what ointment is good for new tattoos 5 top picks 2025
Bepanthen Tattoo Aftercare Ointment is dermatologically tested to help heal and protect Tattoos. It contains Pro-vitamin B5 which helps to keep your tattooed skin moisturised and protected. The breathable protective layer provides the moisture level needed to help the skin to regenerate from within.
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.
What can I put on my tattoo after getting it done? Here at Art n Soul we highly recommend using QV for your after tattoo care cream, which is conveniently sold at most chemists and supermarkets.
The first three days after the tattoo
Once dry, apply a thin layer of After Care of your choice. I recommend regular Bepanthen. NO Vaseline. Vaseline will clog the pores and hinder the healing process.
Better Alternatives Available:
Some popular alternatives include coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and specialized tattoo aftercare products.
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!
Tattoo aftercare is not a step where you want to cut corners or take unnecessary risks. Using a product not specifically designed for tattoos, like Bepanthen, can potentially lead to complications that could have been easily avoided. Choose tattoo aftercare products specially formulated for healing tattoos.
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.
Gently Clean the Tattoo: Use antibacterial soap like QV Gentle Wash, which is designed for sensitive skin. This soap is non-drying and helps cleanse without irritating. Rinse with Warm Water: Make sure to rinse off all the soap with warm water.
Fresh tattoos need a completely different type of moisturiser. Usually called aftercare cream, it's made for tattooed skin that needs to recover. Choose a cream that's fragrance free, made with natural ingredients and designed for new ink.
Leave over night then the following day wash once a day in the shower and apply a moisturiser 3-4 times daily (At Nala we have had very good results with Bepanthen, but alternatives such as E45 cream, cocoa butter, vitamin E cream can be used) With the moisturiser,.
Your Brand New Tattoo – What Not to Do While It Is Healing
Artists recommend fragrance-free, non-petroleum products specifically formulated for tattoo healing. Tattoo balms (like Hustle Butter, Redemption, After Inked) keep skin hydrated and reduce irritation. Lotions (Lubriderm, Aveeno, Aquaphor Healing Ointment in moderation) work well if applied thinly.
However, if you take a closer look at the ingredients, you'll find that there's almost no real difference between the regular Bepanthen and Bepanthen Tattoo. The only things that differ are the packaging, name, and tube size: Regular Bepanthen – 100 g for about $20. Bepanthen Tattoo – 30 g for about $8 (as of 2025)
Bepanthen Tattoo Aftercare Ointment is dermatologically tested to help heal and protect tattoos. It contains Pro-vitamin B5 which helps to keep your tattooed skin moisturised and protected. The breathable protective layer provides the moisture level needed to help the skin to regenerate from within.
First, moisturizing a new tattoo is crucial for preventing scabbing. Heavy scabbing can dull the appearance of your tattoo and even lead to some fading over time. Keeping the skin supple allows it to heal more evenly, resulting in a brighter, sharper tattoo that lasts.
What to do:
Apply a layer of moisturizing antibiotic ointment, but don't put on another bandage. Carefully wash your tattoo area three times a day with soap and water, and gently pat it dry. Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean your tattoo to keep it moist.
Traditional Bepanthen creams, like those made for baby care, might be too thick for tattoo healing and can leave a greasy residue that is difficult to manage. Tattoo-specific Bepanthen products are usually fragrance free, which helps reduce the risk of irritation.
"During the healing process, you should moisturize your tattoo three to six times a day," Ladna says, explaining that keeping your tattoo hydrated during the initial days is especially critical. "If your tattoo becomes too dry, the healing may actually take longer, and you may risk losing color saturation."
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.
Cleaning and Excessive Water Exposure
Who would have thought that cleaning the tattoo could also sabotage healing? Avoid submerging your fresh tattoo underwater or apply excessive water while showering. Our skin could absorb the water and damage the tattoo.