The 5 Best Soaps For Tattoos For Keeping Your Ink Clean

February 1, 2022
by Dan Skewes
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If you recently got some new ink, then it goes without saying that you will need to make sure that you take care of it properly to ensure that the area doesn’t get an infection.

Making sure a new tattoo stays clean is so important for the healing stage as well as keeping it bright and looking fresh for years to come.

However, knowing which soaps are best for you can be overwhelming as there are a lot of choices which is why we have gathered the best soaps for tattoos on the market that you should consider, followed by an exclusive Buyers Guide and FAQ's so you can learn what to look out for when conducting your research.

Here are the 5 best soaps for tattoos available on the market that you should consider:

Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap

Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap, Disinfecting Tattoo and Piercing Aftercare - Moisturizing Olive Oil, Alcohol and Fragrance Free - 3 oz

Our first recommendation is the Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap for Tattoos & Body Piercings which helps to kill bacteria while sparing your skin, thanks to the formula which has been engineered with a slightly acidic pH while containing a key ingredient that helps to buffer the skin while providing additional killing power making it perfect for those who have recently received a tattoo.

This soap is gentle on the skin and has been formulated to provide a broad spectrum kill while also ensuring that it is gentle on the skin, ideal for sensitive skin.

The soap features PCMX-L as a key ingredient which is a combination of chloroxylenol (PCMX) which is a well-documented anti-microbial and antibacterial ingredient, and sodium lauroyl sarcosinate (Lauricidin), which has been derived from palm seed extract with a unique and proprietary process that provides a molecular structure that is capable of cleaning the skin at a deeper level.

What makes this our top pick is that you will have a distinct squeaky clean that you can actually feel because the product cleans at a deeper level where more dirt and dead cells are removed, like an exfoliant, exposing the clean emerging layer of skin. At the same time, the soap is designed to provide a sheeting action when rinsed.

Tattoo Goo has worked with tattoo artists and dermatologists to develop a high-quality soap that will help to make every phase of the tattooing aftercare process easier to ensure that you will not suffer from any pain, distress, or infection.

Pros

  • Helps to kill bacteria while sparing your skin thanks to the formula which has been engineered with a slightly acidic pH while containing a key ingredient that helps to buffer the skin while providing additional killing power making it perfect for those who have recently received a tattoo
  • Features PCMX-L as a key ingredient which is a combination of chloroxylenol (PCMX) which is a well-documented antimicrobial and antibacterial ingredient and sodium lauroyl sarcosinate (Lauricidin) which has been derived from palm seed extract with a unique and proprietary process which provides a molecular structure that is capable of cleaning the skin at a deeper level
  • Tattoo Goo have worked with tattoo artists and dermatologists to develop a high quality soap that will help to make every phase of the tattooing aftercare process easier to ensure that you will not suffer from any pain, distress, or infection.

Cons

  • The bottle is smaller than other options
Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap, Disinfecting Tattoo and Piercing Aftercare - Moisturizing Olive Oil, Alcohol and Fragrance Free - 3 oz
  • Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap for Tattoos & Piercings – New Formula - 3oz
  • For Tattoo and Dermal Piercings Cleansing
  • Removes more dead skin cells and dirt
  • Best product available for the treatment of your new tattoo.
  • PCMX-L Formula allows deep cleansing

Dragon Art 16.9oz Green Soap Prep Wash

Dragon Art 16.9oz Green Soap Prep Wash with 8oz Squeeze Bottle For Tattoos and Piercings

Our second selection is the Dragon Art 16.9oz Green Soap Prep Wash with 8oz Squeeze Bottle For Tattoos and Piercings which includes a large amount of soap, making it ideal for those who have received a larger tattoo and need plenty of soap to provide lots of coverage while the squeeze bottle allows for easy dispensing. 

This soap works as an effective detergent and cleaner, which helps remove any dried blood and protein soils from the skin or scalp without causing any pain or irritation on the surface area. 

This soap is multifunctional as it can also be used to clean the tattoo equipment and instruments if you have them, meaning that if you have any soap spare, then it won’t have to go to waste. 

