9 Best Tattoo Numbing Creams to Use for Your Next Tattoo

Tattoo numbing creams are typically made of the same base ingredient, Lidocaine. However, not all creams have the same quality. You’ll have some creams create a numbing sensation for hours, while the effects of many will begin to fade within one. It can be quite a confusing process to choose one that suits your budget and your needs.

In this article, I’ll list the top 9 best tattoo numbing creams to use. I’ll list some market favorites here, along with some less-known but good-quality brands. I’ll also expand upon the reasons why you should get them, and any downsides to using them.

Let’s get into it!

Best Tattoo Numbing Creams Review

To rank a numbing tattoo cream, I considered these factors.

• Lidocaine percentage
• Licenses and Safety
• Prep time required
• Amount needed
• Numbing effect
• Numbing duration
• Applicability during tattooing
• Price and value breakdown

For my list, I’ve prioritized safety, comfort, and value over the other factors. I’ll also be comparing the tattoo numbing creams on the list with each other for better clarity. Now that I’ve explained my ranking process let’s look at the list.

1. Zensa Numbing Cream

When it comes to tattoo numbing creams, Zensa numbing cream always takes the lead. It’s a brand that’s recommended and trusted by many in the body art industry. The brand is consistent and provides the performance it promises. The product also contains Vitamin E, which helps remove excess tattoo ink by increasing blood circulation.

Lidocaine Percentage

Zensa numbing cream contains 5% Lidocaine. It’s the highest prescription strength possible, and many brands can cause health issues. However, using Zensa numbing cream doesn’t cause any issues such as skin texture warping or blood vessel constrictions.

Licenses and Safety

Zensa numbing cream is FDA-approved and also certified by Health Canada. The cream is rated as hypoallergenic, and it can be used on sensitive areas. The product is safe for all skin types.

Prep Time Required

The cream acts quite fast, only taking 20-30 minutes to start working. The numbing effect will take around 5-7 minutes more to take hold.

Amount Needed

Unlike other numbing creams, you only need to create a thin layer to have maximum effectiveness. You can easily get a full-back tattoo done with a single tube and have some left over.

Numbing Effect

The numbing effect of the cream is quite strong once it takes over. You won’t have any issues with hypersensitivity, hot or cold feelings, or pinprick sensations in any area. Also, the numbing won’t create any uncomfortable sensation in general.

Numbing Duration

The numbing sensation will last for 1-2 hours per application. However, you can safely reapply the cream to make the numbness last up to 8 hours.

Applicability During Tattooing

Zensa numbing cream is safe to use during tattooing. The cream is water-based and gets absorbed into the skin fast. Tattoo artists won’t have to deal with any extra slickness or stickiness if the cream is used during tattooing.

Price

Zensa numbing cream will cost you around $40 or more. This is higher than the market average rate.

Value Breakdown

Zensa numbing cream comes in a 30-gram tube. For each gram, you’re paying $1.3. Considering that you don’t have to apply the cream heavily, you get good mileage out of each tube. Overall, the cream offers you good value.

Pros

• Highest Lidocaine percentage.
• Contains Vitamin E.
• Little volume needed for effect.
• Strong, uniform numbing.
• Fast acting.
• Good numbing duration.
• Can be used on open wounds.
• Good value.

Cons

• Price point is higher than average.

Verdict

While Zensa numbing cream costs higher than its competitors, it’s consistent. It provides good overall numbing for all skin types and works on open wounds. It takes very little per application for the numbing effect, so you get more out of each tube. It’s a good all-rounder that you can bank on in every case.

2. Samnyte Tattoo Numbing Cream

Samnyte Tattoo Numbing Cream is a market-loved brand that focuses on recovery and numbing duration. The tattoo numbing cream is made to last for the longest duration per application. It’s also an option that doesn’t cost a lot.

Lidocaine Percentage

Samnyte tattoo numbing cream contains 5% Lidocaine. However, the cream also has a blend of natural ingredients to speed up healing and reduce pain. Menthol, vitamin E, and aloe vera in the cream help reduce swelling and irritation.

Licenses and Safety

Samnyte tattoo numbing cream has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. However, the cream has a glowing review from experts in the body art industry. Overusing the cream can lead to skin irritations and other issues.

Prep Time Required

The cream takes about 30-35 minutes after application to take hold. The numbing sensation isn’t immediate, but a creeping buildup. The area becomes fully numb after 7-10 minutes.

