The toughest guy on the block will tell you there’s pain associated with getting tattooed! No matter how strong you are when it comes to getting inked, the famous proverb, “no pain, no gain,” holds true! Luckily, many numbing creams are available in the marketplace to relieve you of the pain, burning, swelling, and itching that happens during and after the tattoo process.
But select with caution — several numbing products can cause further discomfort and even mess up your ink. In this article, we’ve shortlisted and reviewed 7 of the best numbing creams for tattoos so that you can confidently get inked, pain-free.
Best Tattoo Numbing Creams Reviews
We’ve reviewed our top 6 choices for tattoo numbing creams. Each of them is tested to be safe and effective on all skin types. If you’re still in doubt about which of the 8 is right for you, you could get a final opinion from your tattoo artist or skin practitioner.
Here are our results:
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Dr. Numb Lidocaine Cream | • Lidocaine & Vitamin E Formula • Immediate Tattoo Pain Relief | CHECK PRICE |
 | Hush Anesthetic Tattoo Numbing Gel | • Paraben-Free & Epinephrine-Free • FDA Approved | CHECK PRICE |
 | NumbSkin Cream (3 Tubes) | • Cruelty-Free Product • Deep Pain Relief | CHECK PRICE |
 | Zensa Numbing Cream | • Works quickly and lasts longer • Contains vitamin E | CHECK PRICE |
 | Numb Master by Clinical Resolution Laboratory | • Paraben-Free & Cruelty-Free • Water-Based Anesthetic | CHECK PRICE |
 | Ebanel NUMB25 | • 5% Lidocaine. • Non-Oily & Non-Greasy | CHECK PRICE |
1. Dr. Numb Lidocaine Cream
This “made in Canada” numbing cream will take your post-tattoo burning, soreness, and itching away just 15 minutes after you apply it. Not only will you get immediate pain relief, but the soothing relief continues for 2 to 4 hours. The ‘Dr. Numb Lidocaine Cream’ is a powerful formula cream that includes the active ingredient Lidocaine 5% and has vitamin E, ensuring effectiveness through maximum strength and deep numbing.
Lidocaine works as a local anesthetic with hypoallergenic and fast-absorbing qualities for faster, long-lasting action. The fact that this is a cream-based formula, has its share of advantages. As compared to oil-based treatments and ointments, a cream formula gives you a velvety, silky feel, instead of an oily feel.
The Dr. Numb Lidocaine 5% cream works magically to temporarily numb your skin and the tissues surrounding it, safely and effectively. As in all of the past decade, Dr. Numb topical anesthetic products continue to be among the most popular choices by healthcare professionals and aestheticians in the U.S. and Canada.
Pros
- Immediate tattoo pain relief that lasts from 2 to 4 hours.
- Lidocaine and vitamin E formula results in maximum strength & deep numbing.
- Velvety, silky feel.
- Safe to use
- Features a child-resistant cap.
- Cruelty-free product (not tested on animals).
Cons
- Some users found the modestly sized 30g tube relatively pricey.
Final Verdict: Editors Choice
2. Hush Anesthetic Tattoo Numbing Gel
The next best numbing cream for tattooing comes in gel form. The ‘Hush Anesthetic Tattoo Numbing Gel’ is a ‘made in the USA product.” It is FDA approved, paraben-free, and epinephrine free. Like the best numbing creams, this gel is an oil-free numbing agent for soothing your fresh new tattoos. It also relieves you of soreness after piercings and hair removal. This gel is considered more powerful than typical numbing creams and is specifically designed for application before the tattoo session.
The gel comes in variants of 2 ounces (60g) and 4 ounces (120g) and once applied it numbs your skin for up to 2 hours easily. The product is not tested on animals and is a vegan product that is safe for all skin types including sensitive skin. Besides temporary relief from soreness, pain, and burning, this tattoo numbing gel, having 4% lidocaine, also expedites the overall tattoo healing process.
You can rest assured your tattoo ink and design won’t be adversely affected by a layer of this gel applied on the area to be tattooed. It relieves you of discomfort as the menthol, chamomile, and comfrey get to work, soothing your skin instantly. Further, deep skin absorption of the blend of botanicals (the aloe in particular) in this gel helps minimize skin inflammation and redness.
Pros
- Paraben-free & epinephrine-free.
- FDA approved.
- Cruelty-free, vegan product.
- Speeds up the tattoo healing process.
- Minimizes skin inflammation & redness.
