You’ve just got a new tattoo, and you’re super excited to show it off to the world.
But before you do that, you need to take good care of it, especially during the healing process.
And one of the most important things you need to do is to moisturize your tattoo with a lotion that will keep it healthy.
But not just any lotion will do.
Some lotions can actually fade your tattoo and end up causing more problems than they solve.
So, what kind of lotion should you use for your tattoo?
Well, Dove lotions are readily available, fairly affordable, and claim to be gentle, hypoallergenic and moisturizing.
Sounds good, right?
But is Dove lotion good for tattoos? Can you trust it to take care of your precious ink?
Or should you look for something else? Well let’s find out, in this post I’ll answer these questions and more.
Like what to look for in a tattoo lotion, how Dove lotion compares to other options, and some other alternatives.
| this post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase from one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. |
What to Look for in a Tattoo Lotion
Before we get into the specifics of Dove lotion, let’s review some general guidelines on what to look for in a tattoo lotion. According to tattoo experts and dermatologists, a good tattoo lotion should:
- Be fragrance-free: Fragrances can irritate your skin and cause allergic reactions, especially on a fresh wound like a tattoo.
- Be alcohol-free: Alcohol can dry out your skin and interfere with the healing process of your tattoo.
- Be petroleum-free: Petroleum can clog your pores and prevent your skin from breathing, which can lead to infections and scarring.
- Be water-based: Water-based lotions are more easily absorbed by your skin and less likely to leave a greasy residue that can attract dirt and bacteria.
- Contain soothing and healing ingredients: Some ingredients that can help with tattoo healing are aloe vera, vitamin E, shea butter, coconut oil, panthenol and niacinamide.
These are some of the key features you should look for in a tattoo lotion. They’ll help keep your tattoo moisturized, protected, and soothed during the healing process.
Additionally, they will assist in maintaining the appearance and longevity of your tattoo in the long run.
How Does Dove Lotion Measure Up?
Dove offers lotions and products that can work well for your tattoos, provided they are free from fragrances, alcohols, petroleums, and oils.
However, they also have some products that aren’t suitable for tattoos as they do contain these ingredients. And those things can mess up your tattoo and cause more problems than they solve.
So, what are the best Dove products for tattoos? And what are the ones to avoid?
Here they are:
Dove DermaSeries Dry Skin Relief Body Lotion
According to the product description, this lotion is:
- Fragrance-free
- Steroid-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
This is one of the better Dove products for tattoos because it’s fragrance-free, steroid-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-tested.
It also has some ingredients that can help your tattoo heal faster and better, like stearic acid, panthenol, and niacinamide.
Stearic acid helps protect your skin from water loss and environmental damage, while panthenol moisturizes and soothes your skin. Niacinamide can help improve your skin barrier function and reduce inflammation.
But it’s not perfect.
It also has petroleum and oil in it, which can block your pores and stop your skin from breathing. Petroleum can also create a film on your skin that can trap dirt and bacteria, which can cause more problems for your tattoo.
So, while Dove lotion may be suitable for some people with tattoos, it may not be the best choice for everyone.
If you have sensitive skin or want to ensure optimal care for your tattoo, you may want to invest in a tattoo-specific lotion that’s been tested and proven to work well with tattoos.
Dove Men Care Hydrate Face Lotion
This is one of the worst Dove products for tattoos because it’s not fragrance-free, alcohol-free or petroleum-free.
It also has some silicone-based ingredients in it, like dimethicone and petrolatum, which can clog your pores. It may not be good for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
And it may make your tattoo look dull and faded over time. So, avoid using it on your tattoos if you can.
Dove Sensitive Skin Unscented Beauty Bar
This is another decent Dove product for tattoos because it’s fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested. It can help you clean your tattoo without irritating or drying out your skin.
But it’s not ideal.
It also has some animal-derived ingredients in it, like sodium tallowate and sodium palmate, which isn’t cool if you’re vegan or an animal lover. It can also leave a film on your skin that can trap dirt and bacteria.
So, use it sparingly.
So those were some of the best and worst Dove products for tattoos.
Of course, everyone has their own preferences and needs, so feel free to explore different products and find what works best for you.
However, if you want to be safe and sure, you may want to consider using a lotion that’s specially made for tattoos. One that’s been tested and proven to work well with tattoos.
This lotion will effectively moisturize, protect, and keep your tattoo from fading.
I have some recommendations for those too. Keep reading to find out more.
The Best Lotions for Tattoos : Other Alternatives to Dove
If you are looking for alternatives to Dove lotion for your tattoos, here are some of the best:
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
This is one of the most popular and trusted products for tattoo aftercare. It’s fragrance-free, alcohol-free, petroleum-free and water-based.
