Yes, you can use coconut oil on your tattoo, and it's a popular, natural moisturizer that helps keep skin supple, offers antibacterial properties, and can reduce inflammation, making healing more comfortable; however, apply it in thin layers after the initial raw stage (usually a few days) to avoid suffocating the skin, ensuring it's pure and fragrance-free for best results, as some artists recommend waiting until scabbing starts to prevent irritation on very fresh, open wounds.
"Often skin that has recently been tattooed can be mildly sore, even occasionally itchy as it heals. Coconut oil decreases inflammation, potentially making the healing process more comfortable." Dr. Leger concurs, noting: "Everything (including tattoos) heals faster when covered with some kind of occlusive ointment."
But coconut oil contains a type of fat (saturated fat) that can increase cholesterol levels. Like all saturated fats, it should be consumed in moderation. Coconut oil is possibly safe when used as a medicine short-term. Taking coconut oil in doses of 10 mL two or three times daily for up to 12 weeks seems to be safe.
Tea tree oil is one of the most effective natural antiseptics for post-tattoo care. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties help reduce the risk of infection and keep skin clean while healing.
Classic Aftercare instructions
We recommend using tiger spit or your preferred ointment (aquafor, A&D, coconut oil, etc) as an aftercare and apply 1-2 times a day, no more than that. Use thin layers and only use once your tattoo has started feeling dry, flaky or pealing.
Along with some of the basic tips, we know you're looking for ways to heal your tattoo fast!
How to Tell if a Tattoo Is Over-Moisturized
Fragranced lotions- I know some of you love using perfumed lotion products from bath and body works, and while they smell great, they contain a bunch of artificial fragrances and contaminants that can cause infections in your open wounds. I would avoid using these until your tattoo is completely healed and settled!
If your artist puts on a Saniderm bandage, you'll be able to skip the first few days of care, but don't leave it on for more than four days and begin moisturizing and washing as soon as you remove it. Once healed, daily moisturization will keep your tattoo looking fresh.
Coconut oil may hydrate dry skin and offer mild antibacterial properties, but it's not effective for healing chronic or infected wounds and is not clinically recommended.
The main side effects of coconut oil on skin are clogged pores, acne breakouts, and folliculitis, especially for oily or acne-prone skin, as it's highly comedogenic. It can also cause allergic reactions (redness, itching, hives) or worsen certain skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, and offers minimal sun protection, making it unsuitable as a sunscreen. Always patch test first, and consider it best for very dry skin on the body, not the face or areas prone to breakouts, say Healthline and Curology.
The antimicrobial properties of coconut oil offer great support for natural hygiene. Lauric acid is the primary fatty acid of coconut fat. This fatty acid is well known for its antimicrobial properties.
Best Tattoo Aftercare Lotion Options
Two of the most recommended options are Aquaphor and Lubriderm (we recommend these at our shop, too!) Both are known for their skin-nourishing properties and compatibility with newly inked skin.
However, we also recommend coconut oil and certain brands of tattoo healing creams such as Hustle Butter, but please do not use Bepanthen, as the ingredients have changed and its no longer beneficial for the tattoo healing process.
Coconut Oil's ability to penetrate the skin seamlessly makes it equally as effective as Petroleum Jelly when treating dryness.
It may help your tattoo heal faster. Unlike petroleum jelly and other products, coconut oil allows the skin to breathe and is easy to wash off without leaving a film. That means it also doesn't feel sticky. And you can use any left-over coconut oil from your tattoo on the rest of your skin.
Keeping skin moisturized & conditioned is vital to ensuring the vibrancy and longevity of your tattoo. Jojoba Oil is the closest thing in nature to the sebum your skin produces to protect itself. This makes jojoba the ideal tattoo aftercare option to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and protect the skin.
To aid the skin healing process, the tattoo needs to be kept moist. You can use a very thin layer of hypoallergenic ointment or fragrance-free lotion like Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion, or Vaseline® Healing Jelly Original. Repeat daily for 2-3 weeks to help wound healing.
While patience is key, there are several proactive steps you can take to help your skin recover more quickly and effectively.
Here's a handful of bad habits that are top of the list of things tattoo artists hate.
Apply a water-based lotion or cream to your tattoo to keep it moisturized — it's never a good idea to leave your fresh new ink susceptible to dryness. “Moisture will help the skin to heal faster and keep scabs from forming,” Dr. Sra says.
Stage One (Days 1-6) – Oozing, swelling and redness that gets better gradually over each day. Scabbing begins to form over the area. 2. Stage Two (Days 7-14) – Itching and flaking begins, and this continues until layers of dead skin and scabs have fallen off.
If their space looks messy or they don't use gloves-run. 🚩 Doesn't listen or rushes you. A good artist will care about your idea and comfort. If they're pushing their own design or hurrying you into decisions, that's a red flag.