You and millions of others may have gotten an awesome tattoo inked to satisfaction, but don’t think you’re done at that! Wouldn’t want your tattoo to always look new and shiny, instead of faded and unclear? We’re talking about healing, protecting, and conserving your tattoo so that it always looks as colorful and shiny as it does when it’s new.
This is important for your skin to remain healthy and also because the tattoo is a permanent feature on your body that should always look vibrant. For this, you need to invest in an incredible tattoo moisturizer that may come in the form of a lotion, cream, butter, or ointment.
According to our extensive research, the best moisturizers for tattoos are those that are:
- Fragrance-free
- Made of quality ingredients
- Devoid of colorants
- Helpful in the tattoo healing process
- Effective moisturizers
- Highly breathable
In this article, we look at 8 of the best tattoo moisturizers on the market that exceed the above criterion.
Best Moisturizers for Tattoos Reviews
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Kiwi Glow Tattoo Oil Moisturizer (Kavai) | • Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil • All-Natural Ingredients | CHECK PRICE |
 | After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer & Aftercare Lotion | • Featured On NY Ink and Ink Master • 7 ML Re-Closable Pillow Packs | CHECK PRICE |
 | Hustle Butter Deluxe – Tattoo Butter | • 100% Natural & Vegan Product • Infused With Healthy Ingredients | CHECK PRICE |
 | Emu Joy Emu Oil | • High-Quality Emu Oil • Pure Refined & AEA Certified | CHECK PRICE |
 | Ed Hardy INK Tattoo & Color Fade Moisturizer Tan Extender | • Made of Lotus Extracts • Bourbon & Honey Fragrance | CHECK PRICE |
 | After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer and Aftercare Lotion | • FDA Approved • Patented Formula | CHECK PRICE |
 | Aquaphor Healing Ointment | • Fragrance-Free • Dermatologist Recommended | CHECK PRICE |
 | INKEEZE Ink Enhance Tattoo Daily Moisturizing Lotion | • Non-Greasy Formula • Botanical Moisturizing Elements | CHECK PRICE |
 | Tattoo Care Black Rose | • Natural and Safe • Ideal for all Skin Type | CHECK PRICE |
#1. Kiwi Glow Tattoo Oil Moisturizer (Kavai)
The ‘Kiwi Glow Tattoo Oil Moisturizer’ is our top pick from among the best moisturizers for tattoos. It is the perfect product for your skin and tattoo aftercare. Not only will your tattoos continue looking bright and shiny, but the organic, all-natural ingredients ensure your skin feels moisturized and remains attractive and healthy.
A great moisturizer has to be safe and healthy for your skin. The Kiwi Glow oil moisturizer meets that requirement. Each bottle is filled with a hand-blended mixture of the moisturizer so that utmost quality and care are ensured.
An important factor that differentiates the best moisturizers for tattoos from the rest of the crowd is the ingredients. In this moisturizer, cold-pressed sesame oil is one of the vital natural ingredients. Sesame oil is a natural antioxidant; an incredible ancient Ayurvedic remedy for skincare having anti-aging properties. It also does a great job preserving the colors of your tattoo.
There is a slight nutty smell from the scent, but nothing too worrisome, as it’s because of the all-natural ingredients. Eventually, the scent gets absorbed once applied to the skin. What remains of it is a subtle perfume scent (with hints of vanilla, patchouli, and frankincense) that you’ll love. Moreover, there’s no risk involved in trying this wonderful product. The company promises a full refund if for some reason you’re not satisfied.
Pros
- Cold-pressed sesame oil helps heal the skin and keeps it young.
- All-natural ingredients.
- The effect is a bright, shiny tattoo and smooth, hydrated skin.
- Packed with vitamins A, E, & B complex.
- Lightweight and non-greasy.
- Skin satisfaction guaranteed, or your money back!
Cons
- Some users don’t like the smell. Though it lasts for the first few minutes only, giving way to a pleasant fragrance that follows.
Final Verdict: Editors Choice
#2. After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer & Aftercare Lotion
The ‘After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer & Aftercare Lotion’ is made with a patented formula to help preserve the colors of your tattoos and moisturize your skin. The product is enriched with grape seed oil. It’s a petroleum-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and gluten-free formula that doesn’t leave behind any kind of fragrance.
