5 Best Exfoliator for Tattoos: Top Picks for Smooth and Vibrant Skin

Tattoos are a beautiful way to express yourself, but they require care and maintenance to keep them looking their best. One essential part of tattoo care is exfoliation, which removes dead skin cells and helps keep the tattoo vibrant and sharp. If you’re looking for the best exfoliator for tattoos, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, it’s important to choose an exfoliator that is gentle and won’t damage the tattooed skin. Harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliants can cause irritation or even fade the tattoo over time. Look for exfoliators that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin or tattoos.

Another important factor to consider is the type of exfoliator. There are physical exfoliants, like scrubs or brushes, and chemical exfoliants, like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). Physical exfoliants can be effective, but they can also be too harsh for tattooed skin. Chemical exfoliants are gentler and can be a good option for those with sensitive skin.

After researching and testing various exfoliators, we’ve identified the top 5 best exfoliator for tattoos. In the following sections we have reviewed them thoroughly.

Best Exfoliators for Tattoos Reviewed

If you have a tattoo, you know how important it is to take care of it. One of the ways to maintain the vibrancy and longevity of your ink is by exfoliating the skin around it. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and improve circulation, which can enhance the appearance of your tattoo. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best exfoliators for tattoos that will help you keep your ink looking fresh and vibrant.

1. Stories & Ink Tattoo Care – Exfoliating Body Wash

If you want to keep your tattoo looking bright and healthy, Stories & Ink Tattoo Care – Exfoliating Body Wash is a great choice.

Pros

• Gently removes dead and dull skin to reveal a brighter and more radiant tattoo.
• Vegan ingredients, cruelty-free, and petroleum and paraben-free.
• Developed by leading pharmacists and loved by tattoo artists and their clients worldwide.

Cons

• May not be suitable for sensitive skin.
• Some users may find the product runny.
• May not be as effective on older tattoos.

This natural and gentle exfoliating scrub removes dead and dull looking skin to reveal a brighter, more radiant looking tattoo. The product is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and free from petroleum and parabens. It is made from carefully selected ingredients, including fruit extracts that safely exfoliate the skin, while red algae extract tones, giving skin a luminous and ultra-refined complexion.

The product is good for your tattoo, and you can use it daily in the shower to promote healthier-looking tattoos and skin. The product is developed by leading pharmacists and loved by tattoo artists and their clients worldwide. The package includes one tube of Stories & Ink Exfoliating Body Wash 200ml (6.8 FL. OZ) approx. 30-45 uses.

If you’re looking for a natural and gentle exfoliating scrub that removes dead and dull looking skin to reveal a brighter, more radiant looking tattoo, then Stories & Ink Tattoo Care – Exfoliating Body Wash is a great choice.

2. VI Tattoo Soap

If you want to keep your ink looking fresh and vibrant for years to come, VI Tattoo Soap is the perfect solution.

Pros

• Refreshes healed tattoos
• Formulated for all skin types
• Made with natural ingredients

Cons

• Unscented
• Pricey
• Faint scent

VI Tattoo Soap is a gentle all-natural, charcoal exfoliating soap that helps reveal brighter, more vibrant existing ink. The activated charcoal soap is formulated to draw out toxins and impurities from the skin, which can help improve the overall health and appearance of your skin and ink. It’s perfect for inked skin and all skin types, and it’s fragrance-free.

The mineral-based exfoliants buff away dead skin cells, leaving skin fresh and more your ink revived. The soap bars are made with natural ingredients like olive oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter to nourish your skin. VI Tattoo Soap is gentle enough for daily use and is proudly made in the USA.

Overall, VI Tattoo Soap is a great choice for anyone looking to keep their tattoos looking fresh and vibrant. It’s made with natural ingredients, gentle on the skin, and perfect for all skin types. The only downside is that it’s unscented and a bit pricey, but it’s definitely worth the investment.

3. Mad Rabbit Refresh Exfoliating Soap

If you want to keep your tattoos looking fresh and vibrant, you should definitely consider the Mad Rabbit Refresh Exfoliating Soap. This all-natural, fragrance-free soap is specifically designed to cleanse and exfoliate your tattoos, while nourishing and moisturizing your skin.

