Aftercare tools

Aftercare ingredients A–Z

What actually goes into tattoo aftercare products, and whether each ingredient helps healing, does nothing much, or is worth avoiding on a fresh tattoo. Tap any ingredient for the full rundown.

A

Aloe veraSoothing / Humectant

Aloe barbadensisA soothing, lightly hydrating plant extract — watch for added fragrance and alcohol.

B

BeeswaxOcclusive / Thickener

Cera flava, white beeswaxA natural wax used to thicken balms and form a lighter protective barrier than petroleum.

C

Cocoa butterEmollient / Occlusive

Theobroma oilA rich, occlusive plant butter with a high comedogenic rating, better suited to healed skin.

Coconut oilEmollient

Copra oilA popular natural oil that moisturises well but carries a high comedogenic rating.

D

DimethiconeOcclusive / Emollient

Polydimethylsiloxane, a siliconeA silicone that forms a light, breathable protective film with a strong safety record.

F

FragranceFragrance

Parfum, perfumeA catch-all for scent compounds and the most common trigger for aftercare reactions.

G

GlycerinHumectant

Glycerol, glycerineOne of the most studied and gentle humectants, drawing water into the skin.

L

LanolinEmollient / Occlusive

Wool wax, wool greaseA sebum-like wool-derived emollient that is also a recognised contact allergen.

P

PanthenolHumectant / Soothing

Pro-vitamin B5, D-panthenolA well-tolerated pro-vitamin B5 derivative that hydrates and soothes healing skin.

PetrolatumOcclusive

Petroleum jelly, Vaseline, soft paraffinThe benchmark occlusive, highly effective at reducing water loss but heavy on the skin.

S

Shea butterEmollient

Karite butterA well-tolerated plant butter with one of the lowest comedogenic ratings of the natural butters.

V

Vitamin EAntioxidant

Tocopherol, tocopheryl acetateAn antioxidant that conditions skin and helps protect formulations from oxidising.

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