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Best Antibacterial Soaps for Tattoos: Reviews & Buying Guide

by  Kin Liu -  Last updated on December 1, 2022
Best Antibacterial Soaps for Tattoos

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Keep that new ink clean and it will heal faster. The best antibacterial tattoo soap for tattoos is what you need for tattoo aftercare.

After all, a new tattoo is an open wound. Like any injury, you need to take care of and keep it clean so it won’t become infected.

According to tattoo artists, some soaps are better than others because they moisturize and promote recovery. They won’t fade the ink or irritate your skin.

Quick Comparison

If you don’t want to read the full article then check out our favorite products in the table below.

24 Top Antibacterial Soaps for Tattoos (2021 Update)

We researched to find the best tattoo soaps for new tattoos and reviewed them here to help you shop. We hope you find what you need today.

1. Dr Numb Topical Anesthetic Foaming Tattoo Soap

Dr. Numb Topical Anesthetic Foaming Soap - 4% Lidocaine Numbing Spray - Skin Numbing Anesthetic Wash for Tattoo and Piercing Aftercare, Microblading, Electrolysis and More 1.7 Oz (1 Bottle)
  • ✅ 𝐃𝐫. 𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛 𝐟𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝐬𝐨𝐚𝐩: Expertly formulated to provide immediate temporary relief from the pain associated with common skin procedures, Dr Numbs Anesthetic Numbing Foam Soap offers everything that’s great about our renowned Dr Numb Cream in a cleansing soap form.
  • ✅ 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚: Our FDA regulated anesthetic skin numbing soap boasts a stronger formulation than comparative topical anaesthetics, offering the highest concentration of active pharmaceutical ingredients that still remain within recommended safety levels.
  • ✅ 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟: Containing 4% Lidocaine, which works by blocking nerve signals, and 0.24% Benzethonium Chloride, responsible for disinfecting skin microbes, this numbing lidocaine wash is a great numbing soap for tattoos, piercings, microdermabrasion and more.

Dr. Numb’s anesthetic tattoo soap features 4% lidocaine, a topical anesthetic that blocks nerve signals. It also has 0.24% Benzethonium chloride, a germ-killing disinfectant that sanitizes the skin.

Together, they keep your tattoo ultra-clean and pain-free. You won’t be bothered by stinging or itching.

Moreover, you can wash with this before you get a new tattoo. For even better prep before inking, follow up with Dr. Numb’s cream.

2. H2Ocean – Blue Green Liquid Soap

H2Ocean - Blue Green Liquid Soap (16 fl oz/473 ml)
  • You will receive (1) container of Blue Green Liquid Soap (16 fl oz/473 ml)
  • Antibacterial & Antimicrobial
  • Paraben Free & Fragrance Free

H2Ocean’s Blue Green tattoo Soap is a good way to wash new tattoos. It uses benzalkonium chloride to kill infection-causing bacteria and other microbes.

But it’s mild enough for sensitive tattoo skin. It’s fragrance-free and paraben-free and rich in moisturizing aloe vera to prevent scabs.

The good thing is, you don’t even need to rinse it off (although it’s better if you do) – just wipe with a clean cloth. One user recommended pouring this into a clean spray bottle for easier application.

3. H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap

H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap - Tattoo Foam Antibacterial Soap for Tattoo Aftercare - Tattoo Care with Aloe Vera - Travel-Size Tattoo Moisturizer Soap - 1.7 oz
  • GREAT FOR NEW TATTOOS - H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap cleanses skin on and around new tattoos and the addition of aloe vera aids the healing process.
  • GREEN SOAP REPLACEMENT - Use this foam soap as a no rinse replacement for tattoo green soaps which are known to be harmful for tattoo healing.
  • ALCOHOL, FRAGRANCE, & DYE FREE - This product does not use any alcohol, fragrances, or artificial colors that might dry out your skin and cause irritation, instead it uses benzalkonium chloride which is a pharmaceutical grade cleaner and preservative.

H2Ocean also makes a foaming version of their Blue-Green tattoo Soap.  It’s best to wash and rinse your tattoo with water when you use it.

In that way, you can easily remove any dried ooze. Additionally, it’s free of fragrances and parabens.

The active ingredient is benzalkonium chloride which disinfects the skin. There’s also aloe vera to moisturize. Once you’ve rinsed the tattoo, provide good protection by putting on Ocean Foam or Ocean Care lotion.

4. Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap for Tattoos & Piercings

Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap, Disinfecting Tattoo and Piercing Aftercare - Moisturizing Olive Oil, Alcohol and Fragrance Free - 3 oz
  • Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap for Tattoos & Piercings – New Formula - 3oz
  • For Tattoo and Dermal Piercings Cleansing
  • Removes more dead skin cells and dirt

Tattoo Goo recommends their antibacterial tattoo soap for both piercings and tattoos. It doesn’t have a fragrance and it’s pH-balanced to avoid irritation.

Having a good amount of acidity keeps the tattooed skin from drying out and you need not worry about any side effects and is perfect for sensitive skin.

5. Hustle Helper

Hustle Butter Hustle Helper 1.7 oz Tattoo Soap with 5% Lidocaine, Soothes + Heals + Protects New Tattoos and Rejuvenates Older Tattoos - 100% Vegan Tattoo Soap Tattoo Aftercare
  • TATTOO AFTERCARE ESSENTIAL: Hustle Helper is the perfect complement to our Hustle Butter Deluxe Balm for new and older tattoos. Safe to use right after getting a tattoo to soothe the skin, help heal, and reduce irritations unlike others..
  • SOOTHES SKIN, HELPS HEAL, PREVENTS FADING: Hustle Helper is not only safe for new tattoos, but encouraged to help the healing process. It also preventing fading and reviving color in older tattoos
  • NATURAL VEGAN INGREDIENTS: Certified cruelty-free, absolutely vegan, our all-natural butter is also petroleum, paraben free. It is made from only the finest ingredients, including 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.

If you’re familiar with Hustle Butter, then you’ll want to use the Hustle Helper before you apply that moisturizer.

The Helper is an antimicrobial soap with 5% lidocaine. Feel free to use it before and after you get a tattoo to keep your skin comfortable and healthy and can prevent infection of any kind it also is perfect for all skin types.

The 100% vegan formula calms irritation and redness and stops tattoo itching and pain and is considered a cruelty-free soap.

Some of the key ingredients include aloe, rosemary, green tea, and chamomile. Also, there are no parabens.

6. Billy Jealousy Tattoo Wash

Billy Jealousy Tattoo Wash, 8 Fl Oz
  • Tattoo wash contains four fearsome cleaners to rid skin of dirt, excess oil and dead skin cells
  • Cucumber extract helps tattoos retain their color while hydrolyzed oat protein helps skin retain moisture to enhance tattoo vibrancy
  • Helps your tattoos look clean, colorful and shamelessly cool

Once you’ve had your tattoo for a while, you may have noticed it doesn’t look as vivid. That’s where Billy Jealousy’s Tattoo Wash comes in.

You wouldn’t want to use this on a fresh new tattoo while it’s going through the tattoo healing process. That’s because it has glycolic acid and fruit extracts that do a little exfoliation.

They get rid of the dead skin that has dimmed your ink. At the same time, oat protein and cucumber hydrate you so your tat looks fresh and bright and is one of the best tattoo soaps out there.

7. Camel Milk Foaming Tattoo Soap

The Camel Milk soap is based on organic ingredients plus camel milk powder. It creates a rich lather that stays in place so you can foam away dirt and oil without it immediately running down the drain.

Aloe, coconut oil, glycerin, and olive oil are just a few of the moisturizing components that soothe and hydrate the skin.

Furthermore, you’ll never have to worry about poisoning yourself with chemicals, preservatives, or even polymers also this is considered one of the best tattoo soaps out there.

8. Defense Soap

Defense Soap 2pk All Natural Tea Tree Bar Soap for Men | Made by Wrestlers with Tea Tree Oil & Eucalyptus Oil to Defend Against Fungus and Promote Healthy Skin
  • CLINICALLY PROVEN NATURAL TEA TREE OIL AND EUCALYPTUS OIL provide a broad spectrum of benefits effective at promoting healthy skin
  • PROVEN IN THE WORLD OF CONTACT SPORTS TO EFFICIENTLY REMOVE dirt, grime, gym crud, sweat, smog, allergens, grunge, and built up oils
  • HIGHEST QUALITY WASH WITH SUPERIOR RINSING ACTION restores the skin's natural barrier and helps controls the production of sebum and dead skin cells

The Defense antibacterial soap is specifically made to cleanse the skin of bacteria, fungus, oils, smog, dirt, and viruses.

It’s one of the best you can use after a workout at the gym or around in the ring. The clear formula has no artificial dyes, fragrances, petrochemicals, sulfates, or drying alcohols.

But it naturally deodorizes and sanitizes using the power of tea tree and eucalyptus oils.

