Is aquaphor safe for tattoos
Rachel Hunter
Published Mar 01, 2026
Aquaphor is a skin care staple for many people who have dry, chapped skin or lips. This ointment gets its moisturizing powers mainly from petrolatum, lanolin, and glycerin. … Though it’s best known as a moisturizer for dry skin, Aquaphor is also commonly used as a safe and effective part of tattoo aftercare.
Why you shouldn't use Aquaphor on tattoos?
Your tattoo does need oxygen to heal, and putting on too much Aquaphor can suffocate the skin and clog pores. To make sure you’re not using too much, use a clean paper towel to dab off the extra ointment after you apply it.
Does Aquaphor take ink out of tattoos?
You obviously don’t want your healing ointment pulling ink out of your skin. Here’s the answer: If the tattoo was done correctly, that is, ink was deposited in the dermis layer, then no, Aquaphor won’t pull out ink in the dermis. However, take note that some ink will also get on the epidermis (this is totally normal).
When should I put Aquaphor on my new tattoo?
The first 3 – 4 days. We recommend Aquaphor as the healing ointment for your tattoo. Apply a small amount to the tattoo, and rub it in thoroughly, as if you were applying lotion.How long do you keep Aquaphor on a tattoo?
Once the tattoo is dry apply AQUAPHOR healing ointment, made by Eucerin. Apply a thin layer and rub it in, then dab excess off with a clean paper towel. Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand.
Why is aquaphor bad?
Potential risks of putting Aquaphor on your face It’s uncommon for people to experience negative reactions to Aquaphor and other petrolatum products. But in rare cases , Aquaphor is known to cause an allergic reaction that can cause a rash.
Is aquaphor better than Vaseline for tattoos?
Aquaphor is recommended for tattoos In the first few days after getting a tattoo, you’ll need to keep it moisturized and bandaged. Aquaphor is recommended for tattoos because of its anti-inflammatory properties, while Vaseline is not, as it can block air from getting to the tattoo, which is needed for healing.
What's the best lotion for tattoos?
- After Inked Moisturizer And Tattoo Aftercare Lotion. …
- Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion. …
- Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion. …
- Lubriderm Advanced Therapy Extra Dry Skin Lotion. …
- Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion. …
- Cetaphil Fragrance Free Moisturizing Lotion.
What is the best ointment for tattoos?
For the first day or two, use an ointment like A+D Original Ointment or Aquaphor Healing Ointment or the product recommended by your tattoo artist to help the tattoo heal. It’s best to avoid products that are 100 percent petroleum-based, like Vaseline.
Can I use Aquaphor baby on my tattoo?Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment is great because you can apply it thinly and it soothes while allowing your inked area to get the necessary moisture required to keep it healing nicely. It’s also a bit gentler on your skin than the dry skin product we also recommend above.
Article first time published onShould I sleep with a new tattoo covered?
Many artists will recommend sleeping with your tattoo wrapped for the first few nights (up to 3-4). This protects it from bacteria, your sheets, and accidental picking or ripping of the scabs. Use only a good wrap developed specifically for tattoo healing, which should be breathable, anti-bacterial, and waterproof.
Can I use Aquaphor after Saniderm?
Apply a small amount of lotion to your tattoo (brand does not really matter) as long as it is unscented such as Jergens or Aveno. NEVER use any oils, anti-itch creams, healing creams or ointments such as aquaphor, neosporin, A/D, etc. The Saniderm removes the need to use any ointments.
Should you moisturize tattoo scabs?
A tattoo is an open wound, and like any open wound drying out and minor scabbing is part of the healing process and should not lead you to over moisturize. Apply your aftercare product in a thin layer for best protection.
Do tattoos peel off when healing?
However, some peeling in the early stages of healing is completely normal. The tattoo process creates a wound in your skin, and peeling is your body’s way of getting rid of dry skin cells that have been affected as your skin heals.
When should I start moisturizing my tattoo?
You should start moisturizing your tattoo as soon as it starts to dry — not before. This can generally take about 1–3 days after you got your tattoo. Be sure to wash and dry your tattoo with antibacterial soap and choose the appropriate moisturizer as well.
