Most people would agree that tattoos are pretty cool. They're a way of expressing yourself, and they can look really badass. But what most people don't know is that getting a tattoo can be an incredibly painful experience. Unless you use a numbing cream, that is.
There are all sorts of different numbing creams on the market these days, and it can be tough to figure out which one is right for you. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to the best tattoo numbing creams available today.
We'll tell you everything you need to know about each cream, including how it works and what kind of results you can expect. So, whether you're getting your very first tattoo or just looking for a more comfortable experience, we've got you covered.
What is Numbing Cream?
Numbing cream is a topical anesthetic that works by temporarily numbing the skin. It is typically used prior to medical procedures, such as injections or laser hair removal, to help reduce pain and discomfort. Numbing cream can also be used before getting a tattoo to help minimize the pain associated with the procedure.
Numbing cream works by blocking the pain receptors in the skin. It does this by temporarily disrupting the communication between the nerves and the brain. This prevents the brain from receiving signals of pain from the affected area.
5 Best Tattoo Numbing Creams
We have put together a list of the 5 best numbing creams for a pain-free tattoo experience.
1. Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Balm
- TATTOO AFTERCARE ESSENTIAL: Hustle Butter is the original luxury tattoo aftercare product for new and older tattoos. Safe to use right after getting a tattoo to help heal and reduce irritation unlike...
- HELPS HEAL, PREVENTS FADING: Hustle Butter is not only safe for new tattoos, but encouraged to help the healing process. It also prevents fading and revives 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...
Hustle Butter is an all-natural tattoo aftercare balm that helps to heal new tattoos and prevent fading in older ones. Made from a blend of different types of Butters, oils, rosemary oleoresin, vitamin E complex, green tea, and mint arvenis.
Hustle Butter is packed with ingredients that help to soothe and protect the skin. It's also certified cruelty-free and vegan, so you can use it with peace of mind knowing that no animals were harmed in the making of this product.
This all-natural tattoo aftercare balm is used and recommended by artists worldwide for its ability to help tattoos heal better and protect new ink. Unlike other products that constrict the blood vessels, Hustle Butter does not remove stencils or clog tubes, making it a favorite among both artists and clients alike.
Pros
- All-natural and vegan
- Packed with nourishing ingredients
- Helps tattoos heal better
- Recommended by artists worldwide
- Does not clog tubes
Cons
- Some may find the scent too strong
2. Zensa Numbing Cream 5% Lidocaine
- ✅ MAXIMUM STRENGTH 5% LIDOCAINE CREAM — Effective over-the-counter topical numbing cream that does not change skin texture, constrict blood vessels, or affect color settling and retention.
- ✅ LONG-LASTING PAIN RELIEF & PREVENTION — Fast-absorbing formulation provides numbing for 2 to 4 hours, and can be extended to 6-8 hours with reapplication mid-session. Starts acting as quickly as...
- ✅ IDEAL FOR TATTOOS, COSMETIC, MEDICAL USES — Common applications include tattoos and piercings, microblading/permanent makeup, microneedling, fillers/botox injections, waxing and laser hair...
The fast-absorbing formulation provides long-lasting pain relief, from 2 to 4 hours, and can be extended to 6-8 hours with reapplication. It starts working in as little as 20 minutes, making it ideal for tattooing, cosmetic procedures, and medical uses. The water-based, non-oily formula is also easy to remove and leaves no trace once absorbed.
This hypoallergenic and cruelty-free cream is made in the USA and is safe to use on open skin and sensitive areas like eyelids and lips. It's also safe for all skin types and children. With over 50,000 satisfied users, Zensa Numbing Cream 5% Lidocaine is a top choice for those looking for a reliable numbing cream.
Pros
- Fast-absorbing
- Long-lasting pain relief
- Starts working in as little as 20 minutes
- Water-based
- Non-oily
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Have to apply a very thick amount to work
3. Samnyte Tattoo Numbing Cream
Amazon productThis stuff is amazing! It has a 6-8 hours long-lasting numbing effect, so it takes care of even the longest tattoo sessions. And it's 5% lidocaine, so you know you're getting the most powerful numbing effect possible. It comes with a handy application spoon, so you can apply it without getting your hands messy.
