9 Best Antibacterial Soaps for Tattoos That Are Gentle on Skin

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 12, 2024
Best Anti-Bacterial Soaps for Tattoos
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Tattooing is an art form and each body art represents a different story. However, it’s not enough to just get inked. You need to take special care of it by investing in the best antibacterial soaps for tattoos that promote proper healing and prevent any kind of infection. Once they are properly healed, they regain their original color and freshness. Addedly, studies show that there is a significant link between tattoos and body image and self-esteem. People with multiple tattoos have a higher self-esteem as compared to those who aren’t inked(1).  

The antibacterial soaps contain specific agents that help kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria on the tattooed skin. Some antibacterial agents used in them include triclosan, chlorhexidine, or benzalkonium chloride. Furthermore, to minimize potential skin irritations, they are often fragrance-free as scents can sometimes cause allergies or irritate a freshly tattooed skin. So, if you have just gotten yourself inked, thinking about getting one, or are a tattoo artist looking for some effective antibacterial cleansers, then this list will be super helpful to you in finding out which is the best tattoo aftercare soap. 

Scroll down to know more!

 

9 Best Antibacterial Soaps for Tattoos

Dial’s antibacterial soap for tattoos produces a creamy and rich lather to balance moisture in your skin without causing any dryness. It has a long-lasting fresh scent that keeps bad odor at bay while preventing the risk of any infection. Additionally, it is mild and gentle and contains clean surfactants that cleanse without causing any skin irritation. On top of that, it effectively gets rid of germs, dirt, oils, and impurities. So, why wait? Purchase this fast-acting product right away and watch how it helps in eliminating bacteria from your skin's surface.

Pros
  • Doesn’t cause dryness
  • Removes dirt
  • Gentle on the skin
  • Provides healthier skin
  • Long-lasting
Cons
  • Has a mild fragrance
  • Best Natural Ingredients

    H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap

    H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap
  • This ink-friendly antibacterial soap by H2Ocean is free of any harsh chemicals. It is formulated with the goodness of aloe vera and benzalkonium chloride that cleanse the skin around the tattoo and aid in the healing process. Another key ingredient in this product is sea salt from the Red Sea with over 82 trace minerals that are essential for restoring your skin barrier. This inclusion is what makes this product better than all the other antibacterial soaps as they only use regular saline table salt. 

    Pros
    • Contains natural ingredients
    • Alcohol-free
    • Odor-free
    • Cruelty-free
    • Promotes skin healing
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Poor quality spray nozzle
  • Best for All Skin Types

    Tattoo Goo Antimicrobial Soap

    Tattoo Goo Antimicrobial Soap
  • Perfect for both tattoos and piercings, this product from Tattoo Goo is carefully made with premium grade olive oil to manage the skin’s tiny wounds during the sticking and poking. Talking about its consistency, it is oily and safe to use anywhere on the body. In addition to that, this unscented soap for tattoos contains moisturizing ingredients which mimic skin’s natural oils. This further helps in replacing the lost moisture back into the skin that gets lost during the inking and piercing process. 

    Pros
    • Provides hydration
    • Petroleum-free
    • Made with natural ingredients
    • Cruelty-free
    • Can be applied on fresh and old inked surfaces
    • Safe for all skin types
    Cons
    • May cause acne
  • Best Multipurpose Soap

    DragonArt Green Soap

    DragonArt Green Soap
  • DragonArt’s green soap is highly effective in cleansing and sterilizing the skin, and preventing infections owing to the fact that it is made with 100% natural plant-based ingredients. Additionally, it removes dried blood and protein soils from your skin and scalp. To note further, it is quite versatile and multifunctional as you can also clean your equipment and instruments with this product. The users have raved about this soap and termed it as “worth every penny”. Lastly, it’s an eco-friendly soap which doesn’t cause any itching or dryness. 

     

    Pros
    • Multipurpose bar
    • Disinfects the skin
    • Made with natural ingredients
    • Prevents dryness
    • Sterilizes the skin
    Cons
    • Needs to be diluted
  • Best Deep Cleansing Bar

    COSCO TINCTURE of Green Soap

    COSCO TINCTURE of Green Soap
  • Keep your tattooed skin healthy and infection-free with Cisco’s tattoo-safe natural soap that is made from pure vegetable oils, glycerin, and lavender. It is also biodegradable and environmentally-friendly. You can use it for pre-tattoo skin preparation, stencil application, post-tattoo cleansing, as well as for cleaning surgical or tattoo instruments before sterilization. Moreover, the best part about this is that it is versatile and you can turn this soap into a spray or even a shampoo by diluting one part soap with 5-8 parts of water. 