- Child-resistant packaging.
Cons
- A bit pricey.
3. NumbSkin Cream (3 Tubes)
This is another incredible cream that works before and after the tattoo. You no longer have to delay your tattooing sessions in anticipation of pain. Just apply a layer of it on the area to be tattooed and repeat the process a few hours after the tattoo (when pain reemerges) during the healing process. This is a superior, “made in Canada,” doctor-recommended product that you’ll receive as a set of 3 identical tubes of 30 grams each.
Inking a tattoo in a sensitive area of the body can be much more painful than in other areas. NumbSkin is a powerful product for applying local topical anesthesia that has a long-lasting effect so you don’t feel pain throughout the tattooing process. It’s a quality product that’s safe, works fast, and relieves discomfort several hours at a stretch.
It’s got the popular local anesthetic ‘lidocaine 5%’ in it, which means there will be a rapid onset (15 minutes tops) of deep numbness, offering you pain relief for up to 4 hours. This way, your normal life doesn’t have to stop for a single bit.
The NumbSkin cream is a cruelty-free product that is incredibly safe to use and available over the counter. This extra strength tattoo anesthetic cream is also great at relieving pain from piercing, microblading, and laser hair removal.
Pros
- Fast results.
- Results last up to 4 hours.
- 5% lidocaine for deep pain relief.
- Cruelty-free product.
- You get 3 tubes in the packaging.
Cons
- A few users have reported the effects not lasting long for them.
4. Zensa Numbing Cream
The worst part of getting a tattoo is ‘PAIN’. With Zensa Numbing Cream, you can easily eliminate the pain from the procedure of getting a tattoo. This is a must-have product because it does not affect the ink and your tattoo will come just as you had envisioned. This is why Zensa Numbing Cream is a prime choice for all tattoo professionals. Formulated for painful procedures, this cream is easily available for tattooing.
Zensa Numbing Cream is a fast-acting topical anesthetic cream on the market that contains ingredients such as vitamin E and purified water. Its anti-inflammatory properties speed up the healing process. Its verified effectiveness ensures a painless tattoo process.
Zensa Numbing Cream works like magic on the skin. The cream starts working faster and lasts long. It takes 30-45 minutes absorption and its effect lasts over 3 hours. It is great for tattoo and tattoo removal. You can also purchase it online and embrace its benefits. Come with 5% Lidocaine, the cream that desensitized skin for the painful procedure and help skin heals faster.
Pros
- Immediate relief from tattoo pain that lasts over 3 hours
- Vitamin E and Lidocaine ensure quick healing and faster relief
- Safe to reapply on broken skin
- Vegan and steroid-free
- Maximum strength 5% lidocaine
- Safe to use on sensitive areas
Cons
- Some users claim that the 30g sized tube is a bit pricey
Final Verdict– Professional’s Choice
5. Numb Master by Clinical Resolution Laboratory
‘Numb Master’ is another impressive made in the USA topical numbing cream. This non-oily, water-based cream has 5% lidocaine for maximum strength and long-lasting relief from pain during and after the tattoo process. The attractive 1oz bottle is designed with child safety in mind.
The cream acts up within 20 minutes of application on the skin to numb the skin for 1 to 2 hours. Once the numbing wears off, you may repeat the application to extend the numbing. The cream is paraben-free and cruelty-free as well as safe to apply on all types of skin.
Numb Master is a doctor recommended numbing cream that has soothing materials like vitamin E, Aloe, and lecithin. Within 2-3 minutes of application onto the skin, you’ll experience numbing, which will reach maximum potency in 20 – 25 minutes and last for at least an hour.
Pros
- Apply this cream and get inked pain-free.
- Child-resistant cap.
- 2-year shelf life.
- No mess removal as it’s a water-based anesthetic.
- Contains many soothing natural materials.
Cons
- A bit pricey for a small container.
6. Ebanel NUMB25
The ‘Ebanel NUMB25’ is a non-prescription cream that numbs skin within 2 to 3 minutes after application. The ingredient lidocaine 5% helps the anesthesia penetrate deep enough to block the pain instantly for about 1 to 2 hours duration. It has other soothing ingredients like aloe, vitamin E, and lecithin that help make this cream safe for all skin types.
This cream is an ideal agent to soothe the tattoo as it’s a water-based cream, leaving no chance of an oily or greasy outcome that spoils ink and hinders the tattooing process. Furthermore, this cream has no harsh chemicals and is unscented.
