Tattoo Balm: Soothe and Protect Your New Ink - Best Tattoo Balms

Tattoo balms, also known as tattoo ointments or tattoo aftercare creams, contain moisturizers and soothing ingredients to help keep a new tattoo hydrated, nurtured and protected as it heals. Applying a quality tattoo balm is one of the best ways to ensure your new tattoo fades beautifully and the colors stay bright.

Tattoo balms typically contain a mix of shea butter, jojoba oil, beeswax, vitamin E, aloe, and cocoa butter—which helps moisturize the skin and speed healing.

• Shea butter, rich in fatty acids, can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
• Jojoba oil is actually a wax ester that absorbs quickly into the skin, moisturizing without clogging pores.
• Beeswax helps provide a protective barrier to lock in moisture.
• Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant to fight free radicals.
• Aloe vera gel is extremely soothing and helps soften scabs as the tattoo peels.

In the critical first week after getting a new tattoo, applying a balm 3-5 times a day is typical. Frequency can then decrease to 2-3 times a day as the tattoo continues to heal over 2-3 weeks.

During the initial application after getting your tattoo, use lukewarm balm with a slight melting temperature. As the tattoo ages, room temperature balms can be used. Avoid hot or cold temperatures which can damage the sensitive skin.

Thicker balms with wax components form more of a protective barrier, while thinner lotions absorb more quickly into the skin. Use thinner balms in warm weather or on more mobile areas of skin, and thicker balms on drier skin or cold winter days.

Look for translucent balms to see the colors underneath, allowing you to monitor how your tattoo is healing.

As your tattoo continues to fade and settle into the skin over several weeks, continue using a tattoo balm 1-2 times a day to keep the surface soft. Then once a week or as needed to keep the tattoo moisturized for several months.

Proper aftercare and use of a quality tattoo balm will keep your tattoo vibrant, fresh and well-protected until the next time ink is added.

With regular use of a nourishing aftercare balm, your new tattoo will soften, brighten and dazzle as intended. The benefits of a high-quality balm are well worth using during the healing process. Keep your new tattoo gorgeous with the continued use of a trusted tattoo balm.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from these links (at no additional cost) we may earn a commission. Thanks!

Best Tattoo Balms:

1. Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm & Aftercare Cream

2. Viking Revolution Tattoo Care Balm

3. Badger - Tattoo Balm, Natural Tattoo Aftercare Salve

4. Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare

5. Sorry Mom Tattoo Lotion & Aftercare Tattoo Cream

Common mistakes when applying tattoo balms:

•Not applying balm frequently enough. Tattoo balms need to be applied regularly, especially in the first week after getting a new tattoo. Not applying balm 3-5 times a day can lead to cracking, peeling and dull colors.

•Using an inferior balm. Cheap balms may not contain high quality, skin-nourishing ingredients and won't properly moisturize and protect the tattoo. It's best to use a balm specifically formulated for tattoos.

•Applying balm that is too thick. Thicker balms can provide more of a protective barrier, but they don't absorb as well into the skin. Too thick of a balm can clog pores and not moisturize sufficiently.

•Not allowing balm to fully absorb before exposing tattoo to water. Any excess balm needs to absorb into the skin before showering or swimming. Not rinsing balm off before water exposure can lead to a messy, irritating rinse.

•Scrubbing tattoo too aggressively. A soft cotton cloth or washcloth should be used gently when wiping off excess balm and oils. Too much scrubbing can damage scabs and irritate the new tattoo.

•Not protecting tattoo from sun exposure. UV light fades tattoo ink and damages new skin. Balm provides some sun protection but sunscreen also needs to be applied, especially in the first few weeks.

•Not continuing aftercare for long enough. Most dermatologists recommend applying of balm or lotion for at least 2-3 months after getting inked while it heals. This helps ensure the best results and prevent the tattoo from getting dry, itchy or dull.

•Allergic reaction to balm ingredients. Rarely, some people can have allergic reactions to ingredients like shea butter, beeswax or vitamin E. Watch for any signs of allergy like rashes, swelling or hives and discontinue use of that balm. See a doctor for prescription creams if needed.

