15 Best Tattoo Numbing Creams 2024 [UPDATED] – BestTattooGuide.com

It’s no secret that tattoos are painful. Well, the pain of a tattoo needle is just unbearable and sometimes it can make you cry. It doesn’t matter how old you are but the pain is quite similar in all age groups.

To avoid this pain and enjoy a tattoo session, you need the tattoo numbing cream. The strongest numbing cream will not only help in facing the tattoo pain but also avoid the chances of infection after the tattoo session.

In our article today, we’ve reviewed some of the best tattoo numbing cream in the market. Also, we’ve gone further and included a buying guide and FAQ section that helps you refine your purchasing decision.

So let’s first start with reviews!

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Top Numbing Creams for Tattoos in 2020

We have reviewed these creams on the basis of personal testing, market popularity and after research of several hours. So, these are the best numbing cream for tattoos that help both client and tattoo artist prospective.

1. UberNumb (Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream)

Uber numb contains 5% lidocaine (Largest dose allowed by the FDA) and also has Vitamin E (anti-inflammatory )that will help to reduce the inflammation and itching.

Another best thing about this cream is that it has maximum painkilling power that will help to keep you active during the tattoo session.

You’re recommended to use UberNumb 20 minutes prior to the tattoo session and it will last for 1 hour. Some people claimed that the effect of Uber Numb lasts up to 5 hours and that is enough for a normal tattoo session.

It is non-oily that sticks with your skin easily and due to the enrichment of Vitamin E, you will not face any issue like tattoo drying or damaging tattoo ink.

Important Ingredients: Lidocaine 5%, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)

2. Numb 520

Numb 520 is another FDA approved product containing 5% lidocaine that helps to avoid the pain and provides you with a smooth tattooing experience.

It is the best painkilling option and most popular among the tattoo artists because of its effective results.

Another best thing about it is that this cream is free from paraben, cruelty and oil. So you don’t face any issue of side effects or itching.

It works with liposomal that allows the cream to penetrate inside so that ingredients can work effectively and that’s the reason behind its long-lasting super numbing effect.

Fact: 520 numb is invented and tested by Ebonal laboratories having more than 12 years of experience in this field and according to them it is the safest and extremely powerful painkilling product.

Important ingredients: Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ehtoxydiglycol, Trideceth-10, Cholesterol, Benzyl Alcohol

3. HUSH anesthetic

It is another FDA approved tattoo numbing gel that helps to heal your tattoo by covering your second layer of skin.If you need proper results of this gel then you have to use as per the prescription on the bottle and you will really get a smooth tattoo experience.

There are a number of people who are satisfied by this product and provide positive feedback.

It is a non-removing gel that effectively works on all parts of your skin and the best thing about this product is that if you use this before 1 hour of your tattoo session then it will last longer up-to 4 hours and that is sufficient for a normal tattoo session.

Hush gel not only reduces the pain but also has several other benefits such as preventing a tattoo from drying and cracking.

Fact: You can apply this on your private parts. Company claims that it is the only product which can be applied before and during your tattoo session.

It includes aloe vera (Remove redness), green tea and chamomile helps to cool your skin. As it is little costly but it is worth it if we see user satisfaction alongside.

4. Topicaine 5

Topicaine 5 is another best recommended product in our bucket list.

This product has 5% active ingredient of lidocaine which claims to minimize the pain in the area where the tattoo is applied. It takes almost 30 minutes to show its full result and last up to 2 hours.

The best thing about it is that it has zero side effects like itching or swelling so it can be used without prescription.

It is a non-oily cream so artists will find it easy to use it without the fear of drying and cracking the tattoo.There are many ingredients added in this cream which make the tattoo experience more comfortable as possible like shea butter and alpha bisabolol that also helps in tattoo healing.

5. SUPER NUMB

Super numb is another most popular numbing product that works in different sorts of applications that also includes tattooing.

This is a multi segment cream that you can choose for various other purposes like piercing and burning pain.

The package comes in a 30 gram packaging that covers 6” X 6” area of your skin. It is recommended to use a heavy dose of this cream for more effective results.

Other than this, it comes with a detailed instruction guide page that will help you to take the best possible results.

All beneficial ingredients including  5% lidocaine that is highly effective on tattooing palaces will excel.

6. Numb Master

Numb master works very effectively in removing itching and reducing pain due to tattoo drilling.It is a non-oily cream that includes 5% Lidocaine, which works on every part of skin including sensitive parts.

This is very safe to use and it is 100% chemical free so you can use without any prescription.

Numb master provides a fast and long lasting numbing effect. You need to use 20 minutes before tattooing and it will be highly effective for 2 hour.

There are more than 70% positive reviews that give five stars to this product and also recommend it to other people.

The cream includes topical anesthetic that increases the durability of this product.

7. Numb Skin

Numb skin is the famous name in the tattoo industry because of its super numbing effect.