This soap can be trusted for those who have just received their first tattoo and avid tattoo enthusiasts. In addition, it has been trusted by professional tattoo artists and piercers across the world, meaning that you can be assured of the results. 

Pros

  • Includes a large amount of soap making it ideal for those who have received a larger tattoo and need plenty of soap to provide lots of coverage while the squeeze bottle allows for easy dispensing
  • Works as an effective detergent and cleaner which helps to remove any dried blood as well as protein soils from the skin or scalp without causing any pain or irritation on the surface area
  • Can be trusted for those who have just received their first tattoo as well as avid tattoo enthusiasts as it has been trusted by professional tattoo artists and piercers across the world meaning that you can be assured of the results

Cons

  • High price point
Dragon Art 16.9oz Green Soap Prep Wash with 8oz Squeeze Bottle For Tattoos and Piercings
  • Includes 16.9oz of Ultra-Concentrated Green Soap and an 8oz Squeeze Bottle for easy dispensing.
  • Effective detergent/cleaner for removal of dried blood and protein soils from skin and scalp.
  • Use our green soap to clean equipment and instruments.
  • Trusted by professional tattoo artists and piercers across the world!
  • Trusted by professional tattoo artists and piercers across the world!

Better Life Natural Hand and Body Soap

Better Life Natural Hand and Body Soap, Unscented, 12 Ounces 2424L

Our third choice is the Better Life Natural Hand and Body Soap which has been scented with essential oils and botanical extracts while never containing toxic chemicals such as sodium lauryl or Laureth sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, triclosan, and dyes so you can be sure that it works well on sensitive skin. 

Better Life’s soap has been made with natural and plant-derived ingredients such as aloe and vitamin E, which helps clean, hydrate, and protect the hands and skin, which soothes away any stress on the skin.

It has been formulated to be gentle on the skin and eco-friendly for the planet while the hypoallergenic formula is biodegradable means that you can feel good while ensuring that you are helping to improve the environment as well. 

The plant-derived products are free from any dyes, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, and petroleum solvents while offering more plant power, fewer warning labels, and a formula that is always safe even for those who need to cover a large area. 

This soap has been packaged using solar energy and recyclable materials. It contains formulas that biodegrade two to five times faster than the leading natural and conventional cleaners and have never been tested on animals. 

Better Life is a great brand thanks to their all-natural ingredients and products, which ensures that their soap guarantees the best results while also remaining incredibly safe and effective to use.

Pros

  • Has been scented with essential oils and botanical extracts while never containing toxic chemicals such as sodium lauryl or laureth sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, triclosan, and dyes so you can be sure that it works well on sensitive skin
  • The plant-derived products are free from any dyes, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, and petroleum solvents while offering more plant power, fewer warning labels, and a formula that is always safe even for those who need to cover a large area
  • Has been packaged using solar energy and recyclable materials and contain formulas that biodegrade two to five times faster than the leading natural and conventional cleaners and have also never been tested on animals

Cons

  • Can be less sensitive than other options on the list
Better Life Natural Hand and Body Soap, Unscented, 12 Ounces 2424L
  • Gentle on Skin.
  • With Aloe and Vitamin E.
  • Non toxic and biodegradable.

H2Ocean Store 1.7oz Blue Green Foam Soap

H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap - Tattoo Foam Antibacterial Soap for Tattoo Aftercare - Tattoo Care with Aloe Vera - Travel-Size Tattoo Moisturizer Soap - 1.7 oz

Our penultimate recommendation is the H2Ocean Store 1.7oz Blue Green Foam Soap made using a no-rinse foam soap designed to wash tattoos and hands without causing any excessive drying, which is ideal for those who have sensitive skin that is prone to irritation. 

This soap has been enriched with organic red seal salt and aloe extract that helps to disinfect the surface area while also providing plenty of moisture to the skin. 

It features a multifunctional purpose as it can also be used as an antibacterial soap for wound care that helps to reduce the amount of irritation, redness, and swelling. 

What is great about this soap is that it does not make a mess when applied and wipes clean if you put too much on the surface area, making it one of the most effective tattoo soaps on the market.

