Going under the gun, like piercing or tattooing, is always a great experience and brings you a great aesthetic look. Yet, it is hard to avoid the inevitable tattooing pain. Without the best tattoo numbing cream, you will find the tattoo needle’s sting miserable.
The level of pain and discomfort will vary depending on the tattoo’s design, size, and positioning. So keep following our article to see what can be done with the pain and choose a suitable numbing cream.
7 Best Tattoo Numbing Creams
1. Zensa Topical Numbing Cream – Editor’s Choice
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- Product dimensions: 4 x 1 x 1 inches
- Item weight: 1.06 ounces
- Ingredients: Lidocaine and vitamin E
- Lasting time: 2-4 hours after 20 minutes
If you are still wondering about getting a tattoo because of the pain, you are lucky to choose Zensa Topical anesthetic numbing cream. This solution can desensitize your skin for painful cosmetic procedures like waxing, laser hair removal, piercings, and tattoos.
One of the highlights of this product over other analogs is its effect on skin color. Instead of changing your skin’s color during the operation, it doesn’t affect the ink or cause skin burns.
The cream leaves soft skin and keeps it not suffocating. You can use it on both the face and body. Plus, it can last up to 4 hours of pain relief and ensures no pain in 20 minutes after application. This quick potency is credited to the 5% Lidocaine, the highest over-the-counter percentage.
Besides Lidocaine, its formula is enriched with vitamin E to offer antioxidants and ensure faster tattoo healing. This ingredient improves and maintains a healthy tattoo look.
The Zensa product is pH-balanced and water-based enough to avoid drying out the skin. You will not experience any redness or irritation. It also comes with bee extracts, so make sure you are not allergic to bees.
Pros:
- No vasoconstrictors
- Doesn’t affect the skin color and tattoo ink
- Use on both body and face
- pH-balanced and water-based for moisturizing the skin
- Promotes quick healing
Con:
- Expensive than others
2. Uber Numb Topical – The Best Value
- Product dimensions: 2.28 x 2.28 x 2.05 inches
- Item weight: 3.21 ounces
- Ingredients: Lidocaine, vitamin E, and Allantoin
- Lasting time: 1.5 hours
Uber Numb topical cream makes the pain during beauty procedures no problem for tattoo buffs and professional tattoo artists. We have to say that this pick is not the best, but it strikes the most balance between price and quality. This advanced numbing gel is often used for temporary tattoo numbing. A thick foaming layer will work quickly on the skin yet offer long-lasting pain relief.
Its active ingredients can reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation during and after tattooing. This is thanks to the inclusion of vitamin E, which promotes skin repair and rapid healing.
The water-based composition leaves no greasy and oily residue. To achieve the full effect, it is better to wait for 25 minutes after application. The effect can last for 1.5 hours thanks to the combination of propylene glycol and super strong Lidocaine.
These ingredients ensure the fastest and deepest absorption into the skin. And after a text on our freshly inked skin, we have to say that it’s worth the hype. The effect even exceeded the advertisement to break the record, at least on our skin, for 2 hours!
Nevertheless, the product has yet to be evaluated by the FDA. For this reason, you should perform a patch test before using it.
Pros:
- Maximum effect in 20-25 minutes after application
- Affordable price
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Doesn’t affect tattoo ink
Con:
- Hasn’t been FDA-approved
3. TDr.Numb 5% Lidocaine Topical Anesthetic Numbing Cream – The Most Effective (Long Effect)
- Product dimensions: 5.87 x 1.56 x 1.06 inches
- Item weight: 1 ounce
- Ingredients: Lidocaine, prilocaine, epinephrine, vitamin E
- Lasting time: two to four hours
For effective and long-lasting pain relief during a tattoo procedure, it is hard to miss out on the TDR. Numb 5% lidocaine topical anesthetic numbing cream. There should be no complaint about its rapid and long-term cooling effects.
Plus, the active components with epinephrine promote the blood outflow around the tattooed area to minimize bleeding. This all-purpose product is suitable for all skin types.
The solution is easy to use and 100% safe for your skin if you follow strict instructions, as the manufacturer claims that this product is 100% hypoallergenic.
