Petroleum-based ointments This ointment is also called Bepanthen. Aquaphor Advanced Healing Ointment is another hydrating and anti-inflammatory option. Good old petroleum jelly (aka Vaseline) also works well.
Bepanthen and sudocrem are completely different beasts. Sudocrem can be very drying and make rashes worse sometimes. Bepanthen forms a barrier and is very softening. Different creams suit different bottoms!
coconut oil. tattoo-specific cream, such as Tattoo Goo. pure cocoa butter or shea butter.
We would not recommend using creams such as Bepanthen or Sudocrem. These are really only suitable for surface treatments – they're for nappy rash, not tattoos!
NEVER use Vaseline, Savlon, Coco Butter or Sudocrem or any other cosmetic cream as this can damage your new tattoo. Once your tattoo has fully healed, you can use alternative creams just ensure your tattoo is fully healed. After a few days, you may notice some peeling and possible scabbing.
To keep your tattoo looking bright and vibrant you'll want to regularly moisturise your skin. You can use any moisturiser you're not allergic to on completely healed tattoos. So E45 might be an option, especially if you have eczema or dry skin.
Petroleum-based ointments
This ointment is also called Bepanthen. Aquaphor Advanced Healing Ointment is another hydrating and anti-inflammatory option. Good old petroleum jelly (aka Vaseline) also works well.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
According to Goold, Aquaphor is a go-to in most tattoo shops, since it's super effective at soothing and moisturizing fresh ink. “It's great for both the initial healing period and afterward,” she says.
Apply a layer of antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don't put on another bandage. Gently wash your tattoo area twice a day with soap and water and gently pat dry before reapplying the antibacterial/Vaseline ointment. Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean it to keep it moist.
Without moisturiser, there's a risk that healing skin will get very dry, tight and itchy, and itchy skin that you can't scratch - that in fact you shouldn't touch at all - is not much fun! If you do itch then you risk damaging the new tattoo.
When you refrain from using a tattoo cream, your skin becomes very dry and tight with every passing day. That can lead to itchiness and in some cases, redness as well. But, you cannot scratch or pick your tattoo because it will damage it.
Bepanthen Tattoo Aftercare Ointment is dermatologically tested to help heal and protect Tattoos. Same effective formula as Bepanthen Nappy Rash Ointment.
You may have heard some rumours that Bepanthen shouldn't be used on new tattoos, but this absolutely isn't the case. Bepanthen is by far one of the most highly recommended tattoo aftercare products and is the go-to ointment for most tattoo artists and studios.
Bepanthen is not formulated as a Tattoo cream, with Bepanthen only being primarily designed as a nappy rash cream. Bepanthen For Tattoo is very different then a specialised Tattoo cream, which is formulated with natural healing benefits for the skin.
Savlon Antiseptic Cream is a healing cream that can gently sooth and aid in preventing infection. It also helps promote natural healing. It is a smooth white cream that has a slight antiseptic odour and can be used in the aftercare and healing of new tattoos and piercings.
Do Not scrub your tattoo ever. For the first 2-4 days apply Nivea Creme or Aquaphor 3-4 times a day. Nivea creme can be used throughout the healing process (do not use in excess).
"During the healing process, you should moisturize your tattoo three to six times a day," Ladna says. "Keeping your tattoo hydrated during the initial days is especially critical. If your tattoo becomes too dry, the healing may actually take longer, and you may risk losing color saturation."
A white cream lotion or moisturizer, preferably unscented, should be used! We recommend these fragrance-free, white cream lotions: Aveeno , Curel , and Eucerin .
Is Bepanthen the best antiseptic ointment to use? Bepathen is a popular antiseptic ointment choice. However, other antiseptic ointments include Savlon and Soov. Any of the three can be used on new ink once gently cleaned with a combination of antimicrobial soap and lukewarm water.
Tattoo Goo, £5.99, Superdrug
Ideal for use while your tattoo is still healing (within the first four weeks). The 'goo' is more like a salve, created using a blend of beeswax, olive oil and cocoa butter to soothe and stop the itch.
Vaseline allows the tattoo to heal properly while also effectively moisturising it. It's also essential for helping your skin restructure. Our artists recommend applying at the end of the tattoo session. Because it applies thickly, it won't let the new tattoo get dirty or exposed for the first couple of hours.
Aloe vera is great for tattoo care. Finding tattoo care products that include aloe vera as an ingredient like ours can be key to the health of your art. Aloe vera can help ensure the area is soothed and protected, ease discomfort and irritation, and keep your tattoo moisturized while letting it breathe.