Common ingredients in tattoo balms that can potentially cause allergic reactions or sensitivities:

•Shea butter - Shea butter is a fatty oil from the shea tree nut. While it is hydrating and soothing for most, some people may be allergic to shea butter or the shea nut itself. Reactions can include rashes, hives or swelling.

•Beeswax - Beeswax is produced by honey bees and helps create a protective barrier in balms. However, bee venom allergy or mellisophobia can lead to a reaction when beeswax is applied to the skin.

•Cocoa butter - Cocoa butter, from cocoa beans, is high in fatty acids. It's nourishing for most but could irritate those with a latex allergy or chocolate allergy.

•Lanolin - Lanolin is a wax from wool that is sometimes added to balms and lotions. It can trigger an allergic contact dermatitis in those with an allergy to lanolin or wool.

•Fragrance - The natural or added fragrances in some balms may irritate sensitive skin or trigger a fragrance allergy. Look for "fragrance-free" when avoiding fragrances.

•Vitamin E - Vitamin E oil is a natural antioxidant but could potentially cause irritation in high amounts, especially in those with a vegetable oil allergy.

•Aloe vera - While soothing and healing, the aloe latex in aloe vera gel could trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals or those with a latex allergy. Aloe vera extract is a less irritating alternative.

•Coconut oil - Coconut oil is hydrating but potentially irritating if you have a peanut or tree nut allergy. Look for MCT or fractionated coconut oil to reduce potential for reactivity.

•Palm oil - Palm oil is inserted into many cosmetics and balms as a moisturizer and emulsifier. It can lead to an irritant contact dermatitis in those sensitive or allergic to palm oil. Look for "palm oil free" products when avoiding palm oil.

If you experience a reaction after using a tattoo balm, discontinue use and see your doctor. They may prescribe medicated creams or other treatment depending on the severity of your allergic reaction.

Common symptoms of an allergic reaction to tattoo balm might include:

•Rash - A red, itchy rash around the tattoo can be a sign of an allergy. The rash may be patchy, bumpy or spread beyond the tattoo area.

•Swelling - Swelling of the tattoo, lips, face or other areas can indicate a swelling allergy reaction. The swelling is due to histamine release and can get progressively worse over time.

•Hives - White or pink raised bumps (urticaria) on the skin, especially around the tattoo, are a sign of hives from an allergy to a balm ingredient.

•Blisters - In severe allergic reactions, blisters may form on the skin surrounding the tattoo. This can lead to skin swelling, irritation and risk of infection.

•Itching - Not only may the tattoo itself itch, but radiating itchiness over broader areas of skin can be a symptom of allergy. The itching is due to histamine release in the body's immune response.

•Burning sensation - A burning, tingling sensation on the skin, especially around the tattoo, can indicate an allergic reaction or irritation. This is due to chemical or histamine sensitivity.

•Nausea or stomach upset - In rare cases, a reaction to lanolin, beeswax or shea butter may be nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

•Dizziness or lightheadedness - Along with skin and stomach symptoms, a severe allergic reaction could potentially lower blood pressure, reducing blood flow to vital organs and causing dizziness. This is a medical emergency.

•Wheezing or trouble breathing - Extreme allergy symptoms like throat swelling, wheezing, gasping for air or coughing indicates anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Get emergency help immediately.

If you experience these symptoms after applying tattoo balm, discontinue use and contact your doctor, especially if they get progressively worse or you have trouble breathing. An epinephrine shot or other emergency treatment may be needed for a severe, systemic allergic reaction.

Signs that a tattoo may not be healing properly:

•Excessive redness or swelling around the tattoo. Mild redness and swelling is normal for the first few days after getting a new tattoo. But if swelling persists for over a week, gets larger, or is very painful, it could indicate infection or poor healing.

•Increased pain, tenderness, or throbbing around the tattoo. A little discomfort is normal, but consistent pain that gets worse over time could mean the tattoo is not healing well.