H2Ocean provides 100% satisfaction for all their products, so you can be assured that you will get the best results while also remaining environmentally friendly as it uses recyclable materials and has been made in the USA. 

Pros

  • Has been made using a no rinse foam soap designed to wash tattoos and hands without causing any excessive drying which is ideal for those who have sensitive skin that is prone to irritation
  • Has been enriched with organic red seal salt and aloe extract that helps to disinfect the surface area while also providing plenty moisture to the skin
  • H2Ocean provides 100% satisfaction for all their products so you can be assured that you will get the best results while also remaining environmentally friendly as it uses recyclable materials and has been made in the USA

Cons

  • Can take a while to be absorbed into the skin
H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap - Tattoo Foam Antibacterial Soap for Tattoo Aftercare - Tattoo Care with Aloe Vera - Travel-Size Tattoo Moisturizer Soap - 1.7 oz
  • GREAT FOR NEW TATTOOS - H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap cleanses skin on and around new tattoos and the addition of aloe vera aids the healing process.
  • GREEN SOAP REPLACEMENT - Use this foam soap as a no rinse replacement for tattoo green soaps which are known to be harmful for tattoo healing.
  • ALCOHOL, FRAGRANCE, & DYE FREE - This product does not use any alcohol, fragrances, or artificial colors that might dry out your skin and cause irritation, instead it uses benzalkonium chloride which is a pharmaceutical grade cleaner and preservative.
  • SEA SALT NOT TABLE SALT - Nutrient rich sea salt from the Red Sea is a key ingredient in H2Ocean products, others use saline table salt, but H2Ocean’s patented sea salt solutions contain over 82 trace minerals that are essential for healing.
  • THE ORIGINAL ONE - H2Ocean has been committed to producing all natural sea salt based tattoo and piercing aftercare products that are 100% guaranteed to satisfy since 2001, all made in the USA.

Dr Numb Topical Anesthetic Foaming Soap

Dr. Numb Topical Anesthetic Foaming Soap - 4% Lidocaine Numbing Spray - Skin Numbing Anesthetic Wash for Tattoo and Piercing Aftercare, Microblading, Electrolysis and More 1.7 Oz (1 Bottle)

Our final selection is the Dr. Numb Topical Anesthetic Foaming Soap, which has been expertly formulated to provide immediate temporary relief from the pain associated with common skin procedures. It is ideal for those with tattoos as it helps cleanse the surface area. 

The FDA-regulated anesthetic skin-numbing soap boasts a stronger formulation than comparative topical anesthetics while offering the highest concentration of active pharmaceutical that still remains within the recommended safety levels. 

The formula contains 4% lidocaine which works by blocking the nerve signals, while the 0.24% benzethonium chloride, which is responsible for disinfecting skin microbes meaning that this numbing lidocaine wash is a great choice for those who have has tattoos, piercings, microdermabrasion, and more. 

This soap is not just a regular disinfecting body wash which is three times better than other cleaning products, while the anti-infective properties help to wash away dirt and bacteria, which prevents any skin infection, making it ideal in any cases of cuts, bites, scrapes, burns, and skin irritations. 

The soap absorbs quickly to desensitize, soothe, and numb the skin fast, which helps condition the skin before applying topical anesthetic cream for faster and more impressive results.

Pros

  • Has been expertly formulated to provide immediate temporary relief from the pain associated with common skin procedures which is ideal for those with tattoos as it helps to cleanse the surface area
  • Contains 4% lidocaine which works by blocking the nerve signals while the 0.24% benzethonium chloride which is responsible for disinfecting skin microbes meaning that this numbing lidocaine wash is a great choice for those who have has tattoos, piercings, microdermabrasions, and more
  • Absorbs quickly to desensitize, soothe, and numb the skin fast which helps to aid in conditioning the skin prior to the application of topical anesthetic cream for faster and more impressive results

