If you have ever been tattooed in Salt Lake City, you already know this city has plenty of tattoo shops. But here is the thing. At Osy Tattoo, I am not just here to give you some beautiful ink and send you on your way. I actually care about what happens after you leave my chair.
Because your tattoo is forever, and the way you take care of it in those first couple of weeks makes all the difference.
I get asked all the time, “Osy, what is the best soap for tattoos? Which lotion should I buy? Do I really need tattoo-specific aftercare, or can I just grab something from the drugstore?”
Honestly, these are my favorite questions. They tell me you care about your tattoo lasting as long as you do. So let’s talk about the aftercare products I love, the ones I side-eye, and why numbing cream is not my friend.
Should You Use Drugstore or Tattoo-Specific Aftercare Products?
Here is the truth. Both can work, but they are not created equal.
- Drugstore Products: These are the budget-friendly go-tos. Things like Dial fragrance free soap or Lubriderm Daily Moisture. If you choose carefully, they get the job done. Just make sure whatever you buy is fragrance free, dye free, and gentle.
- Tattoo-Specific Products: These are the ones made with your tattoo in mind. Hustle Butter is a good example. They are usually more breathable, packed with skin-loving ingredients, and designed to help your tattoo heal crisp and clean.
So which one should you use? If you want the absolute best, go with tattoo-specific products. If you are on a budget, a couple of drugstore staples can still do the trick. Just avoid anything that smells like perfume or feels heavy like petroleum jelly.
At Osy Tattoo in Salt Lake City, I recommend a mix depending on your needs. Both can work, as long as you are choosing the right ones.
What Is the Best Soap for Tattoos?
Let’s be real. Your fresh tattoo is gorgeous, but it is also a controlled injury. That means it is basically an open wound, and open wounds need gentle, consistent care. One of the most important steps in the tattoo healing process is washing it properly. The soap you use can make or break how smoothly your tattoo heals.
The best soap for tattoos should check three boxes: fragrance free, antibacterial, and gentle. Here is why each matters:
- Fragrance free – Scents might smell nice in your body wash, but they are full of chemicals that can irritate fresh ink.
- Antibacterial – Keeps bacteria at bay and reduces the risk of infection.
- Gentle – Your skin is already working overtime to heal, so harsh soaps can dry it out and slow the process.
Here are my tried-and-true picks that I personally recommend at Osy Tattoo in Salt Lake City:
- Hustle Butter Antibacterial Foaming Soap – This one is tattoo-specific, meaning it was designed with healing skin in mind. It is super gentle, easy to use, and keeps your tattoo clean without stripping away moisture. If you want the gold standard, this is it.
- Dial Antibacterial Fragrance Free Soap – A reliable drugstore option that is affordable and easy to find here in Utah. If you are on a budget or just want something simple, this does the job without irritating your tattoo.
👉 Pro Tip: Wash your tattoo two to three times a day. Use lukewarm water and your clean hands only. No washcloths, no loofahs, and definitely no scrubbing. Once it is clean, gently pat it dry with a paper towel. Do not rub.
Clients often ask me, “Osy, what is the best soap for tattoos?” and these are always the two I recommend. Whether you go for the tattoo-specific soap or the drugstore standby, the goal is the same. Keep your tattoo clean, happy, and set up to heal beautifully.
What Lotion Should I Use on a New Tattoo?
Once your tattoo is clean, the next step is keeping it moisturized. Think of lotion as your tattoo’s best friend during the healing process. A good lotion will keep your skin soft, calm the itching, and help your tattoo heal evenly. The wrong lotion, though, can clog your pores, irritate your skin, and dull your fresh ink.
Now let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Salt Lake City is dry. Like, really dry. Utah’s desert climate means your skin is already fighting an uphill battle when it comes to staying hydrated. If you do not moisturize your tattoo, that dryness can cause excessive flaking, itchy scabs, and uneven healing. The right lotion makes all the difference.
The best lotion for tattoos should be fragrance free, lightweight, and non greasy. Here is why those qualities matter:
- Fragrance free – Perfumes and dyes can burn, sting, and cause redness. Not the vibe for your healing tattoo.
- Lightweight – Your skin needs to breathe, so skip heavy creams or thick balms.
- Non greasy – Oily products trap too much moisture and can suffocate your tattoo.
Here are my favorite options:
- Hustle Butter – This is the good stuff. It is tattoo-specific, so it was made for exactly what your skin is going through. It reduces redness, keeps your skin feeling calm, and helps your ink stay bold and vibrant as it heals.