Amount Needed

You need to apply a generous amount of cream for the numbing cream for it to take effect. However, the cream has a long-lasting effect, so you don’t have to apply the cream again, even for long sessions.

Numbing Effect

The numbing effect of the cream is potent, numbing the affected areas fully. However, you can experience hot spots in some areas. If you have any skin conditions, it typically doesn’t affect the potency of the numbing otherwise.

Numbing Duration

Samnyte tattoo numbing cream provides the longest numbing duration in the market. A single application can last over 6-8 hours, and you won’t get any sensation back on pockets of skin during that period.

Applicability During Tattooing

Samnyte tattoo numbing cream is designed to be applied once and last for the entire session. You shouldn’t apply the cream to open wounds unless you have no other choice.

Price

The price of a 60-gram Samnyte tattoo numbing cream tube is around $26 or more.

Value Breakdown

You get more per tube for less money in Samnyte than in Zensa, but you also have to apply more of it per session. However, the cost per gram of cream comes to $0.43, much lower than Zensa. The true value of the tube comes from the duration you get per application, which will cover an entire tattooing session and more.

Pros

• Longest numbing duration on the market.
• Contains anti-inflammatory ingredients.
• Low cost.
• Good value.
• Maximum Lidocaine percentage.
• Uniform numbing effect.

Cons

• Hot areas can surface from the application.
• A lot of cream is needed per session.

Verdict

While it isn’t applicable to open wounds, Samnyte tattoo numbing cream is the market’s second-best because of its numbing duration. You can forget the hassle of mid-tattooing use and issues with overusing a cream. Also, it’s a great option because of its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

3. Ink Scribd Tattoo Numbing Cream

If you want to reduce prep time to the minimum needed amount, then Ink Scribd tattoo numbing cream is the best choice. The brand produces the fastest-acting tattoo numbing cream, and it does not compromise on performance and numbing duration.

Lidocaine Percentage

Ink Scribd tattoo numbing cream contains 5% Lidocaine. The tattoo numbing cream also features Arnica and emu oil, which are known as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and reduce pain.

Licenses and Safety

Ink Scribd tattoo numbing cream doesn’t have any evaluations from FDA. Body art experts review the cream positively, and many recommend it for short sessions. The cream doesn’t typically cause skin reactions, but it’s recommended to do a spot test.

Prep Time Required

Ink Scribd tattoo numbing cream requires the lowest time to cause numbing. Only 15-20 minutes are needed to have the tattoo numbing cream take effect.

Amount Needed

You need to apply a generous amount of the numbing cream for each session. You’ll need more than Zensa, but not as much as Samnyte per session.

Numbing Effect

The numbing effect of Ink Scribd tattoo numbing cream is rapid. The effect takes hold almost immediately, seeping into your skin and spreading aggressively. There are no pockets with reduced, hot, or cold sensations or jolts of pain.

Numbing Duration

The cream has a numbing duration of 2 hours per application. This makes the tattoo numbing cream a favorite for artists offering quick, on-spot tattoos.

Applicability During Tattooing

While you can Ink Scribd tattoo numbing cream while tattooing, it’s not a use case that’s mentioned or recommended by the brand. Also, overapplication of the cream on breached skin can cause skin issues.

Price

A 28-gram jar of Ink Scribd tattoo numbing cream can cost you around $25.

Value Breakdown

Ink Scribd tattoo numbing cream will cost you $0.89 per gram, which is close to Zensa. The lower amount in the jar is due to the cream mostly being used for small tattoos. Its fast-working properties, along with the duration, suit its use cases just fine. 

Pros

• Fastest acting tattoo numbing cream.
• Low cost.
• Maximum Lidocaine percentage.
• Can be applied during tattooing in a limited capacity.
• Aggressive numbing that covers the whole area.

Cons

• Numbing duration is only 2 hours.
• Not much value for successive applications.

Verdict

Ink Scribd tattoo numbing cream is the best choice for catalog tattooing sessions on the market. You can apply the cream and begin the tattooing session almost right away. This cream is designed for quick sessions, and it serves its purpose to that end better than any competitors.

4. Uber Numb Topical Numbing Cream

Uber Numb topical numbing cream is more focused on healing and soothing after the tattooing process. As its name implies, it provides one of the strongest numbing effects on the market. The cream is also fully vegan.

