Your new tattoo is a piece of art you wear on your skin. You want to keep it looking its best, right? But when it comes to washing it, what soap should you use? It can feel like a puzzle with so many choices out there. Some soaps might be too harsh and damage your healing tattoo, while others might not clean it well enough. This can lead to worries about infection or your tattoo fading too soon.
Choosing the wrong soap is a common problem for anyone with a new tattoo. You want to find something that cleans gently but effectively, helping your tattoo heal beautifully and stay vibrant for years to come. This guide is here to help you solve that problem. We’ll break down what makes a good tattoo soap and what to stay away from.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for in a soap for your tattoo. You’ll feel confident in your choice and ready to give your ink the best care. Let’s dive into how to pick the perfect soap to keep your tattoo clean and amazing.
Our Top 5 Soap To Wash Tattoo Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Soap To Wash Tattoo Detailed Reviews
1. Mad Rabbit Tattoo Aftercare Soap – Tattoo Soap for New Tattoo – Fragrance Free Tattoo Foam Wash – Unscented Tattoo Cleaner Made with Clean + Vegan Ingredients
Rating: 8.9/10
Keeping your new ink looking its best during the healing process is super important. The Mad Rabbit Tattoo Aftercare Soap is designed to help. This fragrance-free foam wash cleans your fresh tattoo gently. It’s made with ingredients that are good for your skin and are vegan. You can use it every day to keep your tattoo clean and help it heal faster. It’s also great for piercings and permanent makeup.
What We Like:
- It cleans new tattoos gently.
- It helps soothe irritation from fresh ink.
- The formula is clean, vegan, and moisturizing.
- It’s fragrance-free, which is good for sensitive skin.
- It works well for piercings and permanent makeup too.
- It removes impurities without being harsh.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 2oz size might run out quickly for some users.
- It’s always best to check with your tattoo artist for specific aftercare advice.
This soap is a solid choice for anyone wanting gentle, effective care for their new tattoos, piercings, or permanent makeup. It focuses on clean ingredients and a soothing experience.
2. Hustle Bubbles Tattoo Aftercare Tattoo Soap Antibacterial Soap To Clean New Tattoos & Piercings Essential Tattoo Supplies 7oz
Rating: 8.7/10
Keeping your new ink and piercings clean is super important for them to heal well. The Hustle Bubbles Tattoo Aftercare Tattoo Soap is designed just for this. It’s a foaming soap that helps keep your fresh tattoos and piercings clean while they heal. This helps stop irritation and keeps away bad germs.
What We Like:
- It’s a foaming soap that’s great for cleaning tattoos and piercings while they’re healing.
- It helps keep new tattoos and piercings clean, which can make them feel better and stop infections.
- Tattoo artists like it because it cleans away germs but is still gentle on the skin.
- It’s easy to use and safe for fresh tattoos.
- It’s made by Hustle Butter, a company known for tattoo aftercare products.
- The soap is cruelty-free and vegan.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description doesn’t mention if it has a scent, which some people might prefer.
- While it’s great for cleaning, the description points to separate balms for complete aftercare, meaning you might need more than just this soap.
Hustle Bubbles is a solid choice for anyone getting a new tattoo or piercing. It does a great job of cleaning and protecting your healing skin.
3. Dragon Art 16.9oz Green Soap Prep Wash with 8oz Squeeze Bottle For Tattoos and Piercings
Rating: 9.4/10
The Dragon Art 16.9oz Green Soap Prep Wash with 8oz Squeeze Bottle is a fantastic cleaner for anyone who needs to keep skin and equipment spotless. It’s designed specifically for tattoo and piercing studios, but it’s great for anyone who needs a powerful, yet gentle, cleanser. The kit comes with a big bottle of green soap and a handy squeeze bottle for easy use.
What We Like:
- It’s super concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
- It cleans away dried blood and other tough stuff really well.
- You can use it to clean your tools and equipment too.
- Many professional tattoo artists and piercers trust this brand.
- The squeeze bottle makes it easy to get just the right amount of soap.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 16.9oz bottle might be a bit big for some smaller workspaces.
- While effective, the scent is very mild, which some might prefer, but others might want something stronger.
This Dragon Art Green Soap is a reliable choice for keeping things clean and hygienic. Its powerful cleaning action and the convenient squeeze bottle make it a top pick for professionals and anyone needing a thorough clean.
4. Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap
Rating: 8.8/10
Keep your new ink and piercings looking their best with Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap. This special soap is made to clean and protect your skin while it heals. It’s a gentle way to care for your body art.
What We Like:
- It cleans your tattoos and piercings really well. It gets rid of dead skin and dirt.
- The new formula cleans deep without making your skin sore or red.
- It doesn’t have any strong smells, so it’s nice and gentle.
- Olive oil in the soap helps to make your skin feel soft and calm after washing.
- You can use it on any part of your body, not just your tattoos or piercings.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for aftercare, some users might want a soap with a light, pleasant scent.
- The 3 oz size is convenient for travel, but might run out quickly for those who use it daily on larger areas.
This soap is a fantastic choice for anyone serious about their tattoo and piercing aftercare. It offers effective cleaning and soothing moisture without any harsh ingredients.
5. COSCO Pure Liquid Green Soap Stencil Tattoo Transfer Medical Prep Wash
Rating: 9.3/10
The COSCO Pure Liquid Green Soap Stencil Tattoo Transfer Medical Prep Wash is a versatile cleaning solution. It comes in an 8-ounce bottle and is made with tincture of green soap. This liquid cleaner works well for many tasks.
What We Like:
- It cleans dried blood and protein soils from skin and the scalp effectively.
- This soap is also good for cleaning surgical tools and equipment before they are sterilized.
- The 8-ounce size is convenient for various uses.
