Aquaphor is often considered better than Vaseline for tattoos because it's more breathable, allowing air to promote healing, while still providing intense moisture for new ink, with other great options including natural Hustle Butter and After Inked moisturizer. Vaseline's pure petroleum base can trap too much moisture, potentially hindering skin healing, so artists recommend alternatives that hydrate without suffocating the skin.
Aquaphor is the best for healing. Vaseline can trap bacteria!
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.
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.
The alternative for vaseline are Aloe vera, Beeswax, coconut oil, Jojoba oil.
Aquaphor and Vaseline are often used interchangeably (and often recommended interchangeably by dermatologists). Which one to use often comes down to personal preference. As an example, Vaseline is a bit thicker and greasier than Aquaphor, and some people don't love its texture.
A fully dried stencil won't smudge or disappear when you apply Vaseline. ⏳ Vaseline creates a barrier between the stencil and ink, protecting it during the tattoo process. Now you can confidently dab and wipe away ink without stencil issues!
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!
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.
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.
Protecting Your Fresh Ink: Essential Ointments for New Tattoos
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. After 5 days, you can switch from an antibiotic ointment to a gentle fragrance-free body lotion.
Your Brand New Tattoo – What Not to Do While It Is Healing
While this might seem like a good thing for trapping moisture, it can have negative consequences for your tattoo. Tattoos need to breathe during the healing process, and Vaseline can clog pores, potentially leading to infection and delayed healing.
Let the tattoo dry out for 2-3 days. This means no lotion but, you can still wash it. Showering is fine.
Tattoo Inks & Ink Solutions
A carrier fluid — typically water or alcohol blended with additives like witch hazel or glycerin — keeps the mixture sterile, stable, and easy to work with. The ratio of pigment to carrier determines how saturated the ink looks, how opaque it heals, and how it holds in the skin over time.
Here's a handful of bad habits that are top of the list of things tattoo artists hate.
A $2000 tattoo can range from a detailed half-sleeve to a large, intricate thigh or chest piece, or even the beginning of a full back or sleeve, often taking multiple sessions and significant artist hours (8+ hours) for complex designs, but it depends heavily on the artist's skill, location, and the design's intricacy.
Bepanthen is one of the most highly recommended tattoo aftercare products and is the go-to ointment for many tattoo artists and studios. Typically used as a nappy rash ointment, Bepanthen has been around for a long time, and its gentle formula is used to treat babies with irritated skin.
After getting a tattoo, avoid scratching, picking scabs, submerging it in water (baths, pools, hot tubs), prolonged sun exposure, tight clothing, and using harsh/fragranced soaps or heavy petroleum jelly; instead, keep it clean with unscented soap, moisturize lightly with artist-recommended lotion, and let it heal naturally to prevent infection and fading. Always follow your tattoo artist's specific aftercare instructions for best results.
Calendula Oil/Extract: Calendula has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It can help reduce redness and irritation around the tattooed area. Lavender Oil: Lavender oil is often added for its calming and healing effects. It can help reduce pain, inflammation, and promote a sense of relaxation.
Better Alternatives Available:
These products are typically lighter in texture and specifically formulated to aid in the healing process. Some popular alternatives include coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and specialized tattoo aftercare products.
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.
Once your tattoo is fully healed (after three to six months), you can use petroleum-based ointments or Vaseline to help relieve dry skin. Just remember to ensure the skin is clean and completely dry before applying any of these types of gels, so you don't trap in moisture and possibly bacteria.