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Tattooing can be very painful. However, it should not stop you from getting your first tattoo. Using the best numbing creams for tattoos, you can easily endure the pain and make it a more memorable experience. There is a huge variety of numbing products available in the market, making it hard to find the best one.
Here are tattoo numbing products reviews to help you pick the best one.
Best Numbing Creams For Tattoos 2023 – Buying Guide
Several times, you may have heard that tattoo artists do not allow clients to use numbing creams. One of the major reasons it happens is that clients do not have a high-quality numbing cream. Moreover, the low-quality product can affect the results. That is why if you have one of the best numbing creams for tattoos, chances are your artists will never stop you from using it.
However, there are various factors that you need to consider while selecting your numbing product. You have to check the ingredients, how long numbing effect lasts, whether it is greasy or not, and many other factors.

Best Fast Acting – Dr. Numb
TWith 4% lidocaine, it is an amazing product. It is fast-acting. After 15 minutes of application, you will get relief for the next 1 to 2 hours. Moreover, soothing agents in the cream keep the pain away while getting a tattoo. It is safe to use and highly effective.
Painless Tattoo Numbing Creams in 2023 – What To Look For
Here are a few things you need to look for in a numbing product.
Lidocaine Strength
The main purpose of using numbing products is to relieve pain during tattooing. Thus, the key ingredient is lidocaine. Hence, a numbing cream with 5% lidocaine will be a good choice. It is maximum strength allowed in non-prescription anesthetics. Besides that, the minimum strength you need to look for is 4% lidocaine.
Make sure the lidocaine strength you look for should last along. The best product will be the one that will keep your tissues and nerve endings numb for at least 1 to 2 hours.
Type Of Product
There are various anesthetics available, like gels, creams, and sprays. It is preferable to get a nongreasy and non-oily product for tattooing because it will not spoil the ink. Any residue from the numbing product will affect the tattooing process and can rub off on your clothes.
Therefore, it is better to get water-based creams, gels, or sprays without any sticky residue. Moreover, it will not cause any itchiness and provide hydrating effects that will help the tattoo heal quickly.
Check Ingredients
Lidocaine is not the only ingredient that requires your attention. There are other soothing ingredients in numbing products that are preferably vegan and all-natural. Moreover, they provide amazing pain-relieving effects. Look for ingredients like.
- Clove oil
- Jojoba oil
- Licorice
- Aloe vera
- Vitamin E
- Tea tree oil
You will not get the required results if the correct ingredients are not present in the product.
Pre And Post Tattooing Numbing Products
Anesthetics which are great before getting tattoos, may not be a good option after getting a tattoo. Thus, you may have to get pre and post tattooing products if you need pain relief after getting a tattoo. Besides that, get a safe product to use, even on tattooed skin.
Cost
A major factor that can impact your decision is the cost of the products. Always get a high-quality product from a reliable brand to get the required results. You may have to compromise a little on the cost for the best quality results.
Never compromise on the cost of an anesthetic product if you are getting high-quality and soothing ingredients.
Reviews And Rating
Always check reviews and ratings of numbing products you plan to buy. Previous customers will give you a good insight regarding the results and effects of the item you are planning to buy.
Top 5 Best Numbing Creams For Tattoos – Features
Product Image | Details | Size (oz) | Weight (g) | Lidocaine (%) | Numbing effect duration (hrs) | Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best For Big Tattoos ![]() | Hush Numbing Gel | 4 | 120 | 4 | 2- 4 | Gel |
Best Overall ![]() | Ebanel Cream | 1.35 | 38 | 5 | 2 – 3 | Cream |
Best For Cosmetic Tattooing ![]() | Numb Master | 4.2 | 119 | 5 | 1 – 2 | Cream |
Best For Sensitive Skin ![]() | Derma Change Shingles | 4 | 113 | 0 | Few hours | Cream |
Best After Tattooing ![]() | Ebanel Spray | 2.4 | 72 ml | 5 | 1 – 2 | Spray |
Are Numbing Creams Safe To Use?
Most numbing products are FDA-approved, like Ebanel cream, and are safe to use. However, you have to use these products according to the given instructions to get satisfactory results. Besides that, numbing cream can have amazing results but never overdose on it. If you have serious pain issues, you can use Ebanel Spray, which is easy to apply repetitively.
Moreover, there are a few things you need to consider before using any numbing product.
- In some people, numbing products are ineffective.
- If you do not use the good quality numbing product, you may experience more pain after numbing effects go off. Thus, Numb Master is a great product that will keep the required area numb for up to 2 hours.
- It can impact the final tattoo design. Therefore, always consult your tattoo artist before using any numbing product.
Other Uses Of Tattoo Numbing Cream
Apart from tattooing, there are various other uses of numbing products as well. If you have cosmetic tattooing to hide your scars, you can use any numbing product you like. Hush numbing Gel is a good option for those planning to get micro blading for eyebrows.
Apart from that, people also like to use numbing gels for joint pain, especially in the case of arthritis. Moreover, lidocaine can provide instant relief if you have severe sunburn. It can also reduce pain and provide soothing effects.
Always patch numbing test products if you are using them first.
Safety Precautions When Using Numbing Cream
Here are a few safety precautions you need to take if you are using numbing products.
- Avoid using numbing products on inflamed or broken skin. It can enter the bloodstream and cause serious issues. Always consult a doctor before using on broken skin.
- If you have sensitive skin, it is better to check the ingredients. Do not purchase a product that has ingredients that can irritate you. Derma Change Shingles is a good product for sensitive skin.
- Assure that no ingredients in your numbing product can cause an allergic reaction.
- Wear latex gloves before applying any numbing product on your skin; otherwise, your fingers will go numb.
Best Numbing Creams For Tattoos – FAQs
Q: How Does Numbing Cream Help With Tattoo Pain?
A: Numbing products work in three different ways. They are either vasoconstrictors, nerve blockers, or nerve deadeners. All these types are highly effective and work by blocking the pain signals, making it easier to endure pain.
Q: Is It Possible To Use Numbing Product After Getting A Tattoo?
A: It is better to only use numbing cream before getting a tattoo. Moreover, numbing creams can impact the healing process of the tattoo. However, there are some products that you can use after getting a tattoo if the pain is unbearable.
Q: If I Apply More Numbing Cream, Will Its Effects Last Longer?
A: It is not recommended to overdose on numbing products. Always use such products according to given instructions to have fast and effective results. Overdosing can lead to adverse effects.
Q: Can I Use Ice Packs For Numbing?
A: This is a good solution, but the results will last only for a few moments. Thus, it is always better to apply high-quality numbing products.