Best Tattoo Aftercare Lotions of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Feb 2, 2026

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Tattoo aftercare lotions are essential in maintaining the quality of a newly inked tattoo. These lotions are specially formulated to moisturize and protect the tattooed area, promoting healing and preventing infections. They are made with natural ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera, which provide hydration and nourishment to the skin. Some aftercare lotions also contain vitamins and minerals that aid in skin cell regeneration, ensuring a vibrant and long-lasting tattoo. It is important to choose a high-quality aftercare lotion that suits your skin type and needs to ensure optimal healing and preservation of your tattoo.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit Cover #TOP 1
Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Lotion Cover #TOP 2
Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Lotion
ftb score rating icon 9.7
After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer & Aftercare Lotion Cover #TOP 3
After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer & Aftercare Lotion
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Tattoo Aftercare Lotions

Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit

TGK01
Tattoo Aftercare
3 Piece Set
Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit Cover
Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit Includes Antimicrobial Soap, Balm, and Lotion, Tattoo Care for Color Enhancement + Quick Healing - Cruelty-Free, Petroleum-Free, Tattoo Artist Gifts (3 Piece Set)

This 3-piece Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit includes Antimicrobial Soap, Balm, and Lotion to help maintain vibrant color and glow, provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antibacterial protection, and speed up the healing process. Customers have found the products to be gentle on sensitive skin, and have praised the soap for its ability to clean piercings thoroughly without burning. The balm and lotion have been found to keep tattoos looking fresh and new, and the kit has been praised for its ability to help with healing a tattoo long-term.

What We Like
Effective healing support
Enhances tattoo color and brightness
Non-greasy, lightweight balm
Soothes itching and irritation
Long-lasting, good value
What We Don't Like
Challenging packaging for balm
Occasional delivery issues
#TOP 2

Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Lotion

White
9 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Lotion Cover
Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare - Daily Moisturizing Lotion - Naturally Derived Vegan Cruelty Free - Everyday All Over Use for Tattoos - 9 fl oz

Hustle Butter Lotion is your go-to for daily tattoo care. This lotion deeply hydrates your skin, leaving it soft and smooth, rejuvenating your tattoos and moisturizing your skin. You can use it all over your body, not just on tattoos, for glowing and moisturized skin. Made with vegan and cruelty-free ingredients like Shea Butter, Aloe, and Jojoba Seed Oil, this lotion replenishes your skin's moisture. The tropical fragrance adds a vacation vibe to your skincare routine. With Hustle Butter Lotion, your tattoos will always look fresh and vibrant.

What We Like
Long-lasting hydration
Keeps tattoos vibrant
Quick absorption
Gentle for sensitive skin
Effective healing support
What We Don't Like
Unusual scent for some
Pump may be slow initially

After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer & Aftercare Lotion

AI-25
3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer & Aftercare Lotion Cover
After Inked Tattoo Aftercare Lotion Moisturizing Balm for Inked Skin, Featured on Ink Master, Hydrating Skin Nourishment Cream with Grape Seed Oil, Gentle Daily Tattoo Maintenance, 3oz Tube, 1 Pack

After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer & Aftercare Lotion is the exclusive tattoo aftercare of the TV Show Ink Master. It's been used and recommended by world-renowned artists for over 15 years, a testament to the quality of our ink aftercare treatment. This moisturizer is clinically and dermatologist tested, non-allergenic, and non-irritant. It helps soothe itching due to dry skin, and it will not stick to your clothes. It is paraben-free, fragrance-free, and made to fit every lifestyle and skin type.

What We Like
Deep hydration
Non-greasy texture
Reduces itching
Fast absorption
Enhances tattoo vibrancy
What We Don't Like
Somewhat pricey
#TOP 4

H2Ocean Ocean Care Tattoo Aftercare Lotion

TATTOOCREAM-2-5OZ
Black
H2Ocean Ocean Care Tattoo Aftercare Lotion Cover
H2Ocean Ocean Care Tattoo Aftercare Lotion – Fragrance & Dye Free Tattoo Moisturizing Cream – Water-Based Vegan Skin Care for New & Old Tattoos – Heals, Revitalizes & Hydrates Tattooed Skin, 2.5oz

H2Ocean Tattoo Aftercare Lotion is a water-based unscented lotion that provides extreme healing and soothing for both new and existing tattoos. It effectively reduces redness and swelling of new tattoos, while also moisturizing and nourishing old tattoos. The lotion is alcohol, fragrance, and dye-free, ensuring that it won't dry out your skin or cause irritation. The key ingredient in this product is nutrient-rich sea salt from the Red Sea, which contains over 82 trace minerals essential for healing. H2Ocean, the original producer of sea salt-based tattoo and piercing aftercare products, has been committed to providing all-natural solutions since 2001. Made in the USA, this lotion is the perfect choice for tattoo enthusiasts looking for a reliable and effective aftercare solution.

