Tattoo Numbing Spray: Here Are 6 That Work The Best

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The pain associated with getting a tattoo can be off-putting to a lot of folks who want to get inked. Thankfully, tattoo numbing sprays and lotions can open the world of tattoos to anyone who is afraid of it hurting too much. 

There is a huge variety of tattoo numbing products on the market—that’s a good thing. Of course, with so many options to choose from, it is easy to get confused.

In this article, we share with you the best numbing tattoo sprays according to experts. But before we jump into reviewing numbing spray for tattoos, let’s have a quick look at how these products work and what to expect. 

A Quick Insight into Tattoo Numbing Sprays 

Tattoo numbing sprays work exactly the same as topical anaesthetic creams; the biggest difference is in how you apply them. Creams also take longer to work, while numbing sprays take effect quicker but last for a shorter time—half an hour to an hour max.

These sprays are meant to provide pain relief. It’s able to do this thanks to Lidocaine, the main ingredient in tattoo numbing spray or lotions. Lidocaine is a type of nerve deadener that stops nerves from identifying pain. In the instances that the nerves do recognize pain, it is at significantly lower levels. 

In addition to Lidocaine, a lot of tattoo numbing sprays also contain benzocaine, which aids in pain blocking, and phenylephrine, an ingredient that constricts the blood vessels where the spray lands, preventing the numbing effect from spreading too far. 

The tattoo numbing sprays we cover in this article are all available over the counter or online. They aren’t as strong as the ones used by medical practitioners but they’re good enough to take the edge off of small procedures that are generally tolerable—like getting a tattoo. 

Now that we covered that, let’s jump into reviewing the best numbing sprays for tattoos. 

6 Best Tattoo Numbing Sprays on the Market

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6 Best Tattoo Numbing Sprays on the Market

1. Ebanel 5% Lidocaine Spray: Long-Lasting Numbing Effect 

This tattoo numbing spray contains the maximum dose of Lidocaine. If you want something stronger than the 5% approved for over-the-counter, then you will have to go to a doctor for a prescription. 

Ebanel also contains Liposomal, which helps the spray penetrate the skin faster. At most, this tattoo numbing spray takes 25 minutes to start working and the effects can last for up to two hours. 

We appreciate the fact that this product is not tested on animals, contains no harmful additives, and is paraben-free. Even though this tattoo numbing cream is ultra-safe, it still comes in a child-proof bottle should it get into your little one’s hands. 

Usually, it is recommended that you don’t apply numbing cream after the tattoo has been done but Ebanel is an exception. 

We do have to mention that it may irritate sensitive skin, so best to do a patch test a day or two before your tattoo session. 

Why choose Ebanel? 

  • It has a non-toxic formula. 
  • It’s cruelty-free. 
  • It’s non-greasy and easy to apply. 
  • You can use it after getting tattooed.

2. GiGI Anesthetic Numbing Spray: Best for Sensitive Skin

This is a fast-acting tattoo numbing spray—you will feel the numbing effects within three minutes of applying the product. In 30 minutes, you can expect to experience maximum pain relief. GiGi is made in the US and contains 4% Lidocaine. 

If you have sensitive skin, then we recommend you give this tattoo numbing cream a shot. Also, don’t worry about any negative effects if you apply this numbing spray in more delicate areas. It is formulated so that even the most sensitive areas can be targeted with its powerful pain relief. 

All in all, this is a safe tattoo numbing cream that professional artists the world over recommend to their clients. 

What makes Gigi one of the best numbing sprays for tattoos?

  • It’s made with sensitive skin in mind. 
  • It’s fast-acting. 
  • It’s made in the US. 
  • It’s recommended by tattoo professionals. 

3. Base Labs Lidocaine Numbing Spray for Tattoos: Boosted Numbing Effect 

This tattoo numbing spray contains menthol on top of the 4% Lidocaine. Menthol not only has a numbing effect, but it also calms and soothes the skin—perfect for when you get a tattoo. 

It has a fast-acting formula that only takes 15 minutes to start working. That being said, to ensure that you get the full effect, apply it 30 minutes before sitting for your tattoo. You’re also more than welcome to re-apply should the effects start wearing off before your tattoo is completed. 

