These Expert-Approved Tattoo Aftercare Products Start at Just $10

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From having roots in ancient traditions to being modern-day forms of self-expression, tattoos are now a part of mainstream culture and can have symbolic, religious, artistic, and even cosmetic purposes. Tattooing, a form of body modification that involves inserting inks, pigments, or dyes into the skin's dermis to form a design, is usually done via a needle or puncture instrument — and as such, requires adequate aftercare to prevent infection, maintain the ink pattern, and promote proper and safe healing. Tattoo aftercare products can increase and improve the design's longevity and vibrancy as well.

These days, tattoos can cost a pretty penny, too: Artist Syd Smith of Sydney Smith Tattoos considers tats an investment, and using tattoo aftercare products to heal fresh body ink is a crucial part of getting a tattoo. “I suggest using aftercare [products] to keep your tattoo moisturized and assist it the best way you can while healing,” she tells us.

But there's a delicate balance for those with tattoos to follow: Their tattoos should be clean and hydrated to remain vibrant, but they don't want to slather on a ton of product. Otherwise, it can cause infections, dryness, irritation, and rashes, slowing the healing process.

Our beauty editor, Nicole Saunders, connected with tattoo and skincare experts about the dos and don'ts of tattoo aftercare products, their favorite recommendations, and tips for maintaining a new tattoo. The best part? Each selection costs $22 or less, and they boast an insane number of satisfied Amazon reviews.

The Best Tattoo Aftercare Products

• Best Overall: Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare

• Best Under $10: Badger Tattoo Balm

• Best Skin Ointment: Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant

• Best for Eczema-Prone Skin: CeraVe Healing Ointment

• Best Soap: Dial Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap in Gold (Pack of 4)

What to Consider

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brian Hibler, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group, many tattoo aftercare products are similar to other gentle moisturizers and lotions sold on Amazon and Ulta. Saunders asked Hibler and a few other experts what to consider when shopping for tattoo aftercare.

Safe for Sensitive Skin

Hibler says the safest option is to use a gentle (aka fragrance- and preservative-free) cleanser, ointment, moisturizer, and sunscreen. He adds that many products safe for eczema-prone skin are also great options for tattoo aftercare because they have gentle formulas that retain moisture and restore the skin barrier.

Ingredients

It probably comes as no surprise, but avoid using drying agents like alcohol on tattooed skin. As for what's fantastic, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elliot Love, M.D., recommends using tattoo aftercare products with all-natural ingredients. Think the usual moisturizing suspects: vitamin E, beeswax, and hydrating olive, sunflower, and coconut oil.

But board-certified dermatologist Dr. Diane Madfes, M.D., argues that having more natural ingredients in a tattoo aftercare product is not better. “In fact, fewer ingredients in aftercare products are necessary to prevent allergic reactions. I like aftercare balms that are light and moisturizing. A tattoo can be itchy while healing and balms help this problem,” she explains.

Formulation

Tattoo aftercare products are available in various formulas, including lotions, balms, creams, and ointments. Love says the real difference between these formulations is the feel and level of hydration they provide. Here, Love quickly break down their honest thoughts on the various formulations, in order from most hydrating to least:

• Ointments, like Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant, will be the most moisturizing but can leave the skin oily and can also get on clothing.

• Balms and creams, such as Badger Tattoo Balm and Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare, are not petrolatum-based unlike an ointment, so they do very well in moisturizing the skin without leaving it feeling oily or sticky.

• Lotions aren't as hydrating as balms and creams because they typically contain more water and eventually evaporate. To help counteract the evaporation, look for lotions that provide long-lasting hydration, including Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Lotion and La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Body Lotion.

• Foams are usually alcohol-based and aren't very moisturizing, so definitely avoid foam tattoo aftercare products.

Consistency is Key

Regardless of which tattoo aftercare product someone uses, our experts emphasize that consistency is key with tattoo aftercare to achieve the best results. Someone with fresh ink should wash their tattoo at least once a week with gentle soap and apply a hydrating product at least two to three times daily, as necessary.

Dos and Don'ts

• Do avoid the sun: We get it — everyone wants to flex and show off their new ink, but Hibler recommends keeping them out of the sun while the skin is healing.

• Do apply sunscreen: Speaking of the sun, it's important to apply and reapply sunscreen to tattooed skin actively. Once a new tattoo is healed, Madfes advises using a mineral sunscreen to preserve the life of the tattoo.

• Do keep the area protected from bacteria: Love says it's also important to keep the tattooed area clean and protected from bacteria from lakes and gyms, which can lead to a superficial skin infection that can damage and scar the skin or the tattoo.

