Stocking your shop with the right tattoo aftercare is critical. Making sure you have aftercare that’s high-quality and effective is a great way to:
- Make sure your work heals beautifully for excellent Insta-worthy shots.
- Upsell to clients after every procedure without sending them off to CVS or Walgreens.
- Establish client trust that you’ll give them a quality experience from design to finished result.
Check out our round-up of the best tattoo aftercare you’ll find on the market. These options are artist- and client-approved.
BEST TATTOO AFTERCARE BANDAGES
Tattoo aftercare bandages have become the go-to aftercare choice for clients and artists alike. But which one should you offer your clients? One thing’s for sure—you don’t want to send them away from your shop to go buy less effective bandages from CVS. Upsell the best bandages on the market and get the most out of every appointment.
1. RECOVERY DERM SHIELD
Alright, that’s a wrap… this is the only tattoo aftercare you’ll ever need.
Obviously kidding—but for some, the statement is totally true. This waterproof tattoo aftercare bandage is uniquely flexible and breathable. It allows your clients’ skin to breathe while protecting it from the elements. Breathability is key since healing tattoos need air exposure to prevent suffocation… which means you’re less likely to get complaints about poorly healed results or issues that can result from overusing non-bandage aftercare.
Consequently, when you offer your clients Recovery Derm Shield, you don’t have to worry about common pitfalls that come with balms: over-moisturizing leading to breakouts and suffocation, etc. Additionally, the balance of skin protection and air exposure typically speeds up your clients’ recovery time, and you can potentially get a fully healed shot of your work in just a few weeks.
Recovery Derm Shield also comes as a roll in a variety of sizes. You can cut your bandage to size for any tattoo and use multiple bandages to cover massive pieces of work. But it also comes as a super-convenient roll you can send clients home with to cut their own bandage… saving you time and guaranteeing they’re using quality stuff. The roll also comes in stylish packaging that makes access to the bandage super easy. It’s no surprise that since its release, Recovery Derm Shield has become a tattoo aftercare staple in shops around the world.
PROS:
- Protects your tattoo while letting it breathe
- Super flexible, cut-to-size options
- Stylish, accessible packaging
- Promotes faster tattoo recovery
CONS:
- Adhesive on bandage may cause allergic reactions for some (extremely rare)
- May require bandage changes depending on tattoo size and healing rate
- Tattoo site requires thorough cleaning before bandage application or it WILL react with Green Soap
2. SANIDERM
Saniderm is another high-quality tattoo aftercare bandage for those of you who are Team Bandage in lieu of washes and balms. It’s another staple in tattoo shops everywhere, but you’ll find it’s a little thicker and slightly less flexible than the Derm Shield bandage. Nevertheless, many clients still love it, it yields excellent results, and it’s still an excellent barrier against dirt and bacteria.
Saniderm is waterproof, too, and breathable enough that it’ll prevent moisture or build-up from damaging your work. The best thing about Saniderm is it’s highly durable—moreso than generic options from CVS or Walgreens—so the bandage stays intact and effective during recovery. Typically, Saniderm stays on for the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours after the tattoo, whereas Derm Shield can stay on for longer, so be sure to let your clients know they’ll have to either:
- Make regular bandage changes or
- Pair Saniderm with a balm or aftercare wash (see all the best balms and washes below)
PROS:
- Protects your tattoo while letting it breathe
- Flexible, cut-to-size options
- Stylish, accessible packaging
- Promotes faster tattoo recovery
CONS:
- More clients complain of allergic reactions to the adhesive than with other brands
- Typically only worn the first 24-48 hours after tattoos before bandage change is required
- Slightly thicker and less flexible than Derm Shield
- Tattoo site requires thorough cleaning before bandage application or it WILL react with Green Soap
BEST TATTOO AFTERCARE BALMS, SALVES, AND GELS
Even though bandages have become so popular, other forms of tattoo aftercare are far from obsolete. Many clients still prefer a good quality balm, salve, or gel to improve their tattoo’s vibrancy and soothe the itch. All the balms, salves, and gels below are bestsellers for a reason. Find out which one you want to stock your shelves with.
1. RECOVERY TATTOO SALVE
Here’s a balm that offers a luxurious and soothing experience… only it comes in a much smaller tin than other balms out there. That makes it much less pricy in many instances.
Tattoo Salve is a great choice for clients who only need a small amount of tattoo aftercare, either because they get tinier work done or they don’t frequently get tattooed. Just like Hustle Butter Deluxe, Tattoo Salve contains plenty of natural antimicrobial ingredients that moisturize and condition your skin. The star of the show is synthetic beeswax, a powerful anti-inflammatory and skin-softening ingredient that cares for your skin and reduces redness and swelling during recovery. The moisturizing ingredients also help a ton with itchy skin.