Lidocaine Percentage

Uber Numb topical numbing cream contains 5% Lidocaine. The cream also contains vitamin E and other ingredients that focus on reducing swelling and flaking during healing.

Licenses and Safety

Uber Numb topical numbing cream does not have FDA approval. The cream is used by professionals for its strong numbing for tattooing around ribs and other sensitive regions. However, prolonged use is not advised, especially due to the strength of the cream.

Prep Time Required

Uber Numb topical numbing cream takes a long time to start working. The numbing cream has to be on the skin for 40-45 minutes before the numbing process begins. The numbing effect is sudden instead of gradual buildup.

Amount Needed

You need a healthy amount of numbing cream per application for the intended effect. You have to apply more than Samnyte tattoo numbing cream per session. 

Numbing Effect

The numbing effect of Uber Numb topical numbing cream is one of the strongest in the market. You’ll hardly feel anything at all and sit through the ribcage, inner thighs, and feet easily. The numbing effect is also uniform, leaving no sensitive, hot, or cold spots.

Numbing Duration

Uber Numb officially states their topical numbing cream works for one hour per application. However, users and experts have stated the numbing can last for hours, up to 4 for some. In general, you can expect to have 2 hours of numbing effect with each use.

Applicability During Tattooing

The brand has no official statement regarding the cream’s use during tattooing. But typically, the water-soluble formula allows the cream to be used while tattooing. However, the cream can have stronger effects on the skin while it’s breached, so it’s best not to use it much.

Price

A jar of 56.7 grams of Uber Numb topical numbing cream will cost you about $16.

Value Breakdown

The value of this cream comes from the numbing ability, not the price per gram or amount per session. The numbing effect is very strong and remains in full strength for the entire duration. The cost per gram comes to $0.28, and it’s lower than the previous creams on the list. But the amount you need outweighs that low cost. 

Pros

• Maximum Lidocaine percentage.
• Focused on recovery.
• One of the highest numbing strengths.
• Completely uniform and long numbing duration.
• Low cost.

Cons

• A lot of creams is needed per session.
• Takes a long time to take effect.

Verdict

Uber Numb topical numbing cream is the best choice when you have to tattoo painful places on the body. It is a long-lasting, powerful solution that comes at a decent cost for its use case. Considering how the cream works to aid recovery as well, it earns a much-deserved 4th spot on this list.

5. Deeveeant Numbing Cream

While other companies focus on numbing strength, duration, and prep time, Deeveeant focuses on recovery and healing. Deeveeant numbing cream is designed to help reduce the pain during and after a tattooing session. The brand provides a low-strength numbing solution that won’t cause extreme pain afterward.

Lidocaine Percentage

Deeveeant numbing cream contains 4% Lidocaine, and for a good reason. While maximum Lidocaine percentage can offer more numbing, it will hurt more when the effect wears off. Deeveeant attempts to lower the percentage, so the pain doesn’t feel excruciating at any point of tattooing and aftercare.

Licenses and Safety

Deeveeant numbing cream is FDA approved. The numbing cream focuses on safety more than most brands, and it’s completely safe to use on most skin types. Due to the low percentage of Lidocaine, you can use the cream more times than higher percentage brands. 

Prep Time Required

Deeveeant numbing cream takes around 30 minutes to start acting. The numbing effect is a gradual buildup that takes at least 45 minutes to work, achieving maximum strength after 90 minutes have passed. This numbing cream takes the longest out of all creams on the list to act.

Amount Needed

You don’t need to apply too much cream for the numbing effect to work. In fact, you only need to apply a little more than required for Zensa to take effect.

Numbing Effect

The numbing effect on Deeveeant numbing cream is more like a reduced feeling of pain. The cream does not offer a fully numb sensation. However, the low numbing effect is consistent, leaving no patches of skin that are still sensitive or have altered effects.

Numbing Duration

You can expect a 2-hour duration with each use of the cream. The effect starts to wear off by the end of the 2nd hour, so you have to be careful about managing your time.

Applicability During Tattooing

The low strength and non-oily formula make the cream an ideal candidate for multiple applications. In a way, you can also consider this to be the cream’s downside, as it needs to be reapplied nearly as often as the cream allows.

Price

A 56-gram tube of Deeveeant numbing cream will cost you around $22.50.

