9 Best Numbing Creams for Tattoos: Top Picks for Maximum Pain Relief

Getting a tattoo can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially if you’re worried about the pain. Whether it’s your first ink or you’re adding to a growing collection, numbing creams can make the process a lot more comfortable. These topical anesthetics help dull the pain, allowing you to focus on the art rather than the discomfort.

In this article, we’ll explore the 9 best numbing creams for tattoos that are both effective and safe. From fast-acting formulas to long-lasting relief, you’ll find options that suit your needs and ensure a more pleasant tattooing experience. Let’s dive in and discover which numbing cream can help you get through your next tattoo session with ease.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Numbing Cream

Knowing what to look for can make all the difference when choosing a numbing cream for tattoos.

Ingredients to Look For

Check for ingredients like lidocaine, prilocaine, and benzocaine. Lidocaine, commonly found in many numbing creams, effectively blocks nerve signals in your skin. Prilocaine works similarly, often paired with lidocaine for a stronger effect. Benzocaine offers another local anesthetic option, though it might not be as potent as lidocaine or prilocaine. Always look for a numbing cream with a high concentration of active ingredients for maximum relief.

FDA Approval and Safety

Ensure the numbing cream has FDA approval to guarantee its safety and effectiveness. FDA approval indicates the cream has been rigorously tested and meets safety standards. Look for product reviews and testimonials to validate the cream’s reliability. Avoid products without clear regulatory backing, as they could pose health risks or be less effective during your tattoo session.

Duration of Effectiveness

Consider how long the cream remains effective. Ideally, choose a numbing cream that provides relief for 2 to 4 hours, enough time for most tattoo sessions. Fast-acting creams generally start working within 20 to 30 minutes. Read the product instructions and reviews to understand its duration and reapplication requirements. The longer the cream lasts, the more comfortable you’ll be throughout the process.

Numbing Cream #1: Lidocaine Blue Gel

Lidocaine Blue Gel is a top choice for those seeking effective pain relief during tattoo sessions. It’s known for its powerful numbing properties and quick action.

Key Features

• Contains 4% lidocaine, which is a strong anesthetic agent
• Fast-acting formula that starts working within 15-20 minutes
• Provides relief for up to 2 hours
• Non-oily, making it easy to clean and work with during tattooing
• Includes aloe vera to soothe the skin and reduce irritation

Pros and Cons

• Fast absorption ensures quick numbing action
• Long-lasting effect covers most tattoo sessions without reapplication
• Easy to apply and remove
• Contains skin-soothing ingredients to minimize irritation

• May need a thicker application for larger tattoos
• Some users might experience mild tingling initially
• Higher cost compared to some other numbing creams on the market

Numbing Cream #2: Topicaine 5

Topicaine 5 is another excellent choice for those looking to reduce tattoo pain effectively.

Key Features

Topicaine 5 contains 5% lidocaine, providing a potent numbing effect to minimize discomfort. It has a fast-acting formula, typically taking effect within 30 minutes, and can last for up to 2 hours. The cream also includes a blend of aloe vera and jojoba oil, which helps to moisturize and soothe the skin during the tattoo process.

Pros and Cons

1. Offers strong numbing with 5% lidocaine.
2. Acts quickly, starting to work in just 30 minutes.
3. Includes aloe vera and jojoba oil for skin hydration and soothing.
4. Has a long-lasting effect of up to 2 hours.

1. May cause temporary redness or irritation for sensitive skin.
2. Comes at a higher price point compared to some other options.
3. Requires a prescription in certain regions.

Numbing Cream #3: Dr. Numb Maximum Strength

Dr. Numb Maximum Strength is known for its efficiency in providing pain relief during tattoo sessions. Let’s dive into its key features and weigh its pros and cons.

Key Features

• Active Ingredient: Contains 5% lidocaine for strong numbing effects.
• Long-lasting: Provides up to 3 hours of pain relief.
• Skin Benefits: Includes Vitamin E for additional skin health support.
• Fast Onset: Typically starts working within 15-20 minutes.

• Pros:
• Effective: Offers potent pain relief suitable for lengthy tattoo sessions.
• Hydrating: Vitamin E helps keep your skin moisturized.
• Fast-Acting: Begins numbing the area quickly, speeding up preparation time.
• Cons:
• Cost: Higher price point compared to some alternatives.
• Availability: May be challenging to find in local stores, often requiring online purchase.
• Mild Side Effects: Can cause minor skin irritation for sensitive users.