- Lubriderm Daily Moisture (Fragrance Free) – My go-to drugstore recommendation. It is affordable, dermatologist approved, and easy to grab almost anywhere in Utah. If you want a no-fuss, reliable lotion, this is it.
👉 Pro Tip: Apply lotion two to three times a day, and always after washing your tattoo. A thin layer is enough. Think “light coat” instead of “frosting a cake.” Too much lotion can smother your tattoo and slow down healing.
When people ask me, “Osy, what is the best lotion for tattoos?” these are the two I always point them toward. Whether you choose a tattoo-specific product or a solid drugstore option, the key is to keep your tattoo hydrated, but never smothered.
Your tattoo is basically saying, “Moisturize me, but let me breathe.” Do that, and it will heal beautifully.
What Tattoo Products Should You Never Use on a Tattoo?
Alright, let’s get into the “do not even think about it” list. If you want your tattoo to heal crisp and vibrant, there are some products you need to stay far away from. Some of these have been passed around the tattoo industry for years as if they were helpful, but we now know they actually cause more harm than good.
Do NOT use:
- Petroleum Jelly
- A+D
- Aquaphor
Here is why. All of these products are petroleum based, which means they are heavy and greasy. They sit on top of your skin like plastic wrap. Instead of letting your tattoo breathe, they trap bacteria, sweat, and moisture underneath. Your tattoo needs oxygen to heal, and when you block it off with petroleum, you risk:
- Slowing down the healing process
- Creating uneven scabbing or peeling
- Making your tattoo fade faster
- Raising the chance of irritation or infection
Think of it this way. Your tattoo is not just a cut or scrape. It is a piece of art that needs breathable care. These products might seem like they are protecting your skin, but what they are really doing is suffocating your tattoo.
A lot of people still ask me, “Is Vaseline safe for tattoos?” or “Can I use Neosporin on my tattoo?” The answer is no. Vaseline and similar ointments are too thick, and antibiotic creams like Neosporin can actually pull ink out of your skin, leaving your tattoo patchy.
At Osy Tattoo in Salt Lake City, I make sure every client knows which products to avoid so their tattoos heal strong and vibrant. If you skip these no-no products and stick with the right aftercare, you will keep your tattoo looking amazing for years.
Should You Use Numbing Cream for Tattoos?
Let’s talk about pain. I know getting a tattoo can be intimidating, especially if you are worried about how much it will hurt. This is why so many people ask me about numbing cream. On the surface it sounds like the perfect solution, but here is the truth. I do not recommend it, and here is why.
The risks of tattoo numbing cream:
- It changes the texture of your skin, which makes it harder for me to tattoo clean and precise lines.
- It can affect how the ink settles, leaving patchy color or uneven results.
- Some numbing creams have caused chemical burns, which is the last thing you want on fresh ink.
- Once the cream wears off during the session, the pain can feel sharper and more overwhelming than if you had just let your body adjust naturally.
I get that sitting through a tattoo can be tough, but I want your piece to heal beautifully and last a lifetime. Because of that, I may need to refuse to tattoo skin that has been treated with numbing cream.
The good news is that there are other ways to make the process easier. We can schedule shorter sessions, take breaks, or choose placement that is less sensitive. Tattoos are not about suffering through pain, they are about creating art you will love forever.
If you have been searching “tattoo numbing cream risks” and wondering if it is worth it, my advice is to skip it. Your comfort matters, but so does the quality of your tattoo.
Final Thoughts: Take Care of Your Tattoo Like It Deserves
For me, tattooing is not just about creating the design. It is about making sure it heals the right way so you can enjoy it for years. I have seen the difference between tattoos that were cared for with the right products and ones that were not, and trust me, it shows.
Here is my quick advice.
- Wash your tattoo with a fragrance free antibacterial soap.
- Keep it hydrated with a light, gentle lotion.
- Avoid petroleum-based products, and do not bother with numbing cream.
Living here in Salt Lake City makes moisturizing even more important. Our desert air is no joke, and if your tattoo gets too dry, it can flake, itch, and heal unevenly. Keeping your skin hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your tattoo.
Your tattoo is forever, and I want it to look just as bold and beautiful ten years from now as it does on day one. That is why I give every client clear aftercare instructions and recommend the products that actually work.
If you are looking for a tattoo shop in Salt Lake City that cares about your tattoo before, during, and after the session, I would love to have you in my chair.
