Heres What You Need To Buy:
There are tons of fancy tattoo care products on the market, but most tattoo artists will recommend three things: Aquaphor healing ointment, unscented Lubriderm lotion, and Dial antibacterial liquid soap.
Theres plenty of debate about whether Aquaphor or A& D Ointment are better for the first few days. Honestly, it doesnt matter, because they both work perfectly fine. I have used both, but Aquaphor is definitely my first choice. It spreads on easier and it doesnt clog the pores as much. I like to buy the miniature multipacks so I can keep one at work and one at home.
Its also recommended that you switch to an unscented lotion after three days or so. Lubriderm is most artists lotion of choice because its gentle but effective at moisturizing. When it comes to soap, some people swear by H20ceans green soap, and some love to use Dr. Bronners Castile Soap . But Dials classic antibacterial soap is pretty much the standard choice for most.
Youll also want to make sure to have some plastic wrap and a roll of paper towels around.
Hustle Butter Deluxe: The Best Vegan Tattoo Cream
Price: £20 | Buy now from Your Beauty Shop
For those looking for an all-natural tattoo cream, Hustle Butter Deluxe has got you covered. This cream helps prepare the skin before a tattoo, as well as speed up the healing process and help revitalise older tattoos. The creams formula is certified as being both vegan and cruelty-free.
It uses ingredients such as shea, aloe and mango butters, as well as green tea, coconut, vitamin E complex and natural oils. Its non-comedogenic and contains no petroleum or paraben products. This cream has a mild antibiotic effect as well, thanks to the addition of mint arvensis oil, to prevent infection and encourage proper healing.
It also has counterirritant and analgesic factors to handle itching and swelling. Hustle Butter Deluxe is perfect for every step of the tattoo process. Whether its to prepare the skin for ink, keep it healthy as it heals or to prevent tattoo fading, this cream can help you out.
Key specs Volume: 150ml Key ingredients: Shea, mango and coconut butters Main feature: Vegan
Price: £18 |
An occlusive cream is one of the best ways to keep your tattoo properly hydrated. Occlusives trap moisture in the skin and prevent it from evaporating. CeraVe Healing Ointment contains petrolatum as its active ingredient, which works to keep hydration in the skin. The cream also has three essential ceramides, which can help with the skins healing process.
What Is The Healthiest Soap To Use
Good stuff Aspen Kay. Some of you have asked about this brand and Im glad to see its good stuff. During nature. Soap to cry out loud. Christina Mather Handmade goat milk soap. Pangaea Organics. Doctor of pharmacy for baths and beauty bars. Beauty hand and body soap. Paleo Skincare greasy soap. Poofy Organics soap bars.
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Is Cerave Good For Tattoos
CeraVe is an excellent option for people who have tattoos as the product contains ingredients that help heal the skin by allowing the natural regeneration of the skin and reducing any bacterial infection or further damage to that area of the skin.
CeraVe is also able to hydrate the area of the skin where it is applied as it contains Ceramides in its formulation that create a barrier on the skin that prevents moisture from escaping that encourages the skin to heal itself. The product is also gentle and mild enough to be used every day and be applied to damaged and sensitive areas of the skin without causing any further damage.
CeraVe is an excellent option for those who want their tattoo to look its best and also not have to worry about the possibility of infections. The ceramides and emollients present in the CereVe moisturising products make sure that the tattoo has all the moisture it needs and prevent it from being susceptible to changes in the weather and temperature. It is also unscented which means that your skin will not be inflamed and irritated after use. It is definitely worth a try!
Is Neosporin Ointment Good For Tattoos

While Neosporin isnt the best option, your tattoo artist will likely recommend a different type of healing ointment. One of the most popular products is A+D ointment, which contains white petroleum jelly. This medication is used as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, flaky, itchy skin and mild skin irritation. and lanolin. It is best to use it the first day or after the tattoo.
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Cerave Healing Ointment Vs Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Now well take a look at some of the differences between CeraVe and Aquaphor Healing Ointments.
Texture
Top: Aquaphor Bottom: CeraVe Healing Ointment
The texture of Aquaphor and CeraVe Healing Ointments are pretty similar, although Aquaphor is slightly thicker than the CeraVe. The CeraVe has a little more slip and feels lighter and silkier than the Aquaphor, which is a plus in my book, especially if you are using it on the face.
I use both on the lips and to me they feel pretty much the same when on the lips. I do find that the CeraVe Healing Ointment works better for me, especially in the winter.
Top: Aquaphor Bottom: CeraVeLeft: Aquaphor Right: CeraVe
Price
Aquaphor Healing Ointment wins hands down in the price category its much less expensive than CeraVe.
A 14oz tub of Aquaphor retails for about $13.00, depending on the retailer. A 12oz tub of CeraVe retails for about $19.99. So not only is it about $7 more expensive, but you also get 2oz less.