9. Cosco Green Soap 1 Pint + SQUEEZE BOTTLE

Cosco Green Soap 1 Pint + SQUEEZE BOTTLE 8oz
  • 8 oz Wash Bottle, A great alternative to a spray bottle.
  • 1 pint green soap
  • 1 pint green soap mixed with water equals 1 gallon green soap

Cosco tincture tattoo Green Soap is a standard fixture in tattoo shops around the world.

It has a base of glycerin and pure vegetable oils so that it doesn’t overly dry the skin while it sanitizes. Just a little bit goes a long way when it comes to a tattoo.

10. Dial Gold Antibacterial Liquid Soap with Moisturizer

Sale
Dial Gold Antibacterial Liquid Soap with Moisturizer, 7.5 Oz Pump Bottle + 52 Oz Refill
  • Antibacterial hand soap with moisturizers
  • Doctor recommended, wash hands frequently to fight germs, viruses, bacteria
  • 52 oz refill and matching 7.5 oz pump

The Dial Gold liquid antibacterial tattoo soap relies on 0.10% benzalkonium chloride, a proven antibacterial agent. It eliminates 99.9% of household germs.

But the formula is mild enough for new tattoos. In fact, this is dial gold one of the least expensive options you could choose.

11. Hibiclens Antimicrobial/Antiseptic Skin Cleanser

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Hibiclens – Antimicrobial and Antiseptic Soap and Skin Cleanser – 32 oz – for Home and Hospital – 4% CHG
  • Trusted by Healthcare: Hibiclens Antiseptic Skin Cleanser has been a trusted product among many hospitals and care centers for over 40 years as a skin cleanser in pre-operative patient bathing, and for help in reducing the risk of surgical site infections
  • Protect against germs, even between washes: The average person comes in contact with 300 surfaces every 30 minutes. Hibiclens is antibacterial, antiseptic and antimicrobial; Its active ingredient chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) begins killing a variety of germs, bacteria and fungi on contact and continues working even after rinsing
  • Recommended by professionals: Hibiclens is the recommended antibacterial soap by pharmacists and dermatologists

Hibiclens is a medical-grade antibacterial soap that can kill MRSA, fungi, and viruses. The active ingredients are 4% chlorhexidine gluconate and 4% isopropyl alcohol.

It’s excellent as a wound cleaner for tattoos, after surgery, and for everyday boo-boos also this is considered one of the best tattoo soaps out there.

12. Dettol Anti-Bacterial pH-Balanced Body Wash

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Dettol Anti Bacterial pH-Balanced Body Wash, Original, 21.1 Oz/625 Ml (Pack of 2)
  • Pack of 2 Pump Bottles, Each is 21.1 ounces
  • pH-balanced formula with reliable protection
  • With active ingredients that effectively protects from germs

Dettol’s body wash gets rid of 99.9% of germs including salmonella, E. coli, and the flu. It foams away dirt without harming the skin’s natural moisture. And the pH-balanced formula has menthol for a refreshing sensation and crisp aroma.

13. Simple Antibacterial Bar Soap for Sensitive Skin

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Basis Sensitive Skin Bar Soap - Cleans and Soothes with Chamomile and Aloe Vera, Use as Body Wash or Hand Soap - Pack of 6
  • Natural calming agents chamomile and aloe vera soothe and comfort skin
  • Use as a body wash or a hand soap
  • No fragrances, dyes or other harsh ingredients

Simple’s conditioning and cleansing bar soap have no artificial perfumes or dyes, plus it’s been tested to be safe for delicate skin types.

It has Pro-Vitamin B5 to promote your skin’s recovery after a tattoo and is perfect for your dry skin as it will keep your tattoo moisturized.

14. Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Face & Body Bar

Cetaphil Bar Soap, Deep Cleansing Face and Body Bar, Pack of 3, For Dry to Normal, Sensitive Skin, Soap Free, Hypoallergenic, Paraben Free, Fragrance Free, Removes Makeup, Dirt and Oil
  • Deep cleans and rids your skin of dirt, oil and impurities without drying skin, leaves your skin feeling refreshed and clean
  • Good for everyday use
  • Will not irritate sensitive skin

Cetaphil removed antibiotic ingredients called triclosan and triclocarban from their bath and body bar. Those are thenatural ingredients linked to bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Instead, their new formula lathers away impurities without harming sensitive skin or clogging pores. Plus, the bar format is much easier to transport than liquid soap.

15. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - 20 oz (Bonus Size)
  • Originally formulated for dermatologists; gentle on your skin and sensitive to your skin's needs, making it excellent for daily facial cleansing
  • The optimal choice for patients with skin conditions; non-soap, neutral pH formulations leave no irritating residue and are non-comedogenic
  • Clinically proven to be four times less irritating than Dove bar, and contains the humectant propylene glycol, which helps enhance hydration of the stratum corneum

Cetaphil’s liquid Skin Cleanser was designed by dermatologists for patients with sensitive skin conditions. The company says it’s four times less irritating than Dove’s bar soap.

The product has a neutral pH and won’t leave a residue on the skin. Furthermore, it’s mild enough to use on your face.

16. Kirk’s Original Coco Castile Bar Soap

Kirk's Castile Bar Soap Clean Soap for Men, Women & Children| Premium Coconut Oil | Sensitive Skin Formula, Vegan | Original Fresh Scent | 4 oz. Bars - 12 Pack
  • GENTLE CASTILE SOAP Kirk’s castile soap is both gentle on the skin – and the environment! Cleanse and soothe dry, irritated skin, and enjoy deep moisturizing with our antioxidant-rich coconut oil soap. Pack of twelve 4 oz. soap bars.
  • NATURAL FORMULA Kirk’s bar soap, made with premium coconut oil, gently cleanses without using harsh toxins. Biodegradable and equally effective in soft and hard waters, such as well water. Kirk’s is great for the whole family!
  • VEGAN BAR SOAP Vegetable-based vegan bar soap creates a gentle & creamy lather, leaving skin feeling soft and healthy. Coconut oil helps remove dead skin cells and dirt away from the face and body. Naturally hydrating and moisturizing, Kirk’s soap gently cleanses without using harsh toxins or chemicals.

Kirk’s Coco Castile bar soap is based on plant-based ingredients, no animal by-products. It’s biodegradable, too.

The delicious natural scent comes in part from coconut oil and aloe. Once your tattoo bandage is off, this is a gentle way to cleanse it and keep your skin moisturized.

17. Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap – Baby Unscented

Dr. Bronner's - Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Baby Unscented, 8 Fl Oz)
  • MADE WITH ORGANIC OILS & CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS: Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soaps are made with over 90% organic ingredients. Over 70% of ingredients are certified fair trade, meaning ethical working conditions & fair prices.
  • GOOD FOR YOUR BODY & THE PLANET: Dr. Bronner's liquid soaps are fully biodegradable & use all-natural, vegan ingredients that pose no threat to the environment. Our products & ingredients are never tested on animals & are cruelty-free.
  • NO SYNTHETIC PRESERVATIVES, DETERGENTS, OR FOAMING AGENTS: Our liquid soaps are made with plant-based ingredients you can pronounce—no synthetic preservatives, thickeners, or foaming agents—which is good for the environment & great for your skin!

Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap is well-known to be eco-friendly. The baby version is super-mild for very sensitive skin. It’s based on organic ingredients like coconut, olive, hemp, jojoba, and palm kernel oils.

You can use this product anywhere on your body to keep your ink clean without making your skin thirsty.

18. Dr. Woods Unscented Baby Mild Bar Soap with Organic Shea Butter

Dr. Woods Unscented Baby Mild Bar Soap with Organic Shea Butter, 5.25 oz (Pack of 3)…
  • Contains Three (3) bars of Dr. Woods Unscented Baby Mild Bar Soap with Organic Shea Butter 5.25oz
  • Dr. Woods Baby Mild Bar Soap Fragrance free formulation provides the most gentle care and effective cleansing for all skin types.
  • Made in the USA, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free and boxed in beautiful natural packaging, our bar soaps are as beautiful to look at sitting on your bathroom shelf as they are to smell.

In direct competition with Dr. Bronner is Dr. Woods. This bar soap is based on sustainable palm oil, coconut oil, and Fair Trade shea butter.

It’s triple-milled so that it lasts as long as possible without melting in the soap dish. Additionally, it has Vitamin E and rosemary to speed up the healing process of your tattoo.

19. DHC Mild Soap, Face Cleansing Bar

DHC Mild Soap, Honey, 3.1 Oz
  • Facial cleansing bar that creates a creamy lather to gently and thoroughly cleanse skin while preserving its natural moisture balance.
  • Moisturizes and provides antioxidant protection as well as fights free radical damage that can accerlerate signs of aging. Balances skin's pH to protect natural moisture barrier
  • Enriched with naturally hydrating honey and organic virgin olive oil.

It’s pricey, but the DHC Mild Soap is the perfect product for washing a tattoo on your face. You can cleanse your whole complexion with it and not worry about acne breakouts or dryness.