To achieve maximum effects, don’t forget to lubricate the tattooed area with cream and cover it with clingfilm. Then wait for 10-20 minutes to let the cream work. When your skin starts to freeze, you can take off the film, rinse the residue, and start working. The ad says that it lasts 2-4 hours, but some of our clients have confirmed that they still feel no pain after 6 hours applying.
This 100% cream-based solution will give you a smooth texture and perfect consistency. The only problem with this one is that it is not practical for big tattoos due to its small size.
Pros:
- No oily or greasy effect
- Effectively cools the tattooed area
- Works on all types of skin
- Works in 10-20 minutes
- Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free
Con:
- Not ideal for big tattoos
4. Ink Scribd Premium – Best For Fast Acting
- Product dimensions: 5.2 x 2.4 x 1.97 inches
- Item weight: 2.4 ounces
- Ingredients: Vitamin E, Lidocaine
- Time: 2 hours
Thanks to its superior effects, ink Scribd premium tattoo numbing cream is a common name among professional tattoo artists. What distinguishes this product from others is its combination of arnica oils and Emu ostrich.
Arnica oil provides a perfect toning, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing effect. This component is considered one of the strongest stimulants, which increases the skin’s resilience.
On the other hand, Emu ostrich oil offers hypoallergenic, anti-inflammatory, and bactericidal effects. It improves the penetration and absorption of the solution into deeper skin layers.
This combination allows the solution to take effect in less than 15 minutes and last up to 2 hours. It is also infused with vitamin E to moisturize and heal your skin faster.
Overall, compared to other analogs, this product is more expensive. Therefore, consider your budget before picking one.
Pros:
- Fast numbing effect in 15-20 minutes
- Keeps your tattoo brighter
- The perfect combination of ingredients
Con:
- Expensive
5. Ebanel 5% Lidocaine Topical Numbing Cream – The Fastest Absorption
- Product dimensions: 2.3 x 1.7 x 1.5 inches
- Item weight: 1.35 ounces
- Ingredients: Lidocaine, aloe vera, vitamin E, Lecithin, Allatoin
- Time: 1 hour
Have you ever imagined a numbing cream taking effect in only five minutes? If not, don’t be shocked to find Ebanel 5% lidocaine topical product.
This solution works effectively 3 to 5 minutes after application and reaches its maximum effect in only 20-25 minutes. This fast absorption results from the Liposomal technology. Compared to traditional creams, gels, and ointments, these soft dosage forms have a greater penetrating ability.
Thanks to this, their appendages are more accessible to living cells and thus more effective. The average effect of this product is one hour. Yet, depending on your skin condition, it can last up to 2 hours.
The product shows a water-based composition, which leaves no grease on the skin. The tattoo artists will surely appreciate this feature.
In addition to 5% lidocaine, aloe vera, lecithin, and vitamin E offer a moisturizing and soothing effect. It is 100% hypoallergenic, vegan, and thus suitable for all skin types.
However, for some skin types, the product may make it rougher and reject the ink. So let the tattooist check whether to use it or not.
Pros:
- Liposomal Technology for optimal absorption
- Vegan and hypoallergenic
- Non-greasy and odorless
- Suitable for all types of skin
Con:
- It can leave a hard and coarse texture
6. Deeveeant Numbing Cream Lidocaine Anesthetic – Best For Tattoo Healing
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- Product dimensions: 5 x 1.5 x 4 inches
- Item weight: 3 ounces
- Ingredients: Lidocaine, tea tree, aloe vera, jojoba
- Time: 1 to 3 hours
If you have sensitive skin and worry about getting a tattoo, let’s consider Deeveeant numbing cream. This is one of the best solutions for skin healing.
It is a tattoo-designed agent that can prevent skin swelling and remove painful tattooing sensations. The cream is formulated with 4% lidocaine. While it is not the strongest, it ensures an effective analgesic effect.
The product is also formulated with other natural substances like aloe vera, jojoba, and tea tree. These components prevent inflammation while hydrating the skin and preventing unwanted pain and swelling.
