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What is the Best Antibacterial Soaps for Tattoo?

Written by Elizabeth Kessler • Updated on: 11/02/23

Getting a tattoo is the ultimate symbol of boldness. If you’ve recently gotten yourself inked, welcome to the club! But before you flaunt numerous selfies of your tattoo on Instagram for friends and family to see, know that tattoo aftercare should be your main priority.

Don’t forget that your lovely tattoo is still just a thousand little punctured lesions filled with pigment on the skin. In short, it’s still a wound. And as you may know, wounds are a breeding ground for bacteria.

That’s why you must grab the best antibacterial soap for tattoos you can find. If you don’t care for your skin until the tattoo is completely healed, you run the risk of catching an infection.

Remember—your skin is in a sore, delicate state. Make sure you protect it at all costs, starting with a reliable soap to ward off germs. Check out this round-up of reviews for good antibacterial soap for tattoos, and take your pick!

What is the Best Antibacterial Soaps for Tattoo

15 Anti Bacterial Soaps to Care for Your Tattoo

1. Cosco Tincture of Green Soap

Tattoo Goo is a brand that has teamed up with tattoo artists and dermatologists to come up with the best antibacterial soap for tattoo aftercare. This liquid cleansing soap has a thoughtful combination of ingredients that give you fast-acting results.

The active ingredients of this soap are chloroxylenol and lauricidin. Chloroxylenol has antibacterial properties that can kill infection-causing germs and bacteria fast. Meanwhile, Lauricidin—derived from palm seed extract—has a molecular structure that can cleanse the skin at a deeper level. This makes sure your skin is clean not just on the surface, but deep under the tattoo too.

The soap is also infused with nourishing and revitalizing vitamin E. This repairing vitamin is known to speed up the healing process of the tattoo’s little punctures. It also moisturizes the skin without clogging the pores.

It has a gentle formula that doesn’t include harsh ingredients that could potentially irritate the skin. The deep cleanse this soap provides leaves the skin squeaky clean too, but without drying it out.

Pros

  • Chloroxylenol helps to kill germs and bacteria on the skin fast
  • Lauricidin from palm seed extract cleanses the skin at a deeper level
  • Gentle formulation without harsh ingredients to irritate the skin
  • Leaves the skin squeaky clean without drying it out
  • Contains vitamin E that speeds up the healing process and moisturizes the skin

Cons

  • Leaves a greasy film on the skin which can be uncomfortable for some

This is a great option for an antibacterial soap for tattoos if you want to listen only to the experts. It uses a thoughtful combination of antibacterial and antimicrobial ingredients to give your new tatt only the best.

2. Dial Gold Antibacterial Bar Soap

It would be absurd to talk about tattoo aftercare without mentioning the cult classic Dial Gold antibacterial soap for tattoos. This soap is pretty much the gold standard—literally—of antibacterial cleansers for fresh ink.

This soap’s active ingredient is benzalkonium chloride, a powerful compound that kills germs and bacteria quickly and effectively. This Dial soap for tattoos is also created using antibacterial protection technology that makes its killing power extra strong.

Don’t be intimidated by that, though. One of the reasons why this soap is much-loved by those with tattoos is that it has a gentle formula. It’s non-drying as well and keeps the skin moisturized even after washing.

This soap was created to fend off body odor, so you can count on it to eliminate body odor throughout the day. It cares for your tattoo and keeps you fresh and clean from head to toe too.

This gold bar easily creates a beautifully rich, creamy lather in the shower, making for a more luxurious bath experience at an affordable price.

Speaking of affordability, it also provides terrific value for money. This set gets you eight bars of soap, so it’s perfect for stocking up for months—if not for any new tattoos, then for your regular baths.

