Best Soaps For Tattoos | Antibacterial Soaps for Tattoo Aftercare

Published August 22, 2023 | By matt

Finding the best soap for a tattoo helps prevent infections, reduce irritation, hydrate, and allow the tattoo to heal properly without using a fragrance or other added junk that might work against the healing process.

One of the most critical components of tattoo aftercare is keeping the area clean, and that’s where our list of the best soap for tattoos comes into play.

Choose Gentle Soaps: Stay away from soaps with strong chemicals or fragrances. They can irritate your tattoo and slow down healing. Instead, opt for mild soaps that are fragrance-free and ones that are hydrating.
Look for Moisturizing Ingredients: Ingredients like glycerin and niacinamide are great. They keep your skin hydrated and help it recover better.
Opt for Mild Antibacterial Soaps: The best antibacterial soap for tattoos we’ve found is Tattoo Goo antimicrobial soap. This will help prevent infection and ensure it’s gently washed as it’s free of harsh chemicals.

Top Rated Soaps Great for Tattoo Cleaning

Click here for my favorite tattoo soap

Best Soap for Tattoos	Key Ingredients/Features	Benefits for Tattooed Skin
Cetaphil Ultra Body Wash	Hypoallergenic, aloe vera, calendula, vitamin B5	Moisturizes, nourishes, preserves color and clarity
Aveeno’s Nourishing Body Wash	Prebiotic oat, rich emollients, light fragrance	Cleanses gently, sulfate/paraben/dye/soap-free, can be used as shave gel
Hustle Butter Tattoo Soap	Natural, vegan, moisturizes, shields from infections	Revives vibrancy, removes dead skin and impurities
La Roche	Shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide, La Roche-Posay Thermal Water	Supports skin’s natural barriers and microbiome, soap-free, allergy-tested
Mad Rabbit Body Wash	Organic aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, hemp seed oil	Enhances depth and vibrancy, invigorating aroma
Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap	Antibacterial, antimicrobial, PCMX-L	Protects fresh ink, preserves design, pH balanced, fragrance-free
Vanicream Gentle Body Wash	Free from dyes, fragrances, harsh chemicals	Ideal for sensitive skin, keeps tattoo crisp and fresh
Bushbalm Nourishing Body Wash	Aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, hemp seed oil, refreshing scent	Nurtures and protects, reveals colors and contrasts

Go Fragrance-Free: Avoid soaps with added scents to reduce the risk of skin irritation.
Prefer Hypoallergenic Soaps: These are less likely to cause allergic reactions, which is important for healing tattoos.
Ensure It’s pH Balanced: A soap that maintains the natural pH of your skin is ideal for healing.
Avoid Alcohol and Irritants: Steer clear of soaps with alcohol or other irritants that can dry out or irritate your skin.

Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Oil Antimicrobial Soap

Tattoo Goo’s antimicrobial soap is one of the best antibacterial soap for tattoos. Every tattoo artist knows that the journey doesn’t end when the last line is inked. It’s the aftercare that can make or break a tattoo’s brilliance. And when it comes to top-notch aftercare, Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap is a game-changer.

This isn’t just any soap; it’s specifically formulated for tattooed skin. PCMX-L, a high-grade antibacterial and antimicrobial agent, ensures that fresh ink remains protected from potential threats, safeguarding the intricate details of every design.

The pH balanced nature of this soap is crucial. In the tattoo world, we’re well aware of how vital it is to maintain the skin’s natural equilibrium, especially after it’s been graced with fresh ink. This balance aids in quicker healing and keeps the vibrancy of the tattoo intact.

Best Overall Soap for Tattoo

Cetaphil Soap: Hypoallergenic Ultra Gentle Body Wash

Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash is a game changer for both tattooed and non-tattooed skin. Tattoos, especially fresh ones, require a gentle and nourishing cleanser, and this body wash has been formulated to meet those exact needs.

With its unique blend of aloe vera, calendula, and vitamin B5, this body wash ensures that the skin remains moisturized, reducing the chances of ink fading prematurely. The inclusion of natural moisturizers further aids in maintaining the skin’s natural balance, vital for preserving the rich colors and intricate details of tattoos.

