If you are someone who has had many tattoos over the years, you might be wondering why your tattoo artist is putting Vaseline on your skin before tattooing. And if you are someone thinking of getting a tattoo for the first time, you might think this is a weird practice. It really is not something new. Tattoo artists have been using lubricants on skin before tattooing for a really long time, Vaseline being the favorite.
But what use instead of Vaseline when tattooing? Vaseline might not be something you have on hand at all times. Therefore, it is important to know some of the basic alternatives to Vaseline that you could use when you are tattooing. So let’s dive into the reasons tattoo artists use Vaseline and what else you could use. Let’s also see why tattoo artists are moving away from Vaseline as a lubricant while tattooing!
Key Takeaways
- Using Vaseline when tattooing is an old-school way of protecting the skin while you are getting the tattoo.
- There are many things you can use instead of Vaseline while tattooing, but only some of them will be effective.
- Tattoo artists are moving away from Vaseline because it could lead to compromising the tattoo later.
Reason for Using Vaseline When Tattooing
There are many benefits of using Vaseline when tattooing, but there is only one reason why it is used when tattooing. When you are getting tattooed, your skin is broken by the constant piercing of the skin. This repeated penetration will leave the surface of the skin dry and take away any moisture from it. To protect the skin, a layer of Vaseline is applied to make sure your skin is safe.
The brand Vaseline is synonymous with petroleum jelly. More people would know of Vaseline instead of the actual ingredient that is used to make it. The petroleum jelly creates a barrier between the skin and the tattoo needle. This allows the tattoo artist to use the tattoo machine without hurting their clients too much.
You might be thinking that the Vaseline would interfere with the tattooing but it doesn’t! It’s a clear cream so when you are tattooing or getting a tattoo, you or your artist are able to clearly see the skin where the tattoo ink is being placed. This is rather an old-school technique that people are moving away from but we will get to that later.
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10 Alternatives to Vaseline When Tattooing
While Vaseline use is fine, there are some products that could be better for when you are getting a tattoo or doing the tattoo yourself. So let’s see some of the alternatives you can use and see if they are better or not while you are tattooing.
1. Beeswax
You might think that beeswax is only used for honeycombs of bees, but it provides a very similar effect to Vaseline when tattooing! They provide a protective layer on the skin where you will be tattooing from the environment, keeping your skin safe and locking in moisture. They are also clear so you can easily work on the skin while tattooing. It also does not clog pores so you can be sure that your tattoo will heal just fine afterward. It does however harden, which might stick to your skin.
Does it work: one of the best things to use when tattooing, especially when mixed with other ingredients like shea and coconut oil. You will have to melt the beeswax to a usable consistency which can be difficult to get right.
2. Saniglide
Saniglide is one of those products that are made for tattoo artists to use while tattooing. Being specifically designed for tattooing, you can be sure that as a lubricant it is one of the best. It soothes the skin so you or your client won’t feel too irritated while getting the tattoo. It also provides the necessary lubrication so that you can work on the tattoo without worrying about making mistakes.
Does it work: best product to use when tattooing! It is specifically made for tattooing so you can be sure of its benefits while the only drawback will be the ingredients you are allergic to. Otherwise, you can also use this product for tattoo aftercare too!
3. Hustle Butter
Hustle Butter is a body butter that many people use for tattooing just like Saniglide. It is a vegan product that uses all-natural plant-based extracts instead of petroleum jelly, an option you should keep handy for those clients that request a vegan cream. It is long-lasting so you can be sure that it will stay on your skin while the tattooing is going on.
Does it work: for customers that want a vegan product, there is none better than Hustle Butter. It provides a soothing protective layer for your tattooing that will lessen the pain and it lasts a really long time. However, the ingredients used might cause skin irritation afterward or during so do be careful when you are using this product on someone with sensitive skin.
4. Aquaphor
When you think about Aquaphor for tattoos and tattooing, it is all about one product: Aquaphor Healing Ointment! It is made from lanolin, glycerin, panthenol, and petrolatum. The lanolin provides lubrication while the petrolatum creates the protective layer. Glycerin and panthenol keep the skin hydrated and prevent moisture loss while the panthenol.
Does it work: while it provides the skin with a soothing effect and makes sure that the skin does not lose moisture, it might clog the skin. This can be remedied by wiping it away from the skin after being done with the tattooing, but it might be irritating to sensitive skin so do be careful about that. There is also the fact that it is quick-absorbing so you might not have the protective layer on for too long while getting the tattoo. Most tattoo artists advise using this for the first few days after getting a tattoo done.