When should I stop putting ointment on my tattoo?
To help it heal correctly, “you should continue applying the ointment after each time you wash the tattoo and only after it has completely dried; at least twice a day, for three to five days or until the tattoo starts to peel. Then, you can switch to a regular, fragrance-free lotion.”
What ingredients should not be in a tattoo?
- alcohol.
- petroleum.
- lanolin.
- mineral oil, such as vitamin A or D.
- parabens.
- phthalates.
- fragrances.
Does aquaphor have steroids?
Hydrocortisone topical (for the skin) is a steroid that is used to treat inflammation and itching caused by skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.
Can too much aquaphor be bad?
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
How do tattoos heal in a week?
- Cover tattoo with clothing. Sunlight can cause your tattoo to fade, and fresh tattoos are especially sensitive to the sun. …
- Don’t re-bandage after you take off the initial dressing. …
- Clean daily. …
- Apply ointment. …
- Don’t scratch or pick. …
- Avoid scented products.
What should I put on skin before tattoo?
Green Soap – Green soap is a favorite skin cleanser among many tattoo artists and some piercers. Just mix 10% Green Soap with 90% water, and use it to thoroughly wash the skin where you’re about to perform a body modification.
What causes tattoo blowout?
Tattoo blowouts occur when a tattoo artist presses too hard when applying ink to the skin. The ink is sent below the top layers of skin where tattoos belong. Below the skin’s surface, the ink spreads out in a layer of fat. This creates the blurring associated with a tattoo blowout.
Is Vanicream good for tattoos?
“The tattoo will get dry, itchy, flaky and peel, I recommend not picking or scratching at the tattoo, just letting it slough off naturally.” After the dry heal period is complete, keep moisturizing the area, but be sure to use an unscented lotion—CeraVe, Vanicream, and Eucerin all have great options.
Is Vaseline good for a new tattoo?
Vaseline isn’t the best choice for tattoo aftercare. Petroleum jelly traps moisture and bacteria, which can lead to infections and scarring if your tattoo doesn’t get enough air while it’s healing. You may be able to use Vaseline on old tattoos if your skin is dry.
Can I put coconut oil on my tattoo?
Coconut oil is gentle enough to use during any stage of the tattoo process. You can apply it to new tattoos, old ones, or even those that are undergoing removal or retouching. This can prove beneficial if you have more than one tattoo, or if you’re thinking about getting additional ink in the near future.
What happens if you use too much Aquaphor on tattoo?
Using a petroleum based product like Aquaphorcan cause premature skin aging and tattoo fading. Using Aquaphor for tattoo aftercare, poses a risk of damaging your tattoo by causing premature fading. It has also been found that petrolatum and mineral oil can pull fresh tattoo ink from the skin.
What Aquaphor is best for tattoos?
Best Overall: Aquaphor Healing Ointment Aquaphor’s Healing Ointment is of the most widely used tattoo aftercare treatments, and you’ll find a lot of artists quick to recommend the old stand-by.
Which Aquaphor is for tattoos?
Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment Aquaphor’s Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment is easily one of the most widely used treatments for tattoo aftercare, as myriad artists swear by it.
What is tattoo flu?
Symptoms Of a Tattoo Flu Getting sick after a tattoo is also known as having a ‘tattoo flu’. … Well, just like the regular sickness of flu, the tattoo flu manifests through the following symptoms; Fever. Cold chills. Fatigue and tiredness.
What if my tattoo artist didn't wrap my tattoo?
If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight. … After a few days, the tattoo will form a thin scab over it, and in about a week the scab will begin to flake off in the shower.
Do and don'ts after tattoo?
- Don’t remove your bandage too soon! …
- Don’t use hot water to clean your new tattoo; wash with warm water instead. …
- Don’t put your new tattoo directly under running water—don’t soak it either.
- Never rip the bandage off! …
- Don’t re-bandage or cover your new tattoo. …
- Don’t pick the scabs—yuck! …
- Don’t go tanning.