Pros

  • Has antibacterial protection technology that kills germs and bacteria
  • A gentle and non-drying formula that keeps your skin moisturized
  • Eliminates body odor to keep you clean and fresh all day long
  • Easily gives a beautiful, creamy lather in the bath
  • Gives value for money, because you get eight bars in this pack

Cons

  • It contains artificial fragrance and dyes

Get this Dial antibacterial soap for tattoos if you’re a first-timer and aren’t sure how to pick out a good soap. Tattoo enthusiasts have trusted this for years for its ability to kill germs and bacteria effectively, so it’s one you can rely on.

3. Micro-Scientific Antimicrobial Liquid Soap

This antimicrobial soap by Micro-Scientific is a terrific one-and-done liquid soap with many possible ways to use in the shower.

This soap kills and eliminates germs and bacteria across a broad spectrum, so you can be safe from many types of infections. This is just what you need to make sure no type of bacteria can harbor near your tattoo.

It also contains emollient and softening ingredients to moisturize the skin. The non-drying formula cleanses thoroughly and leaves the skin supple and plump after the shower. This is an awesome option for those of you with dry skin.

It’s easy to like this product because it’s very versatile. It isn’t just a body wash—it can be used as hand soap and shampoo as well. Though you may purchase this for tattoo aftercare, it’s a great product to have in your bathroom in general because it’s multi-use.

A little goes a long way with this creamy soap. You only need a small amount to be able to create a lavish and satisfying lather that can clean the whole body.

Pros

  • Kills and eliminates a broad spectrum of germs and bacteria
  • Contains nourishing emollient ingredients to moisturize the skin for softness
  • A versatile product that can be used as hand soap, body wash, and shampoo
  • Nice and creamy, creates a great lather in the bath
  • You only need a little bit to wash your entire body with

Cons

  • Can be a bit leaky because the caps tend to get loose later on

This is a great tattoo antibacterial soap that can be an all-around bathroom product too. If you want to cut down on the number of things you have in your shower, then this is a nice one-stop-shop for broad-spectrum protection from head to toe.

4. Dial Antibacterial Hand Soap

A more convenient version of the popular Dial Gold is this liquid antibacterial hand soap. It’s perfect for tattoo care outside the shower, when you just want to wash up and be extra clean throughout the day.

This soap kills up to 99.9% of bacteria that can cause infections on the skin. This is exactly the strong and powerful kind of killing power you need for delicate and wounded skin, like a surface with a fresh tattoo.

The soap’s active ingredient, benzalkonium chloride, is a strong antibacterial agent that eliminates a broad range of bacteria and germs. It’s known to be very effective.

Because it’s in a liquid variant, it’s easier to use on your tattoo when you’re not planning on taking a shower. It can sit right at your sink and has a pump for easy dispensing of the soap.

The soap is mild and gentle enough to be used frequently throughout the day. Because it has a non-drying formula, you don’t have to worry about your skin getting dried out even if you use it multiple times in a short amount of time.

Pros

  • Kills up to 99.9% of bacteria that can cause infections
  • Contains Benzalkonium Chloride, an antibacterial agent that intensifies the soap’s effectiveness
  • Liquid format makes it easier to use when not in the shower
  • Mild and gentle enough for frequent use, perfect for fresh tattoos
  • Has a pleasant, clean, and fresh scent

Cons

  • Contains added fragrance and coloring

If you can’t get your hands on the Dial bar soap for tattoo care we mentioned previously, try this liquid version out. It’s a lot less messy to use outside of the shower and is just as effective when it comes to bacteria-killing power.

Best Bar Soaps for Feminine Hygiene

5. H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap

One soap that is specifically designed for tattoo and piercing aftercare is this foam soap from H2Ocean. You can tell by the black and blue packaging with a tattoo print that it can go perfectly with your fresh, new ink. But don’t let the tough design fool you—this antibacterial unscented soap for tattoos is very gentle.

This soap has antibacterial properties thanks to benzalkonium chloride, its active ingredient that has strong killing power for germs and bacteria. It’s a compound quite commonly found in tattoo aftercare products.

Because it was designed specifically for tattoos, it provides unique benefits for your new ink. It promotes faster healing, so it speeds up the time it takes to bring the skin from sore to smooth. It also enhances the vibrancy of the ink, leaving your tattoo bolder.