• Don't peel, pick, or scratch the skin: Ugh, it's so tempting, but everyone has to resist scratching or rubbing their tattooed areas. Hibler suggests using a soothing lotion, such as CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Lotion, or applying ice packs to reduce the itching sensation.

• Don't Use Neosporin: Wait, what? Although Neosporin has its place, Madfes says it is best to stay clear of bacitracin creams because some people are allergic to the ingredient.

Now that you know how to shop for and use tattoo aftercare products, here's our list of expert-approved recommendations. They vary in formulation and price, but best of all, are aligned with guidance from our experts.

Tattoo Aftercare

Our senior editor Eunice Lucero-Lee has body ink, so Saunders immediately asked for her go-to tattoo aftercare products. Lucero-Lee's tattoo artist advised applying this vegan body butter on new ink for 2 to 4 weeks, but she’s been using it longer on non-tattooed areas because it’s super moisturizing. The combination of vitamin E complex, coconut and sunflower oils, aloe vera, shea butter, and mango butter keeps her skin supple and soft throughout the day.

“It’s vegan, petroleum-free, and smells faintly like cocoa butter and with a similar tackier consistency. A little goes a very long way, and despite its initial thickness, it spreads evenly and helps heal any redness and irritation, too,” she says. “Also, this might be a characteristic of single-needle designs, but I’ve also found that my tattoos don’t peel, blur, or fade with regular use of this cream.”

Need further proof this tattoo aftercare product is deserving of our best overall pick? A casual 29,800-plus five-star Amazon ratings agree it is 100% worth using on new and old tattoos.

To quote one enthusiastic reviewer who applied the butter multiple times a day for two weeks: “This is a GAME CHANGER. I noticed a huge decrease in the amount of itching I felt during the peeling phase, and my skin felt well moisturized throughout.”

More: Pssst: These HIgh-Frequency Wands Rival Spa Facials

Tattoo Balm

Madfes’ top pick is the Badger Tattoo Balm because it’s free of harsh dyes, fragrances, and synthetic chemicals. Instead, it’s made with easy-to-pronounce organic ingredients, like extra virgin olive, coconut, and sunflower oils to nourish the skin. “I also love that for a balm, the texture is so light, and it’s hydrating as well,” she says. "It also contains tamanu oil and coconut oil that optimize healing."

The New York-based derm is not the only fan — Amazon reviewers consider this the best of the best for tattoo aftercare products. Beyond sharing impressive before and after photos on Amazon, reviewers say its super hydrating formula keeps their tattoos fresh, not faded.

“If you want a nice, clean, plain balm for your ink and other skin that needs a little TLC, I don’t see how this one can be [beaten]. Great product, great price,” says one Amazon reviewer. She adds that this tattoo aftercare product works on her dry skin and fresh ink, while also enhancing the vibrancy of tattoos on her husband’s older ink on his oily skin.

Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap in Gold (Pack of 4)

Lucero-Lee says all tattoo artists she's worked with emphasize the importance of antibacterial soap, especially during the first week post-tattoo, to ensure the area stays sterile and doesn’t get infected.

"This is a top recommendation, and I love it because it’s gentle, effective, easy to find, and around $5 for one bottle," she tells us. "It also has a very light, fresh, clean scent — almost to the point of it being unscented, actually — and the liquid soap format makes it easy to use on areas like your arms and hands, even when you’re not in the shower. I also used the bar version for my back and side tattoos."

Thousands of Amazon reviewers also agree that Dial soap is worth using because it doesn't sting or irritate their fresh ink. It's also incredible since it doesn't overly strip the skin.

A bonus: Saunders uses this as her daily handsopa and notes it's also excellent for cleansing makeup sponges, such as the popular Beautyblender.

Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant

Aquaphor is a cheap, but classic multiuse product for tattooed skin, chapped lips, rough hands, and even calloused feet.

Hibler is a fan and advises applying it immediately after getting inked to keep the site moist. He says, “Patients sometimes believe it is better to let the skin dry out after tattoo placement, but typically we want to avoid crusting and scabbing, and the best way to do this is to wash the site daily and keep it moist.” And that’s exactly what Aquaphor does.

It’s better than using 100% petroleum jelly because the latter is too thick and won’t allow your skin to air out. Plus, Aquaphor contains a nice mix of humectants, vitamins, and hydrating ingredients, including lanolin, glycerin, bisabolol, and panthenol.

Our digital content producer Amber Joglar also uses Aquaphor in the initial few days after getting tattooed when her skin is peeling and cracking. "It keeps the area moist without feeling overly slathered in product. It’s also great for sensitive skin because it’s non-irritating and unscented, and helps speed up the healing process. I even use Aquaphor on my face for dry patches and slugging," she says.

