Updated on Feb 22, 2024
We’ve all learned that “beauty comes with pain”. And, most of us have experienced this pain while trying to accentuate our looks — be it to get waxed, threaded, pierced, or tattooed. Still, the pain never ceases to be a reasonable explanation for not getting a tattoo. However, you’ll be surprised to know that with the best tattoo-numbing cream, you can experience the pleasurable aspect of getting inked without going through the pain!
Skin-numbing creams for tattoos are essentially anesthetic creams, often formulated with lidocaine, which is a pain-relieving agent. These creams work by blocking the nerve signals in the targeted area of your skin. So, the nerve endings in the area can’t send the message to your brain that you’re experiencing pain, in turn ensuring you don’t experience it! Thereby, skin-numbing creams make the process less intimidating.
We've conducted extensive research for curating this list of our favorite numbing creams that you can shop for, to relieve you from the “pain” of doing it yourself. Keep reading to find out more about tattoo numbing creams and transform your experience of getting inked effortlessly.
Our top picks
11 Best Tattoo Numbing Creams
A popular choice among tattoo enthusiasts, Dr. Numb’s 5% Lidocaine Cream is one of the strongest numbing creams for tattoos and piercings you’ll find over the counter. A small quantity of this product goes a long way in alleviating stings on your skin, which also makes it highly cost-effective. And, the lasting power of this formula is about 3-4 hours, which is surprisingly long if we compare it with similar products. Besides, the product absorbs into your skin like a dream, so your tattoo artist would find it easier to work with more precision.
Pros
- 100% hypoallergenic
- Non-greasy formula
- Cost-effective
- Effects kick in rapidly
- Soothes like a charm
- Rich in vitamin E
- Replenishes skin barrier
Cons
- Quantity is too less
2
Best Hypoallergenic Formula
UBER NUMB Maximum Strength Topical Anesthetic-Anorectal Cream
This topical anesthetic cream tops the list of the best numbing creams for tattoos for several reasons. To begin with, it has a lean ingredient list of soothing skin conditioners that reduces the chances of allergies. In addition, it contains lidocaine — a potent pain-numbing ingredient in a 5% concentration which is a safe and effective dose (1). The formula also contains allantoin, which is an excellent anti-inflammatory humectant that replenishes the skin and facilitates wound healing (2). For best results, add a generous amount of this cream and let it sit for about 45 minutes on the targeted skin area before getting inked.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
- Non-greasy
- Very hydrating
- Soothes minor stings and cuts
- Contains no fragrance
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Slow penetration in the skin
- Doesn’t numb certain patches
3
BASE LABORATORIES 5% Lidocaine Pain Relief
Along with needle procedures like tattoos and piercings, this pain relief cream soothes muscle aches and minor itches too. It contains anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe vera and chamomile extracts that pamper and nourish your skin from the impact of tattooing (3). The formula also replenishes the skin’s protective barrier, which enhances its natural healing process. What we love about this tattoo-numbing cream is that it does not contain any filler ingredient other than 5% lidocaine and a few moisturizing agents.
Pros
- Less risk of allergies
- Effects kick in faster
- Very soothing
- Natural, pleasant scent
- Rich, emollient properties
- Revitalizing formula
Cons
- Not effective for micro-needling
- Watery consistency
4
INKED INSPIRED Numbing Cream
Another fast-absorbing product on the list, this tattoo-numbing cream by Inked kicks into action quickly, so you don’t have to hang in there for too long before getting a tattoo. The formula leverages the benefits of lidocaine along with arnica and emu oil, which are effective anti-inflammatory ingredients that show marvelous results in alleviating aches while also nourishing the skin (4) (5). You can expect the pain-relieving effects of this product to last for 1-2 hours depending on the quantity used and the intensity of the needle procedure.
Pros
- Invigorating scent
- Soothes the skin
- Restores moisture
- Antioxidant properties
- Great for ear/nose piercings
- Not for scent sensitive
5
Best for Kid’s Piercings
Numbskin Maximum Strength Pain Reliever - 3 Tubes
To make the best of this skin-numbing cream for tattoos, apply it and cover with plastic wrap at least 40 minutes prior to the needling procedure, and then wipe it off just before getting started. This way, you can be sure the formula has settled in properly and your skin is less receptive to tattoo pain. You will be surprised to notice that the numbing effects of this product last a good 3-4 hours. The product is useful for other painful procedures too such as waxing, micro-needling, laser treatment, etc.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Smoothes skin’s texture
- Rich in vitamin E
- Safe formulation
- Suitable for kids’ piercings
- Not tested on animals
Quick Tip
Apply a heavy amount of numbing cream to the specific skin area where you wish to get the tattoo done and massage it. Cover the area with a plastic wrap and leave it for 90 minutes before the procedure. This will ensure a painless tattooing experience.