If you are having the tattoo for the very first time and on very sensitive skin then this cream will help to bear the pain of the tattoo machine needle.

It takes some extra time to show its full numbing effect so start your tattoo session accordingly.

Numb skin works on all types of skin no matter whether you are skinny or fatty it will be beneficial for both.

The manufacturer claimed that no animals were used for testing and the cream is made up with organic ingredients including 5% lidocaine.

8. DermaChange Organic Shingles Relief Cream

Derma change is another top-performing numbing treatment in our bucket list. The cream is not effective for the tattoo but you can also use it in day to day harms like burning, wounds or itching.

The best thing about the cream is that it has zero side effects and helps to relieve itching on your tattoo surface. Other than this, the cream is made up with 100% natural ingredients that will help to heal your tattooing surface without any bacterial infection.

The cream contains Manuka honey that will cool down the tattooed surface and show its full effect. So if you are looking for a cream that will maintain the ph balance and also protect your skin then Derma change is the great option to consider.

9. UltraNumb Topical Anesthetic Cream

This is the best option for a small tattoo or medium size tattoo as this cream comes in a 10-gram jar. The cream is not only effective for the tattoo but also for other pain like the pain of laser treatment, different type of ear piercing, laser hair treatment. So it works as an all in one solution for all your daily pains.

The best thing about this cream is that it is a non-oily treatment that will also help in boosting the healing process of your tattooed surface.

Other than this, the cream comes with a detailed instruction guide that will help to get the maximum benefit out of this small pack.

So if you are looking for a treatment that provides a complete numbing effect with perfect healing then this is a good deal to go with.

10. Ebanel Numbing 5% Lidocaine

Ebanel Numbing is the most efficient treatment for your discomfort caused by a tattoo. It contains 5% lidocaine that will help to boost the healing process of your tattoo and prevent it from other bacterial infection.

The product is FDA approved so you don’t need any recommendation from a doctor in order to use this product. This numbing treatment works great during and after the tattoo session.

The system will be very easy to use and provide faster relief. The best thing is that it contains a good amount of liposomal that will easily penetrate the skin and deliver the ingredients into the skin, thus giving it a long lifespan. It is a non-oily solution so it will not stain your clothes after applying.

11. Deeveeant Lidocaine Anesthetic Numbing Cream

Deeveeant is another great recommendation on our recommendation list. The cream starts showing its full numbing effect after 15 minutes of applying and provides a painless tattoo session.

The cream contains natural ingredients including Aloe Vera, jojoba and tea tree that make sure that it will not harm your skin. Along with the healing agent, it also includes antibacterial properties that will protect your tattoo from bacterial infection as well.

So if you are looking for reliable quality topical numbing cream then it is definitely the great option to go with.

12. Aspercreme Lidocaine Pain Relieving Creme

This non-greasy pain relief solution is highly useful if you apply 20 minutes before the tattoo session. The cream includes 4% lidocaine that will numb down the pain without any irritation.

It is the multipurpose cream that you can use on daily problems like burning, muscle pain and backache. The best thing about this cream is that it will easily penetrate into your muscles in order to make you feel comfortable for several hours.

Other than this, it is very easy to apply on the skin and for that, you just need to apply a thin layer on the particular skin portion for the full numbing effect.

13. Relax and Wax – No Scream Cream

It is another great recommendation in our suggestion list. This is the multipurpose cream that can be applied before tattooing and waxing.

The cream shows its full effect after 30-40 minutes of applying. The best thing is that it absorbs into the skin within 5-10 minutes so it will not stick to your clothes.

The process of applying is quite simple, you just need to apply a thick layer onto the part where you want to have a tattoo. Make sure that you should not rub tightly on the skin.

You can apply this cream to all areas like eyebrows, underarms, bikini area as there is no side effect of the cream.

14. H2ocean Nothing Tattoo Glide and Soothing Balm

H2Ocean is a highly trusted brand in the tattoo industry. This balm contains a good amount of lidocaine that effectively relieves pain and numb your tattoo.

The cream also prevents irritation and swelling that generally happens after tattooing. It contains organic ingredients that will further help in the fast healing of your tattoo.

It shows its full numbing effect in 30-40 minutes. So if you are looking for an effective option then it is a great option to go with.

15. Advanced Numb 5% Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream

This Advanced numb cream has maximum painkilling power that will help in pain relief.

The cream includes the highest amount of lidocaine dose allowed by the FDA. It shows its effect immediately after applying and takes the highest 20-25 minutes in showing full effect and last for 2 hours, which is enough for a small tattoo session.

The best part is that this cream is enriched with a good amount of vitamin E along with moisturizing elements that prevent your tattoo from swelling and also prevents it from drying and cracking.

How Do Tattoo Numbing Creams Work? – It’s all about the Ingredients!

