Bronner's Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap for tattoos is perfect for this step! Most tattoo professionals recommend the Unscented variety so that you are not putting any potentially irritating essential oils on your sensitive skin.
The best soap to use for tattoos is usually a mild, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic liquid soap. Avoid using harsh or scented soaps, as they can irritate the tattooed skin. It's crucial to keep the tattoo clean and moisturized to prevent scabbing and promote proper healing.
To clean your tattoo, start with an antibacterial soap if available, but a plain bath soap is also OK. Something more abrasive isn't necessary, and you should never use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol on your tattoo. A thin layer of antibiotic ointment can help protect your tattoo as it starts healing.
Use mild soap like Dove, Ivory or Dawn dishwashing liquid. It's best to avoid very hot water. Be sure to remove all the Vaseline – it usually take 4 to 6 or more times washing and rinsing the tattoo before the vaseline is gone. Pat dry with a fresh, clean towel.
Any mild unscented soap. Stay away from antibacterial. They can break down natural protections from infection and also dry out the tattoo...
Showers are fine-just NO SOAKING! Using a mild, fragrance-free soap (Dove, Dial, and Neutrogena); gently wash all excess blood, ointment, ink, and plasma from your tattoo. Only use your hand – DO NOT use a washcloth or loofah as they can harbor bacteria. If you are not sure which soap to use, read the ingredients.
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.
Eucerin Aquaphor's gentle and non-irritating formula helps to alleviate discomfort, itchiness, and redness associated with brand new tattoos. By providing a soothing and calming effect, it allows the skin to heal undisturbed, promoting a smoother and more comfortable recovery.
We strongly recommend Dial Gold Anti-Bacterial hand soap and A&D Ointment.
What NOT to do? DON'T re-bandage your tattoo, rub, scratch or pick at your new tattoo. DON'T apply alcohol, Neosporin, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly (they can trap dirt and germs and cause infection). DON'T apply a heavy coat of lotion (remember the skin must breathe in order to heal).
Immediately wash the tattoo with a mild soap. Any unscented soap will do! If you don't have a liquid soap, make sure not to put bar soap directly on the tattoo – lather in your hands, and use the underside of your fingers or your palm to wash the area. Do not scrub!
We recommend using a Cetaphil cleanser or another gentle, unscented cleanser. After cleaning your tattoo, apply a light coat of Pegasus Ointment. Alternatively, you may use Bacitracin, A&D Ointment, or Herbal Savvy. Avoid aloe vera as it dries out the skin and will make your tattoo heal poorly.
Best soaps for tattoo aftercare
According to Jaliman, you will want to use a gentle, hydrating cleanser on freshly tattooed skin. She recommends Cerave Hydrating Body Wash to her patients because “it has ceramides which are used to protect the barrier of the skin and it locks in moisture.
⠀ Our soaps & balms are prized for tattoo aftercare by artists because of their effectiveness as cleansers and moisturizers, while still being gentle on sensitive skin. They're also made with certified organic & fair trade oils—like organic coconut, olive, and jojoba oils—and are certified cruelty free.
A general rule of thumb is to give your new tattoo a minimum of three weeks away from any kind of pool, ocean, or bath. Washing your tattoo with warm or cold water and a mild, fragrance-free, antimicrobial soap is totally fine, and is actually recommended for hygiene reasons.
If you want the best care for your new tattoo, there are far better options than Aquaphor. The semi-occlusive layer suffocates your new ink, slowing the recovery process. And though it's a highly refined version of petroleum oil, it's understandable that you wouldn't want that anywhere near your healing skin.
Bronner's Castile soaps (and balms) have long been prized for tattoo aftercare by tattoo artists because of their effectiveness as cleansers, while still being gentle on sensitive skin.
The Final Takeaway. Because of its moisturizing properties and vitamins that are good for your skin, coconut oil is ultimately more than safe to apply to your tattoo. It's a natural, inexpensive way to heal your tattoo and keep it looking healthy and vibrant for years to come.
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.
Although I've tried both, Aquaphor is unquestionably my top pick. It doesn't clog the pores as much and spreads on more easily.
Do I have to wash my tattoo every time I put lotion on it? In general, moisturizing your skin after washing it each time will help prevent the tattoo from drying out, so it heals faster. You will, however, want to avoid over-moisturizing your tattoo.
Always use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic soap and moisturizer when caring for a tattoo, as harsh chemicals and fragrances can irritate and even damage freshly tattooed skin.
Use a mild, yet effective exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and dirt from the area where you want to get tattooed once or twice a week before your appointment. This will help create a smooth surface for the ink and prevent clogging of the pores.