We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.
15 Best Tattoo Lotions to Heal New Ink Beautifully, According to Experts and 2023 Reviews
Two tattoo artists weigh in on everything you need to know.
Hello, hi, and welcome: This is your reminder that if you’re trying to heal a new tattoo, you need to invest in the right lotion ASAP. Keeping that new body art looking fresh and glorious is probably gonna require a burst of extra hydration and overall TLC. “After you get a tattoo, the skin is in a vulnerable state, and moisturizing can help it heal properly,” says Liz Goold, general manager of Nice Tattoo Parlor in New York. “If you don’t moisturize—which even I’m guilty of with a few of my tattoos—your tattoo can develop hard scabs that can cause the ink to fall out with the scab.”
So if you’re going through the trouble of getting (and paying for!) a tattoo, you definitely don't want to ignore your after-care routine, k? That’s why it’s v important to (a) stock up on the best tattoo lotion and (b) make sure you’re applying it regularly. To help you find the best for your new ink, I consulted Goold and tattoo artist Jingxi Gu, and referenced the top online tester reviews for everything you need to know about tattoo lotions, below:
✔️ FYI: We updated this article in May 2023 to give you the most up-to-date info on the best tattoo lotions, including new products and tattoo artists' advice on the best creams and lotions you should use.
Our top picks for the best tattoo lotions in 2023:
Now that we've established that using a tattoo lotion is non-negosh, you're ready to stock up on the goods! Still not sure where to start? Keep scrolling for the 15 best tattoo lotions, creams, balms, and salves.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Pros
- Fragrance free
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Has a thick and dense consistency
- Leaves a little more residue than may be ideal for long-term use
The general rule of thumb when looking for a tattoo lotion? Choose a formula that’s simple, unscented, and gentle. 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.
- Key ingredients: petrolatum (helps locks in moisture)
- Size: 7 oz.
- SPF: None
THE REVIEW: "I bought this on the recommendation of my tattoo artist," writes one reviewer "It is a must have for new tattoos. It kept me from scratching the tattoo, and it kept my skin moisturized. I used it more than four times a day, just when I thought my skin was dry or itchy. It really did the trick, and my skin healed nicely from the tattoo. I'll be using this product again when I get another tattoo."
Vanicream Moisturizing Ointment
Pros
- A small amount of product goes a long way
- Some reviewers say it's helpful for eczema
Cons
- Can be greasy and stain clothing
If you have dry skin, this intensely hydrating ointment is a great option to use on new tattoos. It applies oh-so-smoothly onto skin, and can be used on the face, hands, and body. Plus, the formula is free of dyes, fragrances, and parabens (if you’re not into using them).
- Key ingredients: microcrystalline wax (protects); dimethicone (traps in hydration)
- Size: 2.5 oz.
- SPF: None
THE REVIEW: "This is the best sh*t I’ve ever had the pleasure of lathering on my skin," writes one reviewer. "I put this on my lips, I put this on my dry skin, I put this on my tattoos, I put this on my breakfast cereal. It is just straight up pure moisture to the dermis my man. I have eczema and allergic hives and my skin seems to like this stuff the most by FAR, it just sucks it right up! It’s only wet for a little bit but it’s never greasy like some other products I’ve used. Kinda pricey but totally bomb, def recommend."
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- No strong-smelling scent
Cons
- Some reviewers say pump can break
Another expert-approved pick? Aveeno’s Unscented Daily Moisturizing Lotion, says Goold, who recommends it for its gentle formula (no irritating fragrances here). It also makes a solid lotion for the rest of your body.
- Key ingredients: glycerin (protects against irritation), petrolatum (locks in moisture)
- Size: 18 oz.
- SPF: None
THE REVIEW: "This is the best moisturizer I've ever used," writes a tester's review. "It does everything you expect it to but what really makes it stand out to me is how well it absorbs into the skin. You can wash your skin after putting this on and you won't get that slick/slippery feeling of the lotion being washed off. I highly recommend this."
Tattoo Goo The Original After Care Salve
Tattoo Goo The Original After Care Salve
Pros
- Goes onto skin smoothly
- Small container lasts a long time
Cons
- Not fragrance free
If creams and lotions aren’t really your vibe, you’ll love this cult-favorite tattoo salve. It’s easy to apply, nongreasy, and formulated with skin-soothers like olive oil, beeswax, and cocoa butter to help aid the healing process. Just peep the thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon, and you'll see why it’s a true staple in the tattoo world.
- Key ingredients: olive oil (moisturizing), beeswax (soothing), cocoa butter (helps form a protective layer on skin)
- Size:. 75 oz.
