What to Put on a New Tattoo — And What to Avoid

Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, alcohol-free cream 2–3 times daily from the first day your wrap comes off. The product needs to absorb into the skin — not sit on top of it. Avoid petroleum-based products, coconut oil, and anything containing fragrance or alcohol. These either occlude the skin, cause comedogenic breakouts, or irritate the compromised skin barrier during healing.

Ink Nurse Remedy Cream is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, non-occlusive, and Australian made. Available in 100ml and 500ml pump. Endorsed by the Australian Tattooists Guild.

What your new tattoo actually needs

• A fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturiser that absorbs into the skin
• A dedicated fragrance-free wash — Foam Nurse Tattoo Soap Wash before each cream application
• Consistent application — 2–3x daily, thin layers only
• A product with no known irritants for compromised skin

What to avoid — and why

• Vaseline / petroleum jelly — occlusive; creates a surface barrier that traps heat and prevents the skin from breathing during healing
• Coconut oil — comedogenic rating of 4/5; can cause breakouts on healing skin and interfere with ink settling
• Bepanthen — formulated for nappy rash on intact skin; occlusive base not designed for open wound healing
• Sudocrem — contains benzyl alcohol and fragrance; both are irritants for healing tattoo skin
• Fragranced body lotion — fragrance compounds are a leading cause of contact dermatitis on healing skin
• Alcohol-based products — strip the skin barrier and accelerate moisture loss

Best for / Not ideal for

Ink Nurse Remedy Cream is best for: all skin types from day one of healing. Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, non-comedogenic. Available in 100ml and 500ml pump.

Not ideal for: use over actively infected skin without medical clearance. If redness is spreading or you have a fever, see a doctor before applying any topical product.

About second-skin film wraps

If your artist used a second-skin film wrap such as Tattoo Wrap Pro, you may not need to apply cream until the film is removed — usually 3–5 days post-session. Once removed, begin the standard wash and moisturise routine immediately. Second-skin film does not replace cream aftercare during the peeling and settling phases.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Bepanthen on my tattoo?
Bepanthen is safe in the sense that it is unlikely to cause harm, but it was formulated for nappy rash — intact skin with a functioning barrier. Its occlusive base is not designed for open wound healing. A product specifically formulated for tattooed skin is more appropriate.

Can I use coconut oil on a new tattoo?
Coconut oil has a comedogenic rating of 4 out of 5. On healing skin with a compromised barrier, this can cause breakouts and interfere with ink settling. It is not recommended for the healing phase.

What if I have nothing at home and need something tonight?
The safest emergency option is the most minimal fragrance-free, alcohol-free cream available at a pharmacy — such as a basic aqueous cream. Resume Ink Nurse Remedy Cream as soon as possible.

How much cream should I apply?
Less than you think. Apply a small amount and rub in until fully absorbed. If cream is still visible on the surface after 5 minutes, you have used too much.

Should I use cream under a second-skin wrap?
No. Tattoo Wrap Pro creates its own sealed healing environment. Applying cream underneath can compromise the seal. Begin cream application once the film is removed.

When should I start applying cream?
From the first wash after your wrap is removed — typically 2–24 hours post-session for cling film, or 3–5 days for second-skin film.

How long do I need to keep moisturising?
Through the full 4-week surface healing period. After that, daily moisturising and SPF 50+ are the primary long-term factors in colour retention.

→ Read the full Tattoo Care Bible | Shop Foam Nurse Wash | Shop Remedy Cream 100ml | Shop Remedy Cream 500ml