This foam is infused with aloe leaf juice to hydrate the skin, and to make sure no stinging or cracking occurs on the tattoo surface during and after cleansing.

This fragrance free antibacterial soap for tattoos is made with a gentle formula that is vegan-friendly. To make sure you don’t further irritate the lesions on the skin, it doesn’t contain any parabens and alcohol either.

Pros

  • Has antibacterial properties that disinfect your new tattoo
  • Promotes faster healing and vibrancy of the ink
  • Contains aloe leaf juice that can help hydrate the skin
  • No stinging and cracking on the skin with this soap
  • A gentle formula that is vegan-friendly and doesn’t contain any parabens, fragrance, or alcohol

Cons

  • Foam disappears as soon as it touches the skin

This H2Ocean foam is a fantastic unscented antibacterial soap for tattoo if you’re looking for one specifically designed for disinfecting recently inked skin without any fragrance.

6. Nat-A-Tat2 Tattoo Foam Cleanser

There are also some organic and vegan alternatives to the soaps already mentioned in this list—one of which is this foam cleanser by tattoo care brand Nat-A-Tat2.

What’s unique about this is that unlike many other tattoo soaps, this is made with organic and vegan ingredients, allowing you some guilt-free tattoo care.

It contains glycerin, a hydrating humectant that hydrates the skin in its deeper layers. It’s also formulated with sunflower and safflower oil, coconut, and rosemary extract. These lightly moisturize the skin without leaving that overly shiny and waxy residue on the skin.

The oils also aid in soothing the skin, especially when it’s red, raised, and puffed up. Through this, they create an optimal healing environment for the tattoo.

All these beautiful, natural ingredients help to fight and get rid of pathogens and bacteria that can cause infections on the skin.

The formula comes in a foam bottle with a cap on and is easy to bring around everywhere. This feature makes it perfect for those who want to bring an effective antibacterial soap wherever they go.

Pros

  • Contains glycerin and organic oils to hydrate and moisturize the skin
  • All ingredients are organic and vegan, for guilt-free tattoo care
  • Protects the skin from pathogens and bacteria that can cause infections
  • Soothes red and puffed up skin to create an optimal healing environment for the tattoo
  • Comes in a portable foam bottle with a cap, for easy mobility

Cons

  • Could be a bit irritating to those with skin that is sensitive to essential oils

If you’re looking to start an organic and vegan tattoo care journey, then this foam cleanser is a terrific way to start. It’s also a superb option for those with dry skin that want to keep their tattoo healthy and moisturized during the healing process.

Best Soaps for Tattoo

7. Hibiclens Antiseptic Skin Cleanser

Hibiclens’ skin cleanser has antiseptic properties that are so effective, it makes the soap suitable in a hospital and surgery setting.

This liquid soap kills and washes away any germs, bacteria, and even viruses from the skin. It can zap away a broad range of these nasties, for the ultimate protection.

It kills bacteria very persistently at up to six hours after first washing your skin. That means top-notch protection without having to do a tattoo rinse too many times in a day.

This soap is one of the most recommended antibacterial soaps by pharmacists according to the U.S. News & World Report and the Pharmacy Times. And rightly so, because it’s been trusted by professionals for over 40 years!

While the formula is strong enough to be used by doctors in the hospital, the formula itself is gentle enough for daily use. It won’t burn or irritate your skin, even if you use it frequently throughout the day. In fact, it leaves a protective layer on the tattoo after washing.

Pros

  • Kills and washes away a broad range of bacteria and viruses
  • Persistently kills bacteria up to six hours after washing your skin with it
  • One of the most recommended antibacterial soaps by pharmacists
  • Strong enough to be used in clinics, but gentle for everyday use on the skin
  • Coats the tattoo with a protective layer

Cons

  • Comes in a small bottle, so it runs out fairly quickly

If you’re willing to spend a bit more on hospital-grade products, this may be the best soap to wash tattoo areas on the skin. It’s an awesome, superior product that will zap away those germs and bacteria to keep your tattoos clean and protected.