Pros

• Made with clean, natural ingredients
• Suitable for all skin types
• Contains glycerin to draw moisture back into the skin

Cons

• May not be suitable for those with extremely sensitive skin
• Some users may prefer a soap with a stronger fragrance
• May not be as effective on older, faded tattoos

The Mad Rabbit Refresh Exfoliating Soap is gentle enough to use on fresh tattoos during the healing process without stripping the skin. It contains activated charcoal to help draw out impurities, while glycerin helps to keep the skin moisturized.

To use, simply massage the soap onto your body with wet hands or a sponge and rinse thoroughly. For new tattoos, gently wash the tattoo with warm water, massage and lather soap with wet, clean hands, and apply gently onto the targeted tattooed area. Rinse thoroughly.

Overall, if you’re looking for a gentle, effective way to care for your tattoos, the Mad Rabbit Refresh Exfoliating Soap is definitely worth considering. It’s made with clean, natural ingredients, suitable for all skin types, and helps to keep your tattoos looking their best.

4. ClearLee Cosmetic Grade Pumice – 100% Pure Natural Grain/Powder

If you’re looking for a natural and affordable exfoliator for your tattoos, ClearLee’s Cosmetic Grade Pumice might be worth considering.

Pros

• High-quality, 100% pure pumice for gentle skin exfoliation
• Resealable bag for easy storage and multiple use
• Versatile use in DIY projects, including facial masks and scrubs, body scrubs, lotions and creams, foot scrubs and creams, and more

Cons

• May not be finely ground enough for some users’ preferences
• External use only
• No specific mention of use for tattoo exfoliation

ClearLee’s Cosmetic Grade Pumice offers a natural and gentle way to exfoliate your skin, with its extra fine grade high-quality 100% pure pumice. The resealable bag makes it convenient to store and use multiple times. It’s also versatile enough to use in various DIY projects, including facial masks and scrubs, body scrubs, lotions and creams, foot scrubs and creams, and more.

However, some users may find the pumice to be not as finely ground as they would prefer. Additionally, it’s important to note that this product is for external use only, and there’s no specific mention of its use for tattoo exfoliation. Overall, if you’re looking for a natural and affordable exfoliator for your tattoos, ClearLee’s Cosmetic Grade Pumice might be worth trying out.

5. Reuzel Buff Exfoliating Wash

If you want to maintain the vibrancy of your tattoos, you should consider purchasing Reuzel Buff Exfoliating Wash.

Pros

• It has a refreshing scent that leaves your skin feeling clean.
• It’s gentle enough to use on sensitive skin.
• The exfoliating beads help to remove dead skin cells and keep your tattoos looking fresh.

Cons

• Some users may find the exfoliating beads too harsh.
• It’s a bit pricey compared to other exfoliators on the market.
• The tube may be difficult to squeeze when it’s near empty.

Reuzel Buff Exfoliating Wash is a great addition to your skincare routine. The exfoliating beads in the wash help to gently remove dead skin cells, which can help keep your tattoos looking fresh. The formula is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin and it has a refreshing scent that leaves you feeling clean.

One of the downsides of this product is that some users may find the exfoliating beads too harsh. However, if you use it gently, it shouldn’t be a problem. Another downside is that it’s a bit pricey compared to other exfoliators on the market. However, if you’re looking for a product that’s specifically designed for tattoos, it’s worth the investment.

Overall, if you’re looking for an exfoliator that’s gentle, effective, and specifically designed for tattoos, Reuzel Buff Exfoliating Wash is a great choice.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best exfoliator for your tattoos, there are a few features that you should consider before making a purchase. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Type of Exfoliant

Exfoliators are primarily categorized into two types: physical (mechanical) and chemical.

Physical Exfoliants: These contain tiny, gritty particles that manually slough off dead skin cells when rubbed onto the skin. While they can offer instant results, using abrasive scrubs on tattooed skin can potentially cause fading or damage, especially on fresh tattoos.

Chemical Exfoliants: These use active ingredients, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), to dissolve dead skin cells without physical scrubbing. They can be gentler on tattoos, especially when using mild concentrations.

Ingredients

Understanding the active ingredients in your exfoliator can make a significant difference, especially for tattooed skin.

Natural vs. Synthetic: Some exfoliators contain natural fruit enzymes or acids, while others might have synthetic compounds. Both can be effective, but it’s essential to ensure they’re safe and non-irritating for your skin.

Moisturizing Agents: Hydration is vital for tattoo longevity. Exfoliators with added moisturizing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, can help maintain the vibrancy of tattoos.