However, it is important to note that CeraVe does have many more ingredients than Aquaphor. And no matter which one you get, they will last you a very long time.
Ingredients
The CeraVe Healing Ointment does have a handful more ingredients that are incredibly beneficial to the skin and make CeraVes formula much more powerful. Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine are just a few that provide incredible benefit to the skin.
What Is The Best Thing To Put On A New Tattoo To Heal
Wash your tattoo once or twice a day during the healing process. Washing too often can remove natural bacteria from your body, allowing your skin to heal better. It is enough to wash the tattoo in the morning and in the evening before going to bed. On the first day, the tattoo will seep with clear plasma.
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What Is The Best Lotion To Put On A New Tattoo
This answer depends on your skin type, tattoo, and personal preferences. Its also the reason we put together this list and buying guide. The question of which tattoo lotion is best is one for you to answer, but were here to help.
As you read through this guide and our products listed, consider your personal preferences and needs. Is your skin already really dry? Are you trying to avoid aloe vera? All these things matter!
What Is The Best Lotion For Very Sensitive Skin
Another of the best lotions for sensitive skin is Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Lotion, which also relieves itching and dryness. Lubriderm Intense Skin Repair Body Lotion with Itch Relief is another great body lotion that soothes any sensitivity or irritation and is fragrance free so it wont irritate your senses.
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Cerave Healing Ointment Vs Aquaphor For Eczema
Both CeraVe Healing Ointment and Aquaphor are great products for eczema and can reduce the irritation, redness, dryness and flaking skin associated with the skin condition.
However, those with eczema may find that Aquaphor is more soothing to irritated skin as it has more calming ingredients in it like Bisabolol and Panthenol.
How To Care For Your New Tattoo
Whether its your first ever tattoo or your tenth, its important to take care of your tattoo while it heals, to make it as vibrant and healthy as possible, once its healed. Here are some top tips to help you get the best results:
1. Keep your tattoo clean. Gently wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day with mild soap and water. Pat dry with a clean towel. Avoid using harsh chemicals, scrubbing, or soaking/submerging the new tattoo.
2. Apply ointment. After each wash, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or ointment to keep the tattoo moisturized. Dont overdo it and apply too much lotion, as you should be able to see the tattoo through the ointment.
3. Avoid sun and water exposure. Try to keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight, and avoid long periods of time in water .
4. Dont pick or scratch your healing tattoo. Its normal for tattoos to itch as they heal, but try, if you can, to resist the urge to pick or scratch. This can damage the tattoo, and leave you with a patchy tattoo, once its healed, as well as risking infection. If the itching becomes too much, you could try holding a cold compress on the area, or applying a light layer of hydrocortisone cream.
5. Be patient! Tattoos take several weeks to heal completely, so its important to be patient during the process. Follow these care instructions, and soon youll have a beautiful, long-lasting tattoo that you can enjoy for years to come!
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Optional: Add Emu Oil To Your Regimen
Ive had excellent results with emu oil as a part of the aftercare.
- Its not quite emollient enough for me to use it alone, so I generally use a combination of my fragrance-free moisturizer in the mornings and emu oil throughout the day.
- Emu oil is reported to have properties that allow it to penetrate deep into the skin, and it also contains effective anti-inflammatory properties.
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Similar Products: You Have Options

EltaMD Laser Balm Post-Procedure Healing Ointment: This specially-formulated ointment is designed to be used to heal your skin after laser procedures or any type of surgical wound.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Aquaphor has been considered a direct dupe of the CeraVe ointment, and at almost half the price , but instead of ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it uses panthenol and glyercin to heal and nourish dry and cracked skin.
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The Typical Tattoo Healing Process
A few hours after you leave the studio, remove the bandage, and clean your skin with antibacterial soaps and lukewarm water.
Let it dry and gently apply a thin layer of tattoo ointment.
Your tattoo is probably going to ooze ink for the first couple of days. It still may be a little swollen and red.
Keep washing it morning and night, and throughout the day if you get sweaty or dirty. Each time, put on a little ointment.
Within three to five days, your tattoo will have formed a scab and may start to peel. Avoid picking it. Just keep the washing and moisturizing it. As long as you use moisturizer, youll keep the skin from bleeding and cracking.
Now, hang in there as the scabs fall off on their own. It may take a couple of weeks for the surface to heal.
Underneath, the lower layers of your skin are still sensitive and recovering for up to five weeks.
Even after your skin looks like its fresh and back to normal, it needs to be well moist. Why moisturizer?
If your skin is dry and ashy, your tattoo will look dull.
Most of the top tattoo ointments we review below are perfect for keeping the ink vibrant throughout the years to come.
Fewer Tattoo Removal Treatments Required
Laser tattoo removal is the most popular tattoo removal method today but it has many downsides. One of the biggest downsides to laser tattoo removal is the number of sessions required to see results. Some clients may pay and go through 20 sessions, only to end up with a tattoo that is faded buit not completely removed. Our UNDO TM non-laser tattoo removal system can remove your unwanted ink in fewer treatments than laser tattoo removal.
