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Top 12 Best Antibacterial Soaps for Tattoos

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedApril 25, 2024

Antibacterial soap is a crucial component of tattoo aftercare. It helps prevent infections and keeps the tattoo looking fresh. However, not all soaps are created equal, and choosing the right one can be a daunting task. The best antibacterial soap for tattoos should have a gentle formula that won't irritate the skin, but also be effective in killing bacteria.

When purchasing an antibacterial soap for tattoos, it's important to pay attention to the ingredients. Harsh chemicals like alcohol and triclosan can be too abrasive for the delicate skin around a fresh tattoo. Look for soaps that contain natural ingredients like tea tree oil, which has antibacterial properties without being too harsh.

We spent hours researching and testing various antibacterial soaps to identify the ones that are best suited for tattoo aftercare. On the top of our list is Hustle Bubbles Tattoo Soap. It offers a premium cleansing experience, specially formulated to gently care for your new tattoo while promoting proper healing and vibrant ink. The second on the list is Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap, which offers a gentle yet effective solution to cleanse and care for your fresh ink, promoting optimal healing and vibrancy. The third on the list is Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit, which provides a comprehensive solution for healing and maintaining your tattoo's vibrancy, ensuring a smooth and worry-free recovery process.

Best Antibacterial Soaps for Tattoos

If you've recently gotten a tattoo, it's important to keep the area clean and free of bacteria to prevent infection. Choosing the right antibacterial soap can make all the difference in the healing process. We've compiled a list of the best antibacterial soaps for tattoos to help you find the right one for your needs.

Hustle Bubbles Tattoo Soap

The Editor's Choice

Crafted from natural, vegan ingredients, it cleanses tattoos gently, unveiling vibrant ink. Tattoo artists worldwide now prefer it over green soap, ensuring bacteria-free skin without dryness.

See Price for Hustle Bubbles Tattoo Soap on Amazon

If you want to keep your tattoo clean and healthy, Hustle Bubbles Tattoo Soap is a great choice.

Hustle Bubbles Tattoo Soap is an all-natural product that is perfect for sensitive skin. It is made with responsibly sourced vegan ingredients, and does not contain any harmful chemicals that might damage or irritate your skin. The soap effectively removes dead skin and impurities from your tattoo that often leaves your ink looking dull.

If you are looking for a tattoo soap that is better than green soap, Hustle Bubbles Deluxe is a great option. Tattoo artists across the globe are replacing green soap with Hustle Bubbles Deluxe to eliminate bacteria without drying out your skin. The soap is great for post-tattoo & piercing care keeping new tattoos & piercings clean during the healing process to minimize irritation and prevent infection.

However, some users have reported that it caused a mild rash on their skin. Also, compared to other tattoo soaps, Hustle Bubbles Tattoo Soap is a bit expensive. The unscented version may not be suitable for those who prefer a scented soap.

Overall, Hustle Bubbles Tattoo Soap is a great product that is worth trying if you want to keep your tattoo clean and healthy.

Pros

  • Great for post-tattoo & piercing care keeping new tattoos & piercings clean during the healing process to minimize irritation and prevent infection.
  • Tattoo artists across the globe are replacing green soap with Hustle Bubbles Deluxe to eliminate bacteria without drying out your skin.
  • Responsibly sourced vegan ingredients. No parabens or harmful chemicals that might damage or irritate your skin.

Cons

  • Some users have reported that it caused a mild rash on their skin.
  • A bit expensive compared to other tattoo soaps.
  • The unscented version may not be suitable for those who prefer a scented soap.
See price for Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soapon Amazon

If you want to keep your tattoos and piercings clean and healthy, you should definitely consider purchasing the Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap.

This soap is an excellent product for the treatment of your new tattoos. It is perfect for deep cleansing and removing dead skin cells and dirt. The PCMX-L formula of this soap allows deep cleansing, making it one of the best products available for the treatment of your new tattoo.

The new formula of this soap is perfect for cleansing tattoos and dermal piercings. It removes more dead skin cells and dirt than other antibacterial soaps. The soap is fragrance-free and moisturizing, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

However, some users have reported that the product leaked during shipping. You may also need to use more soap than necessary to get your tattoos clean, and the soap may leave a slimy feel when your tattoos are healing.