Cons

  • High price point
Dr. Numb Topical Anesthetic Foaming Soap - 4% Lidocaine Numbing Spray - Skin Numbing Anesthetic Wash for Tattoo and Piercing Aftercare, Microblading, Electrolysis and More 1.7 Oz (1 Bottle)
  • ✅ 𝐃𝐫. 𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛 𝐟𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝐬𝐨𝐚𝐩: Expertly formulated to provide immediate temporary relief from the pain associated with common skin procedures, Dr Numbs Anesthetic Numbing Foam Soap offers everything that’s great about our renowned Dr Numb Cream in a cleansing soap form.
  • ✅ 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚: Our FDA regulated anesthetic skin numbing soap boasts a stronger formulation than comparative topical anaesthetics, offering the highest concentration of active pharmaceutical ingredients that still remain within recommended safety levels.
  • ✅ 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟: Containing 4% Lidocaine, which works by blocking nerve signals, and 0.24% Benzethonium Chloride, responsible for disinfecting skin microbes, this numbing lidocaine wash is a great numbing soap for tattoos, piercings, microdermabrasion and more.
  • ✅ 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬: Dr Numb Soap is not just a regular disinfecting body wash, it's 3 X BETTER THAN CLEAN! Anti-infective properties wash away dirt and bacteria, preventing any kind of skin infection, making it ideal in cases of minor cuts, insect bites, scrapes, skin irritations and burns.
  • ✅ 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬: Absorbs quickly to desensitize, soothe and numb skin fast. Aids in conditioning the skin prior to the application of topical anesthetic cream for faster and more impressive results. Recommended for use in conjunction with Dr Numb Numbing Cream.

Best Soaps for Tattoos Buyer's Guide

When conducting your research, there are certain factors that you should consider before making any purchases. This will help prevent any disappointment and allow you to learn what to expect when the product arrives. 

Always consider the size of the bottle and your tattoo, the materials that the packaging is made from, the ingredients used in the formula, and your budget.

Once you have weighed these aspects against your own needs and requirements, you’ll be able to make a fully informed decision with confidence. 

Size

The first thing you need to consider is the size of your bottle and the size of your tattoo. This will ensure that you have enough soap to cover the entire surface area of your tattoo and allow it to cleanse the skin thoroughly. 

Not only does this mean that you don’t have to worry about spending more money on extra bottles, but you will also be guaranteed that you can take care of your skin, especially if you have recently received your tattoo and are prone to sensitive skin.

Materials

Always look into the materials that are used to make the packaging. Most of the brands recommended in this article use recycled materials in the production of the packaging, which means that they are biodegradable and great for those who want to purchase a product that is friendly towards the environment. 

The packaging will also ensure that the soap maintains its integrity and can stay as fresh as possible. 

Ingredients

Another important factor is the ingredients used in the formula, which is especially important if you have sensitive skin or are prone to skin conditions that can cause irritation. 

If you have recently received a tattoo, make sure that you choose a formula that is slightly acidic and can clean the area thoroughly while providing plenty of moisture and sensitivity to the surface area. 

Budget

Lastly, always consider your budget. As you can see from the recommendations provided in this article, there are options available at varying price points, meaning that whether you have the money to spend or are working with a stricter budget, you’ll be able to find the perfect choice for you without breaking your bank account. 

Related: The 5 Best Professional Hair Color To Cover Gray

Frequently Asked Questions

Man using best soaps for tattoos on new tattoo

Can I Use Any Soap to Wash My New Tattoo?

When you have received a new tattoo, make sure that you purchase a soap that has been engineered for those with tattoos and piercings. This is because the soap will be high in antibacterial ingredients and ensure that the skin or scalp is not irritated on application. 

Is Soap Bad for Tattoos?

Using soap can be good for tattoos, but it is important to make sure you choose a soap with no toxic chemicals in the ingredient list while ensuring that the formula is slightly acidic. Hence, it properly cleans the area while providing plenty of moisture and sensitivity to the skin, so there is no additional irritation.

How Long After A Tattoo Can You Wash it with Soap?

If you have recently received a tattoo, you should wait at least five hours before applying any soap to wash it. This is because you may risk removing some of the ink as it won’t have had time to be absorbed into the skin probably.

Make sure that you apply a highly gentle, anti-microbial, and antibacterial soap to ensure that your skin gets the best treatment with minimum chance of infection or redness. 

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