7 Best Tattoo Numbing Sprays On The Market
Tattoo numbing sprays are faster and simpler alternatives to tattoo numbing creams. But the rapid relief they offer comes at the cost of lower numbing duration and sometimes fluctuating numbing strength. Yet you’ll find that many clients and artists are completely fine with the tradeoff, preferring to use the sprays over other numbing solutions for faster tattooing sessions.
You’ve probably been drawn to tattoo numbing sprays for the same reasons. If you want convenience and none of the hassle, then here are the top 7 best tattoo numbing sprays on the market. These sprays will see you through your tattoo session and make it a pain-free experience.
Top 7 Best Tattoo Numbing Spray Review
For my list of the best tattoo numbing sprays, I’ve ranked them based on these factors.
- Key ingredients.
- Market presence.
- Acting time.
- Amount needed.
- Numbing effect.
- Numbing duration.
- Numbing effectiveness.
- Price.
I’ve passed a verdict based on these categories for each tattoo numbing spray. I’ve discussed the highlights of each product and how they provide value. If you want a quick understanding of what numbing spray suits you most, these are the sections to read.
1. Ebanel Liposomal Numb520 Spray
Ebanel has been a market-leading company in numbing products for a long time. The brand’s use of liposomal technology, along with a powerful blend of ingredients, provides the most potent numbing effect and fast-acting time.
Key Ingredients
Ebanel Liposomal Numb520 spray contains 5% Lidocaine, a powerful numb deadener. It also contains 0.25% Phenylephrine temporarily constricts the blood flow for elongating the numbing duration. Arginine in the spray also helps regulate blood flow, while Allantoin prevents rashes, itching, and flaking.
Market Presence
Ebanel is considered one of the market leaders, if not the leading brand when it comes to numbing products. The Numb520 spray is no different, being loved and recommended often by tattoo artists and experts for a quick, painless experience.
Acting Time
The numbing effect kicks in within 2-3 minutes only, and it reaches a peak within 5-10 minutes. You can feel the numbing sensation take hold the moment it hits your skin.
Amount Needed
You only need about 3-4 spritzes of the numbing spray on the target area for the intended effect. Applying more does not enhance the numbing strength of the product.
Numbing Effect
The numbing effect of the spray is quite strong, killing any sensation of pain in the affected area. However, you can still feel movements and pressure against your skin. There aren’t any hot or cold zones or reduced numbing in any patches.
Numbing Duration
Once applied, Numb520 spray will deaden the sensation on the skin for 1 hour. After the hour has passed, it’s a rapid decline to get full sensation back on your skin.
Numbing Effectiveness
The numbing is consistent on most skin types and holds mostly for as long as promised. However, the brand officially recommends reapplying the spray 30 minutes in to improve and sustain the numbing effect. You may notice a decline in the numbing strength without reapplying the spray. This cuts down the spray’s effective numbing duration to no more than 30 minutes.
Price
You have to pay around $20 for the 72 ml bottle of Ebanel Liposomal Numb520 spray. The cost per ml comes to $0.28.
Pros
- High numbing strength.
- Good mix of ingredients.
- Little amount needed.
- Consistent numbing sensation.
- Fast-acting.
- Low product cost.
- Low cost per ml.
Cons
- Low effective numbing duration.
- Numbing fades away rapidly.
Verdict
Ebanel Liposomal Numb520 Spray is designed to provide consistent, powerful numbing that gets the job done. You can use the spray as per company instructions and expect to get the advertised results. As for the price, it is well worth it, considering how little you need and how much you get. Overall, it’s a worthy product for 1st place on this list.
2. Americaine Hospital Formula Anesthetic Spray
Americaine is a brand that aims to be applicable to the most sensitive areas of the skin. Lidocaine-based brands are typically not meant for the use of soft tissues and sensitive areas around the face. But you can use Americaine Hospital Formula Anesthetic spray on just about anywhere you can tattoo.
Key Ingredients
The reason why Americaine Hospital Formula Anesthetic spray is more suitable for sensitive areas on your skin is because of its 20% Benzocaine. Benzocaine is weaker in terms of numbing strength and duration compared to Lidocaine. Yet it’s an ester anesthetic, which allows it to react after dissolving the blood and work on soft tissue without causing harm.
Market Presence
Americaine Hospital Formula Anesthetic spray is very favored on the market for alternate tattooing or body art. People who are in the microblading, tattooing blemishes, scars, and other facial modification communities prefer to use the numbing spray over Lidocaine-based solutions.
Acting Time
20% Benzocaine in the spray allows Americaine Hospital Formula Anesthetic spray to have an edge over other products in acting time. The spray offers instant numbing, affecting the area with near peak strength within seconds of hitting the skin. The spray only takes 2-3 minutes to reach maximum strength.
Amount Needed
The amount differs based on how much numbing strength you need. The more you apply, the more numbing strength you get. You’ll experience the numbing effect from only 3-4 spritzes of the spray, and it’ll probably stop providing any further numbing strength after 6-8 spritzes.
Numbing Effect
The numbing effect is not as powerful as other Lidocaine-based brands. You’ll never feel completely numb, not even after the spray reaches its maximum strength. The spray is meant to be a pain reducer, not a nerve-deadening agent.
Numbing Duration
You can get around 20 minutes of effective numbing for tattoo work with each application. You can extend the time with reapplications, and the amount of time you get won’t reduce. Using more spray in one go will not increase the duration of the effect.