In conclusion, the Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap is an excellent product for the treatment of your new tattoos. It is perfect for deep cleansing and removing dead skin cells and dirt. If you want to keep your tattoos and piercings clean and healthy, you should definitely consider purchasing this soap.

Pros

  • The new formula of this soap is perfect for cleansing tattoos and dermal piercings.
  • This soap removes more dead skin cells and dirt than other antibacterial soaps.
  • The PCMX-L formula of this soap allows deep cleansing.

Cons

  • Some users have reported that the product leaked during shipping.
  • You may need to use more soap than necessary to get your tattoos clean.
  • The soap may leave a slimy feel when your tattoos are healing.
See price for Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit on Amazon

If you want to heal your tattoo quickly and maintain its vibrant color, then the Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit is worth considering.

The Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit is perfect for those looking for a complete aftercare solution for their new tattoo. The kit includes an antimicrobial soap, a healing balm, and a moisturizing lotion. The soap is unscented and alcohol-free, making it gentle on fresh ink while still providing protection against infections. The balm is made with 60%+ olive oil and lavender oil and is designed to mimic the natural oils that occur in your skin. It goes on smoothly and absorbs well for moisturized skin and vibrant ink. The lotion prevents scabbing and speeds up the healing process while providing itch relief. It is formulated with olive oil and panthenol to deeply moisturize dry skin.

During the healing process, you should wash your new tattoo in the morning and night with Tattoo Goo Antimicrobial Soap. After washing, apply Tattoo Goo Balm or Tattoo Goo Lotion 2-3 times per day. Once the tattoo starts to scab and itch, use the Tattoo Goo Lotion exclusively 2-3 times per day. When your ink is completely healed, continue to use the lotion and/or balm 1-2 times per day to keep your skin moisturized and your ink vibrant.

Overall, if you want to ensure that your tattoo heals quickly and looks great, the Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit is a great choice. It's dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, so you can apply it with confidence.

Pros

  • The kit includes everything you need to care for new ink and help it heal quickly.
  • The antimicrobial soap provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antibacterial protection.
  • The healing balm is made with all-natural ingredients and goes on smoothly and absorbs well.

Cons

  • The lotion may not be moisturizing enough for some users.
  • Some users may prefer a scented soap.
  • The kit may be more expensive than other options.
See prices for VI Tattoo Soap on Amazon

If you're looking for a natural and effective tattoo aftercare soap, VI Tattoo Soap is the perfect choice.

VI Tattoo Soap is made with natural ingredients like sea buckthorn berry, hemp seed oil, and shea butter, which provide the nutrients your skin needs to recover from the tattooing process. The soap is gentle enough for sensitive skin, yet powerful enough to combat the damage caused by tattooing.

The vegan formula cleanses and hydrates your skin, leaving it looking supple and lustrous. The soap is perfect for all skin types and tones, and it's gentle enough for sensitive skin. Whether you have dry or oily skin, VI Tattoo Soap is perfect for you.

The soap is specifically crafted to support the cleansing and well-being of your new tattoo. It helps keep your tattoos healthy and clean, as well as looking fresh and vibrant. Trust VI Tattoo Soap to help you keep your ink looking fresh and vibrant for years to come.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a natural and effective tattoo aftercare soap, VI Tattoo Soap is the perfect choice. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin, and it leaves your skin looking supple and lustrous.

Pros

  • The natural ingredients nourish your skin and help it recover from the tattooing process.
  • The soap cleanses and refreshes your skin, leaving it looking supple and lustrous.
  • It's perfect for all skin types and tones, and it's gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Cons

  • The soap has a very faint scent, which might not be ideal for those who prefer stronger fragrances.
  • The price of the product might be a bit high for some.
  • The soap is only available in a pack of three 4oz bars, which might not be convenient for everyone.
See prices for Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap Piercing Aftercare 3oz Foam New formulaon Amazon

If you want a high-quality soap to take care of your tattoos, the Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap is a good choice.

The Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap is a great way to take care of your tattoos. It cleanses the tattoo without being harsh on the skin, which is important for keeping the tattoo looking good. The 3oz bottle is a good size for travel, so you can take it with you wherever you go. The new formula is a great improvement over the old one, so you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality product.

One of the downsides of the Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap is that it may be a bit expensive compared to other similar products. However, if you want a high-quality soap, it may be worth the extra cost. Additionally, the foam may not be suitable for everyone, so you may need to try it out to see if it works for you. Finally, some people may not like the scent of the soap, so keep that in mind when making your purchase.

Overall, if you want a high-quality soap to take care of your tattoos, the Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap is a good choice. It cleanses the tattoo without being harsh on the skin, comes in a good size for travel, and has a new formula that is a great improvement over the old one.

Pros

  • The soap cleanses the tattoo without being harsh on the skin.
  • The Tattoo Goo Soap comes in a 3oz bottle, which is a good size for travel.
  • The new formula is a great improvement over the old one.

Cons

  • The price may be a bit high compared to other similar products.
  • The foam may not be suitable for everyone.
  • Some people may not like the scent.
See prices for H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap on Amazon

If you're looking for a gentle and effective cleaning solution for your new tattoos, then the H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap might be the product for you.

This foam soap is specifically designed to cleanse the skin on and around new tattoos, and the addition of aloe vera aids in the healing process. It's also a great alternative to traditional green soap, which is known to be harmful to tattoo healing.

One of the best things about this product is that it's alcohol, fragrance, and dye-free, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin. Instead, it uses benzalkonium chloride, a pharmaceutical-grade cleaner and preservative.

However, if you have extremely sensitive skin, this product might not be suitable for you as it contains sea salt, which can be irritating for some people. Additionally, the bottle size is quite small, so you might need to purchase multiple bottles if you have a larger tattoo.

Overall, if you're looking for a gentle and effective cleaning solution for your new tattoos, the H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap is definitely worth considering.

Pros

  • Great for new tattoos
  • Green soap replacement
  • Alcohol, fragrance, & dye-free

Cons

  • Might not be suitable for those with sensitive skin
  • Small bottle size
  • Might not be as effective as traditional green soap
See prices for Saniderm Foaming Hand Soap on Amazon

If you're looking for a gentle, effective, and all-natural soap to care for your tattoos, Saniderm Foaming Hand Soap is a great choice.

Saniderm Foaming Hand Soap produces a rich lather that washes away dirt, free radicals, and other impurities from your tattoos. The soap contains hygienic colloidal silver and pure sea buckthorn, which destroy buildup and infuse your skin with recovery-promoting, regenerative nutrients. It's gentle enough to be used immediately after, or during, the tattooing process or during the tattoo aftercare process.

This bathroom hand soap has a nourishing formula with sea buckthorn oil that has vitamin C, vitamin E, and rosemary oil that are strong antioxidants like vitamin A and vitamin B in it. So, you know you are getting a high-quality hand washing soap when you use this product.

Saniderm Foaming Hand Soap is proudly made in the USA and free of common allergens like parabens, phenoxyethanol, dyes, or phthalates. It's inspired by nature and uses hyper-nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, sunflower oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, and more so you get the best soap for your skin.

Overall, if you're looking for a gentle and effective soap to care for your tattoos, Saniderm Foaming Hand Soap is a great choice.

Pros

  • As a tattoo artist, you can use this soap to sanitize and moisturize your clients' tattoos before they leave your shop.
  • As a tattoo enthusiast, you can use this soap to remove contaminants and residues during your tattoo aftercare process.
  • Made with all-natural and organic ingredients, this soap cleanses your skin while keeping it hydrated.

Cons

  • Some users reported issues with the pump not springing back up after pressing it down.
  • The soap has a lavender-infused scent that may not be appealing to everyone.
  • The 2oz travel-sized bottle may not last very long if you use it daily.
See prices for Dial Complete Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soapon Amazon

If you want a reliable and affordable antibacterial soap for tattoos, Dial Complete Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap is a great option.

