The Best Antibacterial Soap to Use On Tattoos

Getting a tattoo is not just enough, you need to take proper care of your tattoo in order to have a healthy tattoo. Using regular soap on your tattoo is not at all recommended as they may contain harsh ingredients that can cause problems to your new tattoo. For proper care of your tattoo it is advised to use only tattoo soap or an antibacterial soap. Using an antibacterial soap not only speed up the healing of the tattoo, but also it provides a protective barrier against external elements. However, there are many antibacterial soaps available in the market. But I am sharing with you the list of the best antibacterial soap for tattoos in 2023.

1. Dr Numb Topical Anesthetic Foaming Soap

Dr Numb is a very good tattoo soap or antibacterial soap. It is an anesthetic soap that features 4% lidocaine, a topical anesthetic, which blocks nerve signals. Also, it consists 0.24% Benzethonium chloride, a germ-killing disinfectant, which is good to sanitize the skin. Dr Numb Topical Anesthetic Foaming Soap helps you keep your tattoo ultra-clean and pain-free. Also, it helps to avoid itching .

2. H2Ocean – Blue Green Liquid Soap

Another very good tattoo soap is H2Ocean. It is the best soap for new tattoos. It has benzalkonium chloride that is good for killing infection-causing bacteria and other microbes. Since it is mild, it can be used on any skin type, but it is perfect for sensitive skin. Moreover, H2Ocean is free of artificial fragrances and parabens. Also, it is rich in moisturizing aloe vera that helps in preventing from cabs. The best part is – you don’t even need to rinse it – just wiping with a clean cloth will be enough.

3. H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap

Another tattoo soap from H2Ocean is – H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap. Yeah, H2Ocean makes two versions liquid and foam. H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap also has same ingredients – benzalkonium chloride that disinfects the skin and aloe vera to moisturize. In addition to this, it’s also free of fragrances and parabens. For best results it is recommended to use Ocean Care lotion after washing with the soap.

4. Camel Milk Foaming Tattoo Soap

As the name says it all, this is specifically meant for washing tattoo. This antibacterial soap is based on organic ingredients along with camel milk powder. The best part is – It creates a rich lather that helps one to foam away dirt and oil. The main ingredients used in the soap are: aloe, coconut oil, glycerin, and olive oil. All these together make a rich moisturizing agent that soothe and hydrate the skin. Moreover, it is free of chemicals, preservatives, or even polymers.

5. Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap

Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap is best antibacterial soap for Tattoos and Piercings. It is absolutely free of fragrance. It’s pH-balanced that helps to avoid irritation completely, and the right amount of acidity in the soap keeps the skin from drying out.

6. Hustle Helper

Hustle Helper is an antimicrobial soap that comes with 5% lidocaine. It can be used before and after getting the tattoo. It is a wonderful soap that keeps your skin comfortable and healthy. It comes with a 100% vegan formula that helps calm irritation and redness and stops itching and pain. The key ingredients used in Hustle Helper includes: aloe, green tea, rosemary, and chamomile. It is parabens free antibacterial soap.

7. Billy Jealousy Tattoo Wash

As the name says it all, Billy Jealousy Tattoo Wash is specifically meant for maintaining the tattoo. Billy is not used on a fresh new tattoo while it’s healing, because Billy has glycolic acid and fruit extracts that is used for a little exfoliation. Billy Jealousy Tattoo Wash is used to get rid of the dull skin that has dimmed your ink. The main ingredients in Billy Jealousy Tattoo Wash are; oat protein and cucumber, which hydrates your tattoo and make it look fresh and bright.

8. Defense Soap

The Defense Soap provides complete defense from bacteria, fungus, oils, dirt, smog, and viruses. It’s one of the most recommended antibacterial tattoo soaps. Is absolutely free of artificial dyes, fragrances, sulfates, petrochemicals, and drying alcohols. The presence of tea tree and eucalyptus oils in Defense Soap helps to deodorize and sanitize the skin naturally.