Numbing Effectiveness
The spray is capable of providing full strength effect for 20 minutes of its time. However, the effects of the spray actually last over 2 hours, but the numbness fades over that period. This can be good for users as the pain doesn’t come back in full force right away. Sadly, it also means you don’t get the full use of the time you’re supposed to get from the product.
Price
You can get a 59 ml can of Americaine Hospital Formula Anesthetic spray for $7 or more. The price per ml of the product comes to $0.12.
Pros
- Usable for sensitive tattooing procedures.
- Incredibly fast acting time.
- Adjustable numbing strength.
- Pain takes a while to fully come back.
- Very low product cost.
- Very low cost per ml.
Cons
- Low effective numbing duration.
- Lower numbing strength.
Verdict
Americaine Hospital Formula Anesthetic spray is unparalleled in sensitive tattooing procedures. It’s valuable for the safety it provides that Lidocaine-based products can’t. The spray is consistent and lets you recover for a long time without the pain coming back in full force. Combine that with the low overall cost, and you got the reason why it deserved the 2nd place.
3. Aspercreme Pain Relief Dry Spray
If you’re looking for a numbing spray that offers a long-term numbing effect, Aspercreme Pain Relief Dry spray is the top choice. The spray provides a high numbing duration without losing its effective peak strength for the entire duration. It’s also known for providing a better pain relief experience.
Key Ingredients
The key ingredient in Aspercreme Pain Relief Dry spray is 4% Lidocaine. This makes the spray have less potency in terms of numbing power. However, the lower Lidocaine percentage also helps the spray to reduce the effect of having the pain come back significantly.
Market Presence
For those with more tolerance to pain or hate after-procedure pain, Aspercreme Pain Relief Dry spray is heavily recommended. The body art industry considers the spray as the perfect Lidocaine-based pain relief solution. For many users, it offers Lidocaine’s powerful pain reduction properties without dispersing too quickly.
Acting Time
Aspercreme Pain Relief Dry spray starts acting on the skin within 5 minutes. It becomes fully effective in 10 minutes. You will feel a slight tingling effect at first, followed by a gradual buildup.
Amount Needed
The spray needs about 5-6 spritzes for each session. Using more will not extend the time it stays active, nor will it increase the numbing potency.
Numbing Effect
The numbing effect is less than a 5% Lidocaine numbing spray, but not by much. You’ll be able to feel slight stinging sensations at worst. In most cases, you’ll be able to feel movement and pressure against your skin with some clarity. A benefit of the lower Lidocaine percentage is that there are no chances of creating hot or cold spots on your skin with reapplications.
Numbing Duration
The numbing effect lasts for 70 minutes or more per application. It’s ideal to reapply the spray after 60 minutes to prolong the effect. Aspercreme Pain Relief Dry spray affects some skin types more, so you can experience greater durations of numbness.
Numbing Effectiveness
Aspercreme Pain Relief Dry spray excels at keeping the numbing effect at peak strength for the entire duration. A fall begins after 1 hour, but it’s a gradual one instead of a rapid decline.
Price
For a 118 ml can of Aspercreme Pain Relief Dry spray, you’ll have to pay about $10. The cost per ml comes to $0.08.
Pros
- Designed to last longer.
- Stays at peak strength for 1 hour.
- Good Lidocaine-based solution for pain relief.
- Fast-acting.
- Very low product price.
- Very low cost per ml.
Cons
- Not as potent in terms of numbness.
- Requires more amount than average per application.
Verdict
Aspercreme Pain Relief Dry spray is a good Lidocaine-based product for replicating Americaine Hospital Formula Anesthetic spray’s effects, only better. While the spray can’t be used on sensitive skin, it provides long-lasting, stronger pain relief that slowly gives way. The low product and per ml cost only cemented its position as the 3rd best tattoo numbing spray.
4. Ink Scribd Tattoo Numbing Spray
Ink Scribd is another well-known brand in the tattoo industry. Ink Scribd Tattoo Numbing spray offers performance similar to the market leading brands, specializing in reducing the effects of tattooing.
Key Ingredients
The key ingredient in Ink Scribd Tattoo Numbing spray is 5% Lidocaine HCL.
Market Presence
Ink Scribd Tattoo Numbing spray has a good reputation in the market and a decently large user base. The tattoo numbing spray is known to have a consistent, worth-your-money performance.
Acting Time
The spray needs 5-15 minutes to reach peak numbing strength.
Amount Needed
You need 5-6 spritzes of the spray for each application. You won’t notice any increase in duration or potency if you apply more.
Numbing Effect
The numbing effect of the spray allows you to completely ignore the pain. While tattooing, you won’t feel any pain most of the time, but you will feel pressure and movement. However, the numbing strength is less potent than the Ebanel Liposomal Numb520 spray. It’s significantly weaker, and you’ll feel some stings at times.
Numbing Duration
You can get 1 hour of numbing effect from a single application. However, the numbing effect starts to wane after 50 minutes.
Numbing Effectiveness
The numbing effect is consistent for 50 minutes after each application. The effect lowers for 10 minutes afterward and wanes within the next 8-10 minutes to nothing. This would be a good amount of time for a gradual decline. But the loss of potency is quite steep, and you feel the pain enough within the period to grimace.
Price
A 29 ml can of Ink Scribd Tattoo Numbing spray costs you around $17. The cost per ml comes to $0.60.