UNDO NON-LASER TATTOO REMOVAL IS COST EFFECTIVE
UNDO requires fewer sessions, thus it is more affordable than laser tattoo removal. Read More
UNDO IS THE SAFEST METHOD OF TATTOO REMOVAL
When you do a laser tattoo removal, the ink that is broken down by the laser. Read More
UNDO IS A COMFORTABLE EXPERIENCE
Laser and saline tattoo removal is painful. In fact, we have had several clients report. Read More
UNDO HAS NO INK OR SKIN TONE RESTRICTIONS LIKE LASER TATTOO REMOVAL
With laser tattoo removal, there are many different factors that affect the results. Read More
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Is Cerave Healing Ointment The Same As Vaseline
Vaseline and CeraVe Healing Ointment are completely different. Since Vaseline has only one ingredient , its benefits are pretty limited.
While the Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is an occlusive, meaning it will prevent water loss from the skin, you wont get any notable skin benefits besides temporary relief of dryness or protection from irritants.
Vaseline is a good starting point if youre new to using occlusives and want something simple. But for those wanting some serious hydration, CeraVe Healing Ointments formulation includes hyaluronic acid, cholesterol and ceramides, which will deliver lasting hydration and can be much more beneficial. Plus the formula feel much better on the skin as its less goopy.
Urban Nomads Tattoo Aftercare Oil
If youve ever used beard oil, this Barcelona-made product is quite similar. Its based on argan oil, one of the worlds finest plant-based moisturizers. Its excellent for both skin and hair.
It smells fabulous as it contains bergamot, chamomile, rosemary, and lemon essential oils. They are excellent for healing the skin.
They dont just add fragrance, but they also disinfect and reduce irritation.
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Tattoo Aftercare What Products To Use
If you just got a new tattoo, one of the first things that your tattoo artist will tell you is how much aftercare is important. A tattoo takes four to six weeks to heal completely and one of the biggest mistakes that you could ever make is to allow your tattoo the get dry.
After you get new ink, your ultimate goal should be to avoid scab formation, which will also help prevent scars or lightened spots. In order to prevent stabbing, you should always use a protective cream, salve, or a tattoo-friendly moisturizer that will protect and keep your ink hydrated. You can see some examples of these products here.
In this article, you will be able to read about eight products that you can use. Lets take a look at the creams:
Contents
What Are The Benefits Of Using Cerave
CeraVe is a dermatologist-recommended skincare line that includes acne-fighting, ceramide boosting ingredients. Thanks to the formulas being highly effective for treating both skin issues and tattoos, many people have found it to be good for their different skin concerns overall.
There are many benefits to using CeraVe skincare. Such as experiencing an increase in moisture retention, as well as collagen production.
Collagen is responsible for keeping your skin youthful looking, so by increasing its production, you are helping keep your skin looking radiant, and cared for. CeraVe also includes soothing ingredients like chamomile, which help calm irritated skin, which is exactly what you want right after having a tattoo.
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What Is Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Certified: Fragrance-free, Dermatologist-tested
Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a skin protectant that forms a protective barrier over the skin to prevent moisture loss. Its similar to Vaseline Petroleum Jelly but has other ingredients like lanolin and glycerin to enhance its barrier forming properties and skin conditioning properties.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment is one of the most popular skin protectants out there and is non-comedogenic, so its safe for acne-prone skin types. It can also be used on diaper rash or minor cuts and scrapes to help speed up the healing process.
Like the CeraVe Healing Ointment, Aquaphor can be used on the face, lips or body to nourish and protect the skin. Its also commonly used to heal cuts, scrapes and other injuries.
Aquaphor is fragrance-free and preservative-free. Its highly recommended by dermatologists for a number of skin issues and irritations.
Can I Use Cerave Lotion On My Tattoo

CeraVe Lotion can definitely be used on your tattoos as Dermatologists recommend this lotion to people who have tattoos as the skin loses its moisture during the tattooing process and the CeraVe lotion is gentle enough to restore the moisture without causing further damage to the area of the tattoo.
The CeraVe lotion does this as it contains ceramides that protect and restore the layer of the skin that allows moisture retention which in turn allows your tattoo to look and feel its best along with encouraging the natural regeneration of the area of the skin that has the tattoo.
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+ Cerave Healing Ointment For Tattoos Pictures
Best lotion for my dry itchy skin 5. Cerave healing ointment vs vaseline. At this point, you should continue to keep the tattoo clean, as it will still be healing. I use this on my face and i would not suggest it for tattoos. You also want to apply something greasy so it fully protects the tattooed area. if you’re not a fan of thicker ointments, this one may be a good middle ground option, as it sinks in fast and manages to still feel lightweight on the skin. Best lotion for my dry itchy skin 5.