Your new lip tattoo is vibrant and beautiful, a perfect pop of color! But now comes the crucial question: What should you put on your lips to keep them looking their best? Choosing the wrong lip balm after a fresh tattoo can cause fading, irritation, or even ruin your stunning new look. It’s a common worry—you want hydration, but you also need safety for your healing skin.
Finding the right post-tattoo care product feels like navigating a minefield. Should you use petroleum jelly? What about scented balms? The wrong ingredients can sting sensitive tissue or pull pigment out too soon. It’s frustrating when you invest time and money into your lips only to be unsure about simple daily care.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid completely. Learn the secrets to extending the life and vibrancy of your lip tattoo through proper moisturizing. Keep reading to discover the top balm recommendations that guarantee happy, healthy, and perfectly healed lips!
Top Lip Balm After Lip Tattoo Recommendations
No. 1
Nécessaire The Lip Balm | Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Lip Balm for Women and Men, Mint Oil with Niacinamide + Essential Ceramides. Non-Comedogenic Lip Balm for Dry Lips – 15 ml / 0.5 fl oz
- BARRIER SUPPORT LIP BALM: Formulated to help restore the lips and strengthen the skin, with a luxe shea butter base infused with a barrier complex of niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, omegas 6/9 and centella asiatica extract.
- SKINCARE FOR THE LIPS: Niacinamide smoothes + softens the lips, while hyaluronic acid hydrates and essential ceramides support the skin barrier.
- FINE FRAGRANCE: Infused with pure mint essential oil for a fresh uplifting, experience.
- ECZEMA-APPROVED: Good for all skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin. Awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. Non-Comedogenic. Hypoallergenic.
- FOOTPRINT: Tube is non-recyclable. Carton and insert are made with FSC-Certified, PCR Kraft Board and are recyclable. Certified Climate Neutral. Certified Plastic Neutral. 1% For The Planet Member.
No. 2
Arnica Lip Balm for Lip Filler Aftercare – Premium Botanical Serum with Arnica, Bromelain, Centella & Vitamin B5, Spa-Grade Post-Injection Lip Flip Care for Calming Comfort During Recovery, 0.30 oz
- Premium Aftercare Comfort - A soothing arnica lip balm for post-cosmetic treatments, supporting lip filler aftercare from start to finish. Soothe and comfort tender, freshly treated lips while delivering rich, lasting hydration in a lightweight, non-greasy formula ideal for sensitive, post-procedure skin
- Look-Ready Sooner - Formulated to help reduce the appearance of post-treatment puffiness while keeping lips smooth, hydrated, and refreshed. Nourishing botanicals comfort and support a balanced, and improved look after cosmetic procedures
- Specialty Botanical Formula - This arnica lip balm for lip fillers blends advanced cosmetic science with natural botanicals and skin-conditioning peptides for refined lip filler after care. The silky texture absorbs smoothly, leaving lips feeling soft, smooth, and beautifully conditioned after procedures
- Designed for Daily Reuse - Each 0.30 fl oz tube provides ample balm for repeated application and continuous care. The angled applicator ensures precise, gentle coverage across delicate skin—ideal alongside a lip ice pack for injections in any post-care routine
- American-Owned Brand - Created by an American-owned company committed to quality, consistency, and clean formulation. This arnica lip serum was developed for post-cosmetic care professionals and clients who value safe, elegant, and trustworthy solutions for lip filler aftercare, lip flips, and more
No. 3
VividGuard PMU & Lip Gloss Topper – Microblading Aftercare & Lip Blush Healing Balm – Hydrating Shine Booster for Lips & Brows – Tattoo Color Lock Serum – Unscented & Non-Sticky
- Permanent Makeup & Microblading Aftercare – Specially formulated to support lip blush, microblading, and eyebrow tattoo healing while preventing color fading and dryness.
- Lip Gloss Topper & Hydration Booster – Wear alone or over lipstick as a non-sticky lip gloss alternative to add shine, hydration, and nourishment to your lips.
