Tattooing is one of the most popular forms of body art, and it’s no surprise. A tattoo is a beautiful, permanent way to express yourself, but it can also be painful.
Thankfully, that’s where the best tattoo numbing cream comes in to save the day.
Just a note: Some artists refuse to work on numbed skin, so always ask your artist if you decide that you want to use some.
Numbing creams are designed to help reduce the pain of a tattoo by numbing the area before, during, and after the procedure. It works by blocking nerves from sending signals to your brain, so you don’t feel as much pain from being tattooed.
There are lots of different types of tattoo numbing creams available, so it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
In this article, we’ll look at 10 of the best tattoo numbing creams so that you can find one that will work perfectly for your needs.
So, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
- Our top picks
- Ebanel Topical Numbing Cream – Best Overall
- Zensa Topical Anesthetic Numbing Cream – Runner Up
- UltraNumb Anesthetic Skin Numbing Cream – Budget Friendly
- Numbskin Numbing Cream
- Uber Numb Topical Numbing Cream
- Ink Scribd Tattoo Numbing Cream
- Bravado Labs Lidocaine Numbing Cream
- Lidocane Plus Cream
- Dr. Numb Topical Anesthetic Numbing Cream
- Numb Master Topical Numbing Cream
- Frequently Asked Questions About Tattoo Numbing Creams
- But do they actually numb you, though? And how do they work?
- How to use a numbing tattoo cream?
- How do I know if the tattoo numbing cream is working?
- What are the side effects of numbing creams?
- What is the best way to apply the numbing cream?
- Can I use numbing cream on my face?
- Is there a difference between a tattoo numbing cream and a spray?
- Can tattoo numbing creams cause infection?
- Is there a risk of an allergic reaction to numbing creams?
- Can numbing cream be used during pregnancy?
- Summary
Our top picks
Ebanel Topical Numbing Cream – Best Overall
Ebanel Topical Numbing Cream – Best OverallThere are a lot of reasons why Ebanel Topical Numbing Cream is our top pick. For instance, it has a solid concentration of 5% lidocaine that starts working its magic within just five minutes!
However, the cream reaches its peak after 20 to 25 minutes.
It also has vitamin E, which helps the skin maintain its moisture and keeps it soft. The addition of Aloe vera and allantoin makes this cream stand out from the rest, because it doesn’t only rely on Vitamin E to keep your skin soft.
Aloe vera helps to reduce irritation, swelling, and redness. On the other hand, allantoin helps with moisturizing. So, with these two extra components, your skin won’t dry out while tattooing!
Another reason this cream stands out is that it’s free from harmful chemicals and other additives that might cause an allergic reaction.
Plus, it’s easy to use— there isn’t a leftover greasy or oily feeling because the cream is water-based and dries up quickly.
Things we like
- Cruelty-free
- Odor-free
- Sulfate-free
- No harsh chemicals
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-greasy
- cGMP certified
- Doctor recommended
Things we don’t
- It only lasts for about an hour
- Some customers complained that it doesn’t penetrate enough into the skin
Zensa Topical Anesthetic Numbing Cream – Runner Up
Zensa Topical Anesthetic Numbing Cream – Runner UpWhen it comes to a product that can be used anywhere in your body, this one takes the cake!
Zensa Topical Cream is a numbing cream that can be used on the most delicate parts of your body, like your eyelid or lips.
You can also use this product for more than just a tattoo session. You can use it if you’re getting injections, waxing, or micro-needling.
However, if you’re using it mainly for tattooing, you can rest assured that it doesn’t change your skin texture, nor does it affect color settling and retention.
Zensa topical cream is also a steroid-free cream. Steroids are typically used to reduce inflammation and swelling, but can have side effects such as thinning skin and increased susceptibility to infection.
Moreover, this is one of the few numbing creams out there with FDA approval! This means that the cream was rigorously tested and found to be safe for use.