6
Best for Minor Stings
Welmate Lidocane Numbing Cream
Besides its numbing properties, this pain relief cream by Welmate also offers commendable moisturization benefits that your skin will love. In addition to topical pain through needling or threading, the product also alleviates muscle pain in areas such as the lower back, shoulder, knees, and arms. You can also use it to soothe minor stings, burns, bruises, and anorectal discomfort. The effects of this formula kick in less than 10 minutes, so you don’t have to wait for too long before getting inked.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Odor-free
- Suits all skin types
- Fast-absorbing formula
- Rich in vitamin E
- Reduces flaking and irritation
Cons
- Only roughly numbs a skin area
7
Mohnark Pharmaceuticals Inc. 5% Lidocaine Topical Anorectal Cream
Unlike other similar products, this pre-tattoo numbing cream by Mohnark Pharmaceuticals Inc. does not have a funky smell or any fragrance infused in it — an ideal choice for scent-sensitive people. And, it can be used to alleviate minor muscle aches and anorectal disorders. With a maximum strength of 5% lidocaine, the product ensures that your body art session stays pleasurable and does not sting too much.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Pocket-friendly
- Paraben-free
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Tingles for a few seconds
8
BRAVADO LABS Topical Anesthetic Cream
Formulated with coconut oil and vitamin E, this topical pain-relief cream by Bravado Labs replenishes the skin’s lipid barrier to enhance the healing process post the needling session. About 20-25 minutes after applying a generous amount on the targeted area, the product peaks in action and numbs your skin for one hour. In addition, it shows wonderful results with bug bites and insect stings.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Doesn’t cause peeling
- Light and smooth consistency
- Rich in antioxidants
Cons
- Funky odor
9
Best Hygienic Applicator
MAXOCAINE Lidocaine Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Roll-on
Owing to its vanishing formula, this tattoo numbing product by Maxocaine makes it easy for your tattoo artist to work with precision. The roll-on dispenser of the cream makes the application process hygienic and mess-free. Besides needling procedures, the powerful formula is also effective in alleviating pain from sore muscles, sports injuries, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, hip pain, etc. Infused with menthol, arnica, and aloe extracts, the product soothes and invigorates your skin to prepare it for tattooing.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly
- Hydrating formula
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Antioxidant benefits
- Pleasant, minty scent
Cons
- Quantity is too less
- Causes tingles
10
ADVANCED NUMB Doctor Formulated Topical Anesthetic Cream
Formulated with maximum strength lidocaine with a concentration of 5%, this anesthetic cream works like a charm in preventing and alleviating needle stings. The advanced product kicks into action in about 20-25 minutes. Enriched with vitamin E, the product also replenishes your skin’s lipid barrier and leverages the goodness of antioxidants to boost your skin’s health. With this product, you will not experience any itching or flaking whatsoever and can reap the pain-relief benefits for a whole hour.
Pros
- Rich in vitamin E
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-addictive
- Cruelty-free
- Moisturizing formula
11
MEDINUMB Pain Relieving Topical Anesthetic
This topical anesthetic cream by Medinumb is a multi-purpose pain relief ointment for all skin types. Formulated with 4% lidocaine in addition to nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera, tea tree, and jojoba extracts, the product intensely soothes and moisturizes your skin area to protect it from inflammation and external harm. Furthermore, the formula is gentle on your skin and is unlikely to cause side effects such as itching, peeling, redness, etc.
Pros
- Fresh scent
- Non-greasy
- Does not stain
- Cruelty-free
- Fast-acting formula
Cons
- Not for the scent-sensitive
- Too much quantity required
Now that you’ve seen our product recommendations for the best tattoo-numbing creams, let us go through the following buying guide and steps to use to make the best of the product.
How to Select a Tattoo Numbing Cream?
Here are some factors to consider when shopping for a skin-numbing cream for tattoos:
Pain-Relieving Actives: The most common active ingredient used in tattoo numbing creams is lidocaine — a local anesthetic that does a great job of relieving pain (1). Most over-the-counter numbing creams have a 4-5% concentration, which is considered a safe quantity. Lidocaine is an important ingredient to look for in a pain-numbing cream to be certain of its results.
Anti-inflammatory Ingredients: The use of needles and tattoo ink in the tattooing process causes skin inflammation. Hence, alongside lidocaine, your tattoo cream should contain anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe vera, centella asiatica, allantoin, chamomile, arnica, etc. to soothe your skin.