20. Splendor Santa Barbara French Lavender Pure Coconut Oil Soap

Splendor French Lavender - Natural Coconut Oil Face & Body Bar Soap. Handmade, Vegan, Moisturizing for Eczema, Psoriasis and Dry Sensitive Skin.
  • NATURAL, QUALITY INGREDIENTS - Face, body and hand.bars - 10.5 OZ ( 3/3.5oz bars ) This formula has A RICH CREAMY LATHER with a 100% coconut oil base.
  • FRENCH LAVENDER - An incredible calming scent
  • HANDMADE IN THE USA- Made the old-fashioned, Slow Cold-Processed Way to retain the natural glycerin missing in chemical bath soaps. Leaves skin soft and healthy. Coconut oil helps to keep the skin moisturized.

If you’re a fan of handmade boutique soaps, you might enjoy this one. It employs French lavender to fight bacteria and fungus.

The relaxing scent helps calm your mind while the soap soothes your skin. In addition, it’s based on coconut oil, a natural moisturizer for your tattoo.

21. Neutrogena, The Transparent Facial Bar

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Neutrogena Original Gentle Facial Cleansing Bar with Glycerin, Pure & Transparent Face Wash Bar Soap, Free of Harsh Detergents, Dyes & Hardeners, 3.5 oz (Pack of 6)
  • 3.5-ounce Neutrogena Facial Cleansing Bar in Original Formula for gentle, daily facial cleansing from a dermatologist-recommended skin care brand
  • This pure cleansing bar is designed for all skin types and lathers up to remove excess oil and gently cleanse skin
  • Featuring the original Neutrogena formula, the face soap bar is glycerin-rich to attract moisture and contains no harsh detergents, dyes or hardeners that can irritate the skin

Neutrogena transparent glycerin-based facial bar rinses clean and has no harsh ingredients like dyes or detergents.

It’s another smart choice for face tattoos or tats in sensitive places and it does not contain any kind of harsh chemicals.

22. Clearly Natural Glycerin Bar Soap, Unscented

Clearly Natural Glycerin Bar Soap, Unscented,4 Ounce (Pack of 6)
  • Clearly Natural Unscented Glycerine Bar Soap
  • All Natural Glycerine Soap with no added fragrance
  • Each Bar is 4 ounces

Glycerin soap is popular because it rinses cleanly and doesn’t leave a residue. It’s naturally moisturizing, too. But this particular bar may not be the best choice for washing oily skin.

23. CeraVe Body Wash for Dry Skin

CeraVe Body Wash for Dry Skin | Moisturizing Body Wash with Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides | Paraben, Sulfate & Fragrance Free | 10 Ounce
  • [ CLEANSE & REFRESH ] Formula forms a gentle foaming lather to cleanse without stripping skin of its natural moisture. Skin is left feeling moisturized & smooth, never tight or dry.
  • [ HYDRATING BODY WASH ] Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to help retain skin’s natural moisture, and Glycerin to help moisturize.
  • [ SKIN CARE FOR DRY SKIN ] Massage CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash into skin in gentle, circular motions with a washcloth or shower loofah. Can be paired with CeraVe Moisturizing Cream to lock in moisture.

CeraVe includes essential ceramides in their body wash. That single ingredient is important for maintaining moisture in the skin.

The soap is also free of sulfates and parabens, plus it’s recommended by the National Eczema Association for sensitive skin.

24. Sebamed Fragrance-Free Gentle Face and Body Hydrating Cleanser

Sebamed Fragrance-Free Gentle Face and Body Hydrating Cleanser pH 5.5 Dermatologist Recommended Ultra Mild Formula for Normal To Dry Sensitive Skin 33.8 Fluid Ounces (1 Liter)
  • Fragrance free, gluten free and paraben free
  • Dermatologist recommended
  • Ultra-mild, non-irritating formula with pro-vitamin B5 and antioxidant vitamin E

Our final pick is Sebamed’s cleanser. It doesn’t disrupt the natural pH of the skin so it protects against dehydration and infection.

It’s suggested for treating conditions like psoriasis, burns, and scars after operations. That’s why it’s a safe choice for cleansing tattoo skin. Finally, it’s free of parabens, dyes, and other irritants and also is fragrance-free.

Conclusion

The best soap for cleansing your tattoo is the one that helps your skin to heal properly. You can’t go wrong if you skip artificial fragrances and dyes. And choosing a moisturizing cleanser will help you mend faster.

Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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