5. A+D Ointment
A+D ointment stands for vitamins A and D, both giving a soothing effect on the skin that prevents drying and itching. Your skin will be benefitted from the protective layer that will make the pain from getting the tattoo a lot less. It leaves a little residue which can be easily wiped off after finishing up the tattoo. It can last for a good hour so you have to be sure to reapply it on areas of the skin that you haven’t tattooed over yet.
Does it work: while it can be fine to use this ointment, you will have to be careful when reapplying it on the skin so as not to get it on the already tattooed skin. It is best used after the tattooing is done, so I can’t really recommend it for when you are tattooing.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of those ingredients that when they are in the gel form can be one of the best natural soothers in the world! You won’t have much skin irritation and it provides a breathable layer on the skin so you wouldn’t have to worry about clogged pores.
Does it work: it might be difficult to work on since aloe vera gel is translucent, but it will be quickly absorbing so you wouldn’t have to worry about visibility all that much. However, it won’t last long as a result but you can still reapply it very easily. It will soothe the irritated skin so whoever is getting the tattoo done will feel at ease.
7. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of those ingredients that provide an ample amount of skin benefits. It can help lock in the moisture on the skin and is clear enough to be able to work on your skin.
Does it work: it will create a slippery surface that will be hard to work on and will dry off very easily from the body heat. In theory, it could be used, but I will say it works well on its own. If you mix it with beeswax and make a thick cream out of it, it would provide the perfect emollient that you can pair with beeswax.
8. Water-based gel
A water-based gel or a hydrogel when applied on the skin creates a hydrating effect that will soothe any skin irritation. Because it is water-based, it is safe to use on sensitive skin too.
Does it work: it can work as the gel will provide the necessary barrier to protect the skin while getting the tattoo done. It will leave the skin feeling hydrated and make it easier to work on the skin. However, do be careful that the gel does not end up clogging the needles. I can only recommend it if you apply a very thin layer of gel over the skin.
9. Neosporin
A liquid bandage like Neosporin ointment can be an alternative that might just be effective enough. It is used to treat small cuts, exactly what you will be getting from being pierced. It is also water-soluble so you can be pretty sure that it won’t leave the skin feeling irritated afterward.
Does it work: in theory, it can work to leave the skin feeling soothed. But it won’t provide much of a barrier, and won’t last long. Would not recommend it.
10. Numbing products
Probably the bane of existence for most tattoo artists. A lot of people fear the pain and come to shops with numbing cream on their skin where they are supposed to get the tattoo.
Does it work: yes, it will work but I will always recommend against it. The cream numbs the part of the skin so you won’t be feeling a thing, until of course the numbing effects go away. When the feeling in your skin comes back, it will be like electricity running through your body which is the worst part of numbing creams. It doesn’t moisturize or soothe the skin from its irritation, just leaves your skin feeling numb. Never use it or ask your artist if you can use numbing cream or not.
Why Tattoo Artists Are Moving Away from Vaseline?
The problem with Vaseline is that it is made from 100% petroleum jelly. Unlike Aquaphor which uses 41% petrolatum, Vaseline is fully petroleum jelly. This means that the skin will not be able to breathe as it blocks oxygen from entering the skin. This is especially a problem when you are getting a large tattoo that requires 8 to 10-hour sessions.
The other problem is that Vaseline will trap any pathogen near the penetrated skin. There is very little risk of infection while getting the tattoo because tattoo artists have to sanitize everything for a client. But the trapped dust and pathogens on the petroleum jelly will create a problem because of its close proximity.
Lastly, the petroleum jelly in Vaseline leaves a residue. Normally, it is fine to have residue on your skin from the jelly. But when it is near an open wound like a tattoo which can clog the pores, it will hinder the healing process of the tattoo. This could even lead to an infection!
FAQs
What happens if you over-lubricate your tattoo?
Over-lubricating tattoos might lead to infection and inflammation of the skin, especially for large tattoos or when tattooed over sensitive areas.
What is the best lubricant for tattooing?
Saniglide is one of the best lubricants for when you are tattooing because it was specifically made for it!
Is water-based or oil-based lubricant better for tattooing?
It will depend on the skin. Water-based lubes are better for sensitive skin while oil-based lubes tend to last longer if they don’t melt on the surface of the skin.
Final Thoughts
Vaseline has been a buddy for tattoo artists for a very long time. It is useful in trapping moisture in the skin while tattooing and preventing the skin from drying. However, because it can leave a residue and clog the skin which prevents the tattoo from healing, artists are slowly moving away from it. Thus, newer and better products like Saniglide and Hustle Butter are better to use instead of Vaseline when tattooing. Just remember to apply a thin layer so you are still able to see the surface you are tattooing.
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