Things we like
- Safe for delicate areas
- Long-lasting (up to four hours)
- FDA-approved
- Steriods-free
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-oily
Things we don’t
- It may take a while before the cream begins to work
UltraNumb Anesthetic Skin Numbing Cream – Budget Friendly
UltraNumb Anesthetic Skin Numbing Cream – Budget FriendlyUltraNumb Anesthetic Cream is the go-to product for cute yet small tattoos. This product has around 5% lidocaine, so it’s definitely going to help you get through your tattoo session.
Plus, it’s non-oily, so it won’t leave you feeling slippery after application. It’s also water-based, so your skin quickly absorbs it.
Unlike the previous choices, though, this cream takes around two hours to get your skin really numb before application.
However, it’ll last for about three hours, so it can be helpful when it comes to long tattooing sessions.
Things we like
- Budget-friendly
- Non-oily
- Water-based
- Long-lasting
Things we don’t
- It takes too long for the cream to kick in
- The quantity is relatively small
Numbskin Numbing Cream
Numbskin Numbing CreamThe Numbskin Numbing Cream is a great choice for those who want to get a large tattoo and don’t want the pain!
Just like the rest of the creams on our list, Numbskin contains active ingredients like Lidocaine that help numb your skin completely.
Plus, it has vitamin E, which helps keep skin soft and protects the cells from damage.
Your skin will be numb within fifteen minutes of application, and it’ll stay this way for up to four hours as opposed to the average one or two hours of other creams.
Lastly, this product can be used for more than just tattooing. You can use it if you’re feeling like getting a piercing or if you’re due for a laser session.
Things we like
- Long-lasting
- Cruelty-free
- Contains vitamin E
Things we don’t
- A tad expensive
- Feels sticky
Uber Numb Topical Numbing Cream
Uber Numb Topical Numbing CreamDo you have sensitive skin, but you’re still itching for a painless tattoo session? Well, you can stop your worrying with Uber Numb numbing cream 100% vegan formula.
Vegan products include no animal or animal-derived ingredients whatsoever. For example, they do not contain any collagen, beeswax, gelatin, or cholesterol.
This means your skin won’t be exposed to any harsh chemicals or additives that may do more harm than good!
Uber Cream is formulated with vitamin E and allantoin. Vitamin E keeps moisture in your skin, while allantoin acts as a moisturizer to prevent any itchiness or irritation.
In addition, the numbing effects begin to take effect after five minutes of application and reach their peak after another twenty minutes. However, they last only one hour once they reach their peak.
Things we like
- It contains both vitamin E and allantoin
- Oil-free
- Non-greasy
- 100% vegan formula
- cGMP certified
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic
Things we don’t
- It takes almost half an hour to reach its peak
- It lasts for less than two hours
Ink Scribd Tattoo Numbing Cream
Ink Scribd Tattoo Numbing CreamDescribed as a “numbing powerhouse,” Ink Scribd Numbing Cream is among the quickest numbing creams on our list!
After you apply the cream, you should feel its full effects within 15 minutes. There’s no need to wait 30 minutes for the cream to be most effective! Plus, it lasts up to two hours.
Ink Scribd doesn’t only contain lidocaine to help the numbness, but there’s also the addition of emu oil and arnica. Both of these components have been known to be helpful in relieving pain and swelling.
Another great thing about this product is its return policy! If you don’t see results, you can send the product back and ask for a full refund within a whole year.
Things we like
- Excellent return policy
- Fast-acting
- Long-lasting
Things we don’t
- The oils may leave a slightly greasy feeling
Bravado Labs Lidocaine Numbing Cream
Bravado Labs Lidocaine Numbing CreamThis numbing cream is a real game-changer. Not only does the Bravado Labs Cream has lidocaine, but it also has coconut oil.
Coconut oil is a great addition to any cream. It’s rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids that nourish the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce redness and irritation, giving you clear and glowing skin.
Plus, your skin absorbs coconut oil quickly and thoroughly, so it helps carry the lidocaine quickly inside. It takes about thirty minutes for it to work and lasts for up to two hours. Perfect timing for a micro realism tattoo.