The product is non-toxic and safe to use on sensitive skin. 

Why choose this as your tattoo numbing spray?

  • It smells better than other numbing products. 
  • It is fine to use if you have sensitive skin. 
  • It contains Allantoin and Arginine to shield you from any side effects Lidocaine may have on you.

4. Bactine Max Pain Relieving Cleansing Spray: All-Rounder

If you’re looking for a tattoo numbing spray with multi-uses, then Bactine Max is for you. Not only does it take away pain, but it also reduces redness and swelling, and will prevent possible itching caused by sweat or plasma leaking after covering your tattoo in cling film. There’s more; it’s also a powerful antiseptic. 

When it comes to packaging, it comes in a no-touch spray bottle. 

In general, Bactine Max is a wonder numbing spray. The only negative is that the full list of ingredients isn’t disclosed. Still, the manufacturers claim the product is safe for children over two as well. 

Why did Bactine Max make the list of best tattoo numbing sprays?

  • It is more than just a numbing spray; it reduces inflammation, irritation, redness, and itching also. 
  • It’s suitable for all skin types. 
  • It kills 99% of all germs on your skin. 
  • It’s gentle. 

5. Uber Numb Numbing Spray: Endorsed by Professionals

This is the ultimate tattoo numbing spray according to the experts. If you ask a tattoo artist if they’ve heard of Uber Numb, chances are they’ll answer yes, followed by a list of reasons why it truly is the best tattoo numbing product on the market. 

It contains 5% Lidocaine, which you know is the maximum quantity allowed according to the FDA. It is water-based, so you won’t have to worry about surprise oil stains on your clothes or oily gunk on your tattoo artist’s furniture after you get up. 

This anaesthetic spray reaches full potency in 20 to 30 minutes and will keep fighting the pain for up to two hours. But don’t worry, if your experience with Uber Numb isn’t a good one, they’ll refund you—no questions asked. That shows us one thing: they trust their product delivers. 

Why choose Uber Numb as your topical numbing agent?

  • It is strong—contains 5% Lidocaine. 
  • It works for up to two hours. 
  • It isn’t oily and won’t stain clothes. 
  • You get your money back if you’re unhappy. 

6. Hush Anesthetic Spray: Fastest and Longest Acting

This tattoo numbing spray starts to work as soon as it hits the skin and continues to do so for the next 40 to 60 minutes. The more sensitive your skin, the longer the numbing effect will last. Some users have reported a numbing sensation for as long as four hours! 

This gives your tattoo artist anything from one hour to four hours uninterrupted tattoo time and you a painless tattoo session. 

Another noteworthy difference that makes Hush stand out is the fact that it is one of the few tattoo numbing products that you can use on cuts and wounds. So, now you have one less reason to cancel your tattoo session. 

You can get this product in two sizes, which is wonderful news for your wallet—if you’re getting a small tattoo you don’t have to splurge on the 4 oz bottle but can opt for the 2 oz instead. 

What makes Hush one of the best tattoo numbing sprays?

  • It’s stronger than most numbing products. 
  • It’s fast-acting and long-lasting. 
  • You can use it even when you have broken skin. 
  • It is water-based. 

Final Thoughts

It’s no secret that you’re going to experience some discomfort or pain when you get a tattoo. Using a tattoo numbing spray will make the tattoo experience more enjoyable. 

It’s as easy as spritzing on 20 minutes or so before your tattoo session depending on the brand of skin numbing spray. 

Although these sprays are safe when used properly, guard against applying too much as it may irritate your skin and increase your risk of having an allergic reaction. It’s also recommended that you test the spray before you apply it on your big day to make sure you’re not allergic to Lidocaine or any other of the ingredients. You had to do a lot of planning to get a tattoo and you don’t want something meant to make you more comfortable to end up spoiling your session.  

We also have to give a word of caution. Do not apply tattoo numbing spray or lotion if you have any cuts or wounds. The open skin enables the product to enter the bloodstream and spread through your body. This can result in breathing issues, coma, and death. 

Lastly, remember to have a chat with your tattoo artist before using any numbing agents. There are tattoo artists who refuse to tattoo skin that has been numbed, while others prefer you use specific brands of tattoo numbing sprays. 

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