After Inked is a premium brand that renowned tattoo artists across the world are using. Whether you have an existing tattoo or a new one, this moisturizer will do the needful in healing and preserving your tattoo, whilst not sticking to or staining your attire.
Being one of the best moisturizing skin lotions for tattoos, you can rest assured it’s clinically and dermatologist tested to be safe on all skin types. Also, this FDA approved, USA packaged product has the additional qualities of being both non-allergenic and non-irritating.
You have a choice of 50 or 100 piece packaging of the convenient 7 ml re-closable pillow packs. Each pillow pack can be used conveniently. Simply tear the pack, dispense the required lotion volume, and then fold and tuck the remaining portion for later use or to safely discard.
Pros
- Patented formula.
- Enriched with grape seed oil.
- FDA approved and safe on all skin types.
- The 7 ml re-closable pillow packs offer immense convenience.
- World-renowned tattoo artists use and recommend this premium brand all the time.
- Featured on TV shows like NY Ink & Ink Master.
Cons
- You may have to apply it 2 to 3 times a day, but the results are astounding.
#3. Hustle Butter Deluxe – Tattoo Butter
The ‘Hustle Butter Deluxe’ tattoo butter cream is marketed as a ‘luxury tattoo care” product but that’s not to mean it’s overly expensive. This product is an all-natural, vegan butter, that is useful for the before, during, and aftercare stages of the tattoo. During all these stages the skin is kept healthy, supple, and moist, and the ingredients like aloe, coconut, vitamin E, and shea help ensure that.
One of the other big advantages of using this butter is that it’s fragrance-free so you can wear it anywhere, anytime. Further, it makes the tattoo process easier, helps the tattoo healing process, and keeps the new ink vibrant and shiny. Many tattoo artists use this butter to keep their tattoos moisturized and bright long after the healing process.
Pros
- 100% natural & vegan product.
- It’s a good replacement for petroleum-based lotions.
- Your skin breathes easy and is safeguarded from infections.
- Infused with healthy nutrients.
- Non -oily & easy to apply.
Cons
- The butter is relatively thick.
#4. Emu Joy Emu Oil
Emu Oil comes in unscented oil form in a 30 ml (1 oz.) bottle. This is a 100% pure refined emu oil that is highly concentrated so that you only need to apply a small quantity on your tattoo area. It’s incredible in that it’s AEA certified, paraben-free, gluten-free, and fragrance-free, making it the purest possible emu oil available.
The oil is sourced from a family-run farm using 100% ethical processes, whereby the emus are fed and raised humanely. You also get a 100% satisfaction guarantee so that you can use the product confidently.
This oil is fantastic in that it penetrates into all 7 layers of the skin helped by its high concentration of essential fatty acids. This fact makes it better than plant-based oils. All in all, Emu Joy emu oil is incredible at healing tattoos, soothing irritated or itchy skin, and moisturizing the skin for tattoo aftercare and beyond.
Pros
- Sourced from a family-run American farm in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
- High-quality emu oil as a result of humanely raised emus.
- Pure refined & AEA certified.
- Excellent moisturizer that gets absorbed deep into the skin.
- Great for tattoo healing and moisturizing for tattoo aftercare & ink preservation.
- 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Cons
- A bit expensive.
#5. Ed Hardy INK Tattoo & Color Fade Moisturizer Tan Extender
The Ed Hardy Ink Tattoo & Color Fade Moisturizer with built-in tan extender formula is a moisturizer cream that comes in an 18.25 oz bottle. The quality and overall benefits of the product combined with its modest price and large quantity, make it a value bonanza.
The cream is concentrated with shea butter as well as essential vitamins and nutrients for the skin. The way the cream works is it nourishes and protects the skin by ensuring the constant restoration of the skin’s moisture levels. In effect, your tattoo results are fully protected through well-hydrated skin. Moreover, there is no greasy residue as it’s an oil-free product.
The cream is made of lotus extracts, which gives the skin anti-aging benefits. There is no smell, yet you do get a soothing bourbon and honey fragrance. The ingredients are rich in vitamin E and C, which result in radiant-looking skin.
Pros
- Protects your tattoo and tanning color through well-hydrated skin.
- Non-greasy formula.
- Made of lotus extracts for anti-aging benefits.
