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POV: the tattoo needle has finally stopped buzzing, and now, you're admiring your brand-new ink. After you give your artist your stamp of approval, they wrap it and give you a full rundown on the dos and don'ts of tattoo aftercare. Along with keeping your new piece covered, moisturized, and protected from sun exposure with sunscreen for tattoos, you'll need to snag a nourishing and effective soap to keep the area clean. The best soaps for tattoos are gentle enough to prevent irritation, but strong enough to wash away harmful bacteria that could lead to infection. "Anytime there's a break in the skin, there's always a risk for scarring and infection," board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi tells Seventeen. "In order for your tattoo to look and feel its best and to minimize your risk of infection, it is vital to keep the area free of dirt and germs," tattoo ethusiasts and Hustle Butter founders Seth Love and Richie Bulldog explain. And that's where soaps for tattoos come in handy.
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Your #EverythingShower routine is probably packed with your favorite body wash, but all three experts agree that washing new tats twice daily with fragrance-free, antibacterial/antimicrobial soaps for two to three weeks is the best bet. "Fragrance is a trigger for inflammatory reactions, particularly on a fresh tattoo," so Dr. Shirazi recommends avoiding fragrance and dyes until your tat is fully healed, which usually takes between three to six months.
No matter if you're fresh out of the tattoo parlor with new ink, or if you've just scheduled your appointment, you need to know which soaps will help keep your tattoos safe from infection and irritation. Scroll ahead for the best soaps for tattoos, according to experts.
Pros
Softens skin- Lathers nicely
Cons
- Customer reviews note soap can make wash cloths slippery
Peeling is a part of the tattoo healing process. This creamy, unscented wash is a top pick from Dr. Shirazi because it "leaves the skin soft and supple."
Customer review: "I really like how soft it makes my skin. Very nice product.I would recommend this. Very light fragrance. Refreshing."
Pros
- Lathers well
- No scent
Cons
- Some customer reviews note a scent
New tattoos can be very itchy as they heal. Dr. Shirazi recommends Dial Complete Clean + Gentle Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash because it's free from irritants like dyes and sulfates, and it's hydrating, which helps soothe itchy ink.
Customer review: "I am really sensitive to scents and develop blistered hands from some soaps. This is non-irritating and foams well.
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Pros
- Nice scent
- Lathers well and doesn't leave newly-tattooed skin dry
Cons
- Customer review noted limited availability
Nothing's worse than the feeling of a film left on your skin after you rinse off a body wash. Hustle Butter's Hustle Bubbles Deluxes is a lightweight cleanser that fights off bacteria and hydrates skin, sans any residue.
Customer review: "Tried this just by random. Saw it while walking through the store, I have a new tattoo (was about 3 days old when I bought this) and figured why not. I love it. It's so gentle but cleans really well! Don't have to rub it much like regular soap."
| Size | 7.0 oz |
|---|---|
| Type | Foam |
4
Best for Dry Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Moisturizing Wash
Pros
- Gently cleanses dry skin without stripping moisture
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Customer reviews note concerns about pump
Dr. Shirazi recommends La Roche-Posay's Lipikar Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash. It combats bacteria and hydrates skin. Plus, you can find it at local drugstores like CVS and Walgreens.
Customer review: "This product is great if you’re looking for an effective but gentle cleanser; I used this and immediately noticed clearer skin. I would pair this with the lotion as well to maximize the benefits."
| Size | 13. 52 Oz |
|---|---|
| Type | Lotion |
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5
Best for Tattoos in Delicate Areas
Vanicream Gentle Body Wash
Pros
- Doesn't dry out skin
Cons
- Customer reviews note small bottle size
If you're inked in a delicate area or have sensitive skin, Dr. Shirazi recommends this specifically for you. Vanicream Gentle Body Wash helps get rid of harmful bacteria and debris on the skin. Plus, it's sulfate-, dye, and fragrance-free so it won't irritate sensitive skin.
Customer review: "Easy to use, pleasant feel and washes off easily, but leaves a smooth feeling on the skin."
| Size | 12 Oz |
|---|---|
| Type | Cream |
Pros
- Longlasting
- Lathers nicely
Cons
When you're rocking a larger piece like a sleeve or a portrait, you need a cleanser that will last throughout the healing process (which can take months). A little of this gel cleanser Bushbalm Nourish Body Wash goes a long way and it's enriched with jojoba oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E to soothe inflammation and moisturize skin.
Customer review: "It’s the perfect nourishing balance, no fragrance. It’s absorbed by the skin fast and leaves you with this subtle hydrated feeling. Love it."
| Size | 12.17 Fl Oz |
|---|---|
| Type: | Gel |
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Pros
- Can be used on non-tattooed skin
- Light scent that's not overbearing
Cons
- Customer reviews note minimal lather
ICYMI: soaps for tattoos can also be used on parts of your body with no ink. So, if you're looking for a soap to use long after your tat heals, grab Mad Rabit Refresh Body Wash. This coconut Vanilla scented soap nourishes and softens the skin no matter if it's tattooed or not.
Customer review: "I got this as after care for my tattoo I had touched up a couple weeks ago. Its amazing the scent is light and smells good. I currently use it as a everyday wash and it doesn't break my skin out."
| Size | 16 Oz |
|---|---|
| Type | Liquid |
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- Customer reviews note small packaging
Along with fighting away bacteria that could lead to infection, Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Oil Antimicrobial Soap removes dead skin cells without any leftover residue.
Customer review: "My first tattoo and got this to clean with. Having to wash tattoo few times a day had me worried about drying out skin. This soap does a nice job and doesn’t dry you out. Follow up with moisturizer and your good to go."
| Size | 3 Oz |
|---|---|
| Type | Oil |
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9
Best for Tattoos and Piercings
H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap
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Pros
- Cleanses tattoos and piercings
Cons
- Customer review note small size
Tattoo and piercing enthusiasts know all about H2Ocean. The antibacterial staple safely cleans both tattoos and piercings.
Customer review: "I think it’s an amazing great aftercare for tattooing after your work is done it’s just the size of the bottle thought it would be much bigger other than that amazing works great on skin."
| Size | 1.7 Oz |
|---|---|
| Type | Foam |
Jasmine Washington
Assistant Editor
Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.