What We Like
Non-greasy formula
Speeds tattoo healing
Maintains tattoo vibrancy
Fresh or unscented aroma
Easy absorption
What We Don't Like
Runs out quickly
Higher price than alternatives
#TOP 5

Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm & Aftercare Cream

MR-P
Vanilla Coconut
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm & Aftercare Cream Cover
Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm & Aftercare Cream- Color Enhancement that Revives Old Tattoos, Hydrates New Tattoos, Made With Clean Ingredients + Petroleum Free, Daily Tattoo Lotion Moisturizer & Brightener

Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm & Aftercare Cream is a color-enhancing and reviving product for both old and new tattoos. It is made with natural ingredients and is petroleum free. It helps to protect and moisturize skin, while enhancing the vibrancy of the ink. It is also great for sensitive skin and is Inked Magazine's preferred tattoo aftercare brand.

What We Like
Effective tattoo healing
No skin irritation
Natural, pleasant scent
Long-lasting moisturization
Makes tattoos look vibrant
What We Don't Like
Small product size
Higher price point

Hustle Butter Tattoo Balm

HB-361-1OZ
white
1 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Hustle Butter Tattoo Balm Cover
Hustle Butter Deluxe – Tattoo Butter for Before, During, and After the Tattoo Process – Lubricates and Moisturizes – 100% Vegan Replacement for Petroleum-Based Products – 1 oz

Hustle Butter Balm is a must-have tattoo aftercare essential with over a decade of experience in the market. It is the top choice for artists and clients alike due to its safety for new and older tattoos. Made from vegan and naturally derived ingredients, including Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, it nourishes and moisturizes the skin during the healing process. This balm, recommended by artists worldwide, ensures colors go in easier while not removing stencils or clogging tubes.

What We Like
Fast tattoo healing
Rich, non-greasy texture
Vibrant color enhancement
Pleasant subtle scent
Natural vegan ingredients
What We Don't Like
Small jar size
Slightly greasy at first
#TOP 7

LiftAura Tattoo Aftercare Moisturizer 3.4 oz

LiftAura
LiftAura Tattoo Aftercare Moisturizer 3.4 oz Cover
LiftAura Tattoo Aftercare Moisturizer – Daily Hydrating Lotion with Clean Ingredients, Gentle Care for Tattooed Skin, 3.4 oz Tube

The LiftAura Tattoo Moisturizer is designed to support your skin’s healing process by keeping it nourished and well-hydrated, which is essential for proper recovery after getting a tattoo. It also offers a calming effect to reduce any discomfort you might experience, helping your skin feel more comfortable. This lotion keeps your tattooed skin feeling fresh and clean, so you can enjoy a healthy look every day. Additionally, it helps preserve the brightness and sharpness of your tattoo colors, ensuring your artwork stays vibrant for longer. Using this moisturizer can make tattoo aftercare easier and more effective.

What We Like
Brightens tattoo appearance
Non-greasy formula
Suitable for sensitive skin
Absorbs quickly
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Possible mild skin irritation
#TOP 8

Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Balm

HBD_5oz
White
5 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Balm Cover
Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare 5oz Tattoo Balm, Heals + Protects New Tattoos and Rejuvenates Older Tattoos - 100% Vegan Cream No-Petroleum

Hustle Butter Deluxe Tattoo Aftercare Balm is an all-natural, vegan, and petroleum-free product designed to help heal and protect new tattoos while also rejuvenating older tattoos. It is made from Shea, Mango, Aloe butter, Coconut, Sunflower, Rice Bran oils, Rosemary Oleoresin, Green Tea, Vitamin E Complex, Mint Arvenis Essential Oil, as well as the essence of Papaya, Coconut. It is used and recommended by artists worldwide and is certified cruelty-free.