Value Breakdown

The cream provides a decent value for its intended use. The cost per gram comes to a solid $0.40, which is backed by how little you need per session. This cream is a really good choice for low pain spots, where you can tattoo and expect fast recovery. However, for other regions, you need to reapply the cream too many times, and the cream loses its value.

Pros

• Low percentage numbing for less painful recovery.
• Good value.
• Low cost.
• Consistent pain-reducing effects.
• FDA approved.

Cons

• Longest prep time needed.
• Only reduces pain, not numb it completely.

Verdict

Deeveeant numbing cream is the ideal solution for small tattoos or tattoos on forearms or outer thighs. The pain reduction is just enough to get the job done, and you don’t have excruciating pain after the effect’s gone. The amount needed per application also makes it cheap. It’s a solid choice for most people who have a decent pain tolerance already.

6. Ebanel Topical Numbing Cream

Ebanel is a highly recommended brand by experts because of the value it offers. The topical numbing cream is an all-rounder like Zensa.

Lidocaine Percentage

Ebanel topical numbing cream has 5% Lidocaine. However, the numbing cream enhances its effect and shortens prep time by using liposomal technology. This method allows rapid dissemination of the cream in the skin, taking effect in minutes.

Licenses and Safety

Ebanel is cGMP certified by the FDA. This is proof of product quality, purity, strength, and brand authenticity. The numbing cream is highly recommended by experts and users, loved for its performance and consistency.

Prep Time Required

Ebanel starts working within 3-5 minutes, reaching full strength in 30 minutes. A weak numbing sensation spreads rapidly at first, and then the strength gradually reaches its peak. 

Amount Needed

You have to use a generous amount of cream for the intended effect. Unfortunately, this is where the cream fails to match up to Zensa.

Numbing Effect

The numbing effect is quite strong and uniform. The cream does not create areas with differing sensitivity. However, it can create cold spots for users in rare cases.

Numbing Duration

The cream keeps you numb for 2 hours at most. The sensation fades within 1 hour for some users. However, the cream retains the same strong numbing effect throughout the duration.

Applicability During Tattooing

You can use Ebanel topical numbing cream while tattooing. The cream is a water-based solution that dissolves into the skin rapidly and doesn’t leave any oily substance. It’s completely safe to use on open wounds. The brand does recommend you do a spot test before the procedure.

Price

The cost of a 38-gram jar of Ebanel topical numbing cream costs approximately $16.

Value Breakdown

Ebanel is an all-rounder that is a low-cost option with good performance. The cost of the cream per gram comes to $0.42, which is great value for what you get. You have to apply a generous amount of cream each time and get 1-2 hours each time. Yet it still is a cheaper alternative to Zensa.

Pros

• FDA approved.
• Low cost.
• Great value.
• Strong, consistent numbing.
• Highest lidocaine percentage.
• Fast acting time.

Cons

• Can cause cold spots.
• A lot of cream is needed for the intended effect.

Verdict

Ebanel topical numbing cream is a cheaper alternative to Zensa numbing cream. The cream is of great value and provides a very close performance to the market-leading all-rounder. The performance and value of the cream are why everyone recommends it so much and why it’s earned a spot on this list.

7. Quick Numb Topical Numbing Cream

Compared to the other brands on this list, Quick Numb topical numbing cream is relatively unknown. However, the brand offers a good quality numbing cream at a good price and in good quantity. With Quick Numb, you get what you pay for.

Lidocaine Percentage

Quick Numb topical numbing cream contains 5% Lidocaine. Quick Numb also makes use of liposomal technology, which allows the cream to act faster and hold its effects with consistency.

Licenses and Safety

Quick numb topical numbing cream does not have any FDA approval. There’s not a big following for the numbing cream. However, the users of the cream recommend it for short catalog tattooing sessions.

Prep Time Required

The cream needs 20 minutes for the numbing effect to reach its peak. The numbing sensation is a mild one at first and then escalates in intensity greatly in a short period.

Amount Needed

You need a hefty dollop of cream for each session to achieve the numbing effect you need. The amount is a little bit more than needed for Samnyte tattoo numbing cream to take hold.

Numbing Effect

The numbing effect is the winning point for Quick Numb topical numbing cream. The cream causes one of the stronger numbing sensations on the market. It doesn’t match up to the numbing strength that Uber Numb possesses, but the numbing strength is good enough for tattooing painful places like the upper arms and back. The cream doesn’t cause any effects like hot or cold spots and awake zones.