8. DermaKleen Antiseptic Lotion Soap

If your main concern is not drying out your skin so much post-tattoo appointment, then DermaKleen’s lotion soap may be the best antibacterial soap out there for you.

This soap does just what you need out of soap for tattoo aftercare. It is antimicrobial and antibacterial, allowing it to kill 99% of germs and bacteria that latch onto the skin and could cause infection.

While it’s an efficacious cleanser, it doesn’t have potentially harsh antibacterial agents, like triclosan. It also takes the precautionary measure to replace alcohol with chloroxylenol, an alternative that prevents the skin from drying out even after washing it with soap.

It’s also infused with vitamin E, which is known to soften and moisturize the skin. It also conditions the skin to hasten its reparation and healing process. Vitamin E is a great strengthening ingredient for skincare in general, so it’s awesome that DermaKleen has included it to aid in tattoo healing.

This mild, gentle, lotion-like formulation with nourishing ingredients is perfect not just for those with dry skin, but also sensitive, problematic skin. It’s a great option if you don’t want to risk going for more popular yet more potentially damaging soaps.

Pros

  • Antimicrobial and antibacterial without any harsh bacteria-killing agents
  • Kills 99% of germs that can latch onto the skin
  • Contains vitamin E to soften, moisturize, and condition the skin
  • Made with chloroxylenol instead of alcohol, so the skin won’t get dried out
  • Mild and gentle, perfect for delicate, tattooed skin

Cons

  • Though it washes well, it doesn’t lather up that much

If you’re looking for a nourishing antibacterial soap that won’t leave a greasy film on the skin or irritate your tattoo, then this lotion soap by DermaKleen is the one for you.

9. Dial Gold Antibacterial Hand Soap

We’ve already talked about the magic of Dial Gold for tattoo lovers. It’s a holy grail soap that comes in both bar and liquid forms, the latter being the favorite of many. And what’s better than one cult classic antibacterial liquid soaps? Two, of course!

In this set of two Dial Gold soap bottles, you get way more bang for your buck. You get two relatively generous bottles in a single purchase, which provides a lot of value for money.

It has all the goodness tattoo lovers and families alike have fallen in love with, starting with its strong antibacterial properties.

This soap promises to kill 99.9% of bacteria and germs that can cause skin infections. This is thanks to benzalkonium chloride, its new active ingredient that has strong kill power, which replaced triclosan- something that could potentially be harsh on the skin.

It has a mild and gentle formula that’s safe to use frequently. It even has antioxidants and other essential nutrients to replenish the skin with moisture to keep it soft and healthy.

Pros

  • Provides value for money because you get two bottles in one set
  • Kills 99.9% of germs to keep your tattoo safe from skin infections
  • Uses benzalkonium chloride as its new active ingredient
  • Antioxidants and other nutrients keep the skin soft and moisturized
  • Has a gentle formulation that you can frequently use without fear of irritation

Cons

  • Contains artificial dyes and fragrances for that signature gold look and scent

Dial Gold is top-tier when it comes to tattoo aftercare, so why not have an extra in your cupboard? You never know when you’ll want to get something new inked on you. Even if this is not the case, it’s a great antibacterial soap to have around the house for the whole family.

10. Provon Antimicrobial Lotion Soap

Lotion soaps are great for adding some hydration to your tattooed skin without clogging it, and when it’s antibacterial, that makes it perfect for your ink. Provon’s lotion soap is both moisturizing and antimicrobial, so it’s perfect for tattoo aftercare.

This soap is medicated with chloroxylenol or PCMX, which kills a broad spectrum of germs and bacteria. It also reduces the spread of bacterial infection on the skin. It’s a great ingredient to have to make sure bacteria doesn’t harbor near your tatt.

