Numbing creams and sprays are now enjoying massive popularity as they are now being marketed for tattoos. But aside from tattoos, they are also widely used in cosmetic makeup and procedures like piercings, filler injections, and other facial and laser treatments. In theory, they sound awesome! Merely a simple cream you apply to the skin that numbs the area and makes it convenient to get your procedure done.

Numbing creams are made of lidocaine, prilocaine, or tetracaine. These anesthetics are known to restrict and block signals to the brain wherever they’re applied. By preventing pain signals from reaching the brain, numbing creams prevent the sensation of pain. Some numbing creams also include menthol or bacitracin as their active ingredient.

These creams can also contain a vast range of other ingredients, such as aloe vera or oils. However, depending on whether they’re meant for pre-application or aftercare, they may contain anti-bacterial compounds to prevent infection or moisturizers to promote skin health. When choosing the ideal numbing cream to use, your priority should always be the ingredients.

If, for instance, you have an allergy, sensitivity, or you wish to avoid addictive substances, it is recommended you check both active and inactive ingredients lists to verify that nothing is going to give you a bad reaction. If your piercing is in a highly sensitive location, you may want to avoid certain ingredients for your own health. Also, remember to check whether the cream is meant for immediate pain relief or recovery-related pain relief.

Also, note that certain creams are better suited to various levels of pain. There are many numbing creams available and you have to consider the quality of the cream, including how intense the numbing action is and what kind of certifications it has. Have it in mind that a highly-certified cream will more or less have medical effects, while others may offer mild pain relief, with more of a focus on skincare in the area.

Top Numbing Creams For Tattoos and Piercings

Numbing creams are medicinal products used to numb areas of the skin (or entrances such as the mouth) when applied. Have it in mind that not all tattoo numbing creams are created equal since their primary ingredients tend to differ amongst the dozens of products available. However, if you are in the market for a good numbing cream, here are the best numbing creams for tattoos and piercings.

  1. Numb

Dr. Numb Gel remains one of the best numbing creams in the market today. Owing to its rapid cooling effect and long-term action, this numbing cream is very ideal for use especially in the tattoo industry. Active components and epinephrine in the product are known to promote blood outflow from the skin area and as a result, the skin bleeds much less.

Dr. Numb Gel is an all-purpose product that is perfectly suited for all skin types. It can be used on any area of the body and is a guaranteed strong quality anesthetic. There is no way using this cream will not reduce the level of pain significantly. While it can be quite expensive, it is really worth it, especially since this cream works. It also comes in lidocaine 4% and 5%.

  1. Zensa Numbing Cream

According to reports, this cream was specifically made for the tattoo and piercing industry and has quickly become the best tattoo and piercing anesthetic in the market today. A good number of topical anesthetics available on the market today feature vasoconstrictor epinephrine or phenylephrine, which can make it very difficult for an artist to work, but Zensa does not contain any of these.

One of the most notable advantages of Zensa over other analogs is that it does not change the color of the skin during operation and will not in any way affect the tattoo ink. Additionally, it does not cause skin burns. Unlike other similar preparations, it is credited with leaving the skin soft, and the skin does not “suffocate”. Works great on both the body and face.

  1. Numb 520

Well formulated by the American company Ebanel, this product comes in the form of a cream, and is very effective for use in the tattoo and piercing industry. According to reports, this product takes effect in 5 minutes after application and attains the maximum effect in 20-25 minutes, thanks to Liposomal technology.

Liposomal-containing soft dosage forms, compared to traditional ointments, creams, and gels, tend to exhibit greater penetrating ability against the skin and its appendages and therefore tend to be more accessible to living cells and more effective.

The ideal average skin-numbing effect with the Numb 520 lasts for 1 hour. But in some scenarios (depending on the individual’s skin conditions) this effect can last up to 2 hours. Have it in mind that it is water-based, and this entails that the cream does not leave grease, making it convenient to work with for the tattoo artist.

In addition to the active ingredient – 5% Lidocaine – this cream also contains aloe vera, vitamin E, and lecithin, and they all have a soothing and moisturizing effect on the skin.

  1. Greencaine Blast Numbing Cream

Well renowned as one of the most budget-friendly solutions for numbing pre-procedure, this numbing cream works quickly after applied, taking no assertive time. By making use of Greencaine, beauticians performing procedures with specific pain, such as piercing, waxing, microblading, and infusions, have had outstanding victory doing away with client discomfort and pain.

As an expert option, Greencaine blast numbing cream is an FDA-approved product having very few disadvantages. Note that this cream is recommended by the expert themselves for minor piercings at extremely sensitive areas since it does not itch while being applied and it is one of the convenient creams available. To succeed, Greencaine does not need to be sealed, but wrapping the area will extend the effects and help increase the torment.

  1. Real-Time Pain Relief Menthol Cream

For individuals who are eager to ease pain without the use of chemical products, this Menthol Cream is one to consider. Aside from muscle and surface pain, Menthol is a well-renowned pain remedy for piercing, waxing, tattoos, etc.

Also note that this cream contains a good number of other natural pain-relieving ingredients like aloe vera, glucosamine, emu oil, willow bark, chamomile, coriander fruit oil, tiliacordata, arnica, chondroitin, calendula, Roman chamomile, cyanus, and several other herbal ingredients.

Have it in mind that these supplements can help relieve swelling and miseries in circulation and also pain. If you are looking for more subtle pain relief, this cream provides a lot of that owing to its numerous traditional extracts. Approved by FDA and produced in an FDA checked plant for real-time pain relief, this cream is also free of aspirin, additives, and corticosteroids.

Although a menthol-based item, it is odorless and active in minutes. However, it cannot be used until the pierced area is no longer intended to be treated with antibiotics.

Do Numbing Creams for Tattoo and Piercings Work?

Yes, for the most part, numbing creams are safe, effective and are likely to provide more comfortable tattooing or piercing experience. These creams work by blocking sodium channels, therefore the nerves that supply sensation to the skin can’t send pain signals. These creams are mostly used during cosmetic appointments, before minor surgery, before receiving a tattoo, or other times when the skin may be exposed to pain.

Note that the active ingredient that helps achieve the desired numbness is lidocaine. Lidocaine is a renowned part of the “caine” family of drugs that are derived from the Coca plant. While it does not have the intoxication properties of its distant cousin – cocaine, it does cause numbness by preventing your nerves from sending the pain impulse to your brain when applied to the skin.

However, note that numbing creams are not a magic cream that is going to make the tattoo or piercings completely painless. They will make the pain bearable though, and in some cases much more bearable. These creams are recommended if you are going to be getting a piercing or tattoo in a very sensitive area.

Also, note that a numbing cream is recommended if you are going to be getting a very large tattoo. They are also necessary if you are nervous. If the fear of some pain is the only thing holding you back from your piercings or tattoo, then, by all means, use a tattoo numbing cream.

Conclusion

In theory, numbing creams tend to be a very great idea, but in practice is actually an awful one. Aside from the fact that it causes really serious side effects, it can also leave you with crooked, misplaced, or unattractive piercings and tattoos.

In addition, it’s still going to feel almost the same with or without these creams, and most body arts are not painful enough for you to need cream or anything else. Nonetheless, there are numerous numbing creams to choose from. Ensure to keep an eye on details like how long they take to activate and how long the effects last.