What is the best cream for an itchy tattoo?

Author: Prof. Wellington Roob IV  |  Last update: Thursday, December 11, 2025

  • Best Seller. Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Cream with Soothing Aloe, 1% Hydrocortisone Creme, 2 oz. 2 Ounce (Pack of 1) (6.1K) ...
  • Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare 5oz Tattoo Balm, Heals + Protects New Tattoos and Rejuvenates Older Tattoos - 100% Vegan Cream No-Petroleum. Tattoo Balm. 5 Ounce (Pack of 1) (32.8K)

How do you stop a tattoo from itching?

Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to prevent ultraviolet (UV)-induced itching and ink fading. Dry skin: To combat dryness and itching, keep the tattooed area well-moisturized with a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic lotion or aftercare products for tattoos.

Should I moisturize an itchy tattoo?

Additional moisturizer may help relieve the itch. Using a moisturizer that is kept in the refrigerator may also soothe itchy or irritated skin. If necessary, an over-the-counter product, such as Benadryl, may be taken by mouth to help relieve the itching. Learn more about why tattoos can be itchy.

What happens if you put hydrocortisone cream on a tattoo?

Yes. New and older tattoos are equally prone to skin damage, skin infection, and itchy, scaly skin. To get relief from itching on a tattoo, you can use Hydrocortisone cream and apply it over the itchy surface in small amounts. The application of Hydrocortisone cream does not damage the tattoo.

What cream is good for itchy tattoos?

  • Best Seller. Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Cream with Soothing Aloe, 1% Hydrocortisone Creme, 2 oz. 2 Ounce (Pack of 1) (5.9K) ...
  • Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare 5oz Tattoo Balm, Heals + Protects New Tattoos and Rejuvenates Older Tattoos - 100% Vegan Cream No-Petroleum. Tattoo Balm. 5 Ounce (Pack of 1) (32.8K)

How to Deal With a ITCHY NEW TATTOO

What creams should not be used on tattoos?

Seven Skincare Products to Avoid
  • Aquaphor.
  • A+D Ointment.
  • Bepanthen.
  • Vaseline.
  • Bacitracin.
  • Neosporin.
  • Lubriderm.

What is the best thing to put on a new tattoo?

Both Paul and Shuliar recommend Aquaphor healing ointment for tattoo aftercare because it's unscented and designed to create a protective healing barrier while allowing oxygen to pass through.

Can you rub an itchy tattoo?

Patting, slapping, peeling and rubbing also falls into the “no, no” category. To help soothe the annoying itch, use Tattoo Goo lotion with Panthenol—which should take the itching away and speed up the healing process. Don't let anyone touch it (or, yes, lick it) – Why? Because germs that's why.

What happens if you put too much Aquaphor on a tattoo?

A thin layer is strongly suggested, too much aquaphor can pull out the ink and damage the quality of the tattoo, which results in a higher chance the tattoo will need a touch-up.

What stage of tattoo is itchy?

Stage Two (Days 7-14) – Itching and flaking begins, and this continues until layers of dead skin and scabs have fallen off. 3. Stage Three (Days 15-30) – Tattoo looks fully healed but may look slightly cloudy for a few weeks. Deeper layers of skin are still repairing, so continue to look after your tattoo.

What is the best lotion for tattoos?

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. Cosmo assistant news editor Sam Olson loves using Aquaphor on her fresh tattoos.

How do you sleep with an itchy tattoo?

How do you not scratch a tattoo in sleep? Unfortunately, there's no way to control what your body does while you sleep, but keeping your new tattoo covered during the night will help mitigate the risk of causing any injuries by scratching it.

How to tell if a tattoo is infected or just healing?

What Does an Infected Tattoo Look Like?
  1. A rash that can be itchy with scaly, raised, or swollen bumps.
  2. Excessive redness or discoloration, where the skin beneath the tattoo becomes darker instead of lightening up as it heals.
  3. Pus that oozes from blisters on the skin.
  4. Open sores that may have crusting.

Is CeraVe good for tattoos?

RK, tattoo artist at Brooklyn studio Atelier Eva, says: “I always recommend a white, unscented dry skin cream like CeraVe because it's simple and reliable.” Instead of coming out of a pump, this lotion is a thick, scoopable cream that's easier to apply precisely, with ingredients that support hydration and recovery ( ...

What can I do to relieve tattoo itching?

Moisturising helps keep the skin hydrated, reducing dryness and itchiness. Use cold compresses: Applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth can provide temporary relief from itching. Remember to avoid direct contact between ice and the tattooed area.

Are anti-itch creams safe?

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. If the treated area starts to bleed, especially if you are using this product for anal itching, contact your doctor right away. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

When does a tattoo fully heal?

Tattoos typically take two to four weeks to heal on the surface, but it can take three to six months to fully heal. The tattoo healing process typically involves a week of redness and oozing, followed by two to three weeks of itchiness and peeling. After about a month, the skin still internally heals.

What lotion not to use on a new tattoo?

Tattoo should not look “soggy”. DO NOT use products containing Aloe Vera, Alcohol or Cortisone.

How do you calm down a new tattoo?

The Ultimate Guide to Healing Your New Tattoo with Confidence
  1. Relax and Stay Calm.
  2. Say No to Re-Bandaging.
  3. Wash Your Tattoo with Mad Rabbit Gentle Wash.
  4. Let Your Tattoo Breathe—No Picking Allowed.
  5. Moisturize Regularly—But Don't Overdo It.
  6. Avoid Baths, Pools, and Hot Tubs.
  7. Stay Out of the Sun (For Now)

What is the best cream for new tattoos?

Aquaphor's all-purpose ointment won a top spot in the 2022 Good Housekeeping Beauty Awards for its nourishing glycerin and panthenol formula. It creates a protective barrier that allows skin to heal and prevents moisture loss, according to the GH Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab's data evaluation.

What lotion fades tattoos?

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and hydroquinone. TCA removes the top layer of skin and penetrates some of the underlying layers to effectively remove most of that tattoo ink. Hydroquinone is a skin bleacher and lightening cream that reduces the melatonin and fades the pigments in the epidermis.

What is the best soap for tattoos?

Using Castile Soap for Tattoo Aftercare

No need for alarm as this is quite normal. What you're seeing is in fact excess fluid (plasma) and ink from the tattoo process. Using Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap for tattoos is perfect for this step!

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