Numbing Cream #4: HUSH Anesthetic

If you need a reliable numbing cream for tattoos, HUSH Anesthetic is worth considering.

Key Features

HUSH Anesthetic offers a unique blend that distinguishes itself in the market. It contains 4% lidocaine, providing effective pain relief. Its gel formulation is designed for easy application and quick absorption. The cream is also non-greasy, ensuring it won’t interfere with the tattoo process. Additionally, it’s infused with natural botanicals, including aloe vera, making it gentle on the skin and potentially reducing redness and inflammation. For those with sensitive skin, these soothing ingredients can be especially beneficial.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Effective Pain Relief: Delivers up to 2 hours of numbing.
2. Easy Application: Gel formulation absorbs quickly.
3. Non-Greasy: Won’t interfere with tattooing.
4. Skin-Friendly: Includes natural botanicals like aloe vera.
5. Suitable for Sensitive Skin: Less likely to cause irritation.

1. Limited Duration: Provides temporary relief of up to 2 hours only.
2. Premium Price: Costs more than some other options.
3. Availability Issues: Not always easy to find in local stores.

Using HUSH Anesthetic can significantly improve your tattoo experience by minimizing pain and reducing potential skin irritation, making it a solid choice for both beginners and experienced tattoo enthusiasts.

Numbing Cream #5: DermaChange Organic Shingles Cream

DermaChange Organic Shingles Cream is a dual-purpose cream known for its effectiveness in relieving tattoo pain and treating shingles.

Key Features

DermaChange Organic Shingles Cream offers all-natural ingredients, focusing on pain relief without harsh chemicals. The formula includes manuka honey, coconut oil, and aloe vera, which soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. It’s designed to be hypoallergenic, making it safe for sensitive skin types.

Pros and Cons

1. All-natural ingredients ensure a gentle application.
2. Hypoallergenic properties reduce the risk of skin irritation.
3. Multiple uses provide good value, suitable for both tattoos and shingles.

1. Longer absorption time compared to other numbing creams.
2. Mild numbness may not be sufficient for extensive tattoo sessions.
3. Price may be higher due to organic and high-quality ingredients.

Numbing Cream #6: Ebanel 5% Lidocaine Spray

When it comes to tattoo pain relief, Ebanel 5% Lidocaine Spray stands out for its effectiveness and ease of use.

Key Features

Ebanel 5% Lidocaine Spray contains the maximum over-the-counter lidocaine concentration, providing strong numbing capabilities. The spray formulation simplifies application, ensuring even distribution and quick absorption. Enhanced with natural ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E, it soothes the skin and reduces inflammation. It’s non-oily and fragrance-free, making it suitable for all skin types.

Pros and Cons

• Contains the maximum over-the-counter lidocaine concentration for effective numbing.
• Spray formulation ensures easier and more even application.
• Quick absorption reduces waiting time before tattoo sessions.
• Enriched with skin-soothing ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E.
• Non-oily and fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin types.

• Numbing effect might last shorter compared to some creams, requiring reapplication for longer sessions.
• Spray bottle can sometimes malfunction or dispense unevenly, leading to inconsistent application.
• Not ideal for those preferring a gel or cream consistency for more controlled application.

Numbing Cream #7: Aspercreme with Lidocaine

Key Features

Aspercreme with Lidocaine offers 4% lidocaine content for effective pain relief. It’s non-greasy and easy to apply directly to the skin. Designed to provide temporary pain relief, this cream also features a no-odor formula, ensuring a comfortable application experience. The quick-absorbing nature makes it a handy choice for numbing areas before tattooing.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Contains 4% lidocaine for powerful numbing
• Non-greasy, ensuring no oily residue on the skin
• Odorless, providing a more pleasant application
• Quick absorption, saving time before your tattoo session

• Might need reapplication for longer tattoo sessions
• Non-specific to tattoos, primarily marketed for general pain relief
• Possible variance in effectiveness depending on the skin type

Numbing Cream #8: Numb Master 5% Lidocaine Cream

Numb Master 5% Lidocaine Cream provides powerful pain relief for tattoo sessions, making it a popular choice among tattoo enthusiasts.

Key Features

Numb Master contains a high concentration of lidocaine, ensuring effective numbing. The cream starts acting within 15-30 minutes and provides numbness lasting up to 1 hour. It’s designed to be fast-absorbing, reducing preparation time. It’s also non-oily, so application is hassle-free. The cream is water-based, avoiding mess and offering easy clean-up.

