Best Tattoo Numbing Creams 2023 – For Those Who Can’t Handle the Pain!

Tattoos have been around for a while now, and they have evolved into an art form. Most people want to get tattoos, but nobody likes the pain. Besides, the idea of poking needles into your skin might be just a tad bit daunting to many people. If only there was a way to get tattoos without going through the pain, right? Well, there is a way. They are called tattoo numbing creams. So, for all you silly Lillies who can’t handle pain, but still want to get pretty little tattoos, use a numbing cream.

5 Best Tattoo Numbing Creams!

What exactly do you know about these numbing creams? Probably not much. We are here to tell you everything you need to know about tattoo numbing creams.

Tattoo devices can cause pain, and tattoo numbing creams are the best option for anyone who doesn’t have a  high tolerance for pain. If you have wanted to get a tattoo but were too scared, well, let’s just say that your chances are greatly increased by these creams.

What Are Tattoo Numbing Creams?

Tattoo artists use numbing creams on people who can’t bear the pain of getting a tattoo. They are basically general numbing creams. So, it is possible to use them for other reasons. They usually contain ingredients that numb the nerves, so that you won’t be able to feel pain while you’re getting a tattoo. Numbing creams typically last for 3-5 hours after you apply them to your body.

But it’s not just tattoo artists that use these creams. Numbing creams are used in hospitals during minor surgeries and various medical procedures like mammograms. Did you know that these numbing creams are a staple in cosmetic procedures as well? While getting Botox, dermabrasion, filler injections, or piercings, numbing creams are applied to lessen the pain. These have other applications too, so they are easily available over the counter. Most tattoo numbing creams are FDA approved.

How Do Tattoo Numbing Creams Work?

Tattoo-numbing creams work by numbing the nerves so that you don’t feel pain. Now, these creams don’t eliminate pain 100%, but they do make it bearable. In certain cases, they make it so that you hardly feel any pain. 

Numbing creams are mostly made based on a substance called  Lidocaine (1).  In many numbing products such as sprays, lotions, and creams, Lidocaine is present. It is a local anesthetic.

What makes the numbing cream work its magic is the ingredients present in them. Numbing creams have nerve deadeners. These nerve deadeners prevent the nerves from recognizing pain. Sometimes the nerves do recognize pain, but the pain subdues due to the effect of the deadener and it becomes mere discomfort.

Numbing creams also contain nerve blockers. The blockers make sure that the nerves only recognize minimal pain (2). Nerve blockers can be useless on their own; they need the help of nerve deadeners to help suppress the pain. 

Numbing creams contain something called vasoconstrictor (3). They are probably more important than Lidocaine. Vasoconstrictors, or epinephrine, ensure that when you apply the cream, the blood vessels in the area constrict. The numbing cream will last much longer because of this. These ingredients make sure that you don’t feel too much pain.

How Should You Use A Tattoo Numbing Cream?

Tattoo numbing creams are pretty simple to use. They are strictly for external use and will be toxic if ingested. To maximize the effect of the numbing cream, refrain from alcohol consumption after getting the tattoo for 24 hours. Alcohol will wear off the numbing effect of the cream pretty quickly. 

Make sure that you patch the cream before applying. Do not apply it if your skin is red, irritated, or really sensitive. If you are using the numbing cream while getting a tattoo, all you have to do is:

• Wash, shave, and exfoliate the area completely. Exfoliating the area will clear out the dead skin cells and help the cream penetrate better.
• Pat it dry with a paper towel.
• Apply a thick layer of numbing cream to the area.
• Rub the cream into the skin thoroughly.
• Cover it with a cling film. The cream activates by the heat under the plastic.
• Leave the cream wrapped for about 90 minutes.
• After 90 minutes, take the film off and wipe the cream away with a paper towel.
• You are now ready for painless tattoos.

The Best Tattoo Numbing Cream Brands

Tattoo numbing creams are great if you don’t wanna feel the needle drilling into your skin. But which are the best tattoo numbing creams? How long do they last? What are the pros and cons of tattoo numbing creams? There might be many questions arising in your mind. We have curated the list of the best tattoo numbing creams for you:

Uber Numb Lidocaine Cream

This is one of the best-rated tattoo numbing creams in the market. It reduces sensation in the area quickly. They usually last for an hour, but there have been reports stating that it lasts for 3 hours or more. 

