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Top 11 Best Antibacterial Soaps for Tattoos

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Written by Andrew Le, MD.
Medically reviewed by
Last updated August 29, 2024

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Tattoo aftercare entails the use of antibacterial soap to maintain hygienic standards of the tattooed area. It can also help prevent infections, and keeps the tattoo from fading quite quickly in the process. But then again, not all soaps are in equal category, therefore it may be rather challenging to decide on which one to use. The best antibacterial soap for tattoos should have a gentle formula that won't irritate the skin, but also be effective in killing bacteria.

Top 3 Best Antibacterial Soaps for Tattoos

  1. Hustle Bubbles Tattoo Soap
  2. Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap
  3. Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit

If you are among the individuals who have newly tattooed themselves then you need to ensure that the area is clean in order to avoid a bacterial infection. The first and most important step is selecting an appropriate antibacterial soap. Below is a list of the best antibacterial soaps for tattoos to make your selection process easier.

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 on Amazon

To ensure that you have a healthy skin on your tattoo, you should use Hustle Bubbles Tattoo Soap and so it is.

Pros

  • Keeps 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.

The soap that will be marketed is the Hustle Bubbles Tattoo Soap which is made from all natural ingredients. All the ingredients that were used in making it were sourced responsibly, it is vegan and does not cause any harm to the skin through the use of any toxic chemicals. The soap cleanses your skin badly removing the dead skin and other debris that may have accumulated around your tattoo thus making the tattoo look less vibrant.

For those who are in search of tattoo soap much better than the green soap, though, there is the Hustle Bubbles Deluxe. Tattoos have their favorite product over at Green Soap but today’s Tattoo artists are opting to use the Hustle Bubbles Deluxe because it kills bacteria but doesn’t dry your skin. Soap: is ideal for post Tattoo & Piercing care as it facilitates the washing and cleaning of new tattoos & piercings to reduce irritation as well as likelihood of contracting an infection.

However, some user have complained that it made their skin develop a tiny rash that was not dangerous at all. Additionally, it costs a little higher than other tattoo soaps in the market, though within a marginal percentage. The smooth SOAP may be undesirable to someone who would prefer a scented SOAP.

In conclusion, Hustle Bubbles Tattoo Soap is an incredibly beneficial product and one that I would recommend if you want a product that will help to keep your tattoo well maintained and healthy.

See price for Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soapon Amazon

For people with tattoo and piercing, especially if they need a body modification, the Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap must be a must-buy product.

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.

It is not recommended to go for Matte Black Tattoo Aftercare Soak because there are better soaps for treating your new tattoos. Normal scrubbing with it is appropriate for deep cleansing of the skin since it can remove dead cells, and dirt. The PCMX-L manufactured in this soap targets the sebaceous glands to facilitate deep cleaning, which places this product among the finest that you can employ in managing your new tattoo.

It is therefore equally ideal to use this new formula of this soap in washing tattoos and dermal piercing. It has been found to clean the skin surface more effectively than these antibacterial soaps, for it handles more dead skin cells and dirt. And as a body bar soap, is free from fragrance might has adding moisturizing property that is perfect for people with sensitive skin.

However, it is noteworthy that there are complaints that the product leaked during shipping. Tattoos, especially the new ones may require you to wash with more so as make them clean; the soap feels slimy when your tattoos are healing.

Thus, it will be very beneficial to use the Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap to address your new tattoos. It is ideal for scrubbing and for washing off dead cells and every other dirt that is deposited on the skin layer. So, if you have a tattoo done or like to wear some ear or nose rings, then you might really want to have this soap!

See price for Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit on Amazon

If you live in the US and you want your tattoo to heal quickly and at the same time want a long-lasting color of your tattoo, then it will be petty to ignore Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit which has received different accolades from people.

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.

The Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit is designed for those who want to have one-stop solution to all their aftercare needs for a new tattoo. The kit consists in an antimicrobial soap, a post-surgical wound healing balm and a moisturizing lotion.

It does not contain a fragrance or alcohol, which serves the purpose of protecting fresh ink from being peeled off by the soap residue while at the same time preventing infections. The balm has 60%+ olive oil and lavender oil as the base and aims to replicate the nature’s sebum. It glides along the skin and also takes the ink well to ensure that the skin stays moist and the ink looks bright.

The lotion does not allow scabs to form and, at the same time, reduces itching and shortens the healing time. This is a deep moisturizing lotion for the skin that incorporates olive oil and panthenol into its manufacturing.