Tattoo Salve’s application is slightly lighter and waxier than Hustle Butter, so clients may not love the texture if they’re already partial to another balm. Another perk of Tattoo Salve? You can offer it to clients for use on existing tattoos to enrich color. Get ready for higher quality healed photos for your Gram!
PROS:
- Luxury tattoo aftercare experience
- Relieves dry, cracked skin (really good for tattoo itch)
- Reduces swelling and inflammation
- Enriches color on existing tattoos
CONS:
- Slightly waxy application
2. HUSTLE BUTTER DELUXE
This one ranks so high on our list due in part to its delicious smell. And many more reasons than that, too. But seriously, it smells good enough to eat. Chock-full of luxurious natural and sweet-smelling ingredients like shea, mango, and aloe butters, it’s no surprise that Hustle Butter Deluxe is considered luxury tattoo aftercare. Showcasing it in your tattoo shop is sure to catch a client’s eye, make your offerings even more high-quality, and probably help you upsell at your next appointment. Yeah, it’s really that popular.
The all-natural balm goes on gently and moisturizes the skin without clogging your clients’ pores. It isn’t waxy, sticky, or tacky like some other balms out there, and it provides an overall faster healing process with much less scabbing. Plus, designed to soothe dry skin in particular, it really helps with flaking and itching… a good selling point when your clients complain about the classic itch.
As with any balm, it’s possible to overdo it, no matter how high-quality the formula is. So be sure to use Hustle Butter Deluxe in moderation and only as needed. And tell your clients to enjoy the luxury experience (without actually eating it)!
PROS:
- Smells incredible
- Relieves dry, cracked skin (really good for tattoo itch)
- Reduces swelling and inflammation
- Doesn’t clog pores
- Not just aftercare: can be used as tattoo lubricant (won’t clog your tubes)
CONS:
- Possible to over-moisturize/overdo it
- Not a good choice if you don’t like mangos
3. RECOVERY SKIN CONDITIONER
Here’s another tattoo aftercare option that also enhances the vibrancy and color of your work. Lots of clients use this skin conditioner for piercing recovery, but it’s also an excellent option for tattoo aftercare, which makes it a double whammy of an upsell in your shop. Like the Recovery Tatoo Salve, it comes in an affordable, compact tin.
During tattoo recovery, the natural emollients and essential oils in this conditioner soothe your clients’ skin, help with itching and flakiness, and reduce inflammation. After tattoo recovery, this skin conditioner helps existing tattoos look just like new. This Skin Conditioner also has a lightweight and non-greasy application. You might find that your clients more often use this skin conditioner on existing tattoos for vibrancy. Consequently, it might be a good idea to sell this skin conditioner in conjunction with other popular balms and bandages on the market, so your clients can take their pick. The most important thing is not sending them off to buy their own aftercare elsewhere.
PROS:
- Encourages tattoo vibrancy
- Moisturizes skin and alleviates itching + dryness
- Lightweight and non-greasy application
CONS
- Might be more effective for tattoo vibrancy than fast healing
4. REDEMPTION TATTOO LUBRICANT
Redemption Tattoo Lubricant is tattoo aftercare and lubricant that protects your skin’s natural barrier. It absorbs fast into the skin and immediately gets to work moisturizing and helping with skin renewal. Preventing dryness is key to maintaining the integrity of your work, so don’t sleep on this top-selling balm option!
Beeswax, coconut oil, and cocoa butter give Redemption a delicious scent that rivals Hustle Butter’s. Give both options a sniff if the choice comes down to aroma for you. Like Tattoo Salve, the beeswax gives Redemption somewhat of a waxy, filmy texture. If that’s not a bother to you, give this aftercare a go!
PROS:
- Smells incredible
- Quickly moisturizes skin
- Relieves dryness + itch
- Not just tattoo aftercare: can be used during tattoo procedures
CONS:
- Slightly waxy application
5. MAD RABBIT SOOTHING GEL
You’ve probably seen Mad Rabbit all over Instagram. It’s a hit for a reason. Soothing Gel is one of the most breathable gel/balm options out there and it’s a client favorite. If they see this on your shelves, they’ll know you’re “in the know.”
Petroleum-free like Hustle Butter and Tattoo Salve, Soothing Gel gives the tattoo site extra airflow for a speedier healing process. Plus, it feels amazing on the skin, too. It goes on with an instant cooling sensation that’s simply *chef’s kiss* for tattoo itch. This gel also contains plenty of natural ingredients not only designed to calm the skin, but to promote anti-aging as well… so there’s a bonus skin care perk. Some clients, however, complain about a slightly sticky application that isn’t as luxurious or smooth as other balms and salves on the market.
PROS:
- See-through and super light
- Soothes redness and irritation
- Instant cooling sensation (perfect for tattoo itch)
- Breathable gel for extra airflow
CONS:
- Slightly sticky application
BEST TATTOO AFTERCARE LOTIONS
Lotions have a different consistency than balms, gels, and salves but they’re nonetheless highly effective. And in some cases, clients much prefer them. Find the highest best tattoo aftercare lotions below to get a well-rounded selection for your shop.