It also contains some softening conditioners that make the skin supple and smooth without leaving a greasy film on top of it. It has aloe vera that can help hydrate the skin and soothe the sore tattoo wound. Meanwhile, vitamin E strengthens and conditions the skin, while providing extra softness.

You get quite a lot of product when you get this soap because it comes in a large bottle carrying 16oz of product. That means you can share this fabulous soap and its light, lively citrus scent with the whole family!

Pros

  • Medicated with chloroxylenol to help reduce the spread of bacterial infection
  • Contains softening conditioners that leave the skin soft after washing
  • Has aloe vera and vitamin E to moisturize the skin and make it stronger
  • It has a lively and pleasant citrus scent
  • You get a lot of product in one huge pump bottle

Cons

  • They claim it has a light scent, but it’s actually a bit strong and lingers too

Lotion soaps are a great way to moisturize the skin gently without the risk of clogging the pores. It’s a great way to care for the skin aside from killing bacteria. Provon’s lotion soap does both, so you should check it out when you get your next tattoo.

11. Cosco Tincture Of Green Soap USP

For a soap that goes a long way, I recommend this green soap by Cosco—a soap brand trusted by many since the 1960s. It’s formulated uniquely and thoughtfully so that you can maximize its volume and use it directly on your tattoo.

This soap is all-natural and made only with pure, top-quality vegetable oils and glycerin. These are very good products for hydration and moisture, which leaves the skin feeling soft and touchable.

It also contains 30% alcohol which is perfect for killing bacteria and disinfecting your new tattoo. It also keeps the product from feeling sticky because of the oils.

It’s easy to extend the yield of this product because a little goes a long way. It’s similar to castile soap in that you must dilute this liquid soap with water to thin it out and make it less harsh. Just with the dilution process, you can pretty much double the amount of soap you can work with.

It also comes with a free wash bottle, where you can place your soap and water mixture. It has a long delivery tube to help you conveniently and easily direct the product precisely where your tattoo is.

Pros

  • An all-natural soap made with pure vegetable oils and glycerin
  • Made with 30% alcohol for more effective kill power against bacteria
  • Not sticky despite having oils
  • Easy to extend yield with this soap because you need to dilute it with water
  • Comes with a wash bottle for accurately spreading the soap on tattoos
  • Created by a reliable heritage brand that’s been around since the 1960s

Cons

  • The high concentration of alcohol may be a bit drying on the skin

This Cosco green soap will probably last you months to years, so it’s a great tattoo aftercare soap to have around if you plan on getting inked again and again.

12. Dragon Art Green Soap

If you love the green soap idea we just tackled but are looking for a more soothing soap at the same time, then this one by Dragon Art would be perfect for you.

This soap is another one of those concentrated, potent liquid soaps that have to be diluted with water. The ratio should always be one part soap to nine parts water. It’s an innovative and ingenious way to make sure your bottle of soap goes a really long way.

This green soap is an effective cleaning agent for gently scrubbing away protein soils and dried blood that have built up after your tattooing session. This ensures that your tattoo is protected from bacteria that can cause it harm.

The formula for this contains peppermint plant extracts. Peppermint is a botanical known to soothe skin irritation, making it perfect for delicate and sometimes painful freshly tattooed skin. It provides a cooling, refreshing effect on the skin.

You can also use this as a pre-wash before getting your tattoo done. It makes sure your skin is squeaky clean and free from harmful germs. Because it comes with a free squeeze bottle, you can apply it directly onto your inked skin.

Pros

  • Goes a long way because it’s a concentrated soap diluted in water
  • An effective detergent for cleaning up protein soils and dried blood
  • Contains peppermint plant extracts to help soothe the tattooed skin
  • Can be used as a pre-wash before heading to your tattooing session
  • Comes with a free squeeze bottle for precise application on tattoos

Cons

  • Dries out the skin if it isn’t diluted correctly

Dragon Art’s green soap is a great product for tattoo care because of how versatile it is. It’s a pre-wash, soothing product, and antibacterial agent all in one. If you’re a tattoo junkie who loves to collect awesome multi-benefit products, this is definitely one to try.

