SOAP & MOISTURIZER
Gentle, fragrance-free products designed for sensitive skin. You don’t need anything special just clean and simple. If you’re ever unsure about a product, I’m always happy to chat before, during, or after your appointment. You can always reach me at coblou.tattoo@gmail.com
What to Avoid
Do not use any of the following on a healing tattoo:
• Vitamin E oil
• Essential oils (any kind)
• Acne cleansers (e.g., Spectro Gel, salicylic acid washes)
• Anything containing hyaluronic acid or salicylic acid
• Products with perfume, fragrance, or scent
• Petroleum-based products like Vaseline, these can trap bacteria and draw out ink
• Retinol or glycolic acid products
Unscented Soap Recommendations
You’re looking for a mild, fragrance-free soap that cleans effectively without stripping or irritating healing skin. Here are some reliable options, from everyday drugstore picks to more eco-conscious brands.
Drugstore & widely available options
• Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash (Fragrance-Free)
A dermatologist-recommended classic. Gentle, moisturizing, and available at virtually every Canadian pharmacy and grocery store. If you are Celiac, this option is not gluten-free
• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Hypoallergenic, unscented, and widely used in dermatology for sensitive and compromised skin. Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix, and most pharmacies.
• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser (Fragrance-Free)
A non-soap formula that cleans without disrupting the skin barrier. Widely available at drugstores across Canada.
• Dial Fragrance-Free Antibacterial Bar Soap
A budget-friendly, effective option available at most grocery and drug stores.
Eco-Conscious & Natural Brands
• Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Soap
A popular choice among tattoo artists. Vegan, biodegradable, and made with certified organic oils. The ‘baby’ unscented version is completely free of fragrance and essential oils. Available at most health food stores.
• Crate 61 Organics (Canadian brand)
Cold-process soap made with organic olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. Free of synthetic fragrances and dyes. Eco-friendly packaging. Available online at crate61.com and at select health stores in Canada.
• Tatty Soap (Canadian brand)
A handmade soap specifically formulated for tattoo aftercare, made with naturally sourced ingredients and zero scent & recycled packaging. Available at tattysoap.ca.
• CleanO2 Eco Aloe Body Bar (Canadian brand)
A natural, fragrance-free bar made with aloe, shea butter, and coconut milk. Also has carbon-capture credentials for the eco-minded. Available at cleano2.ca.
Unscented Moisturizer Recommendations
Once your skin enters the dry, peeling stage (around day 4–5), a light, unscented lotion will help manage itchiness and keep the skin supple without interfering with healing. Apply in thin layers. A little goes a long way!
Drugstore & widely available options
• Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion (Fragrance-Free)
A dermatologist-developed lotion that absorbs quickly and isn’t greasy. One of the most recommended products by tattoo artists. Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, and most pharmacies in Canada.
• Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion (Unscented)
Lightweight, non-irritating, and well-tolerated by sensitive skin. Available at most drugstores across Canada.
• Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Moisturizing Lotion
Colloidal oat formula that soothes dry, itchy skin without fragrance or dyes. Widely available at Canadian pharmacies. If you are Celiac, this option is not gluten-free.
• Vaseline Intensive Care Sensitive Skin Lotion (Fragrance-Free)
Note this is a lotion, not petroleum jelly. It’s water-based and appropriate for healing skin. Do not substitute regular Vaseline (petroleum jelly), which is not recommended. Available at most Canadian pharmacies.
Eco-Conscious & Natural Brands
• H2Ocean Ocean Care Tattoo Aftercare Lotion
Formulated specifically for tattoo healing, with sea minerals and vitamins. Quick-absorbing and unscented. Available through specialty tattoo supply shops and Amazon.ca.
• Mad Rabbit Daily Lotion
A tattoo-specific moisturizer made with plant-based ingredients and no artificial fragrance. Available online at madrabbit.com and ships to Canada.
When in doubt, keep it simple!
A plain, fragrance-free lotion from the drugstore is all you need. The fewer the ingredients, the better for healing skin.