     

    Pros
    • Offers deep cleansing
    • Protects your skin
    • Has vegetable oils
    • Versatile
    • Can be used as a sterilizer
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Not cruelty-free
  • Best in Removing Dirt

    HUSSLE BUBBLES Antimicrobial Foam Soap

    HUSSLE BUBBLES Antimicrobial Foam Soap
  • Hussle Bubbles’ antimicrobial soap eliminates bacteria without drying out your skin. It is a responsibly sourced vegan product without any parabens or harmful chemicals that might damage or irritate your skin. Additionally, it safely removes dead skin cells and impurities from your tattooed area that often leaves your ink looking dull. So, if you want your skin to feel rejuvenated, then add this to your cart right now as this cosmetic-grade product allows your skin to breathe easily and protects it from all kinds of infections.

     

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Prevents dryness
    • Rejuvenates your skin
    • Made from natural ingredients
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • No harsh chemicals
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • VI TATTOO SOAP

    VI TATTOO SOAP
  • Keep your tattooed skin healthy and clean with VI TATTOO SOAP. It is thoughtfully made to give your skin the nutrients it needs during the recovery process of your new tattoos. Along with all the natural ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, raw shea butter, and olive oil, it is also rich in vitamin A that helps in skin regeneration. Based on our first hand experience, it is suitable for all skin types as this natural cleanser rejuvenates dry skin by providing moisturization properties, while controlling the production of sebum in oily skin people.  

     

    Pros
    • 100% natural and organic
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Fragrance-free
    • Affordable
    • Curbs bacteria growth
    • Prevents dryness
    Cons
    • Won’t curb bacterial growth
  • Best Lather

    PROVON Antimicrobial Lotion Soap

    PROVON Antimicrobial Lotion Soap
  • Provon’s antimicrobial lotion soap is one of the best unscented soaps for tattoo aftercare. It is designed using the best natural ingredients, including aloe vera and vitamin E to provide softness while being gentle on the skin. On top of that, it effectively cleans and disinfects the skin by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. The bonus? It contains moisturizing agents to prevent roughness and irritation.  

    Pros
    • Limits infections
    • Affordable
    • Used by tattoo artists
    • Lathers well
    • Kills bacteria
    • Cleanses the skin
    Cons
    • Has fragrance
  • Dermatologically-recommended

    Cuticura Medicated Antibacterial Soap

    Cuticura Medicated Antibacterial Soap
  • Get clean, clear, and healthy-looking skin with Cuticura Medicated antibacterial soap. It is widely known for its cleansing and disinfecting properties. Apart from this, it also helps in relieving itching and giving life to patched skin. When we tried this product, we found out that it has a floral smell and is formulated with glycerin and triclocarban, an antibacterial agent that helps in conditioning your skin. Plus, if you have acne scars, it will help diminish their appearance. 

     

    Pros
    • Has triclocarban
    • Gets rid of blemishes
    • Conditions your skin
    • Dermatologically-recommended
    • Removes oil and dirt
    • Prevents dryness
    Cons
    • Expensive

    Now, you have an idea as to which is the best antibacterial soap for tattoo aftercare. But you may not know how to select the right one. Let us take you through some key factors you need to keep in mind for purchasing one. 

     

    How to Choose the Best Antibacterial Soap for Tattoos?

    When choosing an antibacterial soap for tattoos, it's essential to consider certain components to ensure you select a product that is suitable for your needs. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right antibacterial soap for tattoos:

    • Consultation: Consult with your tattoo artist first as they may provide you with effective aftercare recommendations owing to the fact that they have experience and knowledge about which antibacterial soaps work well for tattoo healing.
    • Formulation: Look for an antibacterial soap that is mild and gentle on the skin as the inked area is sensitive during the healing process. Avoid using any harsh formulations that may cause any irritation or dryness. 
    • Antibacterial Properties: Ensure that the soap you choose has proven antibacterial properties. You can do so by looking for ingredients such as triclosan, chlorhexidine, or benzalkonium chloride, that are known for their ability to get rid of bacteria and prevent infections.
    • Fragrance And Dye-free: Fragrances and dyes can potentially irritate the tattooed skin. That’s why it is recommended to choose an antibacterial soap that is fragrance-free and dye-free to minimize the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. For example, Tattoo Goo Antimicrobial Soap is a great option in regards to this criteria.
    • Moisturization: Tattooed skin is prone to dryness. Hence, it needs proper hydration while the skin is getting cured. Our contributor Dr. Chacon, who is a board certified dermatologist, explains, “Antibacterial soaps can dry out your skin because they kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria, disrupting the skin's natural moisture balance. “You can consider using a soap with added moisturizers”, she adds. Try opting for an antibacterial soap that contains moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerin or aloe vera, to help keep the skin moisturized and prevent excessive dryness. As per our contributor Anna Misztela, a board licensed esthetician, some of the ingredients in antibacterial soaps can strip your skin of its natural oils that help keep it hydrated. She adds, “To help minimize or eliminate this problem, look for antibacterial soaps that contain ingredients which can help your skin lock in moisture such as essential oils, aloe vera, lanolin, glycerin, hyaluronic acid.”
    • pH Balance: Look for a soap that is pH balanced, as it helps maintain the natural balance of the skin's acid mantle. Additionally, a pH-balanced soap is less likely to disrupt the skin's natural protective barrier, promoting better healing.

    How to Use the Best Antibacterial Soap for Tattoos?

    If you want your skin to heal properly, you need to ensure proper hygiene and promote healing. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use the best antibacterial soap for tattoos:

     

    • Firstly, don’t rush into the washroom and start washing your tattooed skin with water just after reaching home. You need to wait for the recommended time the tattoo artist has prescribed. 
    • Then, collect all your supplies. Prepare everything you will need, including the antibacterial soap, clean towels, and lukewarm water.
    • Clean your hands thoroughly with regular soap and water before touching your tattoo. Be mindful about this step as it’s crucial in preventing the transfer of bacteria from your hands to the inked area. 
    • Wet the tattooed area using lukewarm water. To note, avoid using hot water as it can be harsh on the healing skin.
    • Apply a small amount of antibacterial soap and make sure to create a gentle lather by rubbing your hands together.
    • Gently apply the lathered soap to the tattooed area using your clean fingertips or a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Following which, you can lightly massage the soap onto the skin in a circular motion, ensuring you cover the entire tattooed surface.
    • The most important part here is to be gentle. Treat your tattooed area delicately and avoid scrubbing the tattoo vigorously or using excessive force, as it can irritate the skin and disrupt the healing process. 
    • Rinse the tattooed area with lukewarm water until all the soap is completely washed off. Ensure that no soap residue remains on the skin.
    • Use a clean, soft towel to gently pat the tattooed skin dry. Plus, avoid rubbing or scratching the tattoo.
    • Lastly, follow the aftercare instructions, which may include applying a recommended ointment or moisturizer to the tattooed area.

    Conclusion:

    Inked skin tends to be dry and sensitive. That’s why you need the best antibacterial soap for tattoo in order to avoid any harsh reaction. Getting inked is a beautiful experience. But, don’t let infections and microbes stop you from enjoying the moment. We hope this article helps you make a wise decision regarding which soap to choose for your specific type of skin! Happy Shopping!

    Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam

     

    FAQ's

    What kind of antibacterial soap is good for tattoos?
    The kind that doesn’t have any fragrance and provides moisturization. Plus, you need to opt for a soap that has triclosan, chlorhexidine, or benzalkonium chloride.
    Are antibacterial soaps good for a new tattoo?
    Yes. They help in preventing dryness, keeping infections at bay, and also getting rid of acne marks.
    What is the best thing to clean a new tattoo with?
    An antibacterial soap that lathers well is the best thing to clean a new tattoo with.
    Can I use Dial antibacterial soap on my tattoo?
    Yes. It’s a great soap to use on both your fresh and old tattoo.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Anoushka, our skincare expert, says that after getting a tattoo done, the aftercare is highly pivotal. She further adds that using antibacterial soap for tattoos is important to keep your newly tattooed skin soft as well as safe from bacterial infections. She selected a few products and took help from her friends with tattoos to test them and check their efficacy. Out of all the products, her friends kept going back to H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap. Its natural and cruelty-free formula was something that made the product stand out. Plus, it is not heavy on the pockets.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More