Healing Ointment

Saunders doesn't have tattoos, but considers this a solid option for those with body ink because it hits all of the expert-suggested criteria, including being fragrance-free and rich in hyaluronic acid and ceramides. It's also from CeraVe, one of the most expert-loved skincare brands in the game, and is known for its line of gentle, yet effective products.

As Madfes and Hibler previously pointed out, using a skincare product made for eczema-prone skin is fantastic for delicate, freshly-inked skin. CeraVeHealing Ointment is the only option on our list that earned a coveted seal of approval from the National Eczema Association, indicating it's beneficial for those with sensitive, eczema-prone skin.

If you need further proof, the casual 4.7-star average from nearly 24,200 Amazon reviewers proves it's worth buying. One Amazon reviewer originally purchased this as a winter hand cream, and found it is a fantastic and cost-effective option because the tube lasts for what feels like forever.

They also happened to run out of their usual Aquaphor but used this product instead on their fresh tat. "Used it in a pinch on a new tattoo — it healed so well!! I've used it on my past two tattoos, and I plan on using it on my fresh ink from now on," says their 5-star review.

Regenerating Skin Nectar

Saunders is the first to admit $210 is a lot of money to invest in a skincare product, but she says this cream is well worth the princely price tag.

Speed up the skin's recovery time with this award-winning treatment. It helps strengthen delicate skin before and after procedures, like surgery, peels, lasers, and microneedling.

Regenerating Skin Nectar relies on skin-calming ingredients, like arnica, phytoene, phytofluene, and naringenin to ensure tattooed skin remains smooth, bright, and youthful. There's also the brand's proprietary trihex technology to boost collagen and elasticn production.

Online reviewers describe it as the "best product ever," "an absolute must-have," and "straight magic." To quote one 5-star review, "This is one product that does what it says and you don’t have to wait months for results. I use after microneedling and other laser treatments, and it makes a huge difference in recovery time if you use this product."

Advanced Repair Body Lotion

Robert Boyle, the founder of Foreverist Skincare, naturally uses his skincare products, like the Healing Cream and Hydrating Cream, but notes this top-rated body lotion is also part of his rotation. Boyle, who prefers dry-healing his tattoos (a method that lets the tat dry in the open air with minimal to no hydration), applies this unscented lotion after his tattoo has healed some.

We're also into Eucerin because it's enriched with one of the most important skincare ingredients in the game: ceramides. The fatty acids hydrate, strengthen the compromised skin barrier, and protect the sensitive tattooed skin against environmental damage.

Joglar also relies on Eucerin's popular cream in her tattoo aftercare routine. "I use Eucerin after the tattoo has healed a bit and doesn’t need constant moisture. It’s lightweight but still hydrating, and absorbs quickly so you’re not left with that greasy residue. Even years after getting tattooed, sometimes my ink still gets itchy and I always have this lotion on hand for those flare-ups," she says.

Defend Tattoo Sunscreen SPF 30

Sunscreen is absolutely essential for the face, lips, and even scalp, so it should be no surprise that the pros say it's especially important to wear sunscreen after getting tatted.

"Repeated and excessive sun exposure will cause the loss of tattoo pigment and result in fading. Using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, such as Mad Rabbit SPF 30 Tattoo Sunscreen, and applying it every 2 hours during sun exposure will help prevent fading," says Love, who is also a fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeon and board member for Mad Rabbit Tattoo.

This unscented mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide to block UVA and UVB rays, while antioxidant-rich vitamin C, rosehip oil, and carrot extract offer environmental protection. It also contains anti-inflammatory ingredients and fatty acids to help rebalance your skin's barrier.

Amazon reviewers say this Mad Rabbit's tattoo aftercare product is 100% worth using while exposed to the sun. "After using several products, especially sunscreens, I absolutely love this product. I think it goes on easy, doesn't have that sunscreen smell, and will protect your tattoos," says one 5-star review. "I use the SPF when I know I'm gonna be exposed to the sun for long periods of time. Otherwise, I use the lotion daily. Awesome products!"

Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Body Lotion

Hibler suggests using this top-rated body lotion after your skin has peeled and healed, which is typically two weeks after getting tatted. He appreciates that it contains ceramides to help maintain a healthy skin barrier.

The fast-absorbing cream is also made with niacinamide, an ingredient known for calming inflammatory skin conditions, such as redness from acne and eczema. There's also shea butter, which is like a tall glass of water that hydrates your sensitive skin.

La Roche-Posay promises 48 hours of skin hydration, but since many of the Amazon reviewers report taking daily showers, they can't accurately confirm if it genuinely lasts for 2 full days.

That said, they love using this fragrance-free body lotion on their tats and non-inked body parts. “I tend to be a chronically dry person. This cream has really minimized the dry skin on my elbows and has helped hydrate new tattoos safely,” says one reviewer.

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