6 Best Tattoo Numbing Creams for Those Sensitive Tattoos!

Tattoos are one of our ways of expressing individuality, as well as our love for beautiful art. But they can also be incredibly painful.

Is the daunting idea of the pain keeping you from getting the tattoo you really want?

With topical numbing creams, getting a tattoo doesn’t have to be a painful process. Even in the most sensitive areas, these numbing creams for tattoos leave skin moisturized and pleasantly numb.

Choosing the right numbing cream can be an intimidating task, which is why I have come up with this comprehensive list to help you simplify your decision!

Keep reading to learn all about the six best tattoo numbing creams on the market.

A tattoo artist working on a woman's upper back.

Our Top Picks for Tattoo Numbing Creams

Best Overall:
Ebanel 5% Lidocaine Numbing Cream

Longest Lasting:
Hush Anesthetic Tattoo Numbing Gel

Budget-Friendly Crowd Favorite:
Dr. Numb Lidocaine Numbing Cream


Best Overall

Ebanel 5% Lidocaine Numbing Cream

Ebanel 5% Lidocaine Numbing Cream Maximum Strength, Liposomal Numb520 Topical Anesthetic Pain Relief Cream 1.35 Oz, Infused with Aloe Vera, Vitamin E for Local and Anorectal Uses, Hemorrhoid Treatment

Ebanel Tattoo Numbing Cream is the overall best choice for tattoo numbing cream on this list and is highly recommended by tattoo shops all over!

This cream is a miracle worker! It works fast, sinking into the skin and completely numbing it. You will not feel a thing during your tattoo session, and the ink will settle into your skin beautifully.

Infused with aloe vera and vitamin E, this five percent Lidocaine numbing cream is water-based and hypoallergenic for those even with the most sensitive skin.

Ebanel numbing cream works fast, with numbing effects beginning in as little as three to five minutes and peaking after around twenty-five minutes. The longer you let it set, the more effective the numbing properties will be.

After peaking, the numbing effect will last around an hour, so this might not be the best choice for an extended session, but it’s a great product for short sessions or small tattoos.

This tattoo cream works well on sensitive areas of the skin, also!

Ebanel is an all-around fantastic and effective numbing cream for tattoos.

How to use

Like previous choices, to use this cream, you need to start out by cleaning the area with soap and warm water. Dry the site completely before applying the numbing cream.

Apply a thick layer of numbing cream to the area that will be tattooed, then cover it with plastic and apply pressure to ensure the product soaks into the skin properly.

After twenty-five minutes, you may remove the plastic and wipe away the excess cream with a soft cloth.

For an even more enhanced numbing effect, you can repeat this process after fifteen minutes.

Ebanel tattoo numbing cream provides a powerful numbing sensation so that you can sit back and enjoy your tattooing experience!

Pros

  • Fast acting
  • Oil-free non-greasy formula won’t leave residue on the skin
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Doesn’t last as long as other numbing creams, so not good fit for longer sessions
  • Not great for numbing the pain of intricate work that needs a lot of shading

Longest Lasting

Hush Anesthetic Tattoo Numbing Gel

Hush Anesthetic Tattoo numbing Gel More Powerful than Numbing Cream (with child-resistant caps) (2oz 60 Gram)…

Hush Tattoo Numbing Cream is formulated specifically for tattoos and is the best choice for sensitive, allergy-prone skin. It is made with more naturally derived ingredients than any other product on this list.

Infused with a magical blend of Lidocaine, aloe vera, calendula, and chamomile, this tattoo-numbing cream will soothe the skin during your tattoo.

There is also Marigold flower extract in this product, which cleanses and supports our body’s immune response while providing a lovely scent.

Antioxidants from the Green Tea extract in Hush tattoo numbing cream soothe the skin and discourage inflammation, which helps keep the redness, swelling, and irritation from the tattoo at bay.

To support natural skin cell growth, comfrey extract is infused into this gel, which helps soften the skin as it heals.

All these botanicals are suspended in deionized water, which allows no toxins to permeate the skin and disrupt the numbing process.

How to use

As with anything you put on your skin, you will need to clean the area before you apply Hush tattoo numbing gel.

After cleaning the area with mild soap and warm water, pat dry thoroughly. Do not wipe away the product. Blot away any excess numbing cream.

Apply an even, thick layer directly onto the site where the tattoo will be. Wrap it with plastic wrap and leave it covered for one hour for the best skin absorption. Applying some pressure never hurt, either!

After removing the plastic wrap, blot the area dry with a soft cloth.

Pros

  • Lasts up to four hours
  • Paraben-free, Vegan formula
  • Natural ingredients support immune response and promote healing

Cons

  • Leaves residue behind on the skin
  • Consistency is not as easy to work with as other creams
  • Takes a while for numbing sensation to take effect

Budget-Friendly Crowd Favorite


Dr. Numb Lidocaine Numbing Cream

Dr. Numb 5% Lidocaine Topical Anesthetic Numbing Cream for Pain Relief, Maximum Strength with Vitamin E for Real Time Relieves of Local Discomfort, Itching, Pain, Soreness or Burning - 10g (1)

Dr. Numb tattoo numbing cream is one of the most notorious and affordable topical numbing creams on the market. It is highly rated and recommended by tattoo shops worldwide!