- Color Locking & Tattoo Protection – Seals in permanent makeup pigments, reducing premature fading for brows, eyeliner, and lips while keeping skin moisturized.
- Makeup & Skincare Hybrid – Acts as both a PMU healing balm and lip gloss enhancer, perfect for anyone looking to maintain vibrant lips and brows with one product.
- Gentle, Unscented & Long-Lasting – Free from parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. The 5ml bottle lasts 3-5 months, ideal for PMU aftercare kits or daily beauty use.
No. 4
Arnique Arnica Lip Balm – Lip Filler Aftercare Balm with Arnica Montana and Bromelain, Soothing Topical Masque for Lip Flip, Injections, and Cosmetic Treatments
- LIP FILLER AFTERCARE – Do you love getting lip filler but hate the tough days that follow? Us too! Arnique Lip Balm helps keep your lips feeling calm and cared for, with intensive support that nourishes and comforts sensitive skin after cosmetic treatments — so you can flaunt your new full lips with confidence.
- UNIQUE ARNICA LIP BALM FORMULA – Our carefully selected ingredients — Arnica Montana, Bromelain, and Shea Butter — provide gentle nourishment and soothing care for lips after cosmetic treatments and fillers, keeping them soft, hydrated, and beautifully balanced.
- POST-TREATMENT CARE – Infused with Arnica Montana extract, this lip balm provides gentle care for lips after cosmetic injections. Ideal for tender areas, it helps maintain a smooth, healthy-looking appearance and keeps lips comfortable and refreshed.
- DESIGNED FOR YOUR DELICATE LIPS – Unlike typical Arnica products, our ultra-moisturizing lip balm delivers gentle hydration and care. Free from harsh chemicals, alcohol, and sulfates, it contains calming, effective ingredients you can safely use before and after cosmetic lip treatments to keep lips feeling smooth, comfortable, and refreshed.
- ABOUT US – At Arnique, we believe women should feel confident and beautiful on their own terms. We support all women in expressing their personal style and self-care choices. Our mission is to create skincare products with high-quality ingredients that are safe, gentle, and thoughtfully designed to help women feel and look their best every day.
No. 5
Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare - Portable Balm Stick - On The Go Tattoo Aftercare - Naturally Derived Vegan Cruelty Free - Mess Free - 1.6 oz
- Tattoo Aftercare Balm Stick: our tattoo balm is now available in a balm stick. This tattoo balm stick delivers targeted care to keep your artwork looking and feeling fresh whenever you need it most. For use on all tattoos, just not fresh ones.
- On-The-Go Tattoo Care: Hustle Butter Revitalizing Stick is your tattoo’s perfect companion. Take it with you on-the-go to keep your tattoos looking and feeling their best - anytime, anywhere. It’s the perfect addition to your purse, backpack, car, or vanity- plus it’s TSA friendly.
- Use it everywhere: Convenient and portable format has you covered everywhere you go. No mess, no clean up, just Pure Hustle. Gently glide the stick on your artwork and you're good to go.
- Tattoo Balm Stick made with: vegan and cruelty-free ingredients. Like all Hustle Butter products, Revitalizing Stick is naturally-derived and petroleum-free.
- Hydrating Ingredients: Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and Sunflower Extract refresh and moisturize skin and tattoos. Signature tropical fragrance that smells like vacation!
No. 6
Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm & Aftercare Cream- Color Enhancement that Revives Old Tattoos, Hydrates New Tattoos, Made With Clean Ingredients + Petroleum Free, Daily Tattoo Lotion Moisturizer & Brightener
- ENHANCE & MAINTAIN YOUR INK - This ultra-nourishing balm instantly enhances ink vibrancy as it forms a protective barrier on skin to help moisturize and soothe skin.
- FOR EXISTING TATTOOS - Enhance depth, clarity, and contrast for all your body art, while keeping your tattoo healthy and preventing ink discoloration. Just scoop, warm in to hands and massage onto tattoos for more vibrancy.
- CLEAN INGREDIENTS – Inked Magazine’s preferred tattoo aftercare brand, our tattoo balm is a combination of fatty-acid, antioxidant rich butters and lightweight oils support skin’s natural barrier while fending off harmful environmental stressors for healthy-looking, dynamic tattoos both old and new.