•Pus, fluid, or yellow/sticky discharge coming from the tattoo. This could indicate a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics.

•Crusting that does not come off. Tattoo scabs typically fall off within 7-14 days as the tattoo heals. If scabs are still covering parts of the tattoo after 2 weeks, it could mean poor healing or infection under the scabs.

•Bleeding or blood soaking through bandages or clothes. Occasional minor bleeding is normal, but heavy bleeding after the initial few days of getting a tattoo is not normal and could indicate a problem.

•Skin peeling away from the tattoo edges or corners. New tattooed skin should adhere well to surrounding skin. If the tattoo is peeling or coming loose from the edges, it shows it's not healing properly.

•Dull, washed-out looking tattoo colors. Properly healing tattoos will have vibrant, bright colors. If colors seem dull, muted or have faded significantly, it likely means the tattoo is not healing well.

•Development of scabs over parts of the tattoo. While small scabs can form and fall off on their own, large scabs covering portions of a tattoo for over a week usually indicate poor healing and possible infection underneath. Scabs need to be kept clean and may require medical removal.

•Spreading red lines or streaks. If redness seems to streak away from the tattoo, it could indicate infection that has spread through tissues. This is a sign the tattoo is not healing properly and medical care is needed.

•Swollen lymph nodes near the tattoo. Lymph nodes help fight infection and a new swollen node near a new tattoo could indicate an infection that has not healed. See your doctor if nodes persist or get larger.

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms after getting a new tattoo, contact your doctor. They may prescribe antibiotics, other medication or additional treatment to help get your tattoo healing properly.

With proper care, you and others, will be able to enjoy your tattoo for many years to come. Enjoy, and happy inking !

Here are some tips to help prevent your new tattoo from becoming infected:

•Properly care for the new tattoo. Follow the aftercare instructions from your tattoo artist carefully. Gently wash the tattoo twice a day with antibacterial soap and water, apply a sterile antibiotic ointment and cover it with a bandage.

•Keep the bandage dry and clean. Change the bandage at least once a day or if it gets wet or dirty. Excess moisture leads to infection. Gently blot with a clean cloth instead of rubbing.

•Allow the tattoo to air out when possible. When the bandage is off, allow the tattoo to get exposure to air which helps keep the skin dry and promotes healing.

•Apply tattoo balm or ointment. Use a fragrance-free balm, ointment or antibiotic cream that contains cocoa butter, shea butter, jojoba oil or beeswax. This will keep the new tattoo moisturized and protected.

•Avoid sun and tanning beds. Too much sun or UV light can fade and damage a new tattoo. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen on the tattoo when outside.

•No touching the new tattoo. Wash hands thoroughly before any contact with the new tattoo. Touching the tattoo with unwashed hands could transfer bacteria and lead to infection.

•Avoid swimming pools and hot tubs. Chlorinated water can irritate a new tattoo. Wait at least 2-3 days after getting a tattoo before swimming in pools, oceans or hot tubs.

•Don't pick at scabs. Gently wash scabs away in the shower as they soften, but never pick at them. Picking can damage the new tattoo, cause scarring and increase the risk of infection.

•Look for signs of infection early. See your doctor right away if you notice increasing pain, redness, swelling, pus, bleeding or worsening scabs. Early treatment of infection is key.

•Give your tattoo 3-6 weeks to fully heal. Most tattoo artists recommend avoiding activities that cause heavy sweating for 3-6 weeks as new tattoos continue to heal underneath the surface skin. Sweat can irritate or damage the tattoo.

•Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed. Mild pain from a new tattoo is normal, but see your doctor if pain does not improve or gets severe.

•Wash all supplies thoroughly before reusing. Everything that came into contact with your new tattoo needs to be properly cleaned to avoid re-infecting the tattoo.

Follow these tips carefully to help keep your new tattoo clean, properly cared for, and free from infection during the healing process. Contact your doctor right away if you notice any signs of infection developing.