Aftercare instructions: After getting a new tattoo, clean the tattoo area using Tattoo Goo Antimicrobial Soap in the morning and at night. As a post care, use Tattoo Goo Balm or Tattoo Goo Lotion, and the appropriate application should be done twice to thrice daily. Instead, once it itching starts and forms scab, tattoo should be cleaned and treated with Tattoo Goo Lotion only 2-3 times daily. I would suggest that you continue applying the lotion and/or balm, just once or twice a day, after your ink is completely healed, so that your skin remains moist and your ink as bright and clear as a bell.

Altogether, if you want to provide fast healing and a fantastic look for your tattoo, the Tattoo Goo Aftercare Kit is quite perfect. It is OTC-approved, though dermatologist recommended, mostly pigmented, and, importantly, not tested on animals nor produced in Asia: apply with confidence!

See prices for VI Tattoo Soap on Amazon

Are you concerned with the wrinkles and other aging marks while you are sleeping? With DefenAge 24/7 Barrier Balance Anti-aging Cream you have the perfect solution at hand. Featuring advanced skincare technology, this night cream combats signs of aging and other skin concerns efficiently. Here's why it's among the best night creams for aging skin:

Pros:

  • Promotes barrier repair and hydration
  • Fights visible signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles
  • Contains Age-Repair Defensins®, clinically proven to rejuvenate the skin
  • Enhances skin firmness and elasticity
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons:

  • Results may vary depending on individual skin conditions
  • Some users may experience initial sensitivity

The DefenAge 24/7 Barrier Balance Anti-aging Cream is a night and day cream that is boosted by a number of skin- renewing elements. This cult favourite goes to work as you sleep, repairing the skin’s barrier function and restoring moisture on a nightly basis to reveal a more radiant, youthful-looking complexion come morning. Thanks to Age-Repair Defensins® it is the leading product of this cream it works to activate the skin cells to produce new and fresh skin cells thus reversing the signs of aging.

Of course, the changes may not be seen immediately, but it is definitely for the better. While some people might have some tingling feelings at the beginning, this is not very common and tend to reduce as one continues to use the product. First and foremost, it is crucial to understand that each skin has its own characteristics and can react differently to the product.

Try using DefenAge 24/7 Barrier Balance Anti-aging Cream now and discover effective anti-aging skincare for yourself. It’s time to bid farewell to signs of aging such as wrinkles and dark spots and welcome an even complexion.

See prices for Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap Piercing Aftercare 3oz Foam New formulaon Amazon

Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap might be the choice to go for if you want to have the best quality soap to care for your tattoo.

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.

Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap might be the choice to go for if you want to have the best quality soap to care for your tattoo.

Many people find the Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap useful to maintain their tattoos. It does this without harming the skin of the tattooed person, which is essential for maintaining the appearance of the tattoo. The 3oz bottle is convenient for traveling since you can take it with you wherever you are heading to. It is therefore safe to assume that with this new formula, you will get good quality products which are better than the previous formula.

A drawback of the Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap is that it might be a little costly than the other soaps that are available in the market. However, to get a good quality soap, it may be reasonable to pay the extra price. Also, the foam may not work for everyone, and therefore, you may decide to try it out to see if it would work for you. Last of all, some people may be uncomfortable with the smell of the soap; thus, consider this when you are buying.

In conclusion, the Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap is one of the best soaps you might use if you want to take proper care of your tattoos. It effectively removes tattoo residue, is gentle to the skin, comes in a portable size and has a new formula which is much better than the previous version.

See prices for H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap on Amazon

If you are searching for a mild but efficient cleaning tool for your new tattoos, then the H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap then you may might find it helpful.

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


This foam soap is intended for cleaning the skin on and around new tattoos and contains aloe vera that promotes skin healing. It is also a better option to traditional green soap that is widely believed to have a negative effect on tattoo healing.

What makes this product truly special is the fact that it is free from alcohol, fragrance, and dyes – perfect for those with sensitive skin. It instead employs benzalkonium chloride which is a pharmaceutical grade cleaner and an added preservative.

Nonetheless, if you have sensitive skin, this product is not recommended for use since it contains sea salt that usually causes skin irritation. Moreover, the size of the bottle is relatively small and you may require purchasing several bottles especially if you are dealing with a large tattoo size.

