Using Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap for Tattoos

You’ve thought long and hard about the type of tattoo you want to get. You’ve worked with a fantastic artist to create a stunning design and sat for long hours to have a beautiful piece of art drawn onto your body. Or perhaps you simply walked into a tattoo parlor on a whim and decided to mark this time in your life with something permanent. Either way, choosing the best soap for tattoos will ensure they heal properly and stay vibrant for many years to come!

Table of Contents

• Why is Castile Soap for Tattoos so Effective?
• Healing New Tattoos
• Using Castile Soap in Tattoo Aftercare
• Tattoo Aftercare for the First Few Days
• Tattoo Aftercare in the Second Week
• Tattoo Aftercare in the Third Week and Beyond
• Some Final Tattoo Aftercare Tips

Why is Castile Soap for Tattoos so Effective?

Often, tattoo artists suggest using what is described as a green soap for tattoos, which typically refers to an eco-friendly, plant-based soap with good antibacterial properties. Dr. Bronner’s Castile soaps (and balms) have long been appreciated by tattoo artists for aftercare because of their efficacy as cleansers, while also being gentle on sensitive skin. Many tattoo shops specifically recommend our products on their websites. A tattoo is essentially a wound: tattoo machines use fast-moving needles to inject ink deep into the skin. Ensuring your tattoo is properly cared for in the first few weeks is key to preventing infection and keeping the tattoo looking great long-term. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap and moisturizers for new and old tattoos.

Healing New Tattoos

Tattoo artists will often apply a thin layer of balm, gel, or moisturizer as soon as the tattoo is completed, then completely wrap the tattooed area with a bandage or cling film. If your tattoo artist isn't already a Dr. Bronner's aficionado, you can make sure to provide them with a tin of Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented Organic Balm for this initial application.

Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented Organic Balm is perfect for refreshing and healing new tattoos. It contains coconut and jojoba oil to soften and moisturize, while hemp seed oil helps repair the skin and reduce inflammation. Avocado and olive oils keep your tattoo smooth and supple. All ingredients are organic, and most are sourced from fair trade projects. While it might be tempting to remove the dressing to peek at the tattoo, most tattoo artists recommend keeping it on for the first three to twelve hours (smaller tattoos need less time, larger ones more). Remember that the dressing is protecting your delicate skin from exposure to bacteria or sunlight, and from rubbing against clothing. It also serves to minimize scabbing.

Using Castile Soap in Tattoo Aftercare

After about three to twelve hours (follow your tattoo artist’s recommendation), it’s safe to remove the bandage and give your new tattoo its first wash. At this time, your tattoo might appear to be leaking or oozing a thick, sticky substance. There’s no cause for alarm, as this is quite normal. What you’re seeing is actually excess fluid (plasma) and ink from the tattooing process. Using Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented Organic Liquid Castile Soap for tattoos is perfect for this step! Most tattoo professionals recommend the unscented variety, so you don’t apply potentially irritating essential oils to your sensitive skin. Be sure to use lukewarm water and wash your hands thoroughly before washing your tattoo. Avoid using a washcloth or anything that might irritate your skin—just gently wash the tattooed area with your fingers.

Drying your tattoo

After washing, gently pat your skin dry with a paper towel and let the skin air dry for at least ten minutes. Once the area is completely dry, you can reapply a very thin layer of the Baby Unscented Organic Balm and leave it uncovered. Some recommend not applying balm at this stage and simply letting the tattooed area breathe. If you do want to apply balm after the first wash, just use a tiny amount.

Tattoo Aftercare for the First Few Days

Initially, the tattooed skin may feel warm to the touch and appear reddish, similar to a bad sunburn. This is normal. Remember that your tattoo is technically an open wound at this stage. For the first few weeks, you should avoid completely submerging the tattoo in water—the only time the tattoo should be wet is when using Castile soap or green soap for tattoos. You can continue to wash it as described above. It is better to shower than to bathe, so as not to submerge the tattoo. Continue to apply a thin layer of Baby Unscented Organic Balm after washing and drying the tattoo. You can wash the tattooed area once in the morning and once at night. If you feel you really need a midday wash to clean off excess plasma, you can add a third wash.

Tattoo Aftercare in the Second Week

For many, this is the most difficult stage after getting a new tattoo. The skin may begin to scab and often becomes terribly itchy. You may be tempted to pick or scratch off the scabs and flaking skin, but DON'T! Scabs are part of the healing process and need to fall off on their own when they are ready. Picking them off prematurely will slow down recovery and can damage the tattoo itself, forcing you to go back for touch-ups.

To soothe the itch and keep the skin from flaking, you can continue to apply our Baby Unscented Organic Balm (but remember, a thin layer is all you need). Another recommended option for this stage is to moisturize with our Organic Lotions (the Lavender Coconut Lotion has the mildest scent). The Organic Lotions will soothe the itch, allow the tattooed skin to continue breathing, and are easy to apply gently without accidentally removing scabs.

Tattoo Aftercare in the Third Week and Beyond

The final stage of healing can be slow and requires patience. Although most of the larger scabs will have flaked and fallen off by now, small scabs and bits of dead skin may still appear, but these will disappear as the healing process continues. At this point, you can choose your preferred moisturizer: our Baby Unscented Organic Balm, Organic Coconut Oil, or one of our Organic Lotions. Organic Coconut Oil has natural antimicrobial properties and can also help rejuvenate the skin, just like our balms. Make sure you don't share your jar of coconut oil with anyone and wash your hands before dipping your fingers into the jar. This will help prevent any infections. Applying one of these moisturizers while protecting your tattoo from the sun will help prevent your skin from drying out and keep your tattoo looking vibrant.

Some Final Tattoo Aftercare Tips

• Wear loose clothing! Tight clothing around tattooed skin can cause irritation.
• Drink plenty of water!
• For the first month, keep your tattoo completely covered if you plan to expose yourself to the sun. After the first three to four weeks, when the tattoo is fully healed, you should always apply sunscreen to the tattoo if it is exposed to the sun.
• Don't scratch, no matter how itchy it gets. If it's really itchy, it's time to apply some of our Organic Lotion or Baby Unscented Organic Balm!

Thanks to the Dr. Bronner's sales team and tattoo aficionados who contributed to this article! Good luck on your tattoo healing journey!