Other Protective Ingredients: To prevent germs from harming your body during the tattooing process, you should always replenish your skin with protective ingredients. Hence, look for tattoo creams that contain antibacterial properties such as tea tree oil, benzyl alcohol, etc., as well as antioxidant properties from green tea, vitamin E, etc.
Long-lasting Results: Of course, you want the anesthetic effects of your cream to last throughout the needling session. This is why, ensure that your numbing cream lasts for at least 1-2 hours if not more.
Low Risk of Allergies: In addition to the above-mentioned points, ensure that the product you’re getting your hands on doesn’t have any ingredient that you’re allergic to. Also, a formula with a lean or natural ingredients list that is free from unnecessary filler ingredients is ideal to prevent side effects.
What is the Best Way to Apply a Tattoo Numbing Cream?
Here are a few simple steps to apply your numbing cream:
Step 1: Wash and prep the targeted skin area with a mild cleanser. Wipe it dry with a clean towel.
Step 2: Apply a generous amount of tattoo-numbing cream on your skin with a tongue depressor or a spatula. Ensure you’re wearing gloves during this process to avoid contact with the cream with your fingers or other skin areas, as those can get numb too.
Step 3: Cover the area with plastic saran wrap and allow the product to settle for about 30 to 60 minutes.
Step 4: Unwrap the area before the needling procedure. Don’t wipe the cream off until your tattoo artist is done with the work.
Conclusion
Getting inked doesn’t have to be as painful as you imagined if you use the best skin-numbing cream for tattoos. Irrespective of whether you’re using a prescriptive or an over-the-counter product, it is best to consult a dermatologist before using a numbing cream. And, when using a cream for the first time, always do a patch test to check for any allergens. Furthermore, be sure to refer to the above-mentioned steps to use it carefully and follow along to get the best out of your product. Happy shopping!
FAQ's
Why do tattoo artists not use numbing cream?
Some tattoo artists are more traditional in their approach and believe that the stinging sensation is a part of the experience and it makes the tattoo worth having. In other cases, tattoo experts may charge you based on the duration you spend at the parlor, which decreases when you’re not experiencing the pain. Besides, numbing creams react differently to different individuals and artists do not want to risk giving you an allergy. Hence, it is best to apply the numbing cream yourself before getting inked.
Do tattoos hurt less with numbing cream?
Yes. Most numbing creams consist of a local anesthetic called lidocaine, which is clinically proven to temporarily desensitize your skin to pain. Depending on the cream and one’s natural pain tolerance, an individual may experience minor stinging to no pain at all when getting a tattoo after applying a numbing cream.
Should you rub numbing cream in?
You should not rub the numbing cream on your skin as the intent here is to alleviate pain, not to push the lidocaine into your bloodstream. There is no way to speed up the process of the numbing cream, so you have to apply it and cover it with a saran wrap for 30-60 minutes for the best results.
What happens if you leave numbing cream on too long?
When you leave the numbing cream on for too long, for instance, 5 to 6 hours, then you risk the lidocaine content from entering your bloodstream. This can cause serious side effects and health hazards that you must avoid.
Are tattoo-numbing creams safe to use?
Yes, if used correctly, tattoo numbing creams are safe to be applied before getting inked.
How long before getting a tattoo should I apply the numbing cream?
Apply the tattoo numbing cream to the affected area 60 minutes before your appointment, for best results.
How long does the numbing effect last?
The numbing effect lasts for 1-3 hours.
Can I use numbing cream for all types of tattoos?
Yes, you can use numbing cream for all types of tattoos.
Will numbing cream affect the quality of my tattoo?
No, numbing cream doesn’t affect the quality of your tattoo.
Can I use numbing cream if I have sensitive skin?
Yes, you can use numbing cream on sensitive skin types, but make sure to inform your doctor before using it —- if you're allergic to lidocaine or any other ingredients.
Should I reapply numbing cream during a long tattoo session?
Yes, you can reapply numbing cream during a long tattoo session, but wait for at least 20-40 minutes before resuming your session post that.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Shebna V, the author of this article, says that tattoo numbing creams are topical anesthetics that offer a temporary resolution to ease the discomfort that comes with the process of getting inked. They usually contain ingredients like lidocaine and benzocaine that have the power to numb the surface of the skin and lessen pain. After testing the products with some help from her colleagues, her findings showed that Dr.Numb’s Maximum Strength Pain Reliever deserved the top spot. It was cost effective and the numbing effect lasted for about 4 hours. Plus, it’s non-greasy, hypoallergenic, and rich in vitamin E.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
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Author BIO
Shebna is a content creator with an experience of over 6 years and likes to delve into all things health and fit More