It also has lanolin, glycerin and panthenol, which can help with tattoo healing. These ingredients create a protective barrier on your skin, preventing infections and scabbing.
Moreover, they moisturize and soothe your skin without feeling greasy or sticky.
Hustle Butter Deluxe Tattoo Aftercare Balm
This balm is vegan-friendly and made with natural ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and mango seed butter.
It’s fragrance-free, alcohol-free, petroleum-free, and water-based.
Moreover, it contains vitamin E and aloe vera, which provide benefits for tattoo healing.
This product nourishes and hydrates your skin while also enhancing the vibrancy of your tattoo colors.
It also reduces inflammation and itching without clogging your pores or staining your clothes.
Mad Rabbit Repair Tattoo Aftercare Soothing Gel and Moisturizer for New Tattoos
This gel aims to soothe, repair and restore your skin after getting a new tattoo. It has vitamin C, vitamin B12, aloe vera, and sweet almond oil, which are ingredients that can help with tattoo healing.
Not only is it free of petroleum, mineral oils, and other harmful additives, but it’s also safe for even the most sensitive skin.
However, it may not be the only product you need for your tattoo aftercare, as it’s primarily meant for the first two weeks after getting a new tattoo.
After that, you’ll need to use another product to keep your tattoo moisturized, protected and the color vibrant.
So, while this gel is a good option for the initial stage of healing, it’s not enough for the long-term care of your tattoo, for that you’ll need to use something else after your tattoo heals (any of the other products on this list would work well).
Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm
This balm can help brighten and enhance your existing tattoos, as well as nourish and protect your fresh tattoos. It’s made with natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, sunflower oil and mango seed butter (similar to the other balm on the list).
It’s also fragrance-free, alcohol-free, petroleum-free, and water-based. Enriched with vitamin E and aloe vera, these ingredients can help with tattoo healing.
It moisturizes and hydrates your skin, reduces inflammation and itching, all without clogging your pores or staining your clothes.
Mad Rabbit Defend Tattoo Sunscreen
This sunscreen does exactly what it says it will – help protect your tattoos from fading and sun damage. It’s water-resistant, broad-spectrum, and non-comedogenic, with vitamin E and aloe vera.
These ingredients are known to aid in tattoo healing, moisturizing and protecting your skin while enhancing the vibrancy of your tattoo colors.
However, a little bit goes a long way, so make sure to spread it evenly to avoid leaving a residue. It’s worth noting that it may leave a white cast, which isn’t ideal.
Mad Rabbit Replenish Tattoo Body Lotion
This daily lotion can effectively moisturize and replenish your tattoos on a daily basis.
It’s fragrance-free, non-greasy, and dermatologist-tested, made with nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, vitamin A, and sesame oil, which can help nourish and moisturize your skin.
It also claims to provide anti-aging benefits and prevent your tattoos from fading.
These are just a few examples from the wide range of lotions available for tattoos that I highly recommend; based on their features, ingredients, and positive reviews.
They’ve proven to work well with tattoos, and they have many satisfied customers who swear by them.
Of course, you may have different preferences and needs, so feel free to try out other products and see what works best for you, but if you’re looking for a place to start you can’t go wrong with one of these.
FAQ
When can I use lotion on my new tattoo?
You shouldn’t use lotion on your new tattoo for the first 24 to 48 hours, or until your tattoo stops bleeding and pushing out excess ink.
Using lotion too soon can interfere with the healing process and cause infections.
You should only use mild soap and water to clean your tattoo and pat it dry with a clean towel. After that, you can start using lotion as directed by your tattoo artist.
How often should I apply lotion to my tattoo?
You should apply lotion to your tattoo at least twice a day, or as often as needed to keep your skin moisturized and comfortable.
You should avoid applying too much lotion, as this can suffocate your skin and cause problems. A thin layer is enough to cover your tattoo.
Make sure to use lotion until your tattoo is completely healed, which typically takes anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks. The healing time can vary depending on the size, location, and quality of your tattoo.
Even after your tattoo is healed, it’s important to continue using lotion to maintain its appearance and prevent fading and cracking.
So, Is Dove Lotion Good for Tattoos?
Dove lotion is actually not a bad option for tattoos. It offers some features that can aid in tattoo healing, such as being fragrance-free and containing panthenol and niacinamide. However, it has some drawbacks, such as containing petroleum and being oil-based.
If you want to ensure optimal care for your tattoos, you may want to invest in a tattoo-specific lotion that has been tested and proven to work well with tattoos. Like some of the ones I mentioned earlier, or even something from Cetaphil, Lubriderm or even Cerave.