- GREAT FOR SENSITIVE SKIN - Whether you have sensitive skin, or you’ve had a tattoo applied to a sensitive area of the body, trust Mad Rabbit.
- WORKS ON ALL SKIN COLORS AND INK COLORS - Great for bright colored art or monochrome blacks and blues. The perfect solution, no matter how much melanin you’ve got!
No. 7
Tattoo Aftercare Butter Balm, 2.6 oz, Old & New Tattoo Moisturizer Healing Brightener for Color Enhance, Natural Organic Tattoo Cream
- Upgraded Design, Easy to Use --- Tattoo aftercare balm comes in a tube,this container allows you to glide on the butter easily,Rolls on smoothly and evenly on your skin,No more mess or residue on your finger,convenient to use
- Rich Ingredients --- All-Natural Tattoo butter is made from Shea Butter, Jojob, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Safe for your skin. Luxurious ingredients tattoo balm, reasonable price, A tiny bit goes a long way on the skin,worth it
- Healing New Tattoo --- Luxurious rich natural moisturizing ingredients non-Greasy tattoo aftercare butter will heal your new tattoo effectively and quickly, Less flaking, reduce redness and swelling, relieve pain, lessen itchiness from dry skin
- Brighten Up Older Tattoos --- Tattoo aftercare balm is ultra-moisturizing and absorbs into the skin pretty quickly. Once applied, the colors from the ink will came to life and appear much brighter than before;plus, your skin will be super-soft and supple, Colors still pop
- Suitable For All Skin Type --- This tattoo cream is also great great for people with sensitive skin,aids in so many steps of tattooing,apply it morning and night every day and you will be stunned at how well your tattoo looks
No. 8
Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm & Aftercare Cream- Color Enhancement that Revives Old Tattoos, Hydrates New Tattoos, Made With Clean Ingredients + Petroleum Free, Daily Tattoo Lotion Moisturizer & Brightener
- ENHANCE & MAINTAIN YOUR INK - This ultra-nourishing balm instantly enhances ink vibrancy as it forms a protective barrier on skin to help moisturize and soothe skin.
- FOR EXISTING TATTOOS - Enhance depth, clarity, and contrast for all your body art, while keeping your tattoo healthy and preventing ink discoloration. Just scoop, warm in to hands and massage onto tattoos for more vibrancy.
- CLEAN INGREDIENTS – Inked Magazine’s preferred tattoo aftercare brand, our tattoo balm is a combination of fatty-acid, antioxidant rich butters and lightweight oils support skin’s natural barrier while fending off harmful environmental stressors for healthy-looking, dynamic tattoos both old and new.
- GREAT FOR SENSITIVE SKIN - Whether you have sensitive skin, or you’ve had a tattoo applied to a sensitive area of the body, trust Mad Rabbit.
- WORKS ON ALL SKIN COLORS AND INK COLORS - Great for bright colored art or monochrome blacks and blues. The perfect solution, no matter how much melanin you’ve got!
The Essential Buying Guide for Lip Balm After Lip Tattoo
Getting your lips tattooed is exciting! The color looks great. Now, you need the right aftercare. Choosing the best lip balm after a lip tattoo helps your color heal beautifully and keeps your lips soft. This guide shows you what to look for.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a post-tattoo lip balm, certain features matter most.
- **Intense Moisturization:** Your lips are healing a wound. They need deep moisture to prevent cracking. Look for balms that feel rich, not watery.
- **Non-Irritating Formula:** Avoid anything that stings or burns. The skin is very sensitive right after the procedure.
- **Soothing Agents:** Ingredients that calm redness and irritation are vital. Think natural extracts that reduce swelling.
- **Simple Ingredient List:** Fewer ingredients usually mean less chance of an allergic reaction. Keep it simple during the healing phase.
- **No Strong Scents or Flavors:** Perfumes and strong flavors can irritate healing skin. Stick to unscented or very lightly scented options.