13. Dr. Numb Disinfectant Foam Soap

You can’t talk about tattoos without mentioning pain. It’s the one thing most people who get tattoos experience across the board, and it happens during the session and in the days after. Dr. Numb’s foam soap not only disinfects tattoos but also acts as an anesthetic for relief.

This soap has strong killing power and can destroy a broad spectrum of germs. It gets rid of 99.9% of fungi, bacteria, and viruses to keep you and your tattoo safe. It’s very persistent in its disinfecting too, continuing to kill bacteria up to 24 hours after your wash.

The unique benefit of this soap is that it has anesthetic properties, thanks to the active ingredient lidocaine. This numbs the skin, giving temporary relief from pain and stinging. It’s effective for wounds and cuts but is especially helpful for tattoos.

Despite having two active ingredients and more of a medical brand image, this soap doesn’t have a medicinal smell to it. Instead, the smell is mild and pleasant. It also creates a rich, generous lather for a satisfying cleanse.

Pros

  • Strong killing power that destroys 99.9% of fungi, bacteria, and viruses
  • Keeps killing any germs up to 24 hours after your first wash
  • Numbs the skin with lidocaine to soothe skin with fresh tattoos
  • Has a mild yet pleasant scent that doesn’t smell like medicine
  • Creates a rich lather for a satisfying cleanse

Cons

  • The anesthetic effect of the soap lessens if you don’t close the cap tight enough

This is no doubt a powerhouse foam soap for tattoos. It is especially great for first-timers who are extra worried about their fresh wound catching an infection or the pain that comes after getting inked. It’s a soap I highly recommend to those even just thinking of getting a tattoo!

14. Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Bar

So many of the brands we’ve talked about are soapmakers who design their soaps specifically for tattoo care. But what about the bigger, more established skincare brands, like Cetaphil? Is Cetaphil soap good for tattoos? This deep cleansing bar sure is.

This soap used to be named Cetaphil’s “Gentle Cleansing Anti-bacterial bar” but has gone through reformulation to give the same intense deep cleanse without harsh cleaning agents. The soap penetrates the skin to draw out gunk and impurities to leave your skin fresh without stripping its natural oils.

The formula includes several nourishing ingredients that can help soothe and calm newly tattooed skin that needs extra gentleness and softness. It’s a good soap to switch too when you feel like your current soap is drying your skin out.

The non-drying, non-comedogenic formula moisturizes the skin without clogging the pores and causing pimples and blemishes.

What’s great about this soap set, in particular, is that it provides terrific value for money. In buying this set, you get three Cetaphil bars at an affordable price. Because the soap isn’t designed only for tattoos, it’s a nice, mild soap to have around in the home for everyone to share.

Pros

  • Provides a deep cleanse to make sure all the gunk is drawn from the skin
  • Has nourishing ingredients that can calm and soothe tattooed skin
  • A non-drying formula that will moisturize your skin, leaving it soft
  • Non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog any pores
  • Value for money because you get three bar soaps in one set
  • Can be used as a normal soap, not exclusively for tattoos

Cons

  • Contains masking fragrance, so it’s not completely fragrance-free

Cetaphil is amazing at formulating specifically for sensitive skin. This bar soap that deeply cleanses and nourishes at the same time is great for extra delicate skin that needs more cleansing power, like those with new tattoos. If you want a very mild soap, this is what you should choose.

15. Defense Original Daily Clean Soap

Yet another reliable brand when it comes to soaps with superior cleansing power is Defense, a popular soap brand for men and athletes. This soap is originally designed for athletes who need a deep cleanse after a workout or game, but because of its cleaning capabilities, it makes a great tattoo soap too.

This bar soap is most known for its tea tree and eucalyptus oils that give it a refreshing scent and are great at deodorizing the body. But another benefit they provide is soothing the skin, which is just what a fresh tattoo needs.

