Tattoo aftercare products don’t need to be fancy. A good kit holds six things. You need a mild soap, paper towels, a light lotion and a thin ointment. Add a film wrap and a high-SPF sunscreen.
Most of it costs less than a takeout dinner. What matters more is using each product at the right stage, and skipping the ones that slow healing.
The 6 Tattoo Aftercare Products Worth Buying
1. Mild, fragrance-free soap. You’ll wash the tattoo twice a day for the first weeks. Cleveland Clinic recommends a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap and warm water. Liquid soap is easier to keep clean than a bar.
2. Clean paper towels. Pat the tattoo dry after every wash. Bath towels hold bacteria and can snag on flaking skin.
3. A thin healing ointment. Some artists suggest a thin ointment for the first two or three days. Use only a very light layer. Too much traps moisture and can pull ink out.
4. A light, unscented lotion. After the first few days, a water-based lotion keeps the skin from drying and cracking. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that petroleum-based products such as petroleum jelly can make ink fade.
5. A film wrap (optional). Clear adhesive film, often called second skin, protects a fresh tattoo for a few days. Read how long to keep second skin on a tattoo before you buy it.
6. Sunscreen for later. Once the tattoo heals, use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. The AAD advises reapplying at least every two hours outdoors. Don’t apply sunscreen to a healing tattoo.
Tattoo Aftercare Products to Skip
Petroleum jelly. It’s thick, it seals the skin and it can fade ink.
Scented lotions and body butters. Fragrance often irritates healing skin.
Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. They dry out the skin and damage the cells trying to heal.
Numbing creams on a healing tattoo. They’re meant for before the session, if your artist approves, not during healing.
Exfoliating scrubs. Rubbing flaking skin can pull out ink and cause patchy spots.
How to Use Your Tattoo Aftercare Kit, Day by Day
Days 1 to 3. Remove the wrap when your artist says. Wash gently, pat dry and apply a very thin layer of ointment or lotion. Wash two or three times a day.
Days 4 to 14. Switch to light lotion if you haven’t yet. The tattoo will flake and itch. Don’t pick at it.
Weeks 3 to 4. Keep moisturizing as needed. The shine should fade and the skin should feel smooth.
After healing. Sunscreen every time the tattoo sees the sun. Our tattoo aftercare guide covers each stage in more detail.
Tattoo Aftercare Products for Sensitive Skin
If your skin reacts easily, keep your tattoo aftercare kit as plain as possible. Look for products labeled fragrance-free, dye-free and hypoallergenic. Avoid lotions with essential oils, even natural ones, since they can irritate healing skin. Patch-test a new lotion on another spot for a day before using it on the tattoo.
People with eczema or psoriasis should talk to their doctor before getting tattooed. A flare near the tattoo can slow healing. Your doctor may suggest a specific moisturizer that’s safe for your skin.
Tattoo Aftercare Products for Large Pieces
Back pieces, sleeves and leg work need more of everything. Buy a larger bottle of soap and lotion. Keep extra paper towels on hand. A film wrap is especially helpful for large tattoos, since it keeps clothes and sheets from sticking. Ask your artist for spare film if you may need a change after the first day.
Travel Aftercare Kit
If you’re getting tattooed on a trip, pack a small kit. Bring travel-size fragrance-free soap, a small unscented lotion and paper towels. Add a loose shirt that covers the tattoo. Skip pools, hot tubs and the ocean until it heals. Plan beach days before the session, not after.
How Much an Aftercare Kit Costs
A basic tattoo aftercare kit costs very little. Mild soap, paper towels and plain lotion are cheap at most drugstores. Film wraps and tattoo-branded balms cost more but aren’t required. Spend on quality sunscreen, since you’ll use it for life.
Storing Your Aftercare Products
Keep products clean and closed. Don’t dip fingers into a jar of balm, since that can spread bacteria. Pump bottles and squeeze tubes are cleaner. Wash your hands every time before you touch the tattoo or your products.
When to Replace Your Aftercare Products
Lotion and soap don’t last forever. Check the expiry date, especially on products you’ve had for a while. Throw out anything that smells off, has changed color or has separated. Old products can irritate a new tattoo. Start each new tattoo with fresh supplies if you can.
Tattoo Aftercare Products From Your Artist
Many studios sell their own aftercare balm or lotion. These can be good, but they aren’t required. Plain drugstore products work just as well for most people. If your artist recommends a specific product, ask why. Some films and balms suit their technique better than others.
Sunscreen as Your Long-Term Product
Once the tattoo heals, sunscreen becomes the most important product in your tattoo aftercare kit. Pick a broad-spectrum, water-resistant formula. A stick sunscreen is easy to carry and apply to small tattoos.
Tattoo Aftercare Products FAQs
Do I need a special tattoo lotion?
No. A plain, unscented, water-based lotion works for most people. Tattoo-branded lotions are fine, but they aren’t required.
Can I use coconut oil on a new tattoo?
It’s best to avoid heavy oils while the skin is open. They can trap bacteria and heat. Stick with a light lotion until it heals.
How much lotion should I use?
Just enough to make the skin look barely shiny. If it looks greasy, blot the extra off with a paper towel.
Building a Kit Before Your Appointment
Buy everything before you get tattooed, so you’re not shopping with a fresh wound. Ask your artist what they prefer, since many have a routine they trust. Keep the kit together near the sink, and you’ll stick to the routine more easily.
Related reading: Tattoo Aftercare Guide · How Long to Keep a Tattoo Wrapped · Second Skin Tattoo Aftercare · First Tattoo Tips