This hand soap not only cleans your skin but also moisturizes it, leaving your hands feeling soft and smooth. It's tough on bacteria, killing up to 99.9% of the bacteria commonly found in households. Despite its effectiveness, it's mild enough for the whole family to use.

One downside to this soap is its scent, which may be too strong for some. Additionally, it may not lather as well as other soaps, which could be an issue for those who prefer a richer lather. Finally, some users have reported issues with packaging leaking during shipping.

Overall, if you're looking for an affordable and reliable antibacterial soap for tattoos, Dial Complete Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap is a solid choice.

Pros

  • Moisturizes and cleanses effectively
  • Kills 99.9% of bacteria
  • Mild and gentle for the whole family to use

Cons

  • Scent may be too strong for some
  • May not lather as well as other soaps
  • Packaging may be prone to leaking
See prices for STIGMA Tattoo Blue Soap on Amazon

If you're looking for a professional soap to clean and care for your tattoo, STIGMA Tattoo Blue Soap is a great choice.

STIGMA Tattoo Blue Soap is a highly concentrated blue soap that comes with a foaming bottle. It is effective for cleaning and caring for your tattoo. The soap is also suitable for cleaning surgical instruments and surgical apparatus before sterilization. It has multiple uses, including hand washing, washing cloth, and daily machine cleaning.

However, dilution is required with pure water, which may be inconvenient for some users. While the soap smells better than green soap, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some users prefer green soap over blue soap.

Overall, if you're looking for a professional soap to care for your tattoo, STIGMA Tattoo Blue Soap is a great choice.

Pros

  • Highly concentrated blue soap with foaming bottle
  • Effective for cleaning surgical instruments and surgical apparatus before sterilization
  • Multiple uses, hand washing, washing cloth, daily machine cleaning

Cons

  • Dilution is required with pure water
  • Smells better than green soap but may not be suitable for everyone
  • Some users prefer green soap over blue soap
See prices for Dial Complete Clean + Gentle Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash on Amazon

If you're looking for an antibacterial soap that is gentle on your skin, Dial Complete Clean + Gentle Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash is an excellent choice.

Dial Complete Clean + Gentle Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash is a fragrance-free foaming hand wash that is gentle on your skin. The Dial SkinSmart formula leaves your hands feeling smooth, soft, and silky. This foaming hand wash hydrates and cares for your skin as it cleans. It is free from dyes, parabens, phthalates, and silicones, and comes in a recyclable bottle (excludes pump). The pH balanced and vegan formula leaves your skin looking and feeling hydrated and healthy.

This Dial foaming hand wash is hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, and formulated with naturally derived ingredients. It is the number one doctor recommended antibacterial soap brand and kills 99.99% of bacteria encountered in household settings. Dial Complete Clean + Gentle Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash is mild enough for frequent hand washing, so you can use it as often as you need to without worrying about damaging your skin.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a gentle and effective antibacterial soap that will leave your hands feeling smooth and soft, Dial Complete Clean + Gentle Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash is a great choice. It is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and free from unwanted ingredients, making it an excellent option for people with sensitive skin.

Pros

  • Effectively and gently cleanses skin.
  • Free from unwanted ingredients.
  • Kills 99.99% of bacteria encountered in household settings.

Cons

  • The bottle might run out quickly if you use it frequently.
  • The foam can be a bit watery.
  • Some people might prefer a scented soap.
See prices for CleanSkin Tattoo Wipes on Amazon

If you want a convenient and natural solution for tattoo cleaning and aftercare, then CleanSkin Tattoo Wipes are a great choice.

CleanSkin Tattoo Wipes are pre-moistened with a tattoo cleaning soap premixed formula that removes dried blood, protein soils, and topicals from the skin and scalp. The wipes are made with natural ingredients that don't affect the effect of anesthesia in any way. They are alcohol, fragrance, and lint-free, making them safe for all skin types.

These tattoo wipes are very convenient to use, and you only need to touch one wipe that you will use. Tear off the sticker before starting work and leave the wipes open until the end of the procedure. After the procedure, simply close the lid and do not open it until the next procedure. You can also use these wipes after the procedure as well instead of the regular tattoo soap aftercare.