One of the greatest concerns for many in the tattoo community is the potential irritation from fragrances or harmful chemicals. This is where Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash truly shines. Being hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and fragrance-free, it’s the ideal choice for those with sensitive skin or fresh tattoos.

While some may find the consistency not as foamy as other washes, it’s worth noting that the gentleness of this wash is its strength. It’s not about the bubbles; it’s about effective, safe cleansing without compromising the skin’s health or the vibrancy of tattoos.

Best Soap For Tattoo Aftercare

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing

You’ve got fresh ink, and that masterpiece deserves top-tier care. Enter Aveeno’s Nourishing Body Wash. In the tattoo world, we know the importance of keeping that skin clean and hydrated, especially during those crucial healing days. This body wash, packed with prebiotic oat and rich emollients, is a game-changer. It cleanses without being harsh, ensuring that your tattoo stays vibrant and doesn’t dry out. Plus, that light fragrance? Fresh without being too much, just how we like it in the studio. What’s even better is that it’s free from all the nasties – no sulfates, parabens, dyes, or soap. It’s been allergy-tested and is a solid choice for even the most sensitive canvases. And if you’re looking to lock in that moisture, pair it up with Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion. Heck, it’s even smooth enough to be used as a shave gel.

Sold by Aveeno, a brand many in our community trust, this body wash also gives a nod to sustainability with a commitment to green packaging. So, for all you ink lovers out there, whether you’re healing fresh art or maintaining a vintage piece, this is the body wash we’d recommend straight from the tattoo chair.

Hustle Butter’s Hustle Bubbles Deluxe

Hustle Bubbles Delux

This isn’t just a fun name. Tattoo artists often recommend Hustle Butter products, and their tattoo soap is no exception. It offers a deep cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Not only is it better than green soap, but it’s a soap for tattoos that’s made of all-natural and vegan ingredients that moisturize and shield skin from infections. Perfect for sensitive skin, it also revives the vibrancy of tattoos by getting rid of dead skin and impurities. Check out the brand’s story and reviews on their page. Also be sure to check out Hustle Butter Tattoo Balm for both new and older tattoos.

La Roche Gentle Daily Cleanser

In the tattooing world, ensuring ink’s vibrancy and longevity is paramount. Every piece of art etched onto the skin deserves the utmost care, and that’s where Lipikar Wash AP+ comes into play. Specially formulated for the unique needs of tattooed skin, this moisturizing body and face wash is an essential in any tattoo lover’s aftercare regimen.

Shea Butter, Glycerin, Niacinamide, and the renowned La Roche-Posay Thermal Water combine in a harmonious blend, delivering deep hydration to fresh ink and established tattoos. The soap-free formula ensures tattoos retain their color and detail, cleansing without the risk of fading or blurring the artwork.

Safety and efficacy are cornerstones in tattooing. Lipikar Wash AP+ stands as a beacon of reliability with its allergy-tested formulation. It caters to all ages and skin types, making it a versatile choice whether it’s for a fresh piece that’s healing or an older tattoo that needs rejuvenating.

The importance of the skin’s microbiome in tattoo healing is a topic often discussed among tattoo artists. Lipikar Wash AP+ recognizes this and actively supports the skin’s natural barriers, ensuring tattoos heal beautifully and maintain their depth of color and detail over the years.

Mad Rabbit Refresh Body Wash

Enter Mad Rabbit Body Wash. This isn’t a mere cleanser—It is one of the best soaps to wash a tattoo with. It addresses the unique needs of tattooed skin with a curated blend of organic elements like aloe vera, shea butter coconut oil, and hemp seed oil. In fact, they also have some sister products worth checking out; their balm and aftercare cream are great for reviving old tattoos and are excellent for hydrating new tattoos, and it’s petroleum-free.

Mad Rabbit Balm & Aftercare Cream

These products are revered in the tattoo community, not just for their skin-rejuvenating properties, but for their prowess in amplifying the depth and vibrancy of tattoos.