- It’s a tincture of green soap, which is a traditional and respected cleaning agent.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 8-ounce bottle might be small for very frequent or large-scale use.
- More information on specific dilution ratios for different cleaning tasks could be helpful.
This COSCO Pure Liquid Green Soap is a reliable cleaner for both medical prep and tattoo stencil application. It offers strong cleaning power for tough soils.
Your Tattoo’s Best Friend: A Guide to Choosing the Right Soap
Getting a new tattoo is exciting! But keeping it clean and healthy is super important. The right soap can make a big difference in how your tattoo heals and looks for years to come. This guide will help you pick the best soap to keep your ink looking vibrant.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for tattoo soap, keep these things in mind:
Gentle Ingredients
- Hypoallergenic: This means the soap is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Sensitive skin loves this!
- Fragrance-Free: Strong perfumes can irritate healing skin. Look for soaps that don’t smell like anything.
- Dye-Free: Artificial colors in soap aren’t necessary and can sometimes cause problems.
Moisturizing Properties
- Natural Oils: Ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter, or coconut oil help keep your skin soft and prevent it from drying out.
- Glycerin: This is a humectant, which means it draws moisture to your skin.
Antibacterial (but not too harsh!)
- Some soaps have mild antibacterial qualities to help prevent infection. However, you don’t want anything too strong that will strip your skin of its natural oils.
Important Materials and What They Do
Different ingredients play different roles in keeping your tattoo clean and happy.
Cleansing Agents
- Mild Surfactants: These are the “cleaning” parts of the soap. They lift dirt and oil without being harsh. Look for gentler ones like coco-glucoside.
Moisturizers and Soothers
- Aloe Vera: This plant is famous for its soothing and healing properties. It can calm down irritated skin.
- Vitamin E: This vitamin is an antioxidant and helps protect your skin.
- Chamomile Extract: This is another natural ingredient known for its calming effects on the skin.
Avoid These Ingredients
- Alcohol: It can dry out your tattoo and slow down healing.
- Harsh Chemicals (like sulfates): These can be too strong for delicate, healing skin.
- Petroleum Jelly (in soap): While good for aftercare, it can clog pores in a cleansing soap.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a tattoo soap great? What makes it less ideal?
Quality Boosters
- Natural and Organic Ingredients: These are often gentler and better for your skin.
- pH Balanced: A soap with a pH close to your skin’s natural pH (around 5.5) is less likely to disrupt your skin barrier.
- Specialized Formulas: Some soaps are made specifically for tattooed skin, meaning they understand its unique needs.
Quality Reducers
- Strong Scents: As mentioned, these can irritate.
- Harsh Detergents: They can strip away natural oils, leading to dry, itchy skin.
- Artificial Dyes: They don’t add any benefit and can cause reactions.
- Overly Foamy Formulas: Sometimes, too much foam means there are stronger chemicals at play.
User Experience and Use Cases
How does using the right soap feel, and when should you use it?
During the Healing Process
- First Wash: Your tattoo artist will likely clean your new tattoo. After that, you’ll start washing it at home.
- Gentle Cleansing: Use the soap gently with lukewarm water. You want to remove any plasma or excess ink without scrubbing.
- Frequency: You’ll typically wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day, as recommended by your artist.
Long-Term Care
- Keeping it Vibrant: Even after your tattoo is healed, using a gentle, moisturizing soap can help keep the colors bright and prevent the skin from drying out, which can make tattoos look dull.
- Everyday Use: You can continue using your favorite tattoo soap as your regular body wash to protect your art.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tattoo Soap
Q: Why can’t I just use regular hand soap or body wash?
A: Regular soaps can be too harsh for healing tattoos. They might contain drying alcohols, strong fragrances, or harsh chemicals that can irritate your new ink and slow down the healing process. Tattoo soaps are specially made to be gentle and kind to your skin.
Q: How often should I wash my new tattoo?
A: Your tattoo artist will give you specific instructions, but generally, you’ll wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day during the initial healing period. This helps keep it clean and prevents infection.
Q: What does “pH balanced” mean for soap?
A: Your skin has a natural pH level. A pH-balanced soap has a pH that is close to your skin’s natural pH. This helps protect your skin’s barrier, keeping it healthy and less prone to irritation.
Q: Can I use bar soap for my tattoo?
A: It’s usually better to use liquid soap. Bar soaps can sometimes harbor bacteria on their surface if not stored properly. Liquid soaps in a pump bottle tend to be more hygienic for tattoo care.
Q: My tattoo feels itchy. Is that normal?
A: Yes, a little itchiness is normal as your tattoo heals. Using a gentle, moisturizing tattoo soap can help. Avoid scratching your tattoo, as this can damage the ink and lead to infection.
Q: What if I accidentally use the wrong soap on my tattoo?
A: If you realize you’ve used a regular soap, don’t panic. Just rinse your tattoo thoroughly with lukewarm water and resume using your dedicated tattoo soap. Monitor your tattoo for any signs of irritation.
Q: How long should I use special tattoo soap?
A: You should definitely use a gentle tattoo soap throughout the entire healing process. Many people continue to use it long after their tattoo is healed because it’s so good for keeping tattooed skin healthy and vibrant.
Q: Does the color of my tattoo matter when choosing soap?
A: No, the color of your tattoo doesn’t change the type of soap you should use. The focus is always on being gentle and promoting healthy healing for all tattoo colors.
Q: What are the benefits of natural ingredients like aloe vera?
A: Natural ingredients like aloe vera are great because they are soothing and can help calm down the redness and irritation that can come with a new tattoo. They also help keep the skin moisturized.
Q: Where can I buy good tattoo soap?
A: You can find dedicated tattoo soaps at tattoo shops, online retailers, and some beauty supply stores. Always check the ingredient list to make sure it’s suitable for your needs.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.