13 Products You'll Need to Heal and Care For Your New Tattoo

Tattoo Goo Tattoo Care Kit ($15)

The Tattoo Goo Tattoo Care Kit comes with everything you need to care for your new ink, including antimicrobial soap, a balm, and a lotion. The soap is a gentle pH-balanced formula that is antimicrobial and antibacterial. The balm provides a protective barrier that aids in healing the skin, while the lotion containing vitamins B5 and E helps prevent scabbing, nourishes the skin, and enhances the color of your tattoo. Everything in this kit is vegan, cruelty-free, and petroleum-free.

Dial Complete Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap ($9, originally $12 for four)

Dial is a tried-and-true brand for antibacterial soaps, and they can kill up to 99.9 percent of bacteria in household settings. This liquid antibacterial soap is both cleansing and conditioning without leaving your skin feeling overly stripped, making it one of the best tattoo aftercare products on the market. This is something you can use for small- to medium-size tattoos.

Dr. Lift Antibacterial Body Wash ($30 for three)

In the market for something gentle yet effective? Not only is Dr. Lift's Antibacterial Body Wash great for postprocedure care, but it's also perfect for tattoo aftercare. It is unscented and keeps your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated no matter your skin type. This body wash is great for tattoos of all sizes, including large back tattoos and sleeves.

Hustle Bubbles Deluxe ($21, originally $28)

Specifically formulated to help heal and clean tattoos and piercings, Hustle Bubbles Deluxe is an unscented antibacterial soap you'll want in your post-ink aftercare kit. This all-natural soap is gentle on all skin types, including those that are more sensitive. It helps to minimize irritation and prevent infection, making this one of the best tattoo aftercare products on the market.

Saniderm Tattoo Aftercare Bandage ($13)

To keep your tattoo protected from everyday life, Saniderm Tattoo Aftercare Bandages are something you'll want in your arsenal. These breathable and waterproof bandages help to lock in moisture to reduce and prevent dryness and scabbing on your tattoo. Protecting your ink with a physical barrier like this transparent adhesive wrap also helps to block out germs.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($16, originally $17)

The Aquaphor Healing Ointment helps with plenty of skin concerns like excessive dryness, irritation, and itchiness (and even burns and cuts), so it's no surprise that it'll come in handy for a new tattoo. This is a water-free formula that forms a protective barrier around the affected area to protect it from the outside environment. It's also pretty breathable, but you should only put a thin layer of this on your new tattoo.

Mad Rabbit Repair Tattoo Aftercare Soothing Gel ($22)

The Mad Rabbit Repair Tattoo Aftercare Soothing Gel is specifically formulated for new tattoos. It contains botanical oils like sweet almond and argan to moisturize the skin without suffocating it. This hydrating formula soothes and cools the skin with aloe vera, allantoin, and bisabolol to help reduce irritation and itchiness of the tattooed area.

Mad Rabbit Tattoo Tattoo Aid ($18)

The Mad Rabbit Tattoo Tattoo Aid is great for older tattoos that require a refresh and also works as a postcare treatment for maintaining your new ink. Containing a blend of fatty acids, antioxidant-rich butters, and lightweight oils, this moisturizing balm can help brighten the color of your ink and make your tattoo look less dull over time. Plus, it keeps the skin moisturized and hydrated.

Hustle Butter Deluxe ($22, originally $27)

Great for both newer and older tattoos, Hustle Butter Deluxe heals and protects your skin while maintaining and enhancing the look of your ink. It's formulated with shea, mango, and aloe butters; green tea; vitamin E; and other skin-nourishing ingredients. The 100 percent vegan balm prevents fading as well. This is something you can carry in your handbag or pocket for tattoo care on the go.

Viking Revolution Tattoo Balm ($10)

Thinking about getting new ink? You can use the Viking Revolution Tattoo Balm to prepare your skin for a new tattoo as well as care for it after the fact. The soothing tattoo aftercare cream helps reduce soreness and redness while speeding up the recovery process. You can also use this to brighten up older tattoos.

Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturizer ($16)

If you have a tattoo in a hard-to-reach spot like your back or shoulders, getting a spray-on lotion like this one from Vaseline will help. It's a lightweight moisturizer with a nongreasy and nonsticky formula that will leave your skin conditioned without feeling too heavy. The continuous spray is able to dispense the lotion evenly across your skin. You can use this right after you shower, or when the area feels extra dry.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion ($10, originally $14)

The Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion has a prebiotic oat formula that is soothing to the skin and helps improve your skin's moisture barrier. It's nongreasy and free of fragrances, and it absorbs quickly while deeply hydrating the skin, giving it a healthier look and feel. For those with sensitive skin, this is a great tattoo aftercare product.

Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion ($10, originally $12)

If you're prone to having drier skin, getting a tattoo can make the area even more parched. Getting something thicker in consistency like the Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion can help relieve dryness and itchiness. The fragrance-free and nongreasy formula contains vitamin B5 to help nourish your skin. According to the brand, it's recommended by tattoo artists for tattoo care and aftercare.