Things we like
- Long-lasting
- Great for dry skin
Things we don’t
- It takes a while for the cream to kick in
- Slightly greasy
Lidocane Plus Cream
Lidocane Plus CreamLidocane Plus Cream is a great tattoo-numbing cream that has aloe vera to give your skin a soothing feeling. Moreover, the aloe vera can help prevent infections from occurring.
This is because it contains polysaccharides that are antimicrobial in nature. Lidocane Plus is also hypoallergenic, so it won’t irritate your skin while you’re getting your tattoo done.
It’s also easy to use—just apply a thin layer of the cream to the area where you will be getting your tattoo and wait 15 minutes before continuing with the rest of your procedure.
However, this cream uses a lower lidocaine percentage than the rest of the products we’ve looked at. So, this may not be the best choice for beginners.
Things we like
- Hypoallergenic
- Contains Aloe vera
Things we don’t
- Lidocaine percentage is lower than other numbing creams
Dr. Numb Topical Anesthetic Numbing Cream
Dr. Numb Topical Anesthetic Numbing CreamDr. Numb is a numbing cream that’ll make your tattoo experience much more comfortable than you expect!
It’s hypoallergenic, fast absorbing, and works within 15 minutes. It also lasts up to four hours—enough time to get through your appointment without feeling any pain at all!
Plus, this numbing cream is non-oily, so you can be confident that it won’t interfere with the quality of the design by making your skin feel oily or greasy.
Moreover, it has vitamin E in it to help promote healing after the tattooing process is over.
Things we like
- Hypoallergenic
- Long-lasting
- Fast-acting
- Un-scented
- Non-oily
Things we don’t
- A bit pricy
Numb Master Topical Numbing Cream
Numb Master Topical Numbing CreamNumb Master is one of the most advanced, non-oily, water-based numbing creams on the market. It’s made with aloe vera and vitamin E to soothe your skin while you get your tattoo done.
Numb Master uses a unique formula that allows it to be spread easily over your skin and then absorbed into it without leaving any oily residue behind.
This means that when you’re done using Numb Master, you’ll have no trouble getting dressed or moving around—and you won’t feel like you need to wait hours before doing so!
It peaks just after 20 minutes of application and lasts for about an hour after its peak.
Things we like
- Non-oily
- cGMP certified
- No harsh chemicals
- Cruelty-free
Things we don’t
- It may not be the best for very sensitive skin types
- It only lasts for an hour
Frequently Asked Questions About Tattoo Numbing Creams
We’re here to answer your questions about tattoo numbing creams so that you can make an informed decision before using them. Let’s start!
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But do they actually numb you, though? And how do they work?
Yes, tattoo-numbing creams work. The active ingredient in most of them is lidocaine, a topical anesthetic that works to prevent pain by blocking the transmission of pain signals from nerve endings.
Tattoo artists use these creams to numb parts of the skin that are going to be worked on during a tattoo session. You can also use them at home before getting a tattoo if you’re worried about having any discomfort during or after the procedure.
Furthermore, many people use them for joint pain, pain relief, and muscle soreness. If you have soreness in your joints or muscles, then some of these creams will help you. -
How to use a numbing tattoo cream?
A numbing cream can be applied anywhere from two hours before your appointment to 15 minutes before it begins.
You should always check the instruction on the package to make sure you’re using it correctly. Now, here are the main steps to follow when applying the product:
1. Clean the area of skin that’ll be tattooed with mild soap and water
2. Pat dry with a towel and allow it to air dry completely before applying the numbing cream
3. If you have any cuts or abrasions on your skin, don’t apply numbing cream until these wounds have healed completely
4. Apply a thick layer of numbing cream over the area where you’ll be getting your tattoo at least 30 minutes before getting started with your session
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How do I know if the tattoo numbing cream is working?
The best way to tell if the tattoo numbing cream is working is to feel the area where you are applying it.
Does it hurt? If so, you’re probably not numb enough. You want to be able to touch your skin and feel nothing, or at least very little.
