Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that at no cost to you, we may earn a small commission for qualifying purchases.
You’re about to get inked, but what’s the best way to deal with the pain? One option is to use the best tattoo numbing cream.
Topical anesthetics like these dull the sting of the needle. People also use them for piercings and permanent makeup procedures.
The most common ingredients you’ll find in over-the-counter numbing tattoo creams are lidocaine, benzocaine, prilocaine, and tetracaine. Some formulas have a blend of two or more of the above plus other components.
Let’s pause here for just a moment to warn you about the downside of numbing creams. If you use them over a large area or broken skin, you run the risk of side effects that could send you to the hospital. So please, follow the directions to the letter.
Keep in mind, the tattoo numbing creams don’t take away all the pain but deaden it. Their effects last up to two hours maximum.
If you don’t want to read the full article then check out our favorite products in the table below.
It is an anesthetic agent that produces a numbing sensation. This agent works by blocking nerve signals in the affected area.
High levels of lidocaine in creams can cause adverse reactions like blisters, burning sensations, depigmentation, etc. This is why FDA only accepts a maximum of 5% lidocaine.
Tattoo numbing cream (used before a session) should be water-based so that it won’t leave any oily residue that can cause artists to make mistakes when tattooing due to the slippery effect.
Tattoo numbing creams should contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents as there is a high risk of inflammation on tattooed areas.
Harsh chemicals can cause skin damage, therefore, the creams should not contain any of these.
Sometimes, numbing creams can cause unpleasant side effects. Side effects of numbing creams can include:
However, you should not worry about the side effects because they rarely happen. The side effects may be more common in those with sensitive skin, however, usually resolve quickly.
It’s highly recommended to always check buyers’ opinions before making your purchase.
But you must be aware of the fabricated reviews whether they are for good or bad ratings. The tip is to choose a product that has a lot of purchases and reviews (e.g. 500+ purchases and 100+ reviews) to read
When checking these reviews, you should choose and learn from the ones by those who have some traits in common with you such as gender, age range, skin type, etc.
It is a good idea to consult with your tattoo artist. They are often more knowledgeable and can offer advice on what you need to do for the tattoo type you want.
You can find out the amount of anesthetic that might be required for the type of tattoo you have. Your tattoo artist will also inform you of the ingredients to avoid in order to reduce adverse reactions when ink comes into contact with the cream.
If you want to get more dos and don’ts about tattoo numbing creams, read our FAQs below
With that said, let’s get into the reviews of the top numbing creams for tattoos. If you’re in doubt as to which one is best for you, check with the tattoo artist beforehand.
Ebanel’s NUMB 520 has a slightly higher concentration of lidocaine than the HUSH gel above, but that doesn’t mean that it’s more powerful.
Part of what makes a tattoo cream effective is more than the anesthetic ingredient.
It’s also necessary to have good absorption and the ability to keep numbing as long as possible and this is safe to use for sensitive skin.
This water-based tattoo cream gets to work fast in as little as 20 minutes. Then the numbing effect lasts between one to two hours.
Plus, this numbing product has a technology called Liposomal to help it penetrate the skin. Try it, and if you’re not satisfied, the company offers a full refund.
This is one of the best numbing creams in the market and is non-oily
The Numb Master cream contains 5% lidocaine. It reaches maximum power in 20 to 25 minutes and continues to work for about one hour afterward.
As the product absorbs into your skin, it won’t leave a greasy or sticky residue.
As we continue with reviews, you’ll notice that many of these numbing creams are quite similar. This one stands out because it mentions an essential ingredient.
No, not the 5% lidocaine. Uber numb points out that it has Vitamin E to condition the skin and reduce inflammation.
Like the competition, the cream reaches full potency about 20 minutes after you apply it and keeps working for about one hour afterward.
Let’s switch gears for a moment to a pain-relieving cream after you get the tattoo. Once your tat begins to heal, you might notice that your skin is sensitive and itchy.
This numbing product uses natural ingredients to soothe your epidermis and speed up healing. It works on regular wounds, too.
The key ingredients include Manuka honey, natural ingredients which is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. Next, Cehami, from Australia, stops itching and pain better than aspirin.
And finally, cocoa butter, shea butter, and coconut oil ensure that your skin stays hydrated and healthy.
No products found.
Now, let’s go back to our selection of skin-numbing tattoo creams. Ultra Numb cream recommends a double application.
To illustrate, 2 hours before the procedure, apply a thick layer and massage it into your skin. Then, apply a second layer of this anesthetic gel and cover it with plastic wrap.
If you follow these steps, you should stay numb for up to four hours and this is made of natural ingredients which are antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. This is one of the popular numbing creams.
Aspercreme contains 4% lidocaine to desensitize your skin for a variety of reasons besides tattoo numbing.
