What to use on a tattoo instead of Aquaphor?

Author: Jack Mayert I  |  Last update: Friday, May 30, 2025

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.

What to use on a tattoo if I don't have Aquaphor?

Some popular alternatives include coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and specialized tattoo aftercare products.

What can I use in place of Aquaphor?

Other non-toxic alternatives to Aquaphor and petroleum jelly that I haven't tried but would trust:
  • Alba un-petroleum jelly
  • Badger Balm baby balm
  • Whole Foods Jelly unpetroleum
  • Earth Mama organics baby face nose and cheek balm
  • Honest all purpose balm

What is the best thing to moisturize a new tattoo?

Use a healing ointment like Aquaphor, NOT Vaseline. Either that, or an unscented healing lotion, such as CeraVe or Aveeno. Lition containing fragrance will dry out your tattoo rather than help it to heal.

Why do tattoo artists say not to use Aquaphor?

Aquaphor is heavy and petroleum based, can clog your pores and make healing a tattoo worse or cause ink loss.

Aquaphor Alternative For Tattoos

What is the best ointment for tattoos?

A top pick of Jackson, Aquaphor's light ointment is ideal for reducing any itchiness, avoiding any scabbing, and keeping the tattoo moisturized. “I only recommend a light ointment, such as Aquaphor, after a couple of weeks of healing if the tattoo is scabbed up or shiny,” Jackson says.

Is Vaseline ok for tattoos?

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).

What lotions not to use on tattoos?

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

Is coconut oil good for tattoos?

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.

Can I use Neosporin instead of Aquaphor?

Significant improvements in erythema (Days 7-18), edema (Days 4 and 7), epithelial confluence (Days 7-18), and general wound appearance (Days 7-18) were observed with Aquaphor compared with Neosporin and Polysporin (p <= . 007). No differences were observed between Neosporin and Polysporin for any clinical parameters.

Is CeraVe better than Aquaphor?

Aquaphor has an average rating of 9.4 out of 10 from a total of 6 ratings on Drugs.com. 80% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 0% reported a negative effect. CeraVe has an average rating of 2.3 out of 10 from a total of 60 ratings on Drugs.com.

What is equivalent to Aquaphor?

I've tried 4 of the brands below- Honest, Alba Botanica, Waxelene and Doctor Rogers. They are all great alternatives to Vaseline and Aquaphor. I personally find that Doctor Rogers Healing Balm was the most impressive at soothing very dry lips.

What is a good substitute for tattoo cream?

Shea Butter: Shea butter is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, making it an excellent moisturiser for tattooed skin. It helps keep the skin hydrated and promotes healing. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is known for its moisturising properties. It helps prevent dryness, reduces itching, and can have anti-inflammatory effects.

When should you not use Aquaphor on a tattoo?

It's a “fine” aftercare solution for tattoos, but many people have claimed that their tattoo faded after using the product. If you're going to use it, wait at least 2 weeks or until the top layer of skin is fully healed.

What pulls ink out of a fresh tattoo?

Laser Removal

Laser tattoo removal machines target ink molecules in the dermis. The powerful beams blast ink into tiny particles your body can naturally flush out as waste. This tattoo removal procedure is the most effective and has the fewest complications. As a result, 95% of tattoos qualify for laser removal.

What is the best lubricant for tattoos?

The majority of tattoo artists and enthusiasts do not ever recommend petroleum-based products, and instead choose natural lubricants like Pro Tattoo Glide, which is safer and supports the healing process.

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.

Why did my tattoo artist tell me not to use ointment?

Others will tell you that antibacterial ointment is a major "no-no." And the old-school artists advise against using any ointments or lotions at all, saying they may be vehicles for bacteria and can cause infection and scabbing.

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 not to put on a fresh tattoo?

Petroleum-based products, like Vaseline, are very heavy. They can prevent oxygen from reaching the skin even if applied in a thin layer. It's best to avoid them altogether. You'll also want to avoid soaps and lotions which contain alcohol, fragrances, or dyes.

What creams are good for tattoos?

Our top picks:
  • Best Tattoo Balm. Hustle Butter Deluxe Tattoo Cream. Read more.
  • Best Overall Tattoo Lotion. Aquaphor Healing Ointment. Read more.
  • Best Value Tattoo Lotion. Lubriderm Daily Moisture Body Lotion. Read more.

Why do tattoo artists use Vaseline?

Basic Lubrication: Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is commonly used as a lubricant during tattoo sessions. It provides a basic level of lubrication, allowing the tattoo needle to glide smoothly over the skin and reducing friction.

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