The 12 Best Tattoo Lotions to Heal and Protect Your Latest Ink, According to Experts

Celebrity tattoo artist Dr. Woo are designed to be safe to use immediately after getting a new tattoo. The coconut oil cleansing soap keeps the wound clean while the shea butter moisturizer delivers immediate relief and optimal hydration to skin—just what you skin needs after a fresh tattoo

Balms are thicker than lotions, which means they can help the skin retain more moisture. Hustle Butter is safe to use on new tattoos to help encourage the healing process and it also prevents fading and revives color in older tattoos. The all natural ingredients penetrate deep into the skin to reach the ink, providing moisture and protection from fading.

First thing's first, before you go applying tattoo lotions or creams, it's also important to keep it clean. "I usually tell people to treat it like they would a cut or a wound," Gutierrez explained. "Wash it with a gentle anti-bacterial soap and let it air dry or use a clean paper towel. Avoid using your bath towel, as it's most likely dirty and could harbor bacteria. Avoid scratching or touching. Let it breathe and wear loose clothing, if possible."

Dr. Zeichner agrees. "It's important to keep the skin clean and hydrated after getting a new tattoo," he said. "Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliating products. You want to cleanse the skin without compromising the integrity of the skin barrier."

Aquaphor is a classic for a multitude of skin ailments, especially in the winter time. It's also great for protecting your freshly inked skin immediately following your tattoo session.

Gutierrez recommends Aquaphor for the first two days following your tattoo, and then a basic moisturizer for two weeks after that. Many people opt for Vaseline, but he recommends Aquaphor instead and advises against Vaseline for this phase of the aftercare routine.

"Coconut oil is natural and has great healing properties. It's naturally antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and safe on sensitive skin," Gutierrez explained. "And coconuts are just dope."

Both Gutierrez and Dr. Zeichner sing the praises of lotions with vitamin B5 for tattoo care. Gutierrez is partial to Lubriderm lotions, like this one that contain no fragrances.

Dr. Zeichner's favorite tattoo lotion is this one from Dove. "It is important to keep the skin hydrated and to protect it from the environment to allow the tattoo to settle and keep colors vibrant." he said. "Dove DermaSeries Dry Skin Relief Body Lotion is fragrance-free and protects the skin with stearic acid, panthenol and niacinamide."

Both of our experts agree that sun is the enemy of healthy skin. "Avoid direct sun exposure for long periods, in general," Gutierrez said. "It damages everything."Using a tattoo lotion with sun protection like this will help if you do need to go outside during your healing process.

Curel's Itch Defense Lotion is another solid choice, thanks to its tattoo-friendly ingredients like ceramides, pro-vitamin B5, and shea butter.

On a mission to keep your tattoo vibrant? This luxurious lotion from Billy Jealousy will do the trick.

This tattoo aftercare cream from Stories & Ink contains Panthenol and other ingredients to reduce inflammation and redness, while soothing and hydrating the skin.

This tattoo aftercare ointment offers premium protection to help promote faster healing and skin regeneration. It also helps to relieve itching and preserve the intensity of tattoo colors.