23.99

One of the more premium creams, highly recommended. Great for new tattoos and for ongoing use.

A teal logo featuring a stylized lowercase "g" with a pencil forming part of the letter.

OG Tattoo Aftercare Balm

$18.95

Mid‑tier value—good quality without the highest price tag.

Black and white logo with stylized, curved text reading “Platinum Rose,” surrounded by decorative, swirling lines.

Platinum Rose Tattoo Aftercare Unscented Balm

$16.79

A solid unscented option on the budget side.

Circular logo with "EST 2016 VIKING REVOLUTION" in bold white letters on a black background. Below the text is a stylized beard, flanked by small scissors and a straight razor.

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.

Logo for Coalition Tattoo Supply featuring a stylized torch above three mountain peaks inside a shield outline, with the company name in bold white letters on a black background.

SecondSkin™ Premium Matte Tattoo Bandage Roll

$35.00

Premium version with a matte finish, thinner/ flexible film, still high end (~$35+) for size.

A skull wearing a black fedora and a thick beard holds stacks of money in both hands. Below, the word "BEARDEDMONEY" is written in bold orange letters on a ribbon banner.

BeardedMoney Tattoo Aftercare Wrap

$35.00

Another premium wrap (~$35) as an alternative – good quality brand.

Logo for Tommy’s Supplies featuring a gold tattoo machine and the words “Tommy’s Supplies” in black script with a banner reading “Quality Tattoo Products” in gold letters on a black background.

Electrum DERMOR Protective Dermal Armor

$34.95

Specialty premium film (~$34.95+) — more niche / higher price.

A red and white bullseye symbol with a red outer ring, a white middle ring, and a red center circle, commonly recognized as the Target store logo.

LotFancy Waterproof Tattoo Aftercare Bandage

$11.69

Slightly higher budget (~$10–11) with waterproof transparent film, from Target + other retailers.

A blue square featuring a yellow six-line spark symbol, resembling a sunburst, with rounded ends arranged in a circular pattern.

NOGIS Tattoo Aftercare Bandage Roll

$9.99

A budget option (~$9‑10) with breathable film roll.

A vintage-style black and white emblem with ornate details, displaying the text "Superior Quality South State Manufacturing" in bold, decorative fonts.

Sorry Mom Tattoo Film

$9.95

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

A blue square featuring a yellow six-line spark symbol, resembling a sunburst, with rounded ends arranged in a circular pattern.

YOKACOS Tattoo Aftercare Bandage Roll

$8.99

Very affordable transparent film roll (~$9) from a major retailer (Walmart). Good entry‑level option.

A package labeled “SECOND SKIN Innovative Tattoo Aftercare” with "Personal Pack Four 5” x 7” Sheets" written below. The colorful design features a stylized red snake and floral illustration on the front.

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!

A round, vintage-style logo with the initials “HB” in the center. Around the edge, in distressed red letters, it reads “Hustle, Butter, Grind.” A small circle appears near the top left.

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.

A circular logo with a blue-green background featuring a shield that reads "ULTIMATE TATTOO SUPPLY" in bold letters with a ribbon banner around the shield.

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.

A large, white, uppercase letter "E" is centered on an orange square background. This is the logo for Etsy.

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.

A red and white bullseye symbol with a red outer ring, a white middle ring, and a red center circle, commonly recognized as the Target store logo.

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.

A white geometric design featuring a cross with curved lines inside a circle, set against a black background.

Saniderm Tattoo Foam Soap (32 oz)

$24.95

Large‑volume/professional size option; useful if you’re doing multiple tattoos or want to stock.

A large, white, uppercase letter "E" is centered on an orange square background. This is the logo for Etsy.

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.

A round, vintage-style logo with the initials “HB” in the center. Around the edge, in distressed red letters, it reads “Hustle, Butter, Grind.” A small circle appears near the top left.

Hustle Bubbles Antibacterial Foaming Soap

$14.99

Artist‑grade antibacterial soap made for tattooing environment and aftercare.

A white silhouette of a deer skull with large antlers on a solid black background.

Mad Rabbit New Tattoo Body Wash

$12.00

Mid‑tier price; tailored for new tattoos, vegan, fragrance‑ & alcohol‑free.

A red and white bullseye symbol with a red outer ring, a white middle ring, and a red center circle, commonly recognized as the Target store logo.

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.

Circular logo with a teal Buddha head in the center. Around it, white text on a black ring reads "AFTER INKED PROUD USERS." Two smaller Buddha faces are on either side of the ring.

After Inked Tattoo & Piercing Aftercare Foam Cleanser

$9.99

Premium foam cleanser option; gentle yet effective for tattoo skin.

Black "Tattoo Goo" text logo on a white background, with a spiral sunburst design of short lines radiating outward above the "o" in "Goo.

Tattoo Goo Antimicrobial Soap

$8.99

Specifically designed for tattoo and piercing aftercare. Unscented, alcohol‑free, gentle on fresh ink.

The CVS logo features a white heart shape followed by the bold, white letters "CVS" on a solid red background.

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.

A stylized white gear shift pattern resembling the letter "H" inside a white circle, set against a dark background.

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.

Logo featuring a tattoo machine above the word "NUMBED" in bold, stylized letters, with "INK CO." written below on a ribbon, all set against a red, oval-shaped background.

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.

Black and white logo with ornate letters "PT" inside a circle above the text "PAINLESS TATTOO," featuring decorative flourishes and lines.

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.

Illustration of a woman with vintage pin-up style, colorful tattoos, red curled hair, and scissors in her hair. She holds a tattoo machine. A ribbon below reads "Pinups & Needles.

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.

Black and white circular logo with the bold letters "CRL" in the center. Around the circle, it reads: "CLINICAL RESOLUTION LAB," with small dots separating each word.

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.

The CVS logo features a white heart shape followed by the bold, white letters "CVS" on a solid red background.

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.

A stylized, red cursive "W" on a white background, resembling the Walgreens pharmacy logo.

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.

A blue square featuring a yellow six-line spark symbol, resembling a sunburst, with rounded ends arranged in a circular pattern.

Equate Lidocaine Pain Relieving Cream

$5.12

A budget-friendly lidocaine cream available at Walmart, offering effective pain relief for minor procedures.