The cream is lightweight and smooth, with a non-greasy formula that is easily absorbed. It is also infused with Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Menthol, and natural ingredients to soothe and protect the skin from irritation.
The cream can be used for multiple purposes, including tattoos, tattoo removal, hair removal, piercing, Brazilian waxing, and micro-needling. Like Uber Numb Tattoo Numbing Cream and Ink Scribd Numbing Cream, this natural numbing cream can also be used for minor cuts, abrasions, insect bites, and anorectal disorders.
Pros
- 6-8 hours long-lasting
- 5% lidocaine
- Handy application spoon
- Lightweight and smooth
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Took 30 minutes to start for some users
4. Dr. Numb 5% Lidocaine Topical Anesthetic Numbing Cream
- ✅ 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹: Specially formulated for maximum potency, our 100% hypoallergenic, fast-absorbing cream starts working in...
- ✅ 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Dr. Numb 5% Lidocaine Cream with Vitamin E produces heal or loss of sensation of the skin and its...
- ✅ 𝗡𝗼 𝗢𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹: Unlike ointments and oil-based alternatives, our fast-absorbing formulation is 100% cream-based for a silky smooth, velvety feel. You'll never have to...
Dr. Numb 5% Lidocaine Topical Anesthetic Numbing Cream is a fast-acting, long-lasting numbing cream that is perfect for tattooing, piercings, and other procedures where you need numbing relief. The lidocaine in the cream numbs the area quickly so you can get on with your procedure with little to no pain.
The cream is also hypoallergenic and non-irritating, so you can use it with peace of mind knowing that it won't cause any irritation or skin reactions. As it's cream-based, it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave behind any oily residue. The anesthetic cream is fast-acting and long-lasting, so you can be sure that you'll be comfortable for the entire procedure. The cream is also Hypoallergenic and 100% safe for your skin.
Pros
- Fast-acting
- Long-lasting
- Hypoallergenic
- Cream-based
- 100% safe
Cons
- Worked great for 30 to 60 mins
5. Ebanel 5% Lidocaine Topical Numbing Cream
- 5% Topical Lidocaine Cream Maximum Strength - This lidocaine gel cream temporarily relieves pain, burning, and itching, reduces inflammation and soreness
- FSA HSA Approved Eligible - Infused with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, this numb cream soothes and protects the skin from irritations. Best for minor cuts, minor scrapes, minor burns, insect bites, and...
- Best Efficacy, Fast-Acting & Long-Lasting - This topical numbing cream begins numbing in 3-5 minutes, peaks after 20-25 minutes, and lasts for 1 hour from its peak. Enhanced with Liposomal Technology
This maximum strength cream begins numbing in just 3-5 minutes, and peaks after 20-25 minutes. It lasts for up to one hour from its peak, making it ideal for short-term pain relief. In addition, the cream is infused with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E for extra soothing and hydrating power.
This water-based strongest tattoo numbing cream is easy to apply and remove, and it's also hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals. Additionally, like Deeveeant Numbing Cream, it's cGMP certified and made in the USA. Performance testing prior to treatment is highly recommended to assess your best performance timing.
Pros
- Maximum strength numbing
- Fast-acting
- Long-lasting
- Infused with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E
- Water-based
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- The more the better
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Tattoo Numbing Cream
When choosing the best numbing cream for tattoos, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.
1. Is it made for tattoos?
There are numbing most tattoo numbing creams on the market that are made specifically for tattoos. These tend to be more effective as they're designed to work with the needles and ink used in tattooing. If you can, choose a numbing cream that is specifically made for tattoos.
2. What is the active ingredient?
The active ingredient in a numbing cream determines how effective it will be. The most common active ingredient in numbing creams is lidocaine, which is a powerful anesthetic that can numb the skin quickly. If you're looking for the most effective numbing cream possible, choose one that contains lidocaine.
3. How long does it last?
When you're getting a tattoo, you want a numbing cream that will last for the entire duration of the tattooing process. Look for a numbing cream that has a long-lasting effect so you don't have to worry about reapplying it during your tattoo session.