Tattoo numbing creams are basically meant to relieve pain. It works by killing the response of nerve receptors that allow you to feel pain signals. You can simply say it is the anesthesia for tattooing.  Although, it does not take away the pain 100%, it does take away a very large part with very little pain left that is very bearable. The key to the efficacy of any tattoo numbing cream lies in its ingredients. Some ingredients have been found to cause skin reaction while others leave too much oil on the tattoo area and can ruin the ink’s quality.

Generally, lidocaine remains the number one ingredient that you should look out for in a numbing cream. Most of all the top brands producing numbing creams, make use of it, this reinforces its potency. Other ingredients include tetracaine, benzocaine, pramoxine, and dibucaine. These creams are especially helpful when the tattoo is very intrinsic in design and large.

How Should You Use a Tattoo Numbing Cream?

Getting your favorite tattoo is really nice, but, you should expect it comes with a certain level of pain from being poked with a needle. While some argue that it is necessary to feel the pain to appreciate the tattoo, others beg to disagree. In light of this, a numbing cream comes in handy to help you feel little or no pain when being tattooed. Below are a few steps on how to use this cream:

1. Start by washing the area to be tattooed with soap and water, then allow to dry completely.
2. With a sterile glove on, rub the amount of numbing screen on the washed area thoroughly.
3. Cover the area with a cling wrap or film for less than an hour, 45 minutes is a perfect time.
4. Once the cream has stayed for 45 minutes to an hour, the artist with a sterile glove can take off the cling wrap or film and clean off the cream completely.
5. The area will already be numb by now and proper tattooing can commence.

How to apply tattoo numbing cream?

Some people are confused regarding the procedure of applying numbing cream. They have several questions in mind regarding it.

So here are the steps that you have to follow while applying.

Selection of product: It is very important that you decide a very suitable and best product. You may check out a review of that product or you can google it.

Wash before applying: It is necessary to wash that area before applying so that dirt and dust can easily be removed.

Put waterproof gloves: You must use waterproof gloves while tattooing. That way, you will prevent it from outside water and moisturizer.

Apply cream softly:After this instruction it’s time to apply cream on that particular area and if you aren’t aware about quantity then you must read guidelines of that particular product .All creams prefer quantity as per their ingredient so make sure you consider that while applying.

Cover area in plastic wrap/paper: Now you can cover plastic paper with medical tape to increase the process of reaction.

Remove paper:Apply it for 45 minutes (not mandatory some time it varies) until you feel that numbing cream is starting to work.

Get a tattoo on your skin:  Now it’s time to make an attractive tattoo on your skin.

Things to consider while buying a Numbing cream for Tattoo

So you make a choice to buy cream but few things which will help to make your decision more selective.

• Lidocaine is very helpful in skin protection. So make sure that your cream must contain lidocaine.
• Always Read reviews on trusted medical websites or popular e commerce websites like amazon.
• Make a product selection which guarantees long lifespan.
• Buy a product that is non-oily gel.

FAQS section

So here we have picked the most important and generally asked questions by the people regarding tattoo numbing cream. We’ve tried to answer all the questions by our experience and by taking advice from various tattoo artists.

Q. Can I Use numbing cream after getting tattoo?

No, it is not recommended to use any type of cream except some aftercare creams. It will disturb the recovery system of a tattoo and sometimes you can also experience some adverse effects like itching, Swelling and more. You’re advised to use it at least 30 minutes before the tattoo session in order to get pain relief.

Q. Why wearing gloves is recommended for an artist when using cream?

It is recommended because when artist apply that cream then numbing effect starts on finger as well and it won’t feel very nice

Q. What if I overdose on numbing cream? Does it work faster?

It is not recommended at all. You must use cream according to guidelines prescribed on cream but some experts believe that it works faster and effectively. Notably, it is highly recommended to take advice from an expert or tattoo artist.

Q. Does tattoo numbing cream have side effects?

Generally no, there are no side effects in the majority of cases. Less than 5% of people do have side effects after using cream. Side effects can be possible if a person has very sensitive skin or any skin allergy.

If you’re one of them, I would urge you to consult a doctor. Also make sure to READ ALL GUIDELINES CAREFULLY before any application. However, these side effects will not last more than 2 days.

Q. Can you numb skin with ice before tattooing?

Ice packs are a good option for numbing your skin before tattooing but the problem with their treatment is that it only shows the effect for some moments. If you need a long lasting effect, then you have to apply high quality cream.

Conclusion

Tattoo application is one of the coolest things in a person’s life. So, don’t  let it go. It feels great and a good experience when one is having a tattoo on your body.

With this guide, you already know every bit of information about tattoo numbing cream. So now it’s time to purchase the best product but this will depend on your skin.

We hope that you’ll have an easy time while selecting the best numbing cream for your skin.

Happy tattooing!

Reference:

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-numb-skin

https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/topical-anesthetics.html

https://wettattoo.com/blog/do-tattoo-numbing-sprays-work