- Very appealing bourbon & honey fragrance.
- Value for money.
- Exceptionally concentrated with Shea Butter, vitamins, and essential skin nutrients
Cons
- A few users reported an issue with the bottle’s pump functionality.
#6. After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer and Aftercare Lotion
This tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion comes to you from the world-renowned brand ‘After Ink.’ It comes in an easy to use (and carry) 3 oz (90 ml) tube. The tube is sealed so that you are assured it’s untampered.
The lotion has a patented formula with grape seed oil that helps preserve your tattoos’ colors by keeping the skin adequately moisturized. Furthermore, it won’t leave behind any fragrance.
This is a premium brand. World-renowned tattoo artists not only use this lotion but also have been confidently recommending it for its safe and effective results. This moisturizer is great for existing and new tattoos alike, and its non-oily consistency ensures your clothes don’t get dirty.
Finally, it’s dermatologist-tested to be safe no matter what your skin type as it has non-allergenic and non-irritant properties.
Pros
- FDA approved.
- USA packaged.
- Patented formula.
- After Inked is featured on TV shows like NY Ink & Ink Master.
- Enriched with grape seed oil.
- Comes in packs of 1,2,3,6,9, or 12 tubes of 3 oz (90 ml) each.
- World-renowned tattoo artists use and recommend this premium brand.
Cons
- A bit pricey, but absolutely worth it!
#7. Aquaphor Healing Ointment
What’s great about the ‘Aquaphor Healing Ointment’ is not one but a few important things. First off, the ointment is 100% fragrance-free and safe for the health of your skin. It’s also recommended by dermatologists for several skin issues, including the healing and aftercare for brand new tattoos. It is also the number 1 choice for treating dry and cracked skin.
In case you’re looking for products that are all-natural for your tattoo, then this may not suit you. This ointment does contain mineral oil and some chemicals and preservatives. However, it is a safe and relatively less pricey choice. This particular package comes with a family-sized 14 oz. jar and a 1.75 oz tube to help you when you’re on the go.
There is also a petroleum-based substance in the ingredients. This means this product will seem a bit thicker and oilier than the others on our list. Nevertheless, it works wonders in protecting your tattoo. Due to the nature of the ingredients, color variants are possible when you receive the ointment. In general, the ointment comes as a white translucent to light yellow hue in color.
Pros
- Great value combo!
- Fragrance-free.
- Dermatologist recommended.
- Protects tattoos well.
Cons
- An oily & greasy product that works well in protecting and enhancing your tattoo.
- Has chemical ingredients.
#8. INKEEZE Ink Enhance Tattoo Daily Moisturizing Lotion
‘Ink Enhance’ is a tattoo moisturizing lotion by ‘INKEEZE Tattoo Products.’ Inside the 3.3 oz (100 ml) attractive bottle is an impressive moisturizing lotion with a cucumber lavender natural scent. This is a daily moisturizer, featuring ink barrier technology with natural extracts, to conserve, protect, and strengthen the vibrancy of your tattoo design.
Use this product daily to prevent tattoo lines and ink from deteriorating over time. This particular lotion is a proprietary blend made up of natural extracts and has a natural scent. The lotion is not thick in consistency, is easy to apply, and offers UVA and UVB ray protection.
Pros
- Has botanical moisturizing elements.
- Has a fragrance free natural scent.
- With regular use, you can reduce lines from blowing out and prevent tattoo ink from fading.
- UVA & UVB ray protection.
- Made of natural extracts.
- The non-greasy formula gets absorbed easily by the skin
Cons
- A bit expensive yet works well.
#9. Tattoo Care Black Rose
There would hardly be anyone who has not heard of the name Tattoo Care, especially in the tattoo community. As the name suggests, Tattoo Care is dedicated to providing its customers with satisfactory tattoo care solutions. They have a wide range of offerings, and among them, Black Rose is one of their finest ones. Tattoo Care Black Rose is an excellent tattoo aftercare ointment.
Made with the finest natural ingredients like Calendula, Aloe Vera, Olive and almond oil, Vitamin A and E, as well as several other skin-friendly ingredients, Tattoo Care Black Rose offers exceptional protection and the best tattoo care. Tattoo Care Black Rose efficiently moisturizes the dry skin and makes the tattoo look more vibrant and fresher. In addition, its super deal moisturizing capability, as well as its resistance to wear off, makes it one of the best products available in the market.