9. Dettol Anti-Bacterial pH-Balanced Body Wash

Dettol Anti-Bacterial pH-Balanced Body Wash is another antibacterial tattoo soap. Dettol’s body wash helps one to get rid of 99.9% of germs including E. coli, salmonella, and the flu. Dettol foams away dirt without even affecting the skin’s natural moisture. Also, the pH-balanced formula has menthol for that refreshing sensation and crisp aroma.

Related:

• 27 Best Tattoo Aftercare Products List
• How To Treat An Infected Tattoo
• 16 Reasons To Use Coconut Oil On Tattoo

10. Dial Gold Antibacterial Liquid Soap with Moisturizer

The Dial Gold liquid soap consists of 0.10% benzalkonium chloride, a proven antibacterial agent. It is known for eliminating 99.9% of household germs. It is a mild antibacterial soap. It is in fact one of the least expensive options to go with.

11. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is specifically designed for sensitive skin conditions. The company claims that Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is four times less irritating than any other soap. It has a neutral pH and it is very mild that can be used by any skin types.

12. Hibiclens Antimicrobial

Hibiclens is a medical-grade soap that is known to kill MRSA, fungi, and viruses. The key ingredients of Hibiclens Antimicrobial includes 4% chlorhexidine gluconate and 4% isopropyl alcohol. It’s an excellent tattoo soap, especially just after getting the tattoo.

13. Simple Antibacterial Bar Soap for Sensitive Skin

Simple Antibacterial Bar Soap for Sensitive Skin is absolutely free of artificial perfumes or dyes. It is a wonderful soap for delicate skin. It has Pro-Vitamin B5 that promote skin’s recovery.

14. Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap – Baby Unscented

Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap is known to be eco-friendly soap . The baby version of Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap is super-mild for very sensitive skin. All the ingredients used in soap are organic. The key ingredients include coconut, olive, jojoba, hemp, and palm kernel oils. It keeps your skin moisturized and can be used regularly for the best care of your tattoo.

15. DHC Mild Soap,Face Cleansing Bar

It is however a costly soap, but believe you me the DHC Mild formula is perfect for cleaning the tattoos on the face. It keeps your skin hydrated and moisturized, thereby making breakouts and dryness go away completely.

16. Neutrogena, The Transparent Facial Bar

Neutrogena is a great soap in budget. Neutrogena’s glycerin-based facial bar clean the skin and is absolutely free of harsh ingredients like dyes or detergents. It’s a wonderful tattoo soap for face tattoos or tattoos in sensitive areas.

17. Dr. Woods Unscented Baby Mild Bar Soap with Organic Shea Butter

Dr. Woods Unscented Baby Mild Bar Soap with Organic Shea Butter is comparable with Dr. Bronner. Dr. Woods Unscented Baby Mild Bar Soap with Organic Shea Butter is based on sustainable palm oil, coconut oil, and Fair Trade shea butter. In addition to this, it has Vitamin E and rosemary that speeds up the healing of new tattoos.

18. Sebamed Fragrance-Free Gentle Face and Body Hydrating Cleanser

Sebamed Fragrance-Free Gentle Face and Body Hydrating Cleanser is a wonderful cleanser that doesn’t disrupt the natural pH of the skin and protects against dehydration and infection. It’s a wonderful formula for treating conditions like burns, psoriasis, and scars after operations and that makes it a great soap for cleansing tattooed skin. In addition to this, it’s free of dyes, parabens, and other irritants.

19. Clearly Natural Glycerin Bar Soap, Unscented

Clearly Natural Glycerin Bar Soap, Unscented is a Glycerin based soap, which is popular for complete cleansing and leaving no residue. Since it contains Glycerin so it is not a good choice for washing oily skin.

20. CeraVe Body Wash for Dry Skin

Last but not least, CeraVe Body Wash for Dry Skin, which includes essential ceramides. Ceramides is important for maintaining moisture in the skin. Also, this soap is free of sulfates and parabens.

Why should you Use Antibacterial Soap for Cleaning your Tattoo

As said earlier, it is very important to keep your tattoo clean and moisturized. So, the moment you get a tattoo it becomes crucial that you maintain it, and if you fail to do so it can create problems or may be it can lead to infection. More often than not, tattoo artists provide specific aftercare instructions about what to do and what not to do. Also, he instructs about using the right antibacterial soap for cleaning the tattoo and to moisturize it with good lotion.