This five percent Lidocaine numbing cream works by blocking the nerves from communicating painful impulses to the brain for a more pleasant tattooing experience. It will not impact the ability of the ink to set into the skin properly.

Dr. Numb begins working quickly and lasts up to four hours, so it is a great numbing cream for long tattoo sessions or those with intensive shading.

The water-based cream settles into the skin with no oily residue, which means it won’t interfere with how the ink settles into your skin.

It also contains vitamin E, which softens and nourishes your skin, leaving the site perfectly moisturized for your tattoo.

How to use

Although Dr. Numb starts numbing the skin almost immediately, apply at least thirty minutes in advance.

Clean the area thoroughly and dry completely before applying.

Apply a quarter-inch thick layer of Dr. Numb tattoo numbing cream to the site and cover with plastic wrap for thirty to forty-five minutes.

Remove the wrap and dab gently with a cloth before beginning the tattoo.

Pros

  • Fast acting
  • Lasts up to four hours, so it is a good choice for a long session

Cons

  • May not provide optimal numbing if not used as instructed

Zensa Numbing Cream

Zensa Numbing Cream 5% Lidocaine | Fast Acting Topical Anesthetic | Max Pain Relief for Tattoos, Piercings, Microblading, PMU, Microneedling, Injections, Waxing, Electrolysis & Non-Invasive Procedures

Zensa Topical Numbing Cream is naturally formulated, vegan, and free from steroids.

Infused with vitamin E, Zensa cream boosts healing and minimizes flaking and itchiness of the skin with anti-inflammatory properties.

Zensa tattoo numbing cream is safe to use on broken skin, so after you are given the green light on removing the bandages, you can start using the numbing cream to help with any inflammation and pain.

It is vasoconstrictor-free cream, and it won’t interfere with the ink or the tattooing process, ensuring your peace of mind for a safe and pain-free experience.

Formulated for painful procedures like tattoos, microblading, and waxing, this tattoo numbing cream contains five percent Lidocaine, the maximum strength allowed on the market.

This tattoo-numbing cream lasts up to three hours! It is sure to have the site completely numb and ready to go for the entirety of your session.

How to use

This tattoo-numbing cream is really easy to use! First, clean the area with mild soap and warm water, dabbing dry gently when finished.

Then, apply a liberal amount, at least a half-inch layer, to the skin and wrap it with cling wrap. I suggest letting this soak into the skin for at least thirty minutes, but up to forty-five minutes for optimal numbing sensation.

After the time is up, remove the wrap and dab away any excess cream before the artist begins tattooing. Be sure not to rub excess cream away because it decreases the moisturizing properties.

Pros

  • Works well for highly sensitive areas, like the spine or ribcage.
  • Cruelty-free and made with natural ingredients
  • FDA approved
  • Fast-acting

Cons

  • Not a great choice for long sessions because it wears off in about three hours

Numbskin Numbing Cream

Numbskin Numbing Cream - 5% Lidocaine Topical Anesthetic Cream, Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream, Fastest Acting Tattoo Numbing Cream with Vitamin E, 30g (1 Tube)

Numbskin Tattoo Cream is a trusted brand of non-prescription skin-numbing tattoo care products.

It is recommended by many tattoo shops, as well as tattoo lovers who have used it to numb their skin for new work.

Like many other numbing creams for tattoos, this product contains five percent Lidocaine. Lidocaine works by blocking pain receptors in the brain temporarily.

The water-based formula is infused with vitamin E for a healing, revitalizing, and moisturizing effect.

When using Numbskin tattoo numbing cream, you can rest assured that you are using a top-of-the-industry product. It will not interfere with how ink sets into your skin, resulting in an impeccably vibrant tattoo and a pleasant experience.

How to use

As with the previous products, make sure to wash the area thoroughly and gently dry it before applying the numbing cream.

Apply a thick layer to clean dry skin and rub it in. Cover the area with plastic wrap, apply a bit of pressure, and keep it on for at least thirty minutes.

For a stronger numbing effect, you can leave the plastic wrap on for an hour.

After removing the plastic wrap, blot the area with a dry cloth and enjoy your pain-free tattoo experience!

Pros

  • Cruelty-free
  • Water-based formula doesn’t leave an oily residue on the skin
  • Lasts up to four hours

Cons

  • Doesn’t work that great for numbing sensitive or boney areas
  • Takes a while to fully take effect

Ink Scribd Tattoo Numbing Cream

Ink Scribd Tattoo Numbing Cream - Premium Topical Anesthetic Lidocaine Cream - Lidocaine for Maximum Strength Pain Relief - Best Skin Numbing Cream for Tattoos, Waxing, Microneedling (1oz)

Last but definitely not least on this list of the best tattoo-numbing creams is Ink Scribd Tattoo Numbing Cream.