What We Like
Fast tattoo healing
Non-greasy formula
Vegan and petroleum-free
Revives old tattoos
Light, pleasant scent
What We Don't Like
Occasional packaging issues
#TOP 9

Mad Rabbit Repair Tattoo Aftercare Soothing Gel and Moisturizer

MDTR
Black
Mad Rabbit Repair Tattoo Aftercare Soothing Gel and Moisturizer Cover
Mad Rabbit Tattoo Aftercare Soothing Gel & Moisturizer As Seen on Shark Tank - Premium Tattoo Supplies for New Tattoo Care, Anti-Itch - Tattoo Care Gel Made with Clean Ingredients

Mad Rabbit Repair Tattoo Aftercare Soothing Gel and Moisturizer is a fragrance-free product that uses clean ingredients like Sweet Almond and Argan oils to nourish new tattoos and prevent skin irritation and damage. The gel maximizes skin regeneration and health, providing fast soothing without harshness through the use of Aloe Vera, Allantoin, and Bisabolol. For a boost of moisture, it's recommended to follow with their Daily Lotion or Tattoo Balm.

What We Like
Soothes and cools fresh tattoos
Reduces itching and peeling
Absorbs well, non-greasy
No scent, skin sensitive ingredients
Keeps ink vibrant
What We Don't Like
Packaging dispenses too much product
Can feel sticky under tight clothes
#TOP 10

Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm & Aftercare Cream

MRTL
Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm & Aftercare Cream Cover
Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm & Aftercare Cream- Color Enhancement that Revives Old Tattoos, Hydrates New Tattoos, Made With Clean Ingredients + Petroleum Free, Daily Tattoo Lotion Moisturizer & Brightener

Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm & Aftercare Cream is a color enhancement product that revives old tattoos and hydrates new tattoos. It is made with natural ingredients and is petroleum free. It is great for sensitive skin and works on all skin colors and ink colors. It helps to maintain and restore the vibrancy of tattoos, while also preventing ink discoloration.

What We Like
High-quality natural ingredients
No skin irritation
Enhances tattoo color and look
Long-lasting moisturization
Pleasant, subtle scent
What We Don't Like
Small product size
Higher price point
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you use any lotion for tattoo aftercare?

While tattoo artists often recommend Aquaphor for tattoo aftercare due to its hydrating properties, you can also use other unscented moisturizing ointments that contain petrolatum and lanolin. These ingredients help keep the tattooed skin moisturized and promote healing.

2. Does Aquaphor make tattoos fade?

There is no official study on whether Aquaphor can remove or fade tattoo ink. Some tattoo artists claim that they have not seen ink loss in clients who use Aquaphor for aftercare. However, it is best to take these claims with a grain of salt and consider individual experiences.

3. When should you start putting lotion on a new tattoo?

According to tattoo artists, you should start applying lotion to a new tattoo once it starts to dry. It is important to wait until the ink is no longer wet to avoid any potential smudging or irritation.

4. Why not to use Aquaphor on tattoos?

Aquaphor is not specifically formulated for tattoo aftercare. Continuous use of Aquaphor on tattoos may lead to clogged pores and potential acne breakouts, especially for individuals with sensitive skin. It is important to choose products designed specifically for tattoo aftercare to ensure proper healing and minimize any potential skin issues.

Editor's Notes

During our tattoo aftercare lotion research, we found 48 tattoo aftercare lotion products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 437,815 customer reviews through our big data system to write the tattoo aftercare lotions list. We found that most customers choose tattoo aftercare lotions with an average price of $18.01.

The tattoo aftercare lotions are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of tattoo aftercare lotions, including Tattoo Goo, Hustle Butter Deluxe, After Inked, H2Ocean, Mad Rabbit. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,200 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.

Tattoo Aftercare Lotions Comparison Table

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Brand Tattoo Goo Hustle Butter Deluxe After Inked H2Ocean Mad Rabbit Hustle Butter Deluxe LiftAura Hustle Butter Deluxe Mad Rabbit Mad Rabbit
Item Volume - 9 Fluid Ounces 90 Milliliters 2.5 Fluid Ounces 1.7 Fluid Ounces 30 Milliliters 3.38 Fluid Ounces 150 Milliliters 3.4 Fluid Ounces 1.7 Fluid Ounces
Age Range (Description) - Adult Adult 18-65 Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult
Special Feature - Cruelty Free, Hydrating, Rejuvenating, Vegan Enriched with Grape Seed Oil, Fragrance Free, Hypoallergenic, Travel Size, Vegan Hypoallergenic, Natural Ingredients, Travel Size, Unscented Clean Ingredients Cruelty Free, Natural Ingredients, Travel Size, Vegan Travel Size Travel Size Anti Aging -
Item dimensions L x W x H - - 6 x 6 x 6 inches 2.13 x 1.38 x 5.38 inches 1.26 x 2.4 x 2.44 inches 2 x 2 x 1.75 inches 1.85 x 1.85 x 2.68 inches 2.1 x 2.3 x 2.4 inches 2.4 x 2.44 x 7.05 inches 1.26 x 2.4 x 2.44 inches
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
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