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The best lotions to help heal a new tattoo faster

Be sure to protect your new tattoo

best lotions for tattoos man applying hand cream
Image used with permission by copyright holder

There are multiple ways of expressing one's self. Whether that be through a personalized apparel style, a unique or timeless haircut, or if you are going for something a little more permanent, body ink. Tattoos are a great way of expressing who you are to the world, regardless if they understand your ink or not. But what if this is your first one?

If this is your first tattoo, then welcome to the club! Getting inked is an incredibly personal journey, and even if you're still in the initial "research phase," whether that be looking for the right tattoo design, or reading up on maintenance, I suggest you do your due diligence by making sure you ask all necessary questions of your tattoo artist. But of course, here at The Manual, we have you covered on tips you need to follow for your first tattoo, including optimal aftercare.

Tattoos are one of the ultimate and most personal forms of self-expression that allow you to use your body as a literal blank canvas to create art. Tattoos can symbolize triumph, pay homage to a lost loved one, or simply exist just because you love their look. Whatever the reason, there is one thing they should have one thing in common, according to experienced tattoo artists: Diligent after-care. One of the most crucial steps after getting your tattoo is understanding what products you need to ensure a healthy and speedy healing. You want to keep your new ink as moisturized as possible to avoid itchiness and dryness. The last thing you want to do is delay the healing of your beautiful ink by scratching it and causing possible damage. Here are some of our picks for Tattoo Artist approved, tattoo lotions, salves, and creams in 2023.

Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
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After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer & Aftercare Lotion
After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer & Aftercare Lotion
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Tattoo Goo Aftercare Lotion
Tattoo Goo Aftercare Lotion
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Viking Revolution Tattoo Care Balm
Viking Revolution Tattoo Care Balm
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Heal Co. Whipped Tallow Cream
Heal Co. Whipped Tallow Cream
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Hustle Butter Deluxe
Hustle Butter Deluxe
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Malibu Tan Hemp Tattoo Enhancing Body Moisturizer
Malibu Tan Hemp Tattoo Enhancing Body Moisturizer
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First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration Moisturizer
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration Moisturizer
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Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion
Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion
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Ora's Amazing Herbal Tattoo Salve
Ora's Amazing Herbal Tattoo Salve
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healing ointment for cracked skin.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

It should come as no surprise that this O.G. comes first on our list of best products for tattoo aftercare! For anyone who has gotten inked, you will know that Aquaphor is a tried and true necessity for a speedy healing process. Because of Aquaphor's ultra-hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties, it allows freshly inked skin to not only be moisturized but protected. The main ingredient, petroleum jelly, contains mineral oil which is great for creating a protective barrier on the skin and keeps moisture locked in.

Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Image of After Inked lotion on a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer & Aftercare Lotion

If you're looking for something a little lighter, After Inked Aftercare is great for healing new tattoos, as well as keeping older tattoos looking their best. Did we mention this is 100% vegan? That's right, this moisturizer has a patented vegan formula that is rich in grapeseed oil. Grapeseed oil is a lightweight and fast-absorbing oil that's rich in vitamin e which helps heal the skin.

After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer & Aftercare Lotion
After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer & Aftercare Lotion
Tattoo goo product on a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Tattoo Goo Aftercare Lotion

Tattoo Goo was created with sensitive skin in mind. Safe for everyday use on both your face and body and enriched with Panthenol which great for restoring the skin's natural moisture balance.

Tattoo Goo Aftercare Lotion
Tattoo Goo Aftercare Lotion
Pic of the viking revolution tattoo balm on a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Viking Revolution Tattoo Care Balm

This tattoo balm from Viking Revolution offers a non-greasy and chemical-free formula. This works on both new and old tattoos to soothe, moisturize, and revive.

Viking Revolution Tattoo Care Balm
Viking Revolution Tattoo Care Balm
Heal co whipped tallow jar on a white background
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Heal Co. Whipped Tallow Cream

Can you say that the products and ingredients that you put on your skin are edible? Well, with this healing salve, you definitely could. Heal Co. created an excellent all-natural, all-purpose healing miracle so well that people with severe skin issues like eczema and psoriasis have had wonderful improvements in their overall skin conditions. Lest we not forget, the skin is our largest organ, so this may be the best bet for those with super sensitive skin.

Heal Co. Whipped Tallow Cream
Heal Co. Whipped Tallow Cream
Hustle Butter pic product on a white background.
Hustle Butter

Hustle Butter Deluxe

With 4.8 out of 5 stars and nearly 13,000 ratings on Amazon, you can put all your confidence in this easy to use and tattoo artist-approved after-care balm. This balm is certified cruelty-free, 100% vegan, and includes all-natural butters including shea, mango, and aloe butters.

Hustle Butter Deluxe
Hustle Butter Deluxe
Malibu hemp tattoo lotion on a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Malibu Tan Hemp Tattoo Enhancing Body Moisturizer

This full-body moisturizer not only nourishes the skin but also improves the appearance of tattoos. This formula contains coconut oil, aloe vera, and hemp seed oil that helps protect skin against dryness and itchiness.

Malibu Tan Hemp Tattoo Enhancing Body Moisturizer
Malibu Tan Hemp Tattoo Enhancing Body Moisturizer
First aid beauty, ultra repair cream product image on a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration Moisturizer

This Ultra Repair Cream is formulated with colloidal oatmeal and ceramides that provide immediate and visible relief for even the driest of skins. This skin protectant is clinically proven to increase hydration by 169% upon application.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration Moisturizer
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration Moisturizer
Eucerin repairlotion for very dry and flaky skin with a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion

This lightweight, fast-absorbing and non-greasy body lotion fights dry skin at its source. This is a great choice for taking care of your new tattoo because of its glycerin content. Glycerin is a moisturizing humectant that pulls and absorbs moisture from the air, which basically means your skin will retain more water, keeping the scabs and flakes at bay!

Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion
Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion
Ora's Amazing Herbal Tattoo on a white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ora's Amazing Herbal Tattoo Salve

If you're looking for a more natural tattoo aftercare solution, you might want to give this gem a try. This salve is slow-infused with a blend of herbs that help reduce itching, soothe inflammation, and minimizes the risk of infection.

Ora's Amazing Herbal Tattoo Salve
Ora's Amazing Herbal Tattoo Salve

Remember, everyone wants their ink to look well long after the tattoos have settled. The first step in doing so is proper, immediate aftercare. These tattoo lotions, creams, and salves are the best options for optimal tattoo hydration.

Wasani Probasco
Former Digital Trends Contributor

Wasani is a Digital Marketing professional and freelance writer with a passion for men's grooming and self-care. Based in Los Angeles, Wasani has worked in the entertainment tech space for the past 5 years and has worked for companies such as Amazon and Penske Media. When he isn't working, Wasani enjoys spending time exploring local eateries, traveling and CrossFit. Please reach out to The Manual editorial staff with any questions or comments about Wasani’s work.

Jeff Turbett
Former Digital Trends Contributor

Jeff Turbett is a health and wellness coach with over three years of experience transforming clients lives and physical health. He now resides outside of Miami, Fl, and before that, spent his life in Wisconsin - he knows the overwhelming benefits the outdoors can have on overall wellness.  Having been an athlete his whole life, he understands the importance of cross-training and the numerous benefits it can correlate to overall well-being. Jeff is also a contributor to other fitness publications.

 

For all editorial inquiries, email HERE.

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