Ink Nurse is a petroleum-free, vegan cream with no added fragrance, made specifically for tattoo aftercare rather than adapted from a general-purpose ointment. It is water-based and blends botanical oils and extracts, including aloe vera leaf juice, coconut oil, shea butter, rosehip oil, avocado oil, jojoba seed oil and chamomile flower extract, along with skin-conditioning ingredients like glycerine and vitamin E (tocopherol). It is formulated without petroleum, mineral oil or waxes. As with any topical product, if you are checking for a specific ingredient because of an allergy or preference, always read the full ingredients list on the pack and patch-test on a small area first.

Yes. Ink Nurse is petroleum-free, and it is one of the main reasons the brand exists. It is designed as a modern, lightweight alternative for people who prefer tattoo aftercare without petroleum or heavy waxes. Being petroleum-free means it is formulated without petrolatum, mineral oil or paraffin-based ingredients, which some people prefer to avoid. It is also vegan and made with no added fragrance. If you specifically want to steer clear of petroleum-based ointments, Ink Nurse is built as that alternative, made specifically for tattoo aftercare rather than adapted from a general-purpose product.

Ink Nurse was built as a petroleum-free, wax-free product because many people prefer a lighter alternative to traditional petroleum ointments, and want tattoo aftercare made specifically for tattoos rather than a general-purpose ointment. Being petroleum-free and fragrance-free also suits people who choose to avoid those ingredients for personal or ethical reasons. It is a choice about feel, ingredients and preference, rather than a claim that one base is better than another. Whatever you use, the most important thing is to follow your artist’s aftercare advice and keep the tattoo clean and moisturised while it settles.

Yes, Ink Nurse is vegan. It is formulated without animal-derived ingredients, and it is also made with no added fragrance, which suits people who prefer a fragrance-free routine on freshly tattooed skin. Ink Nurse sits in the petroleum-free, wax-free space and is made specifically for tattoo aftercare, so it is a good fit for anyone looking for a cleaner, plant-conscious option. If you follow a strict standard, it is always worth checking the full ingredients list on the current packaging to confirm it meets your needs. Ink Nurse is registered with PETA, you can view here: https://crueltyfree.peta.org/company/ink-nurse-global/

Yes, Ink Nurse is certified cruelty-free. Here is our link to the cruelty-free PETA website: https://crueltyfree.peta.org/company/ink-nurse-global/

Ink Nurse is made with no added fragrance. This suits people who prefer fragrance-free tattoo aftercare, including anyone who finds scented balms and butters too strong on a fresh tattoo. Because there is no added fragrance, it is a straightforward option for people who like to keep things simple on freshly tattooed skin. If you have a known fragrance sensitivity, it is always a good idea to read the full ingredients list on the pack and patch-test on a small area first.

Yes. Ink Nurse is certified Australian Made and is manufactured in both Melbourne and on the Gold Coast. We carry the official Australian Made certification, so it is not just a label we have given ourselves, it is independently certified. Being Australian made is something we are proud of, and it means the product is made here to Australian manufacturing standards rather than imported. If buying and supporting local matters to you, you can choose Ink Nurse with confidence on that front.

Yes. Ink Nurse is made in Melbourne to recognised manufacturing and quality standards, including GMP and ISO, with stability testing, preservative efficacy (PET) testing and NATA-accredited microbial testing. It also holds EU CPNP registration and FDA MoCRA registration for the relevant markets. These cover how the product is made and its quality and safety as a cosmetic. The shelf life of ink nurse remedy cream and foam wash is 24 months.

Follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions first, as they know your specific tattoo. As a general routine: gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild wash, then pat it dry with a clean, soft towel. With clean hands, apply a thin layer of Ink Nurse cream. Most people wait around 24 to 48 hours after being tattooed before they start, to let the area settle, though this depends on the size of the tattoo. From there, reapply a thin layer 2 to 4 times a day, or whenever the tattoo feels tight, dry or itchy. Always wash first, pat dry, and use clean hands.

Most people wait around 24 to 48 hours after being tattooed before applying cream, to let the area settle, though it depends on the size and detail of the tattoo. A larger or more detailed piece may need a little longer, while a small or fine-line tattoo can often be sooner. Your artist’s instructions come first, especially if they have applied a second-skin film wrap, since you would remove and clean that before starting with the cream. When you do begin, wash gently, pat dry, and apply with clean hands.

Use it daily through the healing period, which is generally the first two to four weeks, though everyone heals at their own pace. Keep applying a thin layer 2 to 4 times a day while the tattoo is settling. Once it has healed, you can keep using Ink Nurse as a daily moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated and your tattoo looking its best over time. As always, follow your artist’s guidance for your particular tattoo.