It has strong cleaning power and kills a broad spectrum of fungi and bacteria to keep your skin infection-free. It also cleans deeply to draw out impurities such as sweat and dirt and keep you feeling fresh and clean.

The soap has superior quality, having been milled three times to make sure it lasts longer without melting in your soapdish. It’s also very safe to use on the skin because it’s hypoallergenic. It doesn’t contain any potentially harsh ingredients, like synthetic fragrances, coloring, SLS, alcohol, and more.

Pros

  • Contains tea tree and eucalyptus oils that soothe the skin and give a refreshing scent
  • Helps wash away a wide spectrum of fungi and bacteria
  • Cleans deeply to get rid of dirt, sweat, and impurities
  • Triple-milled for superior soap quality and longevity
  • Unlikely to cause allergic reaction
  • No potentially harsh ingredients like artificial fragrances and dyes

Cons

  • May dry out the skin because of a lack of moisturizing ingredients

This Defense bar soap is great to use on your tattoos if you’re after that squeaky clean rinse to get rid of sweat and bacteria. While it has intense cleansing abilities, it’s still formulated to be skin-friendly, which is always a plus for tattoo aftercare.

antibacterial soap for tattoo

What to Look for When Buying an Antibacterial Soap Specifically for Tattoos

Antibacterial properties

The entire point of constantly washing your skin after you get a tattoo is to make sure bacteria do not harbor in the area. If they do, they might cause an infection that will harm not just your tattooed skin, but your health overall.

Take a look at the active ingredients of your soap to see if it has a good antibacterial agent to help you wash away those nasty germs and fungi. Some that you should be looking for include benzalkonium chloride and chloroxylenol. These two are very good cleaning agents that destroy bacteria in a jiff.

You should also look at the claims of the soap. One common claim that is a good sign is that the soap kills 99.9% of bacteria. Another is a label that says the soap can kill a broad spectrum of germs and bacteria.

Has no added fragrance and dye

If you have very sensitive skin and are prone to irritation because of the most mundane triggers, here’s another tip for you. Stay away from soaps with added fragrance and artificial coloring. A bar of soap may be very compelling because of its antibacterial properties, but if it has these synthetic ingredients, it may just irritate your skin.

Synthetic ingredients are technically unnecessary in skincare products and can cause irritation if you’re allergic to them or have problematic skin. If this sounds like you, do your sensitive, tattooed skin a favor and step away from the scented soaps and stick to fragrance-free.

Mild, gentle formulation

You can’t afford to irritate your skin with potentially harsh ingredients that may strip your skin of its natural oils or give you a burning sensation on your already delicate skin. Apart from its antibacterial properties, you should also look for a mild and gentle formulation for your new tattoos.

The main reason why you should opt for a gentle formulation is that you’ll be spending a lot of your time over the next few days washing your tattooed skin. If you choose a harsh soap, you put yourself at risk for extreme dryness and even peeling, and you never want that for your pretty tattoo.

Always go for a formula that is skin-safe and will be friendly to your skin condition. Mild and gentle is the way to go for tattoo care.

Comes from a trusted brand

If you’re a first-timer, it’s understandable that you’d want to buy your first tattoo soap from a reliable brand. And if you’re a tattoo veteran, you’ll know that the soaps from the most renowned and trusted brands are often the best in the business.

Make sure the soap you buy for tattoo care isn’t from a random brand that doesn’t have the cred to back up their quality and formulation. Instead, buy from a reputable brand, whether it’s a market leader that’s popular worldwide or a small business loved and trusted by their community.

Always look at how many reviews these brands have gotten for their soaps, and if they’re suitable for tattooed skin. Some really good, trusted brands include Dial, Cetaphil, Hibiclens, and Cosco.

Recommended by experts

Who knows tattoos better than tattoo artists and dermatologists? Always watch out for the antibacterial soaps recommended by tattoo experts, whether in the artistic sense or the medical.

Dermatologists know how to formulate high-quality soaps, while tattoo artists understand the pain points of getting inked and incorporate those into the design. The result is always magical—a gentle yet effective formula that answers issues like pain management, irritation, and more.