In conclusion, if you are seeking a mild and harmless cleaner for your new tattoos, then the H2Ocean Blue Green Foam Soap can be recommended.

See prices for Saniderm Foaming Hand Soap on Amazon

Saniderm Foaming Hand Soap creates a dense foam to remove dirt, radicals, and other elements that interfere with your tattoos. It is composed of hygienic colloidal silver, which breaks down deposits and organic sea buckthorn that carries skin regeneration promoting nutrients. It’s unscented and mild enough that it can be applied directly on the skin right after the tattooing is done or during the tattoo aftercare process.

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.

Essentially, this bathroom hand soap has a rich formula of sea buckthorn oil that comprises of vitamins C and E, and rosemary oil that possesses antioxidant properties, like vitamin A and B. This is the best hand washing soap that a person can use because it meets all the qualities that are recommended.

Saniderm Foaming Hand Soap is made in the USA and does not contain all the elements that may cause irritation such as parabens, phenoxyethanol, dyes or phthalates. Just like one of the leading brands, dove, it is inspired by nature and its hyper-nourishing ingredients include coconut oil, sunflower oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil and many more so that you can get the best soap for your skin.

Saniderm Foaming Hand Soap is one of the best gentle soaps to add to your list if you’re in need of a soap to care for your tattoo.

See prices for Dial Complete Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soapon Amazon

If you are looking for an effective and inexpensive antibacterial soap for tattoo, Dial Complete Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap will be a good fit for you.

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

What’s more, this hand soap not only washes the skin and removes dirt, but also nourishes it, making the skin of the hands silky to the touch. This is tough on bacteria is challenging them by moving within and outside of the realm of possibility to be killed at up to 99. 9% of the bacteria that are normally isolated from household environments. In as much as it provides a solution, it does so gently enough that even the family can use it.

However, this soap has only one drawback—the scent which can be overpowering to some people. It also tends not to produce as much foam and lather as other soaps, which may be a disadvantage to someone looking for a soap that lathers a lot. Last but not least, some users have raised concerns about packaging breaking down during the transit.

In conclusion, if you’re interested in an economic and effective antibacterial soap for tattoos, Dial Complete Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap is a good option.

See prices for STIGMA Tattoo Blue Soap on Amazon

One such simple, yet highly effective and versatile soap is the STIGMA Tattoo Blue Soap that can be used for cleaning as well as caring for your tattoo.

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

Blue Soap of STIGMA Tattoo is a special powerful blue soap, which comes with the foaming bottle. Others include that it is effective for cleaning and caring for your tattoo. The soap is also appropriate when washing surgery tools and other apparatus, prior to sterilization. It has a number of functions, for instance hand washing, washing of clothes and also daily deans of machines.

Another issue is that dilution is carried out using pure water, which may be an inconvenience to some clients. Although soap smells much better than green soap, people might not use it regularly due to its scent. Some of the users may find green soap more suitable for use as compared to blue soap.

All in all, if ever you are in search of soap that is professional enough to cater the needs of your tattoo, then it is recommended that you go for the STIGMA Tattoo Blue Soap.

See prices for Dial Complete Clean + Gentle Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash on Amazon

Dial Complete Clean + Gentle Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash is one of the best antibacterial soaps that will not harm your 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.

Dial Complete Clean + Gentle Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash is a specially formulated product that creates bubbles when applied on the hands and it is harmless on the skin. As you have already noted, Dial SkinSmart is a trusted formula that does not leave your hands raw and silky. This flavored hand wash lathers up your skin gently as it washes it to ensure your skin remains moisture rich. It does not contain any form of dyes, parabens, phthalates, Silicones and the bottle that shields it is recyclable excluding the pump type. It’s does not contain any water brain concept and it is a pH balanced vegan formula that will make your skin looking good and healthy.

This Dial foaming hand wash is nonirritating, skin gentle, and has natural sources ingredients to ensure rich foam. It is the first choice of the doctors when it comes to antibacterial soap brand and works 99. In most cases, the bacteria found were those typically experienced in household environments at proportions of 99%. This hand wash goes completely anti bacterial and comes in foaming form which is perfect for cleaning the skin and also doesn’t cause any harm to the skin for people with sensitive skin even when washing the hands more than once as it does not affect the skin.

Thus, if one is in need of a gentle and efficient antibacterial soap that will not leave hands raw and dry and comes in the form of foaming liquid, the Dial Complete Clean + Gentle Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash will be proper for use. It does not contain anyCommon Allergens, and it makes it perfect for those with too sensitive skin, and it does not contain any fragrance.