Patch-testing is a sensible step, especially if you have sensitive skin, allergies, or have reacted to skincare before. To patch-test, apply a small amount to an area of unbroken skin, such as the inner forearm, leave it for 24 hours, and check for any redness, itching or irritation before using it on your tattoo. If you notice a reaction, stop use and speak to a pharmacist or doctor. This is standard good practice with any new topical product, and worth doing before applying anything to a fresh tattoo. You can also read the full ingredients list on the pack to check for anything you personally react to.

A fresh tattoo is healing skin, so the most important thing is to follow your tattoo artist’s instructions and the directions on the pack. Most people wait around 24 to 48 hours after being tattooed before applying cream, to let the area settle, though this can vary with the size of the tattoo and whether your artist has used a second-skin film wrap. Ink Nurse is made specifically for tattoo aftercare and is meant to be used as part of a normal aftercare routine, not as a medical treatment. If a tattoo shows any signs of infection or is not settling as expected, that is one for a doctor rather than an aftercare product.

Ink Nurse is made with no added fragrance and is a lightweight cream, which is why many people who prefer gentle, fragrance-free products choose it. That said, everyone’s skin is different, so if you have sensitive or reactive skin, patch-test on a small area first and stop use if you notice any irritation. If you have a diagnosed skin condition, it is best to check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any new product on a tattoo. Reading the full ingredients list on the pack is also a good way to check for anything you personally react to.

Ink Nurse is made specifically for tattoo aftercare, and that is what it is designed and intended for. Some people do like using it as a general moisturiser on healthy skin because it is lightweight, petroleum-free and fragrance-free, but the product is formulated and positioned as tattoo aftercare rather than a treatment for any skin condition. If you have a specific skin concern, that is one for a pharmacist or doctor rather than an aftercare product. As always, patch-test on a small area first and read the full ingredients list on the pack.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the safest approach is to check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any new topical product, including tattoo aftercare. This is general good practice rather than anything specific to Ink Nurse, and your healthcare provider can give advice based on your individual circumstances. You are welcome to show them the ingredients list on the pack if that helps the conversation.

Most tattoos look and feel healed on the surface within about two to three weeks, though the deeper layers of skin keep recovering for longer, often a couple of months. Everyone heals at a slightly different pace, depending on things like the size and placement of the tattoo, your skin, and how closely you follow your aftercare. During the first couple of weeks, some settling is normal: light peeling, flaking and itching are all part of the process. The best things you can do are keep the area clean, keep it lightly moisturised, avoid picking or scratching, and follow the aftercare advice your artist gives you. If anything seems off, such as spreading redness, heat or swelling, see a doctor rather than wait it out.

Yes, some itching, light peeling and flaking is a normal part of how tattoos settle, though everyone heals differently. The most important habits are simple: do not pick, scratch or peel the skin, as this can affect how the tattoo looks once it has settled. Keep the area clean, keep it lightly moisturised, and let any flaking come away on its own. It also helps to avoid soaking the tattoo in baths, pools or spas while it settles, and to keep it out of direct sun. If you notice anything that concerns you, such as spreading redness, heat, swelling or discharge, that is a reason to see a doctor rather than rely on any aftercare product.

The first week is about keeping things simple and clean. Follow your artist’s instructions first, since they know your tattoo and how it was done. As a general routine: gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild wash, pat it dry with a clean towel, and with clean hands apply a thin layer of aftercare cream. Most people start applying cream around 24 to 48 hours in, then reapply a thin layer two to four times a day, or whenever the skin feels tight or dry. Avoid picking or scratching, keep the tattoo out of direct sun, and skip baths, pools and spas while it settles. Ink Nurse offers a wash, cream and protective film that work together as a simple aftercare routine. If anything looks off, such as spreading redness, heat or swelling, see a doctor.

Good tattoo aftercare is mostly about a few simple things done consistently: keeping the tattoo clean, keeping it lightly moisturised, and protecting it while it settles. Ink Nurse covers those steps with three products that work together. Foam Nurse is a gentle wash for cleaning the tattoo. The Remedy Cream is a lightweight, petroleum-free moisturiser for keeping the skin hydrated through the settling period and beyond. And the Tattoo Film Wrap Pro is a protective second-skin film for the early stage, if your artist recommends one. You do not necessarily need everything at once, and your artist’s advice always comes first, but together the three cover cleaning, moisturising and protecting in one simple routine.

Yes. Foam Nurse, our tattoo wash, is formulated with native river mint, an Australian native botanical grown by our great friend, Dom - a First Nations grower out of the Riverland region in South Australia. As a certified Australian Made brand, we are proud to include a native Australian ingredient in the range. 

