Inside: The Best Soap for New Tattoos + Cleaning Tips You’ll Want To Know.
You may have gotten your tattoo done by a professional artist over multiple sessions, or a friend might have given you a unique tattoo using the old stick n’ poke method. Either way, there is one thing that is common in all types of tattoos: you have to take extra care of them.
Not only can this enhance the look of your tattoo, but it can also protect you from catching an infection.
The best way to keep your tattoo clean and fresh is to use a good antibacterial soap. Read on to learn about the best soaps for tattoos that you should consider buying.
Best Soaps for Tattoo
According to the celebrity tattoo artist, Dr. Woo, tattoos are essentially open wounds. Therefore, it is crucial that they be taken proper care of your tattoos and keep them clean at all times. Unfortunately, most soaps contain chemicals and other harsh ingredients that can irritate your skin, be abrasive, and even cause infections.
To minimize or avoid these adverse effects, you must invest in a soap that contains the best quality ingredients. Here are some of the best soaps for tattoo aftercare available on the market.
1. Dial Gold Antibacterial Bad Soap
If you’re looking for the best soap for tattoos, you may be inclined toward the more expensive ones. A higher price means better quality, right? While this is true in many cases, the Dial Gold Antibacterial Bar Soap is not one of those. This drugstore staple is a gold standard when it comes to taking care of fresh tattoos. It is a mild, fragrance-free soap with simple ingredients and will kill the germs around the tattoo without drying out the skin.
2. Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Unscented Baby Soap
You may get skeptical reading “baby soap” among soaps recommended to keep tattoos clean. However, Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Unscented Baby Soap is made from all-natural ingredients, as well as being vegan and cruelty-free. Since the baby soap contains the gentlest ingredients for any Dr. Bronner’s product, it is a great choice for your tattoo’s aftercare. It also contains coconut, jojoba, olive, and hemp oil, which ensure that the tattoo remains clean and moisturized.
3. Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Tattoo Soap
As the name suggests, this soap is specifically created for your tattoo-cleansing needs. Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Tattoo Soap is among the most acclaimed antibacterial soaps in the world. It contains no harsh chemicals or fragrances, making it gentle and safe for all types of skins. It also removes dead skin cells and cleans the pores while maintaining the skin’s pH balance. Most importantly, it effectively gets rid of the bacteria that may spread around the tattoo.
4. Neutrogena Original Transparent Cleansing Bar
Neutrogena is known for having some of the best skincare products on the market, and the Neutrogena Original Transparent Cleansing Bar is a great example of why the brand is so popular. This is especially recommended for people with face tattoos but can be used on any part of the body. This soap bar contains no fragrance, dye, detergent, hardeners, or any artificial ingredients, making it perfect for the delicate skin of the face.
5. Dove Beauty Bar
The Dove Beauty Bar is made with a hypoallergenic and microbiome-gentle formula that is specifically designed for sensitive skin. The formula is infused with palm kernel oil, glycerin, and essential fatty acids that keep the skin clean and moisturized. It is also sulfate-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and contains no harsh chemicals. Regular usage of this soap also lubricates and softens the skin and reduces moisture loss.
6. Cuticura Medicated Antibacterial Soap
This gentle, pure, and non-comedogenic formula is designed for blemish-prone skin. The active ingredient in Cuticura Medicated Antibacterial Soap is 1.5% triclocarban, which helps control the growth of bacteria on the skin. The soap is suitable for sensitive skin. It penetrates the skin shaft to remove excess dirt and impurities without clogging the pores. It also contains coconut acid and glycerin, which condition and moisturize the skin.
How to Clean Your Tattoo with Soap
Now that you know about some of the best soaps for tattoos, let’s take a look at how to use one properly.
The first time you wash your tattoo may feel a bit complicated. Before washing your tattoo, clean off the excess ink and blood with a clean paper towel or gentle washcloth.
Apply some green soap to the tattoo and cover it with cling film for a few hours.
Afterward, you may use one of the above soaps to wash the area as usual. You don’t need to follow any special methods to wash the tattoo. Just make that you don’t scrub too hard, as it can damage the skin around the tattoo.
More Tattoo Ideas + Information You’ll Love
- Tattoo Peeling Tips – Tattoo peeling is one of the least fun parts about getting a new tattoo. Don’t worry though, it is a natural part of the healing process and will not have a negative effect on your tattoo long term. While uncomfortable and at times a bit alarming, peeling is no big deal. Read our expert advice on what to do with tattoo peel.
- How Much Do Tattoos Cost? – Sadly, getting a tattoo means you do have to fork up some money. Choosing a professional tattoo artist means that you are paying for a quality tattoo. Don’t worry; we’ll share with you a breakdown of how much you can expect to pay. Plus, we’ll give you five tips to make it a little less expensive. A tattoo is a lifelong commitment, so it’s a good idea to think of it as a small investment.
- Top 5 Tattoo Numbing Creams – No matter how tough you are, it’s not a huge secret that getting a tattoo hurts! While it’s bearable for most of us, it’s a good idea to reach for some numbing tattoo cream, especially if you are getting a large piece. While each cream is a little bit different, you should apply the cream about an hour before you actually start getting inked. This will allow your skin time to numb properly. Depending on how long it takes to get the tattoo, you may need to reapply as well.