Specifically, while aloe vera soothes the swelling and burning sensation, tea tree oil will have its moment to ward off any bacteria that can infect the fresh tat. Finally, jojoba reinforces these effects with their anti-inflammatory, healing, and moisturizing properties.
If you have small children around, the Deeveeant package will satisfy your needs for safety. Its unique anti-leeching tube design comes with a child-resistant cap. Thanks to it, the solution cannot split, crack, and fall out.
The product is ideal for gradual cessation of numbing effects and shorter tattoo sessions. However, it will take more time to effect than other products on the market. You will have to wait up to 45 minutes after applying to feel the numbing effect.
Pros:
- Designed for tattoos
- Best tattoo healing
- Affordable price
- Doesn’t ruin the brightness and quality of the ink
- Convenient and well-packaged
Con:
- Needs a long time to take effect, works in 45 minutes
7. Lidocaine Plus Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream – Budget Choice
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- Product dimensions: 6.5 x 5 x 6.5 inches
- Item weight: 4 ounces
- Ingredients: Lidocaine 4%
- Time: 1 to 2 hours
If you are on a tight budget yet still looking for an effective numbing cream, Lidocaine plus maximum strength cream will be your salvage with the price per ounce not exceeding $4. Despite the price, this product can offer equally powerful numbing effects as other high-end ones.
The solution contains 4% lidocaine hydrochloride, ideal for itching, pain, and burns. It starts working right after you apply it to your skin. You will feel the maximum effect level after 25 minutes, lasting up to 2 hours.
There is also pure aloe vera to soothe, nourish, and hydrate the inflamed skin and ensure fast healing. The product is suitable for the most sensitive skin as it has no harmful or synthetic ingredients.
However, as it only contains mild ingredients, it is not absorbent for some skin types. Therefore, test it first before applying for a tattoo procedure.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Works quickly and effectively
- Good for sensitive skin
- Includes pure components for fast healing
Con:
- Not absorbent for all skin types
What To Look For In The Best Tattoo Numbing Cream?
Strength
The best active ingredient in most tattoo numbing creams and sprays is Lidocaine. Its maximum over-the-counter strength is 5%. Some products are formulated with 4% lidocaine.
If you sit for an intricate and large tattooing piece, the numbing sensation will gradually vanish before finishing the tattoo session. It would be worse to experience a period of full feeling in the tattoo inking area.
In this situation, a lower concentration of Lidocaine will be useful. When the anesthetic cream slows down its effect, the sensation changes will be less intense and jarring.
You will find it hard to withstand from being painless to a full sensation. So choose the appropriate ratio of Lidocaine to ease this transition.
On the other hand, with a tattoo session lasting up to 4 hours, you can choose 5% lidocaine strength and relax.
Formula
There are two options when considering the best tattoo numbing cream. You can choose a specially formulated cream or a multi-purpose anesthetic one.
A multi-purpose cream is ideal for aches, tattooing, cosmetic procedures, general ailments, and pains. They are budget-friendly and suit all users.
A specially formulated cream tends to cost more. Yet, it includes special ingredients that can benefit your healing process. The formula will also not affect the ink settling and retention.
If you are on a tight budget, a multi-purpose one will meet your needs. Yet, why not stretch your budget and choose a perfect solution for your unbearably painful tattoo area.
Effectiveness
Some numbing creams are manufactured to take numbing effects on the tattooed area for around 1-2 hours. Meanwhile, other products can relieve the pain in 4 to 6 hours without reapplying.
It would be best to chat with your tattooist and artist to understand the length of the session. Doing this is crucial as you need this information to choose a suitable numbing cream.
How can you bear it when your cream wears off, and the pain exacerbates? Considering effectiveness, you should consider how long it takes effect. Discuss with your artist to have the best time to apply the numbing solution.
There is no need to pretend to be a brave guy in the tattoo studio. Don’t hide that you use a numbing tattoo cream. The solution will affect the gun movement, so your tattooist should know and be aware.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How To Use Tattoo Numbing Cream?
For first-time users, follow the steps below to have the best and most pain-free experience:
Step 1: Pick the proper numbing cream for tattoos
Not all numbing creams are effective and well-fitted for all tattoos. Thus, it pays to seek the right product. A cream with only Lidocaine or epinephrine will not take effect long enough. Check the ingredients and specific uses.