Pros and Cons

• Offers maximum lidocaine concentration for optimal pain relief.
• Acts quickly, reducing wait time before starting a tattoo.
• Non-oily formulation ensures easy application and no residue.
• Water-based, making post-tattoo clean-up simple.

• Numbing effect lasts only up to 1 hour, which may not be sufficient for extended tattoo sessions.
• May require reapplication for longer procedures.
• Effectiveness can vary based on individual skin types.

Numbing Cream #9: Numbify Strongest Lidocaine Cream

You’re always on the lookout for the best solutions to make your tattoo experience as painless as possible. Numbify Strongest Lidocaine Cream might be just what you need.

Key Features

• High Lidocaine Content: Numbify contains 5% lidocaine, offering maximum strength relief.
• Rapid Absorption: The cream quickly absorbs into your skin, ensuring minimal wait time before your tattoo session.
• Long-lasting Effect: Provides effective numbness for up to 4 hours, reducing the need for frequent reapplication.
• Non-Greasy Formula: Won’t leave a sticky residue, keeping your skin clean and prepped for tattooing.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Maximum Relief: The high lidocaine content ensures powerful pain relief.
2. Fast-acting: Quick absorption means you’re not waiting long to start your session.
3. Extended Duration: Enjoy up to 4 hours of numbness, ideal for longer tattoos.

1. Skin Sensitivity: Might cause irritation for those with sensitive skin.
2. Price: Higher cost compared to some other numbing creams.
3. Availability: May not be as widely available as more common brands.

Numbify Strongest Lidocaine Cream combines high lidocaine content with a fast-absorbing, long-lasting, non-greasy formula to provide you with effective pain relief during your tattoo sessions.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Ideal Numbing Cream for Tattoos

Selecting the right numbing cream for your tattoo session boils down to understanding your pain tolerance and skin type. Whether you need a quick-absorbing formula like Numb Master or prefer the natural ingredients in DermaChange, there’s a product suited to your needs. Consider factors like lidocaine concentration, absorption rate, and potential skin sensitivities when making your choice.

Remember that while some creams offer longer-lasting relief, they might require reapplication for extended sessions. Always test a small amount on your skin before full application to avoid adverse reactions. By carefully evaluating your options, you can ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable tattooing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best numbing cream for a tattoo session?

For maximum pain relief and long-lasting effect, Numbify Strongest Lidocaine Cream with 5% lidocaine is highly recommended. It offers rapid absorption, a non-greasy formula, and pain relief for up to 4 hours.

How long does lidocaine in tattoo numbing creams typically last?

Most tattoo numbing creams provide pain relief for around 1-2 hours. Some, like Numbify Strongest Lidocaine Cream, can last up to 4 hours.

Are there any numbing creams with natural ingredients?

Yes, DermaChange Organic Shingles Cream is known for its natural ingredients, making it gentler on the skin. However, it takes longer to absorb and offers mild numbness, not ideal for extensive tattoo sessions.

Is there a numbing cream with a quick absorption rate?

HUSH Anesthetic stands out for its quick absorption due to its lightweight formula. It contains 4% lidocaine and botanical ingredients like aloe vera for up to 2 hours of pain relief.

What numbing cream is best for sensitive skin?

HUSH Anesthetic with aloe vera and DermaChange Organic Shingles Cream with its natural ingredients are gentler and suitable for sensitive skin. However, always perform a patch test before application.

Can I use a numbing spray for tattoo pain relief?

Yes, Ebanel 5% Lidocaine Spray is a highly effective option. It features the maximum lidocaine concentration, though it may require reapplication and has some dispensing issues.

Do numbing creams need to be reapplied during longer tattoo sessions?

Yes, some creams like Aspercreme with 4% lidocaine may require reapplication for longer tattoo sessions to maintain effectiveness. It varies based on skin type and the cream’s duration of effect.

What is a cost-effective numbing cream for tattoo sessions?

Aspercreme with Lidocaine offers a lower-cost option with 4% lidocaine, non-greasy application, and no-odor formula. However, it may need reapplication in longer sessions.

Which numbing cream has the highest lidocaine concentration?

Numb Master 5% Lidocaine Cream and Numbify Strongest Lidocaine Cream both have the highest lidocaine concentration, providing powerful and rapid pain relief during tattoo sessions.

Can numbing creams cause skin irritation?

Yes, numbing creams, especially those with high lidocaine content like Numbify, can cause skin irritation for sensitive individuals. It’s advisable to perform a patch test prior to full application.