If you still feel pain after 15 minutes of applying the numbing cream, apply another layer. If there’s no change in your pain level after an hour or two and you still feel something, try out a different brand or type of numbing cream.
There are all sorts of tattoo numbing creams on the market today, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t find one that works for you!
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What are the side effects of numbing creams?
Numbing creams are not without their side effects. While they can be helpful in treating some types of pain, they do have the potential to cause certain problems.
The most common side effect of numbing creams is that they can cause allergic reactions and rashes on your skin.
This is especially true if you are applying a numbing cream to an area where you have sensitive skin or a prior rash. If this happens, you should remove the cream immediately and contact a doctor for treatment instructions.
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What is the best way to apply the numbing cream?
The best way to apply the numbing cream is in an even, thick layer on the skin where you’ll be getting your tattoo.
You want it to be a little bit bigger than your tattoo design so that it covers everything you want. Plus, you’ll need to apply it 15 to 20 minutes before the appointment (or longer if needed) to ensure that the skin is completely numb. -
Can I use numbing cream on my face?
Numbing creams are generally safe for all areas of your body (except for mucous membranes—like inside your mouth).
However, we don’t recommend using them on any part of your face since they contain chemicals that might cause irritation or reaction. If you want to get a tattoo on your face, try a different type of anesthesia instead.
Better yet, search for numbing creams that are specifically made for delicate areas, like the Zensa numbing cream.
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Is there a difference between a tattoo numbing cream and a spray?
Tattoo numbing creams and sprays are two different products that serve the same purpose. They both work by temporarily reducing the amount of pain you feel during a tattooing session.
A numbing cream is usually applied to your skin almost an hour before getting a tattoo, while a spray is used five minutes before the procedure.
Both products contain lidocaine, which is an anesthetic used to reduce pain by blocking nerve impulses. Additionally, tattoos numbing creams take longer to kick in but last longer than sprays.
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Can tattoo numbing creams cause infection?
A tattoo numbing cream can cause infection if it’s not applied properly. The best way to avoid this problem is to follow the instructions carefully.
In addition, cleaning the skin with soap and water before applying the numbing cream is highly recommended.
The most common sign of infection is redness or swelling around the tattoo site. If you develop any of these symptoms after using numbing cream, see your doctor immediately—they’ll be able to prescribe antibiotics that are appropriate for your condition.
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Is there a risk of an allergic reaction to numbing creams?
There’s a risk of an allergic reaction to numbing creams. If you have any allergies, or if you are unsure whether you are allergic, it’s important to check with your doctor before using a numbing cream.
If you don’t have allergies, then there are some things that can be done to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
For example, use a brand that’s been around for a while and has a good track record in terms of safety.
This will help ensure that the product has been well-tested and is unlikely to cause problems. Another option is to avoid using more than one product at a time.
If you’re still not sure if you can use a numbing cream, perform a patch test. Here’s how to do it:
1.Take a small amount of the cream you want to test
2.Place it on your inner forearm
3. Keep it there for 24 hours before washing it off
4. Check it for any adverse reactions
5. If there are no reactions, then you can move forward with using the product as normal! -
Can numbing cream be used during pregnancy?
It’s not recommended to get any tattoos while you’re pregnant. In fact, in some countries like South Africa, this practice is actually illegal.
Summary
So, which is the best tattoo numbing cream? The answer is up to you!
While we chose Ebanel Numbing Cream as our top pick, other numbing creams can still be effective. For example, you can pick the Zensa Numbing cream if you’re going to tattoo a delicate area.
On the other hand, if you have really sensitive skin, you can go with Uber Numb Cream and its 100% vegan formula.
The options are varied, and each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. So, pick your favorite cream and get the tattoo of your dreams!
If you’re looking for more suggested products from our tattoo artists, check out the best tattoo guns and best tattoo inks.
If you’re looking to stay up to date with new tattoo tools and techniques, we recommend visiting a tattoo convention.