Keeping your tattoo cleaned speeds up the healing process. Depending on the size of your tattoo, it might take a few weeks to a few months before it completely heals. Since a tattoo is nothing but an open wound, during the healing period, it can be exposed to infection. That’s why it is very important to clean it using an antibacterial soap.

Step-by-Step Guide how to wash your Tattoo

The moment your tattoo will be done, your tattoo artist will wrap it with a transparent sheet, before you leave the tattoo studio. This step is to prevent the entry of bacteria and viruses that could damage the skin. After reaching home after two –three hours you are allowed to remove the wrap, but then you need to take good care of your tattoo. If you will not keep your tattoo clean, the risk of excessive scabbing will increase. However, a slight scab is normal.

Also, it is crucial that you follow the right way to clean your tattoo. And here is how you can clean your tattoo…..

Step 1: Wash your hand first before you start cleaning your tattoo

Cleaning your hand before you actually clean your tattoo is. As we all know that our hands are actually carriers of bacteria, and cleaning a tattoo with un-cleaned hands result in an infection. So, before cleaning your tattoo thoroughly wash your hands with the right antibacterial soap, you can use any of the soaps mentioned in the post itself.

Step 2: Wet the area where your tattoo is

Now it’s time to wet the area where your tattoo is. Make sure you use lukewarm water only. Using too hot water can open up the pores and can also be painful. Also, it is crucial that you do not put your tattoo directly under running water. Instead, take lukewarm water in a jug or bowl and pour it slowly on your tattoo.

Step 3: Rub the water in a circular motion and apply antibacterial soap

Not all antibacterial soaps are in foam form, some are concentrated and they need to be diluted first. I your soap is also concentrated then you will need to dilute it first and then apply it on the area where the tattoo is, make sure you apply in circular motion. Do not ever use a towel or washcloth with soap to scrub the tattoo. Also, don’t rub it too hard, keep your motions gentle and soft. Putting excessive pressure can damage the new tattoo.

Step 4: Now rinse the tattoo and let it dry.

Last but not least, clean your tattoo nicely, leaving no traces of soap on the surface. Once you have removed your soap gently dab the area with a paper towel and let it dry. Dab it gently and softly.
How to Choose the Right Antibacterial Soap for Your Tattoo

Of course, it is not easy to choose the right soap for your tattoo amongst so many options available. But still you can’t just pick any soap. You need to choose the best soap for your tattoo to speed up the healing procedure. For choosing the right soap for your tattoo follow the below instructions……

1. See all the Ingredients

While purchasing your tattoo soap, spend some time in looking into the label of the soap so that you can know which all ingredients are used in the soap. It is important that you look for soaps that are made organically and naturally, instead of spending in a soap that contains harsh chemicals. Because harsh chemicals can affect your tattoo adversely, which is not wise! Also, make sure that the soap is free of parabens and alcohol, as alcohol makes the skin dry.

2. Your Skin Type

We all have different types of skins, from normal to extra oily. Hence it is crucial that the soap you buy is according to your skin type, as it will also impact your tattoo. For instance, if you have dry skin you should buy a soap with naturally moisturizing agents so that the area of your tattoo doesn’t remain dry.

3. Antibacterial Properties

Another most important aspect is to see the antibacterial properties of the soap. Your soap should be able to provide your 100% protection from bacteria and external allergens or foreign elements. If your soap is not doing the job properly then there is no point of spending money on that.

4. Fragrance

More often than not, these medicated or antibacterial soaps are fragrance free, because fragrances in soaps can cause skin irritation, especially when they contain chemicals. But it is always good to skip soaps with artificial dyes and fragrances. So, choose wisely!

FINAL VERDICT

Though you can choose any soap for cleaning your tattoo but the best would be the one that helps your skin to heal properly. Choosing the one with moisturizing will help your tattoo heal faster. To keep your tattoo looking its best and maintain the health of your skin use the right soap. Using the right soap will not only speed up the healing process, but also it will prevent your tattoo from any infection and other serious problems.