Foam Nurse is Ink Nurse’s tattoo wash: a gentle, sulphate-free foaming cleanser for cleaning a fresh tattoo without stripping the skin. Keeping a new tattoo clean is one of the three core aftercare steps, alongside moisturising and protecting, so a gentle wash matters. You do not strictly need a dedicated tattoo wash, as a mild fragrance-free soap can do the job, but Foam Nurse is made to be gentle, it is vegan, and the foaming format makes it easy to clean the area without rubbing. Many people also use it as an everyday face or body wash. Follow your artist’s instructions on when to start washing.

Foam Nurse is a water-based, vegan foaming cleanser. It uses mild, sulphate-free surfactants (sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, potassium cocoyl glycinate and cocamidopropyl betaine) to cleanse gently rather than strip the skin. It also includes hydrating and skin-conditioning ingredients such as sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), hydrolysed collagen, hydrolysed vegetable protein and propanediol, along with aloe vera and chamomile extracts. As with any wash, read the full ingredients list on the pack and patch-test on a small area first if you have sensitive skin.

Follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions first. As a general routine: pump a small amount of foam into clean hands, gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water, avoiding hot water and scrubbing, then rinse and pat dry with a clean, lint-free towel. Once dry, follow with a thin layer of Ink Nurse Remedy Cream. Most people wash the tattoo once or twice a day while it settles, but go by your artist’s advice. Foam Nurse is fragrance free and gentle enough that many people also use it as a daily face or body wash.

Wrap Pro is Ink Nurse’s protective tattoo film, a breathable second-skin layer that goes over a fresh tattoo to help protect it from dirt, rubbing and friction in the early days while letting the skin underneath breathe.

You do not always need it, and your artist will guide you, but many people find it useful for the first day or two (often up to 5 or so days if necessary), especially over areas that rub on clothing. Usually your tattoo artist applies the film for you at the end of your session. If not, you can apply it yourself once you get home.

Every Ink Nurse order includes two pre-cut squares of the film free, so you can try it without buying a roll.

Wrap Pro is a thin, flexible, semi-permeable polyurethane film with a skin-friendly adhesive made using Japanese film technology.

It is breathable, so air can pass through while it still covers the tattoo, and it is water-resistant, which means it is fine for showering during early healing. It is not designed for soaking, so avoid baths, swimming and spas while it is on.

If you have had a reaction to adhesive bandages or plasters before, patch-test a small piece on nearby skin first, and speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure.

 two pre-cut squares of Wrap Pro film free, which is around $10 of value at no cost, so most people get to try it without buying anything extra. If you want more, the film is also sold as a roll. Note that orders which already include a roll do not come with the free squares, since you have the full roll to cut from. The pre-cut squares are handy for a single tattoo, while the roll suits anyone getting tattooed regularly or covering larger pieces.

Usually your artist applies the first film at the end of your session, so follow their instructions on when to remove it. If you are applying it yourself: make sure the skin is clean and completely dry, cut or use a piece large enough to cover the tattoo with a small border around the edges, peel off the backing, and smooth the film on from the centre outward to avoid air bubbles.

Most people keep a piece on for around 24 to 48 hours. If fluid builds up underneath, remove it sooner, gently wash the tattoo with Foam Nurse, pat dry, and apply a fresh piece. Remove it slowly under warm running water to loosen the edges, then continue with your normal Ink Nurse Remedy Cream routine.

Once a tattoo has healed, keeping it looking sharp is mostly about looking after the skin it lives in. The biggest factor is sun exposure, since UV is what dulls and ages tattoos over the years, so use sunscreen on the area once it is fully healed whenever it is exposed. Beyond that, keeping the skin well hydrated helps it stay healthy and your tattoo looking its best, so moisturising regularly as part of your normal routine is worth the habit. General skin health helps too: staying hydrated, and not picking or scratching while a tattoo is still settling. There is no product that stops a tattoo ageing entirely, but good skin care and sun protection go a long way. Your artist can also advise on touch-ups down the track if you ever want one.

One of the differences is the formulation. Bepanthen is a petroleum-based ointment, while Ink Nurse is a petroleum-free, lightweight, vegan cream made specifically for tattoo aftercare. People often choose Ink Nurse because they prefer a lighter feel over a heavier petroleum ointment, and because it is purpose-built for tattoos rather than a general-purpose product. Both are used for tattoo aftercare, so it comes down to preference: if you want to avoid petroleum, support a small business, and prefer a certified Australian Made product, then Ink Nurse is designed as that modern alternative. Whichever you use, follow your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions.