CleanSkin Tattoo Wipes are a great choice if you want a convenient and natural solution for tattoo cleaning and aftercare. They are also suitable as a piercing soap, microblading foam, microblading soap, or a blue soap tattoo.

Pros

  • All-in-one tattoo cleaning solution
  • Natural ingredients
  • Alcohol, fragrance, and lint-free

Cons

  • May be too dry for some users
  • Not as effective as liquid green soap for tattoo prep
  • May not work well for removing tough ink stains
See prices for RetroDeco Blue Soap on Amazon

This antibacterial soap is a must-have for anyone getting a tattoo or piercing. It's all-natural, vegan, and hypoallergenic, making it safe for even the most sensitive skin.

If you're looking for an effective and safe soap to use before and after getting a tattoo or piercing, RetroDeco Blue Soap is a great choice.

This soap is ultra-concentrated, so you only need to dilute a small amount with water to make a lot of soap. It's also all-natural, vegan, and hypoallergenic, making it safe for everyone to use.

The soap is gentle and won't dry out your skin, which is important when caring for a new tattoo or piercing. However, the bottle can be fragile, and the straws may split easily, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the soap may not lather as much as some people prefer, and the scent may not be appealing to everyone.

Overall, RetroDeco Blue Soap is a great choice for anyone looking for a safe and effective soap to use before and after getting a tattoo or piercing. It's all-natural, vegan, and hypoallergenic, making it safe for even the most sensitive skin.

Pros

  • It's ultra-concentrated, so you get a lot of soap for your money.
  • It's better than green soap, according to many artists around the world.
  • It's gentle and won't dry out your skin.

Cons

  • The bottle can be fragile, and the straws may split easily.
  • The soap may not lather as much as some people prefer.
  • The scent may not be appealing to everyone.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying the best antibacterial soap for your tattoo, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:

Ingredients

The first thing to consider is the ingredients in the soap. You want to look for a soap that contains antibacterial agents such as triclosan, chlorhexidine, or benzalkonium chloride. These ingredients can help prevent infection and keep your tattoo clean.

pH Level

The pH level of the soap is also important. You want to choose a soap that has a pH level close to that of your skin, which is around 5.5. Using a soap that is too alkaline or acidic can damage the skin and slow down the healing process.

Fragrance-Free

It's best to choose a fragrance-free soap for your tattoo. Fragrances can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions, which can lead to infection and slow down the healing process.

Formulation

The formulation of the soap is also important. Look for a soap that is gentle and won't strip the skin of its natural oils. Avoid soaps that contain harsh detergents or other ingredients that can dry out the skin and cause irritation.

Packaging

Finally, consider the packaging of the soap. Look for a soap that comes in a pump bottle or squeeze tube, as these are more hygienic than bars of soap. You also want to choose a soap that comes in a size that is easy to travel with, so you can keep your tattoo clean even when you're on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What soap should I use to clean my new tattoo?

It is recommended to use a gentle, fragrance-free, and antibacterial soap to clean your new tattoo. Look for a soap that is specifically formulated for tattoos and avoid using regular soaps or body washes that can irritate the skin.

2. What is the best lotion for tattoo aftercare?

The best lotion for tattoo aftercare is one that is fragrance-free, gentle, and non-greasy. Look for a lotion that is specifically formulated for tattoos and contains ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, and shea butter to help soothe and moisturize the skin.

3. Can I use Dial soap on my new tattoo?

It is not recommended to use Dial soap on your new tattoo as it can be too harsh and drying for the skin. Instead, opt for a gentle, fragrance-free, and antibacterial soap that is specifically formulated for tattoos.

4. Where can I find antibacterial soap for tattoos?

You can find antibacterial soap for tattoos at most drugstores, tattoo shops, or online retailers. Look for a soap that is specifically formulated for tattoos and contains gentle and natural ingredients to avoid any irritation or allergic reactions.

5. Is antibacterial soap recommended for tattoo aftercare?

Yes, antibacterial soap is recommended for tattoo aftercare as it helps to prevent infections and keep the tattoo clean. However, it is important to use a gentle and fragrance-free soap that is specifically formulated for tattoos to avoid any irritation or allergic reactions.

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