One of the ingredients in the Uber Numb Lidocaine  Cream is propylene glycol, which enhances penetration into the skin (*). This causes the deeper nerves in the skin to fully absorb the Lidocaine, which is an active ingredient. It is not oily in consistency, which makes it the favorite of tattoo artists. 

Zensa Topical Anesthetic Numbing Cream:

These numbing creams for tattoos contain lidocaine. The best thing about this is that it contains vitamin E. vitamin E will prevent inflammation so that your skin can heal well without problems after getting the tattoo. Zenza can last for 3 hours.

It takes about half an hour for the cream to completely absorb into the skin. Zenza is FDA-approved as well. Tattoo artists all around the world recommend this one. It doesn’t interfere with their work and it doesn’t ruin their designs. 

Numb Master Topical Anesthetic Cream 

This cream is one among the best tattoo numbing creams. It comes with 5% lidocaine and only takes about 20 minutes for the cream to work its magic. It can last for 2 hours easily; in some cases, it may last longer. Numb Master Topical Anesthetic Cream is typically infused with vitamin E, lecithin, aloe vera, etc. which acts as agents to soothe the skin.

They are free of parabens and fragrances. The cream is a water-based formula. They are also cruelty-free and recommended by doctors. The cream might not be suitable for people with really sensitive skin. So make sure to do a patch test before you apply it. 

Numb Maximum Strength Pain Reliever

This numbing cream is super fast and has a long-lasting effect. It is designed to last up to four hours in a single-use. The cream takes effect in about 15 minutes. It contains 5% lidocaine and vitamin E as well, so it blocks pain temporarily.

The cream is smooth and silky in consistency. It is one of the favorites of health care professionals and aestheticians. It comes in child-resistant packaging and is completely safe for your skin. However, this cream may not be practical for really big tattoos.

Hush Anesthetic Tattoo Numbing Gel

This will take your pain away pretty quickly. The cream is capable of numbing your skin for about 2 hours. It contains aloe vera so it reduces inflammation and soothes the skin.

This numbing cream doesn’t irritate the skin. They are suitable for people with hypersensitive skin. The formula is not greasy.  Hush Anesthetic Tattoo Numbing Gel is vegan and cruelty-free. However, it might be slightly high in its price. 

Things To Consider Before Buying A Numbing Cream For Tattoos

People with low pain tolerance are usually excited to use tattoo numbing creams. And numbing creams are a great option for really big tattoos even if you don’t mind the pain. But there are certain things that you need to consider before getting numbing creams. There are hardly any side effects to using such creams if you use them properly and infrequently. There is no need to panic if the numbing cream causes slight discoloration on the area in which it is applied or if there is a mild burning sensation. It will clear up on its own.

While applying these creams, your skin absorbs the anesthetic in them gets into your bloodstream. A small amount of numbing cream every now and then will cause no harm. But people who use them for cosmetic procedures should be more careful. The overuse of numbing creams for botox or fillers can lead to serious complications like a seizure or a heart attack.

Numbing creams are only for external use and should not be ingested. Keep them out of the reach of children. If it comes in contact with your eyes, wash with room temperature water and consult a physician. Do a patch test before applying numbing creams to a vast area. Some people might be allergic and can trigger a reaction. Avoid applying these creams on broken skin. 

FAQ

Final Verdict

Tattoos are artistic ways to express yourself. They are beautiful and give you the edgy look that everyone wants. The majority of people refrain from getting tattoos because they can’t handle the pain. Now, the pain of getting a tattoo might not be a big deal to some, but for the rest of the light-hearted folks, it hurts. 

Tattoo numbing creams are a great way to get the tattoo that you desire without having to go through the pain. The sensation of a needle drilling into your skin might be unappealing to you, but these creams will help reduce that sensation a lot. They are used for many reasons other than getting a tattoo like medical procedures, piercings, etc. 

These creams are a great way to escape the pain and they are safe to use. Typically, it will take about 30-45 minutes for the numbing cream to take effect. They are mainly based on nerve blockers and nerve deadeners. Using them frequently for the long term might cause complications. Everyone who wants to get a tattoo but is too afraid that they can’t handle pain, go buy a tub of numbing cream and get that pretty tattoo you want, right now.