Important Materials to Seek Out
The ingredients inside the balm directly affect your healing. Good materials speed up recovery.
Look for these skin-loving ingredients:
- **Petroleum Jelly (Petrolatum):** This creates a strong barrier. It locks moisture in and keeps air and germs out. This is often the top recommendation from tattoo artists.
- **Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter:** These natural fats deeply condition the skin. They help maintain elasticity as the skin tightens during healing.
- **Coconut Oil (Use with caution):** Some people heal better with coconut oil. However, if you are prone to breakouts, use it sparingly, as it can sometimes clog pores.
- **Vitamin E:** This vitamin is known for its healing properties. It supports skin repair and reduces the appearance of scabs.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all lip balms perform the same way after a tattoo. Quality matters greatly for color retention.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- **Occlusiveness:** A balm that stays on your lips for a long time is better. It keeps the healing skin protected constantly.
- **Hygienic Application:** Stick balms are sometimes better than jars because you touch the product less. If you use a jar, use a clean cotton swab to apply it, not your fingers.
- **Consistency:** The balm should be thick enough to stay put but spread easily without pulling on the tender skin.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- **Added Sunscreen (UVA/UVB):** Do not use lip balms with SPF during the first week. Sunscreens can sometimes contain harsh chemicals that irritate fresh tattoos.
- **Menthol or Camphor:** These ingredients give a cooling or tingling sensation. They feel nice on normal lips, but they dry out and irritate healing skin severely.
- **Lanolin (For some users):** While lanolin is a great moisturizer, some people have sensitivities to it. If you have sensitive skin, try a pure petroleum-based product first.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the balm is as important as what you use.
The primary use case is constant protection during the initial healing phase (usually 5-10 days). You must reapply frequently.
Best Practices for Application:
- **Apply Early and Often:** Apply a thin, even layer every hour, or whenever your lips feel tight or dry. Never let your lips dry out completely.
- **Use After Cleansing:** After you gently clean your lips (as directed by your artist), immediately apply the balm.
- **Avoid Over-Applying:** Too much balm can suffocate the skin or cause the pigment to lift out prematurely. A thin layer is enough.
- **Do Not Pick:** If you feel a scab, gently apply more balm over it. Do not pick, peel, or rub. The balm helps the scab fall off naturally.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lip Balm After Lip Tattoo
Q: How soon can I put lip balm on after the lip tattoo procedure?
A: Most artists recommend applying the first layer of balm within minutes of leaving the studio. Your artist will give you specific instructions.
Q: Can I use my regular flavored lip balm?
A: No. Avoid flavored or scented balms for at least two weeks. The perfumes and sweeteners irritate the fresh tattoo.
Q: Should I use a stick or a jar of balm?
A: Many professionals prefer a jar where you use a clean cotton swab for application. This keeps bacteria from your hands out of the product and off your lips.
Q: My lips feel tight. Is this normal?
A: Yes, tightness is very common as the skin heals. Apply more balm immediately when you feel tightness to keep the skin flexible.
Q: How long do I need to use special aftercare balm?
A: You should use the recommended healing balm for the first 7 to 10 days. After that, switch to a simple, high-quality, unscented balm for several more weeks.
Q: Will using the wrong balm make my tattoo color fade?
A: Yes, harsh ingredients or drying formulas can cause scabs to fall off too early, taking some pigment with them. This leads to patchy healing and fading.
Q: Is Aquaphor the best option?
A: Aquaphor (which is mostly petroleum jelly) is highly recommended by many artists because it is simple, occlusive, and rarely causes irritation. Check with your artist first.
Q: What should I do if my lips start itching?
A: Itching means healing is happening. Gently tap a fresh layer of approved balm onto the itchy area. Do not scratch or rub your lips.
Q: Can I use natural oils like olive oil?
A: Stick to proven products like petroleum jelly or shea butter during the initial healing. Unknown oils might introduce bacteria or clog the healing pores.
Q: How often should I wake up at night to apply balm?
A: If you wake up with very dry lips, you need to apply balm before bed. Try to reapply at least once during the night for the first few days if you notice dryness upon waking.