Skin Sensitivity

Tattooed skin can sometimes be more sensitive than non-tattooed skin, especially soon after getting the tattoo.

Mild Formulations: For those with sensitive skin, opt for exfoliators with gentle formulations that are free from potential irritants like fragrances or high concentrations of acids.

Patch Test: Before using any exfoliator, especially on tattooed areas, conduct a patch test to gauge your skin’s reaction.

Tattoo Age

The age of your tattoo can influence the type of exfoliator you should use.

Fresh Tattoos: New tattoos are essentially open wounds. Avoid using exfoliators on them until they’re fully healed. When they are, choose a gentle formula to maintain the tattoo’s clarity and vibrancy.

Older Tattoos: As tattoos age, they might lose some of their vibrancy. A good exfoliation routine can help brighten them up. However, always ensure the product isn’t too abrasive.

Frequency of Use

Exfoliation should be a part of a routine but not a daily ritual, especially for tattooed skin.

Follow Recommendations: Most exfoliators will come with usage recommendations. It’s essential to follow these guidelines to prevent over-exfoliating, which can be detrimental to both your skin and tattoo.

Brand Reputation & Reviews

Given the unique needs of tattooed skin, relying on trusted brands or highly-reviewed products can offer an extra layer of assurance.

Research: Investigate user testimonials, especially from those with tattoos, to gain insights into the product’s real-world performance.

By considering these factors, you can choose an exfoliator that’s best suited for your tattoos and your skin type.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I scrub my new tattoo?

It is recommended to wait at least two weeks before exfoliating a new tattoo. This allows the skin to fully heal and reduces the risk of damaging the tattoo or causing an infection.

What happens if you exfoliate a fresh tattoo?

Exfoliating a fresh tattoo can cause damage to the skin and the tattoo itself. It can also increase the risk of infection and slow down the healing process.

Can you exfoliate a week old tattoo?

It is not recommended to exfoliate a tattoo that is only a week old. The skin is still healing and any harsh treatment can cause damage or infection.

How often should you exfoliate before getting a tattoo?

It is not necessary to exfoliate before getting a tattoo. In fact, it is recommended to avoid exfoliating for at least a week after getting a tattoo.

Is it safe to exfoliate tattooed skin?

Exfoliating tattooed skin can be safe as long as it is done properly and at the appropriate time. It is important to wait until the skin is fully healed before exfoliating and to use a gentle exfoliator that will not damage the tattoo.

Why is my tattoo peeling and the ink coming off?

Peeling is a natural part of the healing process and is a sign that the skin is shedding dead cells. However, if the ink is coming off with the peeling skin, it may be a sign of too much exfoliation or an infection. It is important to avoid picking or scratching the tattoo and to seek medical attention if there are signs of infection.

Will exfoliating make my tattoo fade faster?

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, making tattoos appear more vibrant. However, using overly abrasive exfoliators or exfoliating too frequently can potentially contribute to faster fading. It’s essential to find a balance.

Are there any ingredients I should avoid in exfoliators for tattooed skin?

While many ingredients can be safe for most people, it’s generally advisable to avoid exfoliators with alcohol, as it can dry out the skin. Additionally, if you’re new to chemical exfoliants, start with milder formulations to ensure your tattooed skin doesn’t react adversely.

Can I use the same exfoliator for my tattooed and non-tattooed skin?

Yes, most exfoliators designed for tattooed skin are suitable for non-tattooed areas as well. However, ensure the product doesn’t cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

I have colored tattoos. Is there a specific type of exfoliator I should use?

For colored tattoos, a gentle exfoliation routine can help maintain vibrancy. Both physical and chemical exfoliants can be suitable, but always opt for products that are gentle and free from potential irritants.

How soon after exfoliating can I moisturize my tattoo?

It’s a good practice to moisturize immediately after exfoliating, as this can help replenish any lost moisture from the exfoliation process. A good tattoo-specific moisturizer can enhance the appearance and health of your inked skin.

Can exfoliating help with tattoo aftercare?

While you shouldn’t exfoliate a fresh tattoo, incorporating gentle exfoliation into your aftercare routine once the tattoo has fully healed can help maintain its clarity and prevent the buildup of dead skin cells.

Are there any side effects to watch for after exfoliating tattooed skin?

Some potential side effects include redness, irritation, or itching. If you experience these or any adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult with a skincare professional or dermatologist.