Numbing Products for Tattoos

A lot of folks are curious about what is out there as far as numbing products. I have recommended numbing products to people who are getting large-scale tattoos on occasion, or for tattoos in sensitive areas. There are different kinds that can be used for different purposes to help you through your session.

Update: 10/2026

New Laws and FDA Warnings About Topical Numbing Products

So things have changed on this topic. There have been a handful of folks who have had cardiovascular complications due the the use of topical lidocaine and this has led to a big FDA warning on the use of higher strength lidocaine outside of therapeutic or medicinal purposes. In addition, Oregon and Michigan have passed laws stating that lidocaine cannot be used during the tattoo process at all.

Previously, I mentioned that the numbing cream applied beforehand (that fully numbs you) seems to just mess up tattoos. If a client had interest, I had previously opted to recommend light applications of it throughout the tattoo process instead, just to take the edge off. However, research has shown that applying lidocaine to broken skin increases risk of complications.

Although I am located in Washington, I've decided to update my stance on these products due to these legal and FDA developments. I am no longer recommending lidocaine to folks at all. I have ceased any in-studio application (possibly pending updates on my release form).

Though I've never seen any issues with the use of occasional spritzes of bactine, I would never knowingly risk the health of any of my clients.

In conclusion, I can still recommend Hustle Butter CBD balm for use as the glide during a tattoo. But that's about where my recommendation for numbing products ends. It seems that this product might be limited to professional sale or the company may be phasing it out unfortunately. Sorry folks.

Previous Info Before Update:

Lidocaine

The main ingredient in most topical numbing products is lidocaine. Lidocaine products are available without a prescription in a quantity up to 4%. You can get creams with a higher percentage of lidocaine with a prescription from your doctor.

Lidocaine can be used before a tattoo to numb the skin completely, or it can be used during a session to take the edge off.

CBD During Tattoos

Before getting into CBD I feel I need to say that it does not help to get high before your tattoo. In fact, I've had experiences with clients that suggest that the opposite is true. Many people become more physically sensitive when they're high which can lead to issues during the tattoo session.

I have however, had very good experiences with topically applied CBD products. I haven't found that CBD will numb pre-tattooed skin but it takes the edge off when applied onto skin during the tattoo.

If your employer does drug tests of any kind, or you are a military member CBD products may not be appropriate even topically.

What to Avoid in Numbing Products for Tattoos

Some numbing products have vasoconstrictors in them. There are different chemicals that cause vasoconstriction but the ingredient list on a product will usually list is as a vasoconstrictor. Even so, it's important to look up the ingredients in any product before you use it on an open wound. Pure vasoconstrictors are not appropriate for use on tattoos in my opinion.

How to Use Numbing Products for Tattoos

There are a few ways to use numbing products for a tattoo.

The first way is to apply lidocaine cream beforehand. With this method, you can't be shy with the amount of product you use. Apply a thick layer onto the area and cover with saran wrap. You need to do this 1.5-2 hours before tattoo time to give the product time to work.

Usually people find that their skin is completely numb in patches and will have some sensation in other patches with this method. It's important to note that this does not numb the skin long term. At best, you will be numb for about 2-3 hours.

I have found with clients that use this method that when sensation returns, the pain is worse than it would have been otherwise. In this way, it interferes with the natural pain threshold(s) of the client. I only recommend this method for areas that are relatively small and sensitive (feet, hands, elbow, elbow ditch, knee, knee ditch).

The brands I have worked with for this method are Dr. Numb, Numbskin and Inkeeze.

Another method is to use products that are designed to replace the usual tattoo glide. The glide is a petroleum ointment used throughout the tattoo process by the artist. There are products the artist can use instead that contain CBD or lidocaine. In this way, the numbing agent is applied continuously throughout the process.

This method does not numb the skin completely, but it does take the edge off and make the process much more tolerable. It doesn't interfere with the pain threshold like complete numbing does. This is my preferred method of numbing product use. The products I have worked with for this method are H2O "Nothing" Glide and Hustle Butter CBD Luxe.

Lastly, lidocaine sprays can be used sporadically throughout the tattoo process, such as before and after breaks, or when the client hits a pain wall. When sensation returns, it is gradual and does not interfere with the pain threshold. This helps move the client through sticking points and get back to the rhythm of natural pain management. I use this method on occasion using Bactine which I keep on hand.

Will Numbing Products Affect my Tattoo?

The overuse of lidocaine on skin can cause a change in the skin texture as the artist works. In my experience, sometimes the skin will not accept ink as well because of it. It's important to respect that body's natural process of handling trauma as much as possible so consider numbing products carefully.

Note:

Please do not show up to your appointment with a new product without checking in with the artist. With the popularity of tattoos growing, there are tons of products out there and not all of them are regulated.

Also Note:

I am not a doctor.