Numbing Duration

Each application of Quick Numb topical numbing cream lasts for 1-2 hours. There is no weakening in numbness during this period. Once the numbness drops, it’s a sharp decline, and you get sensation back in the affected rapidly.

Applicability During Tattooing

Quick Numb is applicable during tattooing because of the water-based anaesthetic formula. But the numbing strength makes it unwise to reapply it too many times.

Price

The price of a 119-gram jar of Quick Numb topical numbing cream is $43 or more.

Value Breakdown

The value of Quick Numb topical numbing cream lies in its numbing strength. The cream seems very worth it as it costs $0.36 per gram, and you get 119 grams. However, the amount you need to use per session completely negates that advantage.

Pros

• Highest Lidocaine percentage.
• High numbing strength.
• Fast-acting cream.
• Moderate value in amount.
• Consistent numbing without issues.

Cons

• A hefty dollop is needed per session.
• High-cost product.

Verdict

Quick Numb made this list because it is a stronger numbing solution for catalog tattooing. If you don’t think that Ink Scribd’s numbing strength cannot get the job done, then this is your alternative. It’s not as efficient or low cost, but you can find value in painful but quick tattooing sessions.

8. Inked Inspired Tattoo Numbing Cream

Inked Inspired is a brand that produces fast, acceptable results with attention to skin healing. The brand’s tattoo numbing cream promises better healing and fast acting time, with few issues to speak of.

Lidocaine Percentage

Inked Inspired tattoo numbing cream comes with 5% Lidocaine. It also contains Emu oil, which boosts healing and recovery after the tattooing process.

Licenses and Safety

Inked Inspired tattoo numbing cream is not FDA licensed. However, the brand enjoys some popularity among the body art community for fast healing results.

Prep Time Required

You need only 15-20 minutes after applying the cream for effect to work properly. The numbing effect is mild but immediate as it hits your skin, and then it builds to a gradual peak.

Amount Needed

You need a moderate amount to a bit more for each session. The amount can be inconsistent based on the skin type. The average amount is close to Ink Scribd’s required amount for each session.

Numbing Effect

The numbing effect of the cream is average. You can have issues with hot and cold spots, although you are unlikely to encounter any issues with awake zones. The cream does not deliver a consistent numbing experience for every user.

Numbing Duration

Inked Inspired tattoo numbing cream can provide up to 2 hours of numbing based on how much you apply. For some, it can begin to wear off during tattooing.

Applicability During Tattooing

You can not use the numbing cream while tattooing. The brand does not have a water-based formula, nor does it state it’s antiseptic enough for use on open wounds.

Price

The price of a 28-gram jar of Inked Inspired tattoo numbing cream is around $20.

Value Breakdown

Inked Inspired tattoo numbing cream is a bit problematic when it comes to value. It has a good but inconsistent performance. And the cost of each gram of cream comes to $0.71, which isn’t a good value.

Pros

• Highest Lidocaine percentage allowed.
• Fast-acting.
• Allows faster healing.
• Moderate numbing duration.
• Low cost.

Cons

• Inconsistent performance.
• Bad value for most.

Verdict

Inked Inspired tattoo numbing cream is a numbing cream that’s for a specific consumer base. If it suits you, then it’s a very good numbing cream to use. Otherwise, it is an odd choice that can lead to a bad tattooing experience. It depends entirely on your skin type and condition.

9. Hush Anesthetic – Best Tattoo numbing Gel

Hush Anesthetic tattoo numbing gel is a product that is unknown in the market. It promises big results, from numbing effectiveness to healing. The brand also markets the product to be superior to numbing creams.

Lidocaine Percentage

The numbing gel contains 4% Lidocaine in it. The brand states that the gel formula provides numbing strength beyond the numbers. The gel also contains menthol, which is further soothing, cooling, and an anti-irritant element for the skin.

Licenses and Safety

Hush Anesthetic tattoo numbing gel is FDA approved. The gel isn’t yet popular enough to get a following, but the users who prefer it do so for its effect on sensitive skin.

Prep Time Required

The prep time needed for the gel to take effect is quite long. You’ll need 60 minutes after applying the gel to notice the intended numbing effect. This contradicts their fast-acting claims.