Washing with Mad Rabbit is an experience. Tattoos come alive, revealing their colors and contrasts in full glory. The invigorating aroma that accompanies each wash is a reminder of the product’s natural essence, enhancing the ritual of tattoo maintenance.

Mad Rabbit Replenish Tattoo Body Lotion

And if you need a lotion for after the shower, be sure to check out their Replenish fragrance free body lotion which only uses natural ingredients, or check out our other article on the best lotions for a tattoo.

Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit

Many in the tattoo community, especially those with a keen nose or sensitive skin, will appreciate the fragrance-free aspect. It’s gentle on every skin type, making it a versatile choice for all tattoo enthusiasts. The fact that it’s been noted to tackle skin concerns like eczema and acne is just the cherry on top.

While some might wish for a bigger bottle or a more foamy lather, the essence of the product lies in its efficacy. The way it moisturizes, nourishes, and above all, protects the art, makes it a favorite among many in the tattoo scene.

Also they have a great Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit that includes the soap, care lotion, and their tattoo balm for convenience

Vanicream Gentle Body Wash

Designed with sensitive skin in mind, Vanicream is a great soap for tattoo care can be a lifesaver, especially when your skin’s dealing with the fresh trauma of a new tattoo. We all know tattoos can make the skin prone to irritations, and this body wash has been a champ against the big baddies like eczema and rosacea.

The last thing you want on your new piece is some harsh dye or fragrance messing with your ink’s vibrancy. Vanicream body wash doesn’t include any of that junk and is good on tattoos. It’s all about keeping your tattoo hydrated and looking as crisp as the day you got it.

Bushbalm Nourish Body Wash

Bushbalm Nourishing Body Wash, the trusted companion for those of us who wear our stories on our skin.

Drawing from decades of tattoo artistry experience, this body wash is formulated to nurture and protect, ensuring that tattoos age gracefully. The enriching touch of ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, and hemp seed oil is designed to echo the care and precision we take with every tattoo.

Each lather pampers the skin, safeguarding the vibrancy of the ink while offering a refreshing embrace. Beyond the ink, it’s an experience – a moment to treasure your body’s artwork.

Characteristics of a Great Soap

The right soap can make all the difference in your tattoo’s healing. Here are some of the best tattoo soaps that prioritize gentle cleansing, hydration, and protection for your new ink.

Ingredients:

Simple and Clean: The fewer ingredients, the better. This minimizes the chance of irritation.
Mild Surfactants: Consider gentle cleansing agents like sodium cocoyl isethionate or cocamidopropyl betaine. Harsh surfactants strip the skin of natural moisture, which is not ideal for healing a tattoo.
Moisturizers: Ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid help maintain hydration in the tattooed area.
Antibacterial Agents: Opt for natural options like tea tree oil or ingredients like triclosan (check concentration as it can be irritating in high amounts). These help prevent infection.

Qualities:

Unscented: Fragrances are common irritants for sensitive, healing skin.
Hypoallergenic: Minimizes the risk of allergic reactions, ensuring a smoother healing process.
pH Balanced: Supports your skin’s natural acid mantle, which is essential for maintaining a healthy barrier during tattoo healing.
Non-comedogenic: This means it won’t clog pores, which can lead to breakouts around the tattooed area.

Things to Avoid:

Harsh Fragrances and Essential Oils: These can often irritate, especially on a fresh tattoo.
Alcohol: This will dry out the tattoo and impede healing.
Exfoliating Ingredients: Scrubs or acids are too harsh for the sensitive area around a tattoo.

Wrapping Up The Best Soap For Tattoos

With so many products out there, it’s easy to get lost in the mix, but the best soaps for tattoos will be very basic, hydrating, fragrance-free, and free from harmful chemicals. Cetaphil stands out as one of the best soaps to use fresh ink.

Remember, a tattoo is only as good as its care. If your skin is very irritated or swollen after getting a new tattoo, something more serious might be happening.

And if you’re not yet protecting your new ink with sunscreen, check out our other post on the best sunscreens to protect a tattoo.