Look out for soaps made by these experts, like Tattoo Goo, H2Ocean, Nat-A-Tat2, Dr. Numb, and more. They carry soaps specifically designed for tattoos, so you’ll be in good hands.

What is The Best Antibacterial Soap for Washing Tattoos

best soap to wash tattoo

What would constitute the best antibacterial soap will differ depending on what you’re looking for. The answer will probably be different for one who prioritizes moisture care and another who cares more about pain management.

If you’re looking for soaps that have immense killing power to kill a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses, then the best will probably include the Dial Gold liquid antibacterial hand soap and the Micro-Scientific Opti-Scrub antimicrobial liquid soap. These both kill a broad spectrum of fungi and bacteria, with very persistent killing prowess that can last hours.

If you’re a first-timer and your main priority is feeling as little pain as humanly possible during your healing, then the best one for you might be the Dr. Numb topical anesthetic foam soap. This soap numbs the skin to provide temporary relief from sore, delicate skin after an intense tattoo session.

If it’s moisture care you’re looking for, you can opt for lotion soaps that kill microbes but still care for the skin with a non-drying formula. Some of the best antibacterial and moisturizing lotion soaps include the DermaKleen antiseptic lotion soap and the Provon Antimicrobial Lotion Soap.

Another route you can go for while looking for a gentle and moisturizing soap to care for your delicate, tattooed skin is by looking at soap brands that cater to sensitive skin.

As long as the soap gives a deep cleanse and has properties to get rid of bad germs, you can use it. That means that depending on the formulation, you can probably use CeraVe, Cetaphil, and even Dove soap for tattoos.

Can You Use Antibacterial Soap on Tattoos

It’s not that you “can” use an antibacterial soap on your tatt—it’s that you must. Ordinary soap won’t cut it for fresh ink. You always have to incorporate antibacterial soap tattoo aftercare, especially early on in the tattoo’s healing process.

Using an antibacterial soap is the only way you can keep your tattooed skin clean and free of all types of fungi, bacteria, and microbes that can cause a skin infection. Remember, when a tattoo is fresh, it’s pretty much just a wound with pigment in it, and bacteria harbors in wounds.

Many antibacterial soaps will also create a better healing environment for the tattoo, reducing the time it needs to heal completely. So if you want your tattooed skin to feel better fast, antibacterial soap is the way to go.

It’s important to take other precautionary measures as well to keep the area clean, like drying your tattoo after cleansing with paper towels instead of the towel you use for the rest of your body.

The goal is really to make sure your tattoo stays very clean and sterile, and antibacterial soap is going to be your best friend for that.

Is Dial Antibacterial Soap Good for Tattoos

Yes, Dial is actually one of the most popular brands tattoo lovers use for their antibacterial soap. You can even say it’s a cult classic now for tattoo aftercare. The holy grail Dial soap for tattoos is Dial Gold, which is considered, quite literally, the gold standard for gentle, non-drying antibacterial soaps.

Dial Gold is known to kill up to 99.9% of infection-causing bacteria, which is exactly the type of killing power you’re looking for when you have a wound you want to keep safe. It’s a great option for keeping your tattoo’s freshness, moisture, and cleanliness in check throughout the healing process.

What’s great about Dial is that their Gold soaps come in bar and liquid forms. That means you can have strong killing power in the shower and also while doing your rinses at the sink.

Conclusion

Tattoos are bold, beautiful, and just downright cool. But a lot of work is put into caring for it, especially when it’s fresh and still an open wound. Catching a bacterial infection not only potentially ruins your beloved tatt, but it puts you and your health in harm’s way too.

The number one rule for preventing infection early on in tattoo aftercare is staying clean and looking for the best antibacterial soap for tattoos to wash with. It’s pretty much your tattoo’s defense system against germs and bacteria. Tattoo aftercare takes a lot of effort, but we promise—it’ll be worth it.

The Best Antibacterial Soaps for Tattoo

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