6 Best Tattoo Aftercare Products UK 2023

It is recommended that you use these ointments for the first 3-5 days of getting your tat, when the skin is at it’s most vulnerable and prone to infection. Some balms can be used as a multipurpose item for other skin issues such as cuts and scratches, chapped lips, or cracked heels, which is particularly handy if you only have a small tattoo and end up with most of the pot left over!

Balms and salves usually appear in small sized pots of around 30 ml, due to the fact you need only use a very thin layer at a time, but those with larger ink may need to grab a container of 50 ml and above. Because of their shine-inducing oil and wax based ingredients, they can also be used as a tattoo brightener later down the line.

They can seem like a splurge if you know there are regular fragrance-free soaps available, but do check with your tattooist to see which are suitable. However, if you’re not completely sure and would prefer not to take the risk, these specially designed cleansers are a good option. You’ll need to wash or shower with one for the first 2-3 weeks, so it’s up to you.

They are really intended to moisturise rather than heal, so you should switch to a lotion after the 3-5 day period of using a balm or salve, when the skin becomes hard and dry and starts to peel. They should be free of fragrances or perfumes, especially if you are prone to skin allergies or reactions to cosmetics.

As with balms, lotions can double up as a tattoo reviver when your skin is fully recovered, or for older ink you have that suddenly doesn’t look as impressive next to your latest piece!

Being oil-based, they will still moisturise the area, and will play their part in the healing process if they include the right vitamin-rich oils. But their main skill is enhancing the saturation and brightness of your tattoo, and will especially appeal to those with colourful or heavily shaded ink as it will really make it come to life.

To get a bit more bang for your buck, you can also look for oils that are suitable for your other beauty and grooming needs, such as smoothing and softening your split ends or facial hair.