Best Tattoo Aftercare Products Pros Recommend

You’ve just left the tattoo studio with a fresh piece of art on your skin. The design is perfect, the lines are sharp, and the colors are vibrant. To keep it that way, you need to follow a proper aftercare routine. The healing process is just as crucial as the artist's skill in ensuring your tattoo looks fantastic for years to come.

Proper aftercare prevents infection, reduces scabbing, and helps the ink settle correctly, resulting in a tattoo that stays crisp and bright. But with so many ointments, lotions, and soaps on the market, how do you know which ones to choose?

We’ve put together a guide to the best aftercare products that tattoo professionals trust and recommend. From the initial cleaning to long-term moisturizing, these products will help your new ink heal perfectly.

The First 24 Hours: Initial Cleaning & Protection

The first day is the most critical part of the healing process. Your artist will clean the area and apply a thin layer of ointment and a bandage. They will give you specific instructions on how long to keep this initial dressing on, which is usually a few hours.

Once you remove the bandage, it's time for the first wash. This step is vital to remove any excess blood, plasma, and ink.

Recommended Soaps

You need a gentle, fragrance-free, and antimicrobial soap. Harsh chemicals or strong scents can irritate your new tattoo, which is essentially an open wound.

• Dial Gold Antimicrobial Liquid Soap: This is a classic for a reason. It's affordable, widely available, and effective at killing bacteria without being overly harsh. Its antimicrobial properties help prevent infection during the crucial early stages of healing.
• Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Baby Unscented): Made with organic and certified fair trade ingredients, this soap is incredibly gentle. It cleans thoroughly without stripping your skin of its natural oils, which is important for healing. Make sure to dilute it with water before use, as it's highly concentrated.
• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: While not specifically marketed for tattoos, this cleanser is a favorite among dermatologists for sensitive skin. It’s non-irritating, fragrance-free, and won't clog your pores, making it a safe choice for your fresh ink.

How to Wash:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Gently lather a small amount of soap with lukewarm water.
3. Carefully wash the tattooed area with your fingertips. Do not use a washcloth or loofah, as they can be too abrasive and harbor bacteria.
4. Rinse the area completely, ensuring no soap residue is left behind.
5. Pat the area dry with a clean, soft paper towel. Avoid using a regular bath towel, which can leave lint and introduce bacteria.

Days 2-14: The Moisturizing Phase

After the initial cleaning, your tattoo will start to dry out, feel tight, and may begin to flake or peel. This is a normal part of the healing process. Keeping the area moisturized is key to preventing heavy scabbing and itchiness.

Apply a very thin layer of ointment or lotion 2-3 times a day. Over-moisturizing can clog your pores and trap bacteria, so less is more.

Top Ointments and Balms

During the first few days, many artists recommend using a dedicated tattoo ointment. These products are typically thicker and provide a protective barrier while delivering intense hydration.

• Aquaphor Healing Ointment: This is one of the most recommended products by tattoo artists. It’s effective at keeping the skin hydrated and creating a protective barrier against external irritants. Its gentle formula is free of fragrances and preservatives that could irritate sensitive skin.
• Hustle Butter Deluxe: A popular choice in the tattoo community, Hustle Butter is a 100% vegan product that can be used before, during, and after the tattooing process. It’s made from natural ingredients like shea, mango, and aloe butters, which help to soothe, moisturize, and reduce inflammation.
• Tattoo Goo Original Balm: This balm is formulated with herbs and oils known for their healing properties, like olive oil, lavender, and rosemary. It's petroleum-free and provides excellent moisturization without clogging pores.

Best Lotions for Mid-to-Late Healing

After the first week, you can switch to a lighter, water-based lotion. These are less greasy and absorb more quickly into the skin.

• Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion (Fragrance-Free): A go-to for many tattoo enthusiasts, Lubriderm is a non-greasy, fast-absorbing lotion that provides long-lasting moisture. It helps to keep peeling skin hydrated and relieves itchiness.
• Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion: Formulated with colloidal oatmeal, this lotion is known for its soothing properties. It’s excellent for calming the itchy stage of tattoo healing and is gentle enough for daily use on sensitive skin.
• Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion: If your skin is particularly dry, Eucerin provides intense hydration. It’s fragrance-free and clinically proven to repair and moisturize very dry skin, making it a great option for the later stages of healing.

Long-Term Tattoo Care

Your tattoo is a lifelong investment. Once it’s fully healed (usually after 2-4 weeks), you still need to care for it to keep it looking its best. The two most important factors for long-term care are hydration and sun protection.

Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable

UV rays are the number one cause of tattoo fading. Sun exposure breaks down the ink particles in your skin, causing your tattoo to lose its vibrancy and sharpness over time.

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen (SPF 50+): This sunscreen is lightweight, non-greasy, and offers broad-spectrum protection. It absorbs quickly without leaving a white residue, making it perfect for daily use over your tattoos.
• Coppertone SPORT Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 50): If you lead an active lifestyle, this water-resistant sunscreen is a great choice. It stays on strong through sweat and water, protecting your ink during outdoor activities.
• EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum (SPF 46): Recommended by dermatologists, this sunscreen is formulated for sensitive skin. It’s lightweight, oil-free, and contains niacinamide to help calm and protect the skin.

Always apply sunscreen generously to your tattoos at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.

Find Your Next Masterpiece in Orlando

Proper aftercare is essential for a beautiful, long-lasting tattoo. By using products recommended by professionals, you can ensure your ink heals correctly and stays vibrant for decades. From gentle soaps and healing ointments to daily lotions and powerful sunscreens, the right products make all the difference.

Ready to add another piece to your collection? If you're looking for an expert tattoo shop in Orlando, FL, our talented artists at Golden Tarot Ink Club are here to bring your vision to life. We prioritize artistry, safety, and providing our clients with the knowledge they need to care for their new ink.

Contact Golden Tarot Ink Club today to schedule an appointment and start your next tattoo journey with a team you can trust.