See prices for RetroDeco Blue Soap on Amazon

This antibacterial soap is very useful if you are thinking of getting a tattoo or, perhaps, a piercing. It’s all-natural, soy-free, and free from animal derivatives or juices so it can be used by even the most sensitive skin-type individuals.

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.

If you are in search for soaps which you can use before and after getting a tattoo or pierced, the RetroDeco Blue Soap is recommended.

This can be used by simply diluting the liquid with water in case one wants to use a lot of soap; it is highly concentrated. It’s also 100% natural, does not contain any animal-derived ingredients, and free of common chemicals that may trigger skin irritation, so it can be used by anyone.

It doesn’t make the skin dry which is very essential to protect the area where you have a new tattoo or piercing. Nonetheless, the bottle can be somewhat delicate, and sometimes making a hole for the straw may cause the straw to crack. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning the mere fact that the soap may not produce as much foam as some users might like, as well as the fragrance of the soap may be rather off-putting for some individuals.

In sum, RetroDeco Blue Soap is highly recommended for people who are in search of a safe and effective soap to use both prior to, and subsequent to a tattoo or piercing. It’s completely natural, free from animal products, and free from common skin irritants, so it’s suitable for skin that’s prone to spots and rashes.

Buying Guide

However, if you are in the market seeking to purchase one of the best antibacterial soap for your skin when tattooed there are some things that you need to consider. Here are some key features to look for:

Ingredients

The first aspect of evaluating the soap should be based on the actual contents of what the soap is made of. You should look for a soap with antibacterial properties like triclosan or chlorhexidine or benzalkonium chloride, or any other suitable effective antimicrobial element.

pH Level

The alkalinic, or acid balance or pH of the soap is also of significant concern. You want to select a soap that has a pH level as close to skin, which has a pH level of about 5. 5. The use of a soap that has high alkaline or acidic content will harm the skin and take longer time to heal.

Fragrance-Free

It is recommended not to use soaps that have fragrance in them for the tattoos. This interferes with the smell and increases inflammation that hinders the healing process due to bacterial infection of the skin that is irritated by the fragrances.

Formulation

The other factor that cannot be neglected is formulation of the soap. This is because everyone’s skin type is different and some soaps have ingredients which can irritate the skin by removing its natural oils. Keep off products containing soaps as they have detergents or other chemicals, which make the skin dry and cause itching.

Packaging

Last but not least, one has to design and beautify the packaging of the soap. When selecting the soap to buy, check for one that is housed in a pump bottle or possibly a squeeze tube, as opposed to the normal round soap. You also want a bar of soap that is convenient for traveling with in case you need to clean your tattoo when you are out of your house.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It is better to use some mild, non-scents, and non-acid soap to wash your new tattoo. Avoid the use of normal soap or body wash as this might cause irritation of the skin and instead, use a body washer that is specifically for the tattoo.

2. What is the best lotion for tattoo aftercare?

Therefore, buyers should consider fragrant-free, mild, non-oily lotion for tattoo aftercare. The lotion you use should have the ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, shea butter that is intended for tattoos to treat the skin gently and maintain its moisture.

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

Dial soap is not appropriate to be used on the new tattoo as it can dry out the skin. Rather, it is recommended to use a mild, unscented, and non-irritating soap that is produced for this purpose exclusively.

4. Where can I find antibacterial soap for tattoos?

Apply an over-the-counter antibacterial soap meant for tattooing, which is available in almost any drug store, shop or online shopping website. Try to seek the soap that is specifically designed for tattoos and has ingredients that are natural and mild on the skin in order to prevent such inconveniences like rashes.

5. Is antibacterial soap recommended for tattoo aftercare?

Yes, antibacterial soap should be used in tattoo aftercare because it assists in elimination of infection and keeping the tattoo area clean. However, when it comes to washing the skin with soaps, one should avoid soaps that cause irritation and fragrance soaps but use a tattoo soap with gentle soap formula only.

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Jeff brings to Buoy over 20 years of clinical experience as a physician assistant in urgent care and internal medicine. He also has extensive experience in healthcare administration, most recently as developer and director of an urgent care center. While completing his doctorate in Health Sciences at A.T. Still University, Jeff studied population health, healthcare systems, and evidence-based medi...
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