Step 2: Clean the about-to-tattoo area carefully
Make sure the designated zone is well cleaned before applying the cream. Before the session, take a shower and shave the tattooed area according to the artists’ instructions.
This way, you can remove excess dead cells and oil from your skin. Alcohol cleaning wipes will do wonders in this case.
Step 3: Apply the numbing cream
After making everything clean and sparkling, it’s time to put on the cream. The artists should give your skin a thick cream coat and let it sit for 30 minutes according to the recommended instructions.
The thicker the inked skin, the longer the cream needs to take effect. Therefore, avoid rushing things in this step.
Step 4: Get rid of the excessive cream
The cream has come into effect at this step, and the tattooed area starts being numb. The tattooist now removes all excess cream and washes the area carefully with alcohol wipes.
Leaving any cream on the skin will increase the likelihood of broken skin and allow it to be absorbed into your bloodstream.
2. How Long Does Tattoo Numbing Cream Last?
Most numbing creams can remain in effect between three and five tattooing hours. Yet, some products cannot last as long as their original intention.
Most FDA-approved creams can be used for over-the-counter use as well.
3. How Do Tattoo Numbing Creams Work?
As their name suggests, tattoo numbing creams are formulated to numb the skin with their active essential ingredients. They are often divided into three main categories: nerve deadeners, vasoconstrictors, and nerve blockers.
Against various users’ expectations, the first type is the mildest numbing cream. It contains a moderate amount of Lidocaine to deaden the nerves temporarily. Thanks to its mild effects, you can reapply the cream during the tattoo session.
The tattoo needles often go deep below the skin’s surface, while nerve deadeners tend to sit on the skin. Thus, combining nerve deadeners and nerve blockers would be better to make a pain-free and comfortable tattoo procedure.
The latter type is more effective, thanks to the tetracaine ingredient. These products register the pain without carrying any pain signals to the brain. While they can reduce the pain significantly, they cannot eliminate it and need a nerve deadener’s help.
Vasoconstrictors are the most powerful numbing cream. The epinephrine in these solutions is formulated to constrict the blood vessels. This way, you are more likely to avoid swelling and bleeding and can take care of the pain automatically.
4. Are Numbing Creams Safe?
The answer is an absolute YES.
All numbing creams are safe for your health as they are FDA-approved. However, it is worth noting that they are safe when you use them properly in suitable scenarios.
Applying numbing cream frequently and excessively increases the risk of numbing agents getting absorbed by the skin and entering the bloodstream. The results can be unwanted heart attacks and seizures.
Here are some notes to bear in mind before using this solution:
- Tattoo numbing creams are not effective for everyone.
- Once the numbing effects cease and wear off, you will experience enhanced and amplified pain in the tattooed area.
- Allergic reactions can occur during the process.
- Sometimes, it is a pity that the numbing cream affects the tattoo design.
5. Other Than For Tattoos, Why Are Numbing Creams Useful?
Numbing creams are useful for tattoos. Yet, there are various applications:
Relieve severe sunburns thanks to Lidocaine
Most products contain more than 5% lidocaine, relieving severe sunburns. They will dull the sunburnt area, reduce pain and discomfort, and provide quick relief.
Relieve joint pain
They especially work wonders for some degenerative bone problems and arthritis.
Relieve itching scabies
Unlike medication and scabies lotions, those products provide instant itching relief. Redness, inflammation, and flaking are just a few to name.
Reduce itching and painful hemorrhoids
Painful and itching hemorrhoids affect your life significantly. There are various creams reducing the inflamed vein’s swelling. Yet, they only work for a short time. Numbing creams are useful in offering instant itching and pain relief.
Conclusion
Long story short, one of the main reasons that many people avoid tattooing is undoubtedly the pain. However, the best tattoo numbing cream will ensure the minimum pain and discomfort during the whole tattooing process.
Among the best life-savers, Zensa Topical Anesthetic Numbing Cream is worth your investment. The product is budget-friendly, quick to absorb, and takes effect. So why not give it a try and get an impressive tattoo ever?
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