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12 of the Best Lotions for Tattoo Healing, According to a Dermatologist and Tattoo Artist
Protect your new ink with these dermatologist and tattoo artist-recommended picks.
So, you picked out a sick design, conducted all the research, saved up your hard-earned coins, and finally booked an appointment to get your first tattoo with an uber-talented artist. Now, it's time to prepare for the next steps that come with properly taking care of your new ink. Tattoo aftercare is one of the most important parts of the healing process, which can take anywhere from a month to a year, according to Small Shop Tattoo artist Zachary Robinson Bailey. "Tattoos heal on the surface usually within 1-4 weeks depending on the style and your immune system, but healing actually continues under the surface for 6-12 months," Bailey explains.
At the end of your appointment, your artist may give you a rundown of how to take care of your tattoo and place a covering to protect the wound for a few days. "They will advise you how long that dressing should stay in place, but I personally recommend [applying tattoo lotion after] 24 hours," Dr. Kristina Collins, double board-certified dermatologist and founder of Foy by Dr. Collins, tells Seventeen. "After the initial dressing is removed, I recommend washing with a liquid, fragrance-free, gentle cleanser twice daily. This will help to prevent infection and also soften the small scabs that will begin to appear. After cleansing, apply a healing balm or ointment to the surface of the tattoo."
Both Bailey and Dr. Collins gave Seventeen the scoop on how to properly care for your tattoo as it heals, how often you should apply tattoo lotion, and what to expect once you get your ink. Ahead, find all their tips and tricks as well as the best tattoo lotions you'll want to use every day.
What should I expect in the tattoo healing process?
In its early stages, a tattoo is essentially a scab. This means a layer of your skin may harden and get itchy, but both Dr. Collins and Bailey advise that you should avoid picking and scratching the affected area. Instead, they suggest opting for a gentle, fragrance-free tattoo lotion to help with discomfort. "I always recommend something unscented and relatively neutral," Bailey explains. "Lots of fragrances can irritate the skin and make healing less comfortable."
As for healing, Bailey says that depending on the style, you may have some light scabbing or peeling. "Tattoos get pretty itchy as your skin sheds, so the lotion helps soften any scabbing and relieve the itchiness," they tell Seventeen.
Dr. Collins also explains that the outer layer of your skin should heal within the first month after getting tattooed. "If it does not, I would consider the possibility of an allergic reaction or infection complicating the healing process," she says. "The deeper tissues take longer to heal and the wound healing process continues for many months although this part of the process is not visible on the surface."
What are the benefits of tattoo lotion?
According to Dr. Collins, using a tattoo lotion can ensure a smooth and painless healing process. "Anytime you have a wound or break in the skin, whether it is from a tattoo or an injury, proper wound care can provide the best chance of speedy healing. Abrasions, scrapes, cuts, or penetrating injuries all heal better when kept in a moist environment," she explains. That's where using the best tattoo lotions comes into play.
Dr. Collins adds that the texture of the product you choose is very important. "You will want to go with a balm or ointment rather than a thin cream or gel," she says. "For even faster healing, a higher quality balm with essential vitamins and nutrients as well anti-inflammatory properties is an ideal solution."
How often should I apply tattoo lotion?
Both Dr. Collins and Bailey recommend applying tattoo lotion to your ink at least two times a day.
"Usually, twice is enough but if your tattoo feels dry and itchy, more lotion will help," Bailey says, suggesting that applying less product more frequently usually does the trick. "You want to use just enough so that it fully absorbs into the skin. Built-up lotion can lead to longer healing times."
The best lotions for tattoos are hydrating, lightweight, and rich with moisturizing ingredients that'll keep your ink looking fresh for years to come. Ahead, find products that are equally loved and recommended by tattooed editors (it's me, hi 👋🏼), tattoo artists that ink A-listers like Sam Smith, and board-certified dermatologists.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Touch-free applicator
- Lightweight
Cons
- May be slippery for some users
Ever since I got my first tattoo in 2018, I've always reached for Aquaphor during the healing process. This fragrance-free, gentle formula is lightweight and keeps the area moisturized for a couple of hours.
"Aquaphor is both inexpensive and readily available. It has the basics you need to protect the skin and prevent poor healing due to scabbing," Dr. Collins says.