Amount Needed

The amount of gel needed for each session is copious. You’ll have finished a third of a bottle easily for a session.

Numbing Effect

The numbing effect is just enough to block the pain. It isn’t strong enough for tattooing the more painful places on the skin, but it works just fine for popular locations on the body.

Numbing Duration

The numbing effect lasts for 3-4 hours after you’ve applied the gel. However, some users have complained that the effect can wear off just after 5 minutes if it’s used on their feet.

Applicability During Tattooing

The gel is a water-based antiseptic gel that dissolves into the skin almost immediately. This makes it a great candidate for reapplication during tattooing.

Price

A 120-gram bottle of Hush Anesthetic tattoo numbing gel will cost over $55. This makes the gel the most expensive option on the list.

Value Breakdown

The cost of each gram of Hush Anesthetic tattoo numbing gel comes to $0.46, but you need to slather the gel on for results. The gel also doesn’t provide any spectacular benefits, in contrast to its claims. However, the winning point for the gel is that it can be used on the most sensitive skins.

Pros

• Contains menthol for soothing skin.
• Long-lasting duration.
• Works on the most sensitive skin.
• Optimal for use during tattooing.
• FDA approved.

Cons

• Needs a long prep time.
• Bad value with high cost.

Verdict

Hush Anesthetic tattoo numbing gel makes a list for a single reason. This is your pick if you have no numbing cream that works for you and have skin conditions that can cause issues. The gel has an average performance, but it’s also average for any skin type and condition. This isn’t an advantage that most brands can provide.

How do I Pick the Best Tattoo Numbing Cream?

It can get quite confusing for you to pick a tattoo numbing cream. If you’re looking for a brand for personal use, then it makes no sense to check out every product. You can judge them on these factors before picking the best numbing cream.

The Purpose

You need to be clear about what you need for your tattooing session. If you have to get a tattoo on a painful spot, then go for a powerful numbing cream. If you want a catalog or small tattoo on your forearm, then get a fast-acting one. Choose the creams based on the needs you have, and don’t get a cream with features you don’t need.

The Cost

The cost of the cream is important. Choose a cream within your budget, and don’t overspend on promises for longer lasting or fast-healing creams. Most of the creams in the market perform very close to each other. Spending more is often a loss considering market-leading brands lie in the average cost bracket.

The Value

Only pay for what you get. If you need enough for a single session, then don’t grab a cream that offers a lot in quantity. Even if you feel the cost for such a deal is a steal, it’s wasted completely after a single session. On the other hand, don’t hesitate to get more cream for a good price if you have multiple or long tattooing sessions in mind.

Consider and categorize your needs when searching for a good numbing cream. Then prioritize the needs, and search the market. You’ll find your best tattoo numbing cream easily.

Tattoo Numbing Cream Vs Numbing Spray: Which One is Better

When it comes to tattoo numbing products, there are two main options available: tattoo numbing cream and tattoo numbing spray. While both products can help alleviate the pain and discomfort of getting a tattoo, there are some key differences between the two.

Tattoo numbing cream is a topical anesthetic that is applied to the skin before the tattooing process begins. The cream is typically applied in a thick layer and then covered with plastic wrap to allow it to penetrate the skin. The cream can take up to an hour to take effect and can last for several hours.

Tattoo numbing spray, on the other hand, is a liquid anesthetic that is sprayed directly onto the skin. The spray can provide quick and targeted pain relief, but it may not last as long as the cream.

So which one is better? It ultimately depends on personal preference and the specifics of the tattooing process. Some people may prefer the cream because it can provide longer-lasting pain relief, while others may prefer the spray because it is more convenient and faster acting. It is important to read reviews and do your research to choose a product that is safe and effective for your needs.

Additionally, it is recommended to consult with your tattoo artist before using any numbing product, as some artists may have specific recommendations or preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Verdict

Tattoo numbing creams are a part of the tattooing process that you shouldn’t have to focus a lot on. So, if you find the entire article a long read, here are 3 recommendations you can use right away.

Tattoo numbing creams are a category of OTC products that have deceptive labeling. 5% Lidocaine does not mean the most powerful numbing effect for many brands. Many brands with that percentage fail to provide the numbing that a good 4% Lidocaine product can. Keep that in mind when you’re hunting for the best tattoo numbing cream on the market, and you’ll do just fine.