4. Is it safe for your skin?
Most numbing creams contain ingredients that can cause irritation or skin reactions. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to choose a numbing cream that is hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals.
5. Lasting effect
You don't want the numbing effect to wear off in the middle of your tattoo session. Choose a numbing cream that has a long-lasting effect so you can be sure it will last for the entire duration of your tattoo.
6. Easy to apply and remove
Numbing creams can be tricky to apply and remove, so choose one that is easy to use. Water-based creams are generally the easiest to apply and remove, so they're a good option if you're looking for a hassle-free numbing cream.
7. Percent Lidocaine
The higher the percentage of lidocaine, the more powerful the numbing effect will be. If you're looking for a very strong numbing cream, choose one that contains a high percentage of lidocaine.
8. Infused with Vitamins
Some numbing creams are infused with vitamins, which can help soothe and protect the skin. If you're looking for a skin-numbing cream that will also nourish your skin, choose one that is infused with vitamins.
9. Made in the USA
If you're looking for a numbing cream that is made in the USA, look for one that is cGMP certified. This certification ensures that the numbing cream is made to strict quality standards.
10. Price
Numbing creams can range in price from $15 to $50. If you're on a budget, look for a numbing cream that is priced towards the lower end of this range. However, if you're looking for the most effective numbing cream possible, you may want to choose one that is priced at the higher end of this range.
FAQ
Is it OK to use numbing cream before a tattoo?
For some people, that means using a numbing cream to reduce the pain of the tattoo needle. Numbing creams contain lidocaine, which numbs the area where it's applied. That's how tattoo numbing cream work. This can be beneficial if you're getting a large tattoo or one in a sensitive area. However, there are also some risks to consider. First, numbing cream can make it difficult to know how much pressure to apply, which can lead to uneven lines or too deep of an insertion. Second, if the area is too numb, you may not be able to tell if the artist is going too deep and causing tissue damage. Finally, numbing creams can interfere with the ink, making it harder for the tattoo to take or causing it to fade over time.
Does tattoo numbing cream affect tattoos?
There's no definitive answer since everyone experiences pain differently. Some people say that numbing cream helped them get through their tattoo session with minimal pain, while others say it didn't make much of a difference. There's also the risk that numbing cream could affect the quality of your tattoo. If the area is too numb, your artist might not be able to work as precisely as they need to. Anesthetic cream is a numbing agent. It is applied to the skin before certain medical procedures, such as injections, to numb the area. So if you're considering using numbing cream, it's important to talk to some tattoo artists beforehand to see if they're okay with it. Numbing agents can also cause the ink to spread, making it difficult to achieve crisp lines.
How can I make a tattoo less painful?
The answer, of course, is that it depends. Tattoo pain is subjective, and everyone experiences it differently. However, there are a few things you can do to help minimize the discomfort. First, choose a location on your body that has relatively thin skin and little fat tissue. Areas like the wrist, forearm, and ankle tend to be less painful than places like the biceps or rib cage.
Second, consider the size and placement of your tattoo. A small tattoo in a sensitive area is likely to be more painful than a larger tattoo on the thigh or shoulder. Finally, try to relax before and during your tattoo session. Taking deep breaths and visualizing the finished product can help to take your mind off the pain.
What is the best numbing cream for tattoos?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a numbing cream for tattoos. First, you'll want to choose a water-based cream that is easy to apply and remove. Second, look for a cream with a high percentage of lidocaine for a powerful numbing effect. Finally, choose a cream that is infused with vitamins to nourish and protect the skin.
How long does tattoo numbing cream last?
The effects of tattoo numbing cream typically last for one to two hours. However, some creams are designed to last longer, so be sure to read the instructions carefully before applying. The numbing cream is a good choice for a long-lasting numbing effect.
Conclusion
If you're considering using numbing cream for your next tattoo, it's important to weigh the pros and cons. Numbing cream can help to reduce pain, but it can also interfere with the ink and make it difficult to know how much pressure to apply.
Talk to your tattoo artist beforehand to see if they're okay with you using numbing cream during your session. A small skin test is recommended 24 hours prior to use to ensure you are not allergic to lidocaine.
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