Tattoo Care Black Rose is quite easy to apply on the skin as well. Its light aloe vera scent also makes it an excellent product that one can enjoy while applying.
Pros
- One of the finest tattoo aftercare products available in the market
- Black Rose is dermatologically tested for safety
- Easy to apply and resistant to wear off
- It is made with natural ingredients
- Has a pleasing aloe vera scent, making it comfortable to be worn for a long period
- Comply with European Union Cosmetics Regulations
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- A bit on the expensive side
- Some complaints regarding the smoothness of the cream
Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Moisturizers For Tattoos
When buying a tattoo moisturizing lotion, cream, or ointment, you should consider the following important factors to make the best selection:
1. Avoid Colorants
When it comes to taking care of your tattoos, we recommend choosing a moisturizer without colorants. This is because colorants are made with chemicals that can affect your tattoo ink as well as skin. During the inking process, you are subjected to getting wounds that require time to heal. If a colorant enters these open wounds, it can alter the color of your tattoo ink as well as cause irritation or infection. Hence the best moisturizer is one that goes on clear and focuses on the job of enhancing and adding brightness to your tattoo. White lotions that are made white without using colorants should be fine to use.
2. Moisturizing Ingredients Used
Your skin has to remain healthy to heal fast and continue looking and feeling great. This is because the skin needs to be able to breathe properly to keep itself rejuvenated. For this, it needs the appropriate vitamins and hydration to remain adequately moisturized. In line with that logic, when you get a tattoo inked on yourself, you would have to optimize the healing process by keeping consistently moisturized using the correct ingredients. Hence, an ideal moisturizer is one that is vitamin-rich. Natural oils such as aloe vera or jojoba are great options. This helps deters the skin from developing scabs and peeling off.
3. Fragrance
As a foremost rule of thumb, it is highly recommended to try to go for a fragrance-free moisturizer. This is especially important for those with sensitive skin types. You should read product labels carefully since many times unscented means achieving just that with neutralizing chemical fragrances that may eventually cause irritation to many. For those that do not have sensitive skin, there are some incredible lotions and creams that come with pleasant fragrances.
4. Form of Moisturizer (Lotions, Creams, Butter, & Ointments)
Tattoo moisturizers come in the following forms:
Lotions & Creams
Lotions and creams are the most common and popular forms of moisturizing consistency. Lotions and creams are lightweight, creamy, and smooth to apply. They are great in offering excellent breathability to your skin, which is an important aspect to consider. Among the best ones are those that have all-natural ingredients like olive oil, mineral oil, aloe, and essential vitamins like E.
Butters
The butter form of moisturizer is thicker than the above forms. This form is preferred when it has all-natural, organic ingredients like shea or coconut butter. The main thing to remember is to apply the butter in a thin layer to allow the skin to breathe easily and prevent infections. Also, since it’s imperative you avoid ingredients that may cause allergies or irritations, butter is relatively safer. Hence, tattoo butter creams are recommended if you have sensitive skin.
As an additional tip, apply the butter on a non-tattooed, smaller skin area for a day to check if there are any negative consequences. If none, you may apply it over the tattooed area the next day. This is a crucial test to administer since tattooed areas are more sensitive than other areas of skin on your body.
Ointments
Like butter, ointments also are thicker in consistency compared to lotions and creams. They have “medicinal” properties that are important for tattoo healing and upkeep. The most popular ointments are infused with olive oil, coconut oil, or mineral oil. Petroleum jelly based ointments such as Vaseline should be avoided when it comes to tattoo care.
5. The Price
A tattoo is a part of your skin. When it comes to your skin and overall health it’s important not to give savings more importance than a pricier, safer product. A cream, lotion, butter, or ointment that prevents dry skin, and protects and hydrates the area of your tattoo should be used even if there are substandard alternatives (having artificial or harmful ingredients) available at a fraction of the cost.
Conclusion
There you have it! That was our list of the best moisturizers for tattoo care during different stages. We’re confident any one of the above products will benefit you. Remember, when in a state of confusion, contact your doctor or dermatologist to further ensure you’ve gone in for a product that suits your skin type most, while also keeping your tattoo maintained optimally.
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