Instead of Bepanthen, you can use other gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers or ointments like Aquaphor Healing Ointment, A+D, unscented Lubriderm/Curel/Aveeno lotion, Sudocrem, coconut oil, shea butter, or specialized tattoo aftercare products (Hustle Butter) to keep your new tattoo moisturized, preventing dryness and infection, but always ensure they're mild, unscented, and applied in a thin layer after gentle cleaning.
Some people may not like using this because of the texture but if it's good enough for a baby's bum it's good enough for us! Alternatives to Bepanthen nappy rash cream are Tattoo Goo and Hustle Butter. They are sold in some tattoo studios or you can buy them online.
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.
Best Tattoo Aftercare Lotion Options
Two of the most recommended options are Aquaphor and Lubriderm (we recommend these at our shop, too!)
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.
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). DON'T expose your tattoo to direct sunlight, swim, sauna, steam or tub for 2 weeks.
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin™ Zinc Oxide ointment, Neosporin™ or Vitamin A&D ointment. After 5 days, substitute a gentle fragrance-free and color-free body lotion. Repeat the above washing/ointment procedure at least 3 times a day for 1–2 weeks.
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.
Despite its popularity, Bepanthen has divided opinion among tattoo professionals. The main concern is that the traditional formula contains petrolatum and paraffin, both of which create a thick barrier on the skin. Although this helps keep moisture in, it can also block airflow if applied too heavily.
If you can't find tattoo aftercare cream, we recommend Bepanthen, Vaseline or Palmers Cocoa Butter as a last resort. For approximately 10 days, or until the area has healed, steps 3-5 should be repeated for three to four times each day as necessary.
Tattoo cream: the importance of protecting a new tattoo
But if you don't care for the health of your ink, it can lose colour or fade more quickly, and in extreme cases the skin can become irritated, damaged or infected.
We also recommend a clean apron and workspace.
Brands include Bepanthen Ointment, Dermaveem eczema cream, Egozite baby cream, Egoderm ointment and Sudocrem. Some creams and ointments should not be used if your baby's skin has open or weepy sores, so always check with your pharmacist first.
Tea Tree Oil: With its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree essential oil can be a good option to protect your tattoo from external pathogens and reduce the risk of infections. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel is another natural remedy that can promote skin healing.
On day 3 you may apply some light moisturiser lotion (Vaseline Dry Skin is what we recommend) once a day or every other day, as little as possible, if at all. Your tattoo will heal naturally on its own. NEVER apply Bepanthen, petroleum jelly, alcohol or other creams and lotions without asking your artist.
Tattoo colour fading was not reported as an adverse effect to Bepanthen® Tattoo Ointment in the clinical study1.
Signs of an Over-Moisturized Tattoo
If you notice that your skin feels greasy to the touch after several hours, there's a chance you've applied too much lotion, or that you've applied one that's too thick. Your skin looks or feels irritated. Over-moisturizing with oil-based lotions can lead to clogged pores.
Then you will apply a very small amount of Aquaphor Ointment or plain, unscented skin lotion (we recommend Aveeno, Lubriderm, Curel, or any of their generics) to the tattoo, just enough to lightly moisturize. Do not slather a big, thick coat of product over it; just enough for it to stay moist and flexible.
Here's a handful of bad habits that are top of the list of things tattoo artists hate.
You have a rash or bumpy skin around your tattoo
If you notice a rash or lumpy, bumpy skin around your new tattoo, this could be something to worry about. Any itching that seems extreme, or rashes and cracked skin, could indicate infection.
What to do:
We like A&D or Aquaphor. DO NOT use neosporin or triple antibiotic creams. These ointments have properties that can take color out of a tattoo. For the first three or four days you will repeat the washing and ointment application three times a day.