If you don’t use the whole tube on your tat, it can treat backaches, arthritis, bruises, and pulled muscles.
Aspercreme says that they target more pain receptors than other over-the-counter analgesics.
You only need to apply a thin layer, and you can do that up to three times each day with this numbing product and this is of high quality.
Dr. Numb’s cream stops the sting for up to two hours. It relieves the unpleasant sensation of a tattoo needle, sunburns, and other wounds.
This water-based cream is based on lidocaine that has you ready for ink in 45 minutes.
Deveeant’s cream is recommended for a tattoo numbing, like waxing, and piercing.
It starts numbing in about half an hour, but the company recommends waiting for at least 45 minutes pass for best results.
It blends lidocaine with tea tree and jojoba oils plus aloe vera so that your skin stays calm and regenerates more quickly.
The TOPICAINE 5 gel has 5% lidocaine with ingredients that help it permeate the skin.
Just apply it at least 30 minutes before you get the tattoo.
Medinumb lasts up to two hours. It’s based on 4% lidocaine plus botanicals so it is non-greasy and it won’t stain clothing. It also comes with a child-resistant cap.
Zensa’s 5% lidocaine topical anesthetic is made in the USA but also approved by Health Canada. It contains Vitamin E to reduce inflammation and increase the healing process.
It begins working about half an hour after you apply it. Then pain relief lasts for about three hours total.
The GREENCAINE BLAST cream shows up in diverse places like permanent makeup schools, beauty salons, and nonprofits that are experienced in the removal of the tattoo.
The product has 4% lidocaine to block pain signals. And it’s covered by a 100% refund guarantee. Many artists would recommend this FDA-compliant cream.
Advanced Numb’s pain relief cream is best for a small tattoo numbing as it blocks pain for up to an hour.
Once you rub it in, your skin is ready to ink in 20 minutes. And the cream won’t interfere as it’s water-based and doesn’t leave a residue.
Bactine contains just 2.5% lidocaine which makes it pleasant for cooling down itchy skin while your is in the healing process. It also prevents and treats infections.
With 4% lidocaine, this balm preps your skin for the needle. In combination with Aquatat ointment, it serves as a glide for a tattoo artist.
Many tattoo artists believe that the product is free of petroleum so it won’t disrupt work with stencils.
If you’re going to get a small tattoo, you might like this numbing liquid with benzocaine. It also contains chamomile to reduce inflammation and calm irritated skin.
If you’ve waxed before, you might be familiar with the No Scream Cream. It’s mild enough to use on sensitive areas like your bikini, underarms, and upper lip.
The active ingredient is benzocaine, and it takes about half an hour to prep your skin for the procedure.
As we mentioned before, benzocaine doesn’t numb your skin as long as lidocaine can. It’s best for a small tattoo numbing.
But benzocaine is useful for numbing pain after thinking is done as it can usually be applied up to three times a day.
It works in most cases. It may not work as well on sensitive areas as it might be on others. This is because the needle bites can gradually fade the numbing effect.
The numbing effects vary from cream to cream because they have different formulas with different amounts of lidocaine, and their production methods differ.
If you use a good quality numbing cream, it should not cause any damage to the tattoo.
However, it is important to consult your artist before applying numbing creams to your tattoos. They may feel it is inappropriate to use them and may cancel your session.
Most numbing creams can be used on sensitive areas and the face, but not all.
Before you use a numbing lotion on your face or sensitive areas, make sure you read the instructions and product description. Your tattoo artist may also be able to offer guidance.
A small number of people are allergic to either benzocaine or lidocaine, the most common skin-numbing anesthetics.
Then, some folks can’t tolerate either one. If you fall into that category, how else can you numb your skin?
First, if you’ve never had a tattoo before, get your first one where it doesn’t hurt as much.
In other words, don’t tattoo your face or neck or ribs or the back of your knees until you know how well you tolerate the sensation.
Next, before you begin, make sure you’ve had plenty to eat and drink and that you feel relaxed. Breathe calmly. It might help to bring along headphones and listen to soothing music.
It’s possible to numb your skin with ice before getting a tattoo. Unfortunately, the effects won’t last long. But your tattoo artist may have a numbing spray that they can put on you.
Finally, consider taking an oral painkiller about an hour before you begin.
Yes. No prescription is required to buy tattoo numbing cream.
You can make it easier on yourself if you’re going to get your first tattoo, or stepping up the game with body art in sensitive places.
Try one of these tattoo numbing creams to ease the pain. Then both your body and mind will be at ease to enjoy the experience.
Last update on 2024-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Join our newsletter for the latest updates!
Would anyobe recomed Dragon numbing cream for tattoos?
Does Evo 10 numbing cream work for tattoo removal? Amazon sell it but doesn’t feature on here?