You should only put very gentle, fragrance‑free cleansing products and thin layers of tattoo‑safe moisturizer on a new tattoo—nothing harsh, scented, or heavy that can suffocate the skin.

Key idea: your tattoo is a wound

A fresh tattoo is basically an open wound made of thousands of tiny needle punctures, so for the first 2–3 weeks, you treat it more like wound care than beauty care. Dermatology‑style aftercare focuses on gentle cleansing, light moisture, and keeping it protected from friction and sun while it closes and peels.

First 24–72 hours: what to put on it

Follow whatever your artist told you first, but in general most modern aftercare looks like this:

  • A breathable bandage or wrap (Saniderm/film or plastic wrap/gauze) is usually applied right after the tattoo.
  • Once you remove that bandage (timing depends on artist instructions), you can put on:
    • A very thin layer of healing ointment made for tattoos or simple, fragrance‑free ointment (examples artists often use: Aquaphor, A&D, or a specific tattoo balm). The layer should be just enough to lightly shine, not look gooey.
* Nothing else—no extra creams, no makeup, no sunscreen yet.

During this period you mostly leave it alone, apart from gentle washing 1–2 times a day and re‑applying that very thin layer of ointment.

After a few days: switch to lotion

Once the tattoo starts feeling less raw and more like dry, tight skin (often day 3–7), many artists advise switching from ointment to a light, fragrance‑free lotion.

Good options people and pros commonly use:

  • Unscented, gentle lotions:
    • CeraVe (unscented)
    • Cetaphil moisturizing lotion
    • Lubriderm unscented
    • Aveeno fragrance‑free
  • Tattoo‑specific creams or balms:
    • Hustle Butter (very thin layer)
    • Mad Rabbit / other simple tattoo repair creams
    • Vegan or shea‑butter–based tattoo balms

Key rules when you put lotion on:

  • Use clean hands only.
  • Apply a thin layer 2–4 times a day—just enough to stop it from feeling tight or itchy, not enough to look wet or greasy.
  • If it looks shiny or feels slimy, you’ve put too much; gently blot with a clean paper towel.

What to wash and dry it with

Every time before you put anything on your tattoo, wash it gently:

  • Use:
    • Lukewarm water
    • Mild, fragrance‑free, antibacterial or gentle soap (like a “sensitive skin” cleanser)
  • Avoid:
    • Scrubbing, washcloths, loofahs
    • Very hot water

To dry before you apply ointment or lotion:

  • Pat dry with:
    • A clean paper towel, or
    • A very clean, soft towel reserved just for the tattoo
  • Don’t:
    • Rub
    • Use dirty, damp, or heavily scented towels

Once it’s fully dry, then you put on your thin layer of moisturizer or ointment.

What to put on it for protection (later)

In the very beginning: you do not put sunscreen directly on a fresh tattoo. It’s too irritating for open or peeling skin.

  • First 2 weeks:
    • Keep it covered with clothing when outdoors.
    • No sunscreen yet directly on the fresh tattoo.
  • After the skin has closed (often around 2–4 weeks, can vary):
    • Use a broad‑spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen any time it will see the sun.
* Keep using gentle lotion or a tattoo balm to keep it hydrated long‑term.

Sunscreen + moisture is what keeps healed tattoos from fading and looking dull.

Things you should NOT put on a new tattoo

No matter what you read in random forum myths, avoid putting these on a fresh tattoo:

  • Petroleum‑heavy products in thick layers (can suffocate skin and trap bacteria).
  • Scented lotions, body butters, or perfumed oils.
  • Alcohol‑based products or disinfectants (like straight rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide).
  • Coconut oil, essential oils, or DIY oils in the first days (they’re often too occlusive or irritating for an open wound).
  • Vaseline or pure petroleum jelly on large areas, especially during the early healing stage, unless your artist specifically recommended it for a brief period.
  • Makeup, self‑tanner, or shimmer products.
  • Antibiotic ointments unless a doctor tells you to use them—overuse can cause irritation or allergic reactions.

If your artist gave you a specific brand or routine, that overrides generic advice—they know how their ink and style heals.

Simple day‑by‑day example

This is a common example routine (always adjust to your artist’s instructions and your skin):

  1. Days 1–3
    • Keep artist’s bandage on as instructed.
    • When removed: gently wash, pat dry, apply thin layer of tattoo ointment 2–3 times a day.
  2. Days 4–7
    • Tattoo may start to feel dry and tight.
    • Switch to a thin layer of fragrance‑free lotion 2–4 times a day.
    • Don’t pick at flaking or scabbing skin.
  3. Weeks 2–4
    • Continue gentle washing and light lotion.
    • Keep it out of direct sun and out of pools, hot tubs, and baths.
  4. After it looks fully healed (often 3–4+ weeks)
    • Start using SPF 30+ on it whenever it’s exposed.
    • Keep moisturizing daily to keep it bright.

When to see a pro

If you notice any of this after putting products on your tattoo, contact your artist or a doctor:

  • Spreading redness, heat, and pain around the tattoo
  • Yellow/green pus or strong odor
  • Fever or feeling very unwell
  • Intense itching, hives, or swelling soon after applying a product (could be allergy)

Bottom line: clean it gently, keep it lightly moisturized with fragrance‑free or tattoo‑specific products, protect it from sun and friction, and avoid anything heavy, scented, or “home remedy” on your fresh ink.

TL;DR: For a new tattoo, use mild, fragrance‑free soap and water, pat it dry, then apply a very thin layer of tattoo ointment or simple unscented lotion; once it’s healed, add SPF 30+ in the sun and keep it moisturized long‑term.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.