Dr Pickles and Ink Nurse are both used for tattoo aftercare and both are widely available in Australia, so it often comes down to preference. Where Ink Nurse focuses is on being a petroleum-free, vegan, fragrance-free cream that is part of a complete tattoo-care system, stocked widely including through Chemist Warehouse. Ink Nurse is also a lightweight cream rather than a thicker balm, so if you prefer a lighter texture, that is a point of difference worth considering. Rather than claiming one is better than the other, the honest answer is that they suit different people and different skin. If you value a vegan, fragrance-free routine made specifically for tattoos, Ink Nurse is built around that. As always, follow your artist's advice and choose what works for your skin.

Hustle Butter is a scented, balm-style product, while Ink Nurse is a lightweight, fragrance-free Australian cream. The practical differences people weigh up are texture, scent and origin: Hustle Butter is a richer, scented butter, whereas Ink Nurse is a lighter cream with no added fragrance, and it is made in Australia rather than the United States. Both sit in the petroleum-free space, so it often comes down to whether you prefer a light, fragrance-free cream or a heavier scented butter. As always, follow your artist’s advice and choose what suits your skin.

Yes. Ink Nurse is stocked by tattoo studios across Australia and is used and recommended by working tattoo artists, and many people first hear about it through their own artist or studio. Ink Nurse is also the only aftercare brand in Australia working in direct partnership with the Australian Tattooists Guild, the peak industry body for tattooing in Australia. The best guidance is always to follow the specific aftercare advice your own artist gives you, since they know your tattoo and technique.

Ink Nurse offers bundle kits exclusively on ink-nurse.com. The Tattoo Healing Essentials Kit is $84.99 and the Mega Bundle Kit is $139.99. Each kit brings together the products for a complete tattoo-care routine, and works out cheaper than buying the items separately.

The Tattoo Healing Essentials Kit contains:

• 1 x 50ml jar of Ink Nurse cream
• 1 x 100ml jar of Ink Nurse cream
• 1 x 200ml Foam Nurse - Tattoo Soap Wash
• 2 x 10cm squares of Ink Nurse protective second skin film

The Mega Bundle Kit has the same line-up but swaps the 50ml jar for a 500ml pump bottle, giving you 600ml of Ink Nurse cream in total. Because the kits are website-exclusive, they are not available at Chemist Warehouse or other stockists. For the exact contents of each kit and the most up-to-date pricing, see the product pages on ink-nurse.com.

You can buy Ink Nurse directly from ink-nurse.com and from Chemist Warehouse across Australia, where it is stocked in more than 600 stores. That makes it easy to pick up in person alongside your other pharmacy items, or to order online. One thing to note: the Ink Nurse bundle kits are exclusive to ink-nurse.com and are not sold through Chemist Warehouse, so if you specifically want a kit, order it from the website. For the current full range and latest stockists, ink-nurse.com is the best place to check.

Yes, Ink Nurse is artist-owned and Australian, run by people who live and work in the tattoo world. It is a family business, part-owned and co-run by a working tattoo artist and studio owner with 14 years in the industry, which is exactly why the range is built specifically for tattoo aftercare rather than adapted from a general-purpose product. Ink Nurse is also the only aftercare brand in Australia working in direct partnership with the Australian Tattooists Guild, the peak industry body for tattooing in Australia.

Yes, deeply. Ink Nurse is artist-owned and works directly with the Australian tattoo community. We are the only aftercare brand in Australia partnered directly with the Australian Tattooists Guild, the peak industry body for tattooing in Australia, and Ink Nurse is stocked and recommended by tattoo studios and artists across the country. Because part of our team tattoos and runs a studio, aftercare is built from real chair-side experience, not guesswork.

We are also very active with sponsoring tattoo expos and conventions as well as hosting artists from our team of artist fam at booths.

Yes, deeply. Ink Nurse is artist-owned and works directly with the Australian tattoo community. We are the only aftercare brand in Australia partnered directly with the Australian Tattooists Guild, the peak industry body for tattooing in Australia, and Ink Nurse is stocked and recommended by tattoo studios and artists across the country. Because part of our team tattoos and runs a studio, aftercare is built from real chair-side experience, not guesswork.

We are also very active with sponsoring tattoo expos and conventions as well as hosting artists from our team of artist fam at booths.

Yes. Alongside being an artist-owned, Australian Made business, Ink Nurse supports animal welfare. We donate to Edgar’s Mission, a farm animal sanctuary and rescue in Victoria, and we sponsor animals there. It is something we genuinely care about as a team, and it sits alongside our vegan and cruelty-free formulations as part of how we try to do things.

No. Ink Nurse makes tattoo aftercare, not tattoo ink. Our range is a petroleum-free, vegan aftercare system (film, wash and cream) made in Australia specifically to care for tattoos while they heal and beyond.