The brand has left no stone unturned when it comes to assuring users of the quality and safety of this product. When you receive the package, you can clearly check if the tamper-evident safety seal is in place and you’ll notice the featured sturdy child-resistant cap.
The Ebanel NUMB25 has lidocaine aided with liposomal. Lidocaine blocks the route of pain triggers along the nerves, while liposomal helps ease the penetration of the ingredient to the depth of the affected skin area.
Pros
- Paraben-free & cruelty-free.
- Long-lasting numbing effect aided by Liposomal.
- Non-oily & non-greasy cream.
- Made in the USA.
- cGMP Certified.
- Hypoallergenic.
Cons
- Some users say they experienced a sticky residue.
Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to getting a tattoo, many people are concerned about the pain associated with the procedure. One way to reduce pain during a tattoo is to use numbing cream. However, with so many options available, knowing which cream is the best for you can be challenging. Here’s a buyer’s guide to help you choose the best numbing cream for tattoos:
- Ingredients: Look for a cream that contains lidocaine as the active ingredient. Lidocaine is the most common and effective numbing agent in tattoo numbing creams.
- Strength: The strength of the cream is typically measured by its lidocaine content. Higher concentrations of lidocaine may provide more potent numbing effects. Still, it is essential to be aware that stronger creams may require a prescription.
- Quality: Always choose a numbing cream from a reputable brand and make sure the product has been clinically tested and approved by relevant authorities.
- Compatibility: It’s vital to ensure that the numbing cream you choose is compatible with the ink used by your tattoo artist. Some creams can affect the ink’s absorption into the skin.
- Application: Some numbing creams are applied directly to the skin, while others are applied as a spray or gel. Consider which application method you prefer and choose a cream that is easy to apply and remove.
- Price: Consider the cost of the cream and compare it to other options.
How To Apply Tattoo Numbing Creams Correctly?
It is highly recommended that you read the instructions and warnings that come with your numbing cream very carefully.
Here are the general steps on how to apply a tattoo numbing cream correctly:
Step 1 – Choose a recommended tattoo numbing cream. The list above is carefully drawn up to include the safest and most effective OTC products on the market that people are loving.
Step 2 – Thoroughly clean the area of your skin that is to be tattooed. You may want to use a mild soap and water or simply a clean damp cloth. While cleaning, your object should be to completely remove any dirt or oil remnants on the skin so that the skin is better able to fully absorb the cream.
Step 3 – Slip on a pair of waterproof gloves. This is because you wouldn’t want your hands to go numb as you massage the layer of cream onto your to-be-tattooed area.
Step 4 – The next step is to apply the numbing cream. It’s important to follow the instructions and warnings enclosed on or with the package. If the instructions are too brief and you’re unsure of what to do next, it’s a good idea to search for more detailed instructions, or an instructional video, online.
Step 5 – Use a plastic (saran) wrap and medical tape to cover the area and activate the numbing process.
Step 6 – Take off the plastic (saran) wrap after about half an hour to an hour. The numbing effect would’ve begun by now.
Step 7 – Wipe off any excess cream with a clean damp cloth or Kleenex. Ensure you don’t apply water, alcohol, or soap in this step.
Step 8 – Go ahead and get inked.
FAQ’s
The duration of numbing cream’s effect depends on the type of cream and the application method. Some creams can last for several hours, while others may only last for a short period. It’s essential to follow the product packaging instructions and speak with your tattoo artist before using any numbing cream.
The strength of numbing cream is typically measured by its lidocaine content. Lidocaine is a common ingredient in numbing creams; the higher the concentration, the stronger the cream will likely be. The strongest numbing creams have 5% Lidocaine content.
While numbing cream can help reduce pain during tattooing, it’s important to speak with your tattoo artist before using it. Some artists may prefer not to use numbing cream because it can affect how ink is absorbed into the skin. Additionally, numbing cream can cause skin irritation and complicate the process.
Some ways to make a tattoo less painful include: taking over-the-counter pain medication before the tattoo session, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, using a numbing cream or gel, and ensuring that the tattoo artist uses a new and sterile needle. Additionally, being well-rested and relaxed before your tattoo session is important.
Conclusion
That was a definitive list of the best numbing creams for tattoos available on the market right now. Every numbing cream doesn’t work to the same effect on every individual. Yet, to a large extent, pick any of the above, and chances are high you’ll experience no pain. Now that we’ve shown you the best remedies for taking care of anticipated pain, there should be no reason not to get inked!
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