This is a popular brand formulated with your skin in mind, and it is the best choice for a fast-acting numbing cream on this list.

It also contains natural ingredients that help keep the skin soft and the tattoo vibrant.

This cream works in as little as fifteen minutes and offers up to two hours of numbing effects for a pain-free experience.

Containing five percent Lidocaine, as well as a blend of Arnica oil and emu oil, Ink Scrib numbing cream was specifically formulated for tattoos and will nourish the skin naturally as it numbs.

A key ingredient in many indigenous medical recipes, emu oil moisturizes and minimizes inflammation in the skin. It will nourish the skin and provide a vibrant tattoo as a result!

Arnica oil works to stimulate the natural healing process of the body by increasing blood flow to the site of the tattoo, reducing swelling and the chances of an infection.

Since Ink Scribd numbing cream is made specifically for tattoos, it will not affect how the ink sets into your skin! It is a fantastic tattoo-numbing cream.

How to use

Be sure to wash your hands and the tattoo area with mild soap and warm water before beginning the process.

Pat the area dry with a soft cloth after rinsing thoroughly.

Apply a generous layer onto the skin, cover it with plastic wrap, and apply some pressure to the area for about fifteen to twenty minutes.

Remove the film from the site, and blot the area with a soft, dry cloth. Do not wipe.

To enhance the numbing effect even more, you may repeat this process after fifteen minutes.

Pros

  • Fast acting formula
  • Contains natural oils
  • Made specifically for tattoos

Cons

  • May not last as long as other tattoo creams that take longer to work
  • Not great for numbing sensitive areas like feet and ribcages

What To Look For In A Tattoo Numbing Cream

A tattoo artist working on the back of a woman's shoulder.

Before buying numbing cream for your tattoos, it is important to know that each formula features different ingredients, natural and synthetic.

First things first, is the product made specifically for tattoos, or is it at least made with ink-friendly ingredients that won’t negatively affect your art?

The creams on this list have a range of benefits besides the obvious pain-reducing properties. These creams use natural ingredients such as vitamin E to soften the skin, enhance the color of a tattoo and promote quick healing.

Formula

The formula is an important factor when choosing the perfect tattoo-numbing cream for you. The numbing creams on this list incorporate ingredients such as Lidocaine, vitamin E, tea tree oil, emu oil, arnica oil, aloe vera, and more.

These powerful nutrients and antioxidants reduce inflammation, promote immune response and healing, and moisturize the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.

Other numbing creams use epinephrine, which is discouraged by professional tattoo artists because it is a vasoconstrictor and increases heart rate. It may also interfere with how the ink sets into your skin.

For other information about the formula, check the list of ingredients on each product!

A tattoo artist working on a man's forearm.

Strength

Another important factor when looking for the right numbing cream for a painless tattoo session is strength.

Lidocaine topical numbing creams are the most popular for using to numb the skin for a tattoo, especially for long sessions involving a lot of intricate line work or shading.

Typically numbing creams that use Lidocaine will contain around four to five percent pure Lidocaine, which provides great numbing effects to localized areas.

Effectiveness

Some tattoo-numbing creams work faster but also wear off faster. Meanwhile, others take a bit longer to completely numb the area but keep it pleasantly numb for up to six hours.

Consider the effectiveness and how long the numbing sensation is reported to last when deciding which cream is right for you!

If you are headed in for a drawn out, hardcore tattoo session, you should probably go for one of the longer-lasting numbing creams to be sure it doesn’t wear off in the middle of the process.


Frequently Asked Questions

Tattoo worker applying cream to a client's arm. The best tattoo numbing creams can be used for new tattoos or additions to existing tattoos.

Is tattoo numbing cream safe to use?

Most numbing creams are hypoallergenic, but as with any other skin cream, irritation is possible. I suggest testing the cream on a small patch of skin before using for the tattoo site.

Can you use numbing cream before a tattoo?

Yes! Using numbing cream on the site before a tattoo session can help provide you with a painless experience.

Can you use numbing cream after a tattoo?

It is recommended to leave your tattoo bandaged or wrapped for the appropriate amount of time, per your artists instructions. After the allotted time frame, it is safe to use numbing cream on the site of the tattoo to prevent itching and peeling.

Can using numbing cream for a tattoo interfere with the ink?

Nope! Numbing creams for tattoos don’t interfere with the way the ink settles into your skin because they don’t alter the texture of the skin.

How long is numbing cream effective?

The creams on this list are effective for anywhere from two to six hours. Typically, tattoo numbing creams last for around three to four hours depending on the percentage of Lidocaine, if present, and the percentage of added natural ingredients.


Give These Best Tattoo Numbing Creams A Try!

A tattoo artist working on the top of a person's hand.

Tattoos, while totally worth it, can be an unpleasant experience. The pain may be the most intimidating part of getting a tattoo, but with any of the tattoo numbing creams on this list, you are guaranteed not to feel a thing!

Whether you want a small piece, or an incredibly intricate design that will take hours and multiple sessions, there is a tattoo numbing cream for you!

For more tattoo product recommendations, check out our Tattoo Products blog posts.

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