1. RECOVERY TATTOO LOTION
It isn’t all just balms, gels, and bandages… lotions are an excellent aftercare option, too. Recovery Tattoo Lotion is lightweight and soothing without any of the stickiness, waxiness, or tackiness that comes with many balms on the market. Plus, this lotion gives you a tri-force of powerful emollients: jojoba seed oil, shea butter, and grape seed oil. All of them work to effectively moisturize your clients’ skin, fight tattoo pimples + inflammation, and even encourage tattoo vibrancy. So, yeah, you get all the same benefits of a tattoo balm and then some. It’s a reliable option to have on hand for clients who prefer the texture of lotion on new or existing tattoos.
PROS:
- Dermatologist-tested
- Clinically tested
- Quickly moisturizes skin
- Safe for all skin types; won’t cause allergic reactions
- Enhances tattoo vibrancy
CONS:
- Slightly thicker than balms + salves
10. AFTER INKED TATTOO MOISTURIZER AND LOTION
Here’s another lotion that’s both clinically tested and dermatologist-recommended… so you know it’s good! After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer and Lotion is a common choice for PMU and tattoo aftercare alike. Just like Recovery Tattoo Lotion, it contains grapeseed oil to effectively moisturize the skin—and like all the balms in this top 10 list, it’s petroleum-free. It’s fragrance-free too, so it’s safe for all skin types so you won’t have to worry about allergic reactions. While lotions tend to be a little thicker than balms and salves, After Inked has a non-sticky application and won’t stick to your clothes. Many clients also rave about this lotion’s ability to make existing tattoos look even brighter.
It differs from Recovery Aftercare Lotion in that the consistency is slightly thicker. After Inked also gives you a variety of sample sizes in conjunction with the three-ounce tube, so you can try it for yourself before committing to a purchase.
PROS:
- Dermatologist-tested
- Clinically tested
- Quickly moisturizes skin
- Safe for all skin types; won’t cause allergic reactions
- Enhances tattoo vibrancy
CONS:
- Slightly thicker than balms + salves
BEST TATTOO AFTERCARE WASHES
Upsell to your clients even more by offering an aftercare wash. They can pair a wash with their balm, salve, gel, or lotion for a luxurious (and effective) recovery.
1. RECOVERY AFTERCARE SOAP
Some people avoid tattoo aftercare washes because they tend to dry out the tattoo site. But that’s not the case with Recovery Aftercare Soap. This soap is formulated with natural emollients and healing agents that soothe and moisturize the skin while cleansing it. Clients and artists alike love this soap for being so mild and soothing on the skin. It bubbles but the bubbles aren’t excessive. It also won’t leave any residue behind. Just be sure to tell your client not to overuse it or over-apply. Any aftercare soap should be used in moderation (and any balm, too, at that).
PROS:
- Moisturizes the skin while killing bacteria
- Cleans tattoo site without drying out skin
- Moisturizes the skin while killing bacteria
- Not just aftercare: can be used before, during, and after tattoos
CONS:
- Can dry out the skin if used in excess
2. HUSTLE BUBBLES
Hustle Bubbles heavily moisturizes your skin with incredible ingredients like rosemary oil and Japanese green tea leaf. It’s also just fun to use—who doesn’t like bubbles? Hustle Bubbles also has plenty of antimicrobial properties to help prevent infections while gently cleansing your tattoo. Its foaming formula makes it super easy to apply and rinse off. Another really nice thing about Hustle Bubbles is it comes in a foaming pump dispenser, like handsoap. That makes it extremely convenient to apply to the skin. The only downside is all the bubbles might get in the way of your vision, particularly when you’re tattooing. Clients may also prefer something less frothy, like Recovery Soap.
PROS:
- Moisturizes the skin while killing bacteria
- It makes bubbles… who doesn’t love bubbles? 😉
- Cleans tattoo site without drying out skin
- Not just aftercare: can be used before, during, and after tattoos
- Serves as an alternative to Green Soap
- Comes in a bottle with a pump dispenser for easy application
CONS:
- Bubbles might obscure vision while tattooing
EXPLORE ALL TATTOO AFTERCARE
Okay, of course you want to make sure your client has an excellent aftercare experience… but also you want a good Insta-shot of your healed work. Check out our blog Tattoo Photography 101 for tips on snapping Insta-worthy shots of your work every time.
And in the meantime, you’ll find all the tattoo aftercare on this list (and more) on our site. But no need to commit to a purchase just yet. Check out artist and client reviews on each listing to get more of an idea about which is right for your shop. We also highly recommend choosing a variety of aftercare options (because every client is different). But contrary to popular belief, the client ISN’T always right, so make sure you’re offering them aftercare that works!
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