While some users find it slippery, I'm personally an #AquaPhan and on top of using it for my tattoos, I use it as a lip balm and on dry patches of skin. Consider this my holy grail for tattoo healing, among other things. Plus, both Dr. Collins and Bailey recommended the 'Phor, so you know it's a win.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Gentle on skin
- Fights infection, soothes, and moisturizes
Cons
- Available at limited retailers
Bailey recommends Bepahnthen, which is most known for its diaper cream. The UK-based brand also has a fragrance-free healing cream that is perfect for more sensitive skin.
If you can't get a hold of Bepahnthen, Bailey suggests that La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast Balm is a solid dupe. This non-greasy cream relieves dry, rough skin while keeping tat scabs moisturized.
Pros
- Created by board-certified dermatologist
- Gentle on skin
- Formulated without preservatives or harmful chemicals
Cons
- Higher price point
Dr. Collins' own skincare line, Foy, contains a gentle moisturizer made with natural skin-loving ingredients including vitamins, nutrients, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants. "While it is typically used as a facial moisturizer, it can double as a healing ointment because of the deep hydration provided by the hyaluronic acid and luxury blend of oils like meadowfoam and moringa," Dr. Collins tells Seventeen.
Plus, part of the proceeds from each Day Moisturizer sale goes to the Girls Empowerment Network, a non-profit organization that mentors young girls through collaborative activities, conferences, and leadership summits.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Gentle on skin
- Forms protective barrier on skin
Cons
- May contain fragrance
One of these bad boys is sold every 90 seconds, and if that doesn't convince you it's one of the best tattoo aftercare lotions on the market, then maybe its 6,000 5-star reviews will. Formulated by tattoo artists, Mad Rabbit's Tattoo Aid Balm is vegan and made with natural ingredients to help replenish dry skin and preserve your ink.
Farmacy Honey Savior All-in-One Skin Repair Salve
Pros
- Gentle on skin
- Made with natural ingredients
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slight honey fragrance
Dr. Collins recommends Farmacy's Honey Savior All-in-One Skin Repair Salve because of "its healing blend of oils as well as natural infection control with the honey." This moisturizer is lightweight and targets dryness with a 5-flower oil blend that instantly nourishes skin — perfect for a tat that may begin to scab.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Gentle on skin
- Rich, thicker consistency
Cons
- Packaged in a jar
"For more optimized healing, I recommend balms and ointments that are more than just emollients and actually enrich the injured skin with vitamins and nutrients," Dr. Collins says. CeraVe's healing ointment not only checks all those boxes but can be found for less than $10 at your local drugstore in case you're in a pinch.
Pros
- Created by tattoo artists
- Gentle on skin
- Vegan
Cons
- May be unusable for those with mango allergies
Founded by tattoo artist Richie Bulldog, Hustle Butter is one of the best brands in the tattoo aftercare game. Their Deluxe Luxury Tattoo Care balm is a fan-favorite because of its rich ingredients like mango oil, green tea, and vitamin E. Plus, a little goes a long way for keeping your tats looking fresh — even if it's been a few years since you got your ink.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
Cons
Cetaphil's Healing Ointment is another top-rated product that gives you a lot of bang for your buck. This lightweight, fragrance-free formula is known for its ultra-hydrating ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E, and has a petroleum jelly-like consistency to ensure moisture-sealing for your tattoo.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Gentle on skin
- Includes a pump
Cons
- May be unusable for those with oat allergies
This may be something you'll find in your mom's bathroom cabinet, but it works so well for healing tattoos. Its intense nourishing formula is made with oat extracts, which are known to moisturize, protect, and exfoliate your skin. Consider this bb your all-in-one after you cleanse the area.
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Made with natural ingredients
- Made with recycled packaging
Cons
- Higher price point
Futurewise may be a newer product on the market, but it's just as effective as some classic faves on this list. The brand's Slug Balm is a great product to use while partaking in K-Beauty's slugging skincare trend, but is also a solid lotion for your new tattoo. This non-sticky jelly balm locks in moisture to create a cocoon-like environment for your skin to repair itself with plant-based oils.
Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Fragrance-Free Moisturizing Lotion
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Developed by dermatologists
- 24-hour moisture
- Includes a pump
Cons
- May be oily for some users
Developed by dermatologists, Lubriderm targets any skin concerns surrounding dryness and flakiness — both effects that come with the tattoo healing process — with hydrating ingredients like Vitamins E and Pro-Vitamin B5 that lock in moisture.
Sam is an assistant news editor at Cosmo, covering all things pop culture, entertainment, and celebrity news. She previously covered those same topics along with health, lifestyle, and beauty at Seventeen. When she isn't draping her cheeks in blush, you can probably find her live-tweeting awards shows or making SwiftToks.
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