- SPF: None
THE REVIEW: "I have over 40 tattoos," writes one reviewer. "39 of them have majority of vibrant colors in the artwork. This product rejuvenates sun faded ink, and is a great item to use on new ink or new tattoos and for maintenance on our investment. I haven't found any other product on the market that could even come to a close second to this item."
Hustle Butter Deluxe Luxury Tattoo Care & Maintenance Cream
Hustle Butter Deluxe Luxury Tattoo Care & Maintenance Cream
Pros
- Can help reduce flakiness
- Absorbs onto skin really well
Cons
- May be a bit tacky initally
“Hustle Butter is made specifically for tattoos and feels really great,” says Goold. After washing your skin with a gentle antibacterial soap (Tattoo Goo and Dial Antibacterial Soap are both legit options), smooth a small dollop of the lotion over your tattoo. You’ll want to repeat this process two to three times a day until your skin is totally healed.
- Key ingredients: shea (softens and hydrates), mango and aloe butters (anti-inflammatory), coconut (retains moisture)
- Size: 5 oz.
- SPF: None
THE REVIEW: "This was recommended by my tattoo artist," writes one reviewer. "Easy to apply, and great coverage for my new tattoo. I highly recommend this brand. It's a little pricy but worth the investment to heal my artwork completely. It really is smooth like butter. I will continue to use, even after my tattoo heals, to keep the color vibrant."
Eucerin Daily Hydration Lotion
Eucerin Daily Hydration Lotion
Pros
- Dries quickly
Cons
- May not be as blendable as other lotions
- Some reviewers say the formula can feely greasy
If you're looking for a hydrating, budget-friendly tattoo lotion to stock up on, you can snag this pack of three (!!) Eucerin bottles on Amazon. The gentle, fragrance-free formula is extremely hydrating, according to reviewers, and if you've got large tattoos or sleeves, you won't have to worry about constantly replacing it.
- Key ingredients: avobenzone (sun protection), glycerin (protects against irritation), citric acid (buffering)
- Size: 16.9 oz.
- SPF: SPF 15
THE REVIEW: "I've been using Eucerin unscented on my body for quite awhile now simply because I have super dry skin," one tester writes. "My arms and legs are the main target, and Eucerin just works to keep them feeling soft and supple. The 3-pack is necessary because I never want to run out again. The sun protection is a plus. One point is that I don't use it as a hand cream since on that area it feels tacky, but I appreciate not having alligator skin on my legs anymore.
Woo Skin Essentials After/Care Moisturizer
Woo Skin Essentials After/Care Moisturizer
Pros
- Delivers immediate relief and hydration
- Has a super soothing, calming sensation
Cons
- Not a lot of product in the squeeze tube
Considering this tattoo lotion is made by Dr. Woo (the L.A.-based artist who works with celebs like Justin Bieber and Zoë Kravitz), you can rest easy knowing your ink is in good hands. The formula is loaded with shea butter, vitamin E, and sesame seed oil that come together to soothe, hydrate, and calm your skin during the healing process. Just smooth a thin layer over your ink once or twice a day until you’re nice and healed.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, lecithin (water-binding), vitamin C (boosts skin's collagen production)
- Size: 1 oz.
- SPF: None
After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer and Aftercare Lotion
After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer and Aftercare Lotion
Pros
- Formulated specifically for tattoo aftercare with grapeseed oil
- Absorbs quickly onto skin
Cons
- Not fragrance free (if that's what you're on the hunt for)
- Thick texture can create a film-like residue
This lotion is formulated specifically with tattoos in mind, so it’s no surprise that it’s earned tons of glowing reviews on Amazon. Make sure you keep this puppy on hand during the healing process and beyond, since the formula’s grapeseed oil also makes it a great aftercare moisturizer.
- Key ingredients: grape seed oil (soothing), glycerin (protects against irritation), jojoba seed oil (creates moisture barrier)
- Size: 3 oz.
- SPF: None
THE REVIEW: "This stuff is amazing for healing tattoos!" writes one reviewer. "Everything about it is great. The feel, smell, not greasy or sticky, rubs in nice and keeps hydrated! Highly highly recommend!!!"
Cannuka Nourishing Body Cream
Pros
- Added CBD can help soothe skin further
- Products never tested on animals
Cons
- Pricey
- If you're seeking fragrance free, this one has a subtle scent
This body cream is a total power player—it’s spiked with CBD (which is thought to help soothe irritated skin), manuka honey (which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties), and hyaluronic acid (aka the best hydrator of all time).
- Key ingredients: CBD (soothing), Manuka honey (decreases inflammation), aloe vera (retains moisture)
- Size: 3.6 oz.
- SPF: None
THE REVIEW: "I get this lotion specifically for my hands!" reads one reviewer. "I am a compulsive hand washer, so much so my knuckles bleed. But this is the ONLY lotion that doesn’t burn those knicks and cuts. I can use it less often than other lotions but it still keeps my hands in the best shape possible! I will forever be a customer for it!"
CeraVe Healing Ointment
CeraVe Healing Ointment
Pros
- Can also double as a lip balm
- Consistency isn't too thick
Cons
- Needs to be shaken well before use
Dealing with dryness and flakiness? Ya gotta give this cult favorite ointment a try, which manages to infuse hydration onto skin without that weird residue feel. Reviewers love how it "sticks" to skin and locks in allllll the moisture.
- Key ingredients: petrolatum (locks in moisture)
- Size: 3 oz.
- SPF: None
THE REVIEW: "It helps to moisturize the skin and helps to protect the skin of our face," writes one reviewer. "If you also apply the face soap, it leaves you very fresh and radiant."
H2Ocean Aquatat Moisturizer
Pros
- Often recommended by professional tattoo artists
- Fast-drying and quick-absorbing
Cons
- May not be a fit for sensitive skin
Palm seed oil is combined with vitamins A, B, C, D, and E in this tattoo lotion that heals your ink while also keeping it moisturized and protected. A little goes a long way with this bb (you’ll only need a small dollop), and it helps soothe irritation and redness while also preventing dryness and scabbing.
- Key ingredients: petrolatum (locks in moisture), glycerin (protects against irritation), bisabolol (anti-inflammatory)
- Size: 1.75 oz.
- SPF: None
THE REVIEW: "They sell these at the tattoo shops and an artist recommended this," one reviewer writes. "You only need to apply a thin layer. I found that it worked great during the healing process of my tattoo. I will keep some on hand for when I get the next tattoo!"
Kopari Organic Coconut Melt
Kopari Organic Coconut Melt
Pros
- Soaks into skin easily
- Some reviewers say it helps give skin a glowy look
Cons
- Pricey
- Scent can vary and be inconsistent
There’s a reason coconut oil is so highly recommended for new tattoos: It’s loaded with skin-soothing acids and vitamins, which work to heal and moisturize your ink ASAP. This balm-like formula from Kopari makes it easy to cover your tattoo without, you know, dipping your hand into a jar of coconut oil.
- Key ingredients: coconut oil (hydrating)
- Size: 5 oz.
- SPF: None
THE REVIEW: "I love this product, and I use it every day for my dry skin," writes one reviewer. "I have bought many expensive creams, but this is the best! The scent is beautiful, I am a repeat customer!"
Billy Jealousy Marked IV Life Tattoo Care Kit
Billy Jealousy Marked IV Life Tattoo Care Kit
Pros
- Very moisturizing and soothing
- Wash is good for cleaning old and new tattoos
Cons
- Sizes are small
- Some reviewers don't like the scent
The coolest thing about this tattoo care kit is that you can use it to heal new ink or freshen up old ink. It comes equipped with a lightweight balm (spiked with vitamin E and olive oil for extra hydration), an antioxidant-rich lotion, and a gentle wash that’s made with soothing ingredients like cucumber extract and hydrolyzed oat protein. Not bad for $30, IMO.
- Key ingredients: aloe leaf extract (anti-inflammatory), glycerin (protects against irritation), olive oil (moisturizing)
- Size: 13.6 oz.
- SPF: None
THE REVIEW: "Great for new and old tattoos helped brighten some older color tattoos and also helped with keeping new ones clean and radiant," writes one reviewer. "Recommended to anyone who is looking for great product and value."
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70
Pros
- Non-greasy formula
- Works well under makeup
Cons
- Can leave a whitecast
- Not as easy to apply evenly
To keep your ink vibrant, protecting it from the sun is extremely key. This sunscreen from Neutrogena is a drugstore classic, top rated by reviewers for its lightweight, ultra blendable texture and high dose of SPF 70.
- Key ingredients: avobenzone (sun protection)
- Size: 3 oz.
- SPF: SPF 70
THE REVIEW: "I am a big fan of Neutrogena products and this product confirms my love for their products," one reviewer writes. "It is not a thick application and once it is on my skin (facial area) it does not feel like it is caked on. So much though that I forget about it after it dries. In my past I have worked with skincare and the importance of UVA and UVB protection is absolutely a must. This is the product for that."
Lubriderm Daily Moisture Hydrating Unscented Body Lotion
Lubriderm Daily Moisture Hydrating Unscented Body Lotion
Pros
- Absorbs pretty fast without leaving a residue
- No greasy feeling
Cons
- Some reviewers say you have to reapply often
If even the thought of loading up on body moisturizer has you feeling greasy and slimy, you’ll love this pick from Lubriderm. It’s fragrance-free, super hydrating, and nongreasy—so you can moisturize your tattoo and go live your life.
- Key ingredients: glycerin (protects against irritation), citric acid (buffering), grape seed soil (soothing)
- Size: 24 oz.
- SPF: None
THE REVIEW: "I've been using Lubriderm for quite some time," writes one reviewer. "I like the subtle scent and how well it moisturizes and absorbs so quickly."
Do you need to use lotion on new tattoos?
“The main goal of lotion during the aftercare process is to keep the skin moisturized,” says Jingxi Gu, owner and lead artist at Patch Tattoo Therapy in Tarzana, California. “If the skin is too dry during the healing process, there will be tearing which will rip off ink," she explains. "Apply a very thin layer of lotion or moisturizer no more than three times a day. Too much moisturizer will clog pores and impact the healing process. Too little moisturizer will not prevent the skin from cracking. Listen to your body as everyone is different!”
How do I keep a new tattoo protected?
After your session, your tattoo artist will put either a plastic film wrap or plastic adhesive wrap on your tattoo. According to Gu, the plastic film wrap is similar to cling film and should be kept on for 2 to 4 hours. The plastic adhesive wrap, meanwhile, "is more commonly used nowadays," Gu says, and is a breathable, waterproof, transparent sticker that should be kept on for 2 to 7 days.
"I recommend 3 to 4 days," Gu says. "Popular brands are Saniderm and Second Skin. After removing either type of wrap, gently clean your wound with unscented mild soap and water. Clean your wound like this at least once a day until it's fully healed."
A few more tattoo aftercare tips from Gu:
- Don't scrub the tattoo with a brush or towel until your tattoo has healed.
- Dry the tattooed area by gently patting with a clean, sterile towel.
- Do not reapply a new bandage.
- Remember: Your tattoo needs to be exposed to clean air to naturally heal.
How do I keep my tattoo vibrant?
“After the initial healing period of three to five days, we recommend using lotion for two weeks to one month after the tattoo has healed,” says Goold. “That said, it can definitely take longer for your tattoo to heal, and to keep it from fading, you’ll want to keep it moisturized regularly—especially if you have color tattoos.”
How to find the best tattoo lotion:
Evaluate the ingredients
If you recently had your ink done, you'll want ingredients that can help heal the tattooed skin. You must remember that it has recently been punctured and therefore should be treated as a wound, meaning you should stay clear of any ingredients that can irritate the area. Look for tattoo lotions rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and avoid any product that has fragrance.
Look at the formula
Yes, this is a roundup of the best tattoo ~lotions~, BUT there are plenty of other formulas to consider: Creams, balms, and salves are all great options that'll aid in healing your tattoos and prevent the color from fading. It all comes down to your personal preference.
Meet the experts:
- Jingxi Gu is the owner and lead artist at Patch Tattoo Therapy in Tarzana, California, which offers custom tattoos and tattoo training workshops for aspiring tattoo artists.
- Liz Goold is the general manager of Nice Tattoo Parlor in Brooklyn, New York.
Mekita Rivas is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. She writes about everything from the best leather totes and books she can't put down to plants, podcasts, and politics. Prior to joining Cosmopolitan, she was a senior contributing fashion editor at PopSugar and Bustle. Her writing has been published in dozens of publications including The New York Times, Vogue, Harper's BAZAAR, Women's Health, Refinery29, and others. She currently splits her time between New York City and Washington, D.C. Follow Mekita on Instagram, where you'll typically find a mix of her snapshots from fashion week and various editor travels.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty in the makeup, skin, and hair spaces, as well as some fashion and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to achieve ridiculously glowing skin, a super bouncy blowout, or exactly how to use that viral face mask? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As NYC's newest resident, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini this city has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram where you'll see that her account is mostly dedicated to pics of her cute dog and that magazine life.
Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.
Watch Next
A Totally Normal Guide to Harry Styles’s Tattoos
Derms Love These Sunscreens for Tattoos
ICYMI, Olivia Wilde Has a Butt Tattoo
The Piercings *Everyone* Will Be Getting in 2023
