Best Tattoo Aftercare
- tiggytattoos
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
There are so many balms, creams and lotions out there marketed towards tattoo healing, and everyone has different recommendations. But which ones are the best - in my humble opinion.
Aftercare does not heal your tattoo!
I think it is important to highlight this first. Your body is doing the work in healing your tattoo, in the same way it would with any other wound. You will benefit so much from resting well, drinking lots of water and eating something nutritional to help your body have the energy to do what it needs to do.
No aftercare is healing your tattoo - it is just an aid to keep things going smoothly... literally!
Okay! I said it. Moving on to our list of recommendations!
Let's start with my Top Two Tattoo Aftercare recommendations.
Whitfields Tattoo Co are a UK based, family run business started by Colin Whitfield, who is a tattoo artist himself. Their products are all natural, vegan friendly and sustainable. This is a brand that I myself use, both while tattooing and also afterwards to heal my own tattoos. I couldn't recommend them more highly.
They now sell a variety of aftercare products, ranging from the balm to a gentle foaming soap. So basically, they've got you covered.
Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion (Fragrance-Free) is one of my go to tattoo aftercare creams. It’s gentle and fragrance-free, it's good for calming irritation and it keeps your skin hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy. I personally have a real dislike for anything that makes my skin feel sticky, so I will only recommend products that feel comfortable.
Another great thing about Aveeno, is that you can find it in any supermarket or pharmacy, and it's pretty cheap too which is always a plus!
❌ Tattoo aftercare I do not recommend.
These are my big no-nos, I will never recommend them and I will discourage anyone from using them. They don't deserve nice photos on my blog either.
❌ Bepanthen
Bepanthen is designed as a nappy-rash ointment, not a tattoo aftercare product. It’s extremely thick and greasy, which seals the skin too tightly. That heavy layer can:
Trap moisture and bacteria, raising the risk of infection.
Soften scabs and pull out pigment, leading to patchy healing and fading.
Clog pores and cause breakouts, especially on arms, legs and chest.
Many formulas also contain lanolin and fragrance, which can irritate broken skin and trigger allergic reactions. Some newer “tattoo” versions exist now, but they are just different packaging for the same ointment that has the same heavy, occlusive base.
❌ Sudocrem
Sudocrem is a nappy rash and eczema barrier cream, it’s extremely thick and zinc-heavy, creating a chalky layer that:
Blocks airflow, trapping heat and moisture under the skin.
Draws out and dries the tattoo, which can cause heavy scabbing and pull colour out of the design.
Clogs pores, leading to pimples or small bumps around the healing tattoo.
It also contains fragrance and lanolin, both common skin irritants - especially risky on freshly broken skin.
I personally do not know or understand the obsession with nappy rash creams. For a tattoo to heal well it needs light, breathable hydration. Not not a thick, medicated paste and certainly not a nappy cream barrier.
❌ Vaseline
Why not: Creates a waterproof seal that blocks airflow. The skin can’t breathe, which slows the natural healing process and raises infection risk.
❌ Scented body butters & perfumed lotions
Why not: Fragrance and essential oils (like citrus or mint) can sting and cause allergic reactions. Rich textures may clog pores or soften scabs.
❌ Medicated or active skincare Such as E45 Itch relief with hydrocortisone or acne creams with retinol or benzoyl peroxide.
Why not: Steroids, antibiotics, or exfoliating ingredients interfere with the skin’s natural healing, can fade colour, or cause over-drying.
I realise I have listed more tattoo aftercare products that I don't recommend than I do. The two that I have listed above are both so easy to come by in the UK - I didn't feel a huge need to list of every aftercare product available.
If you want to look into something different, then you really want to go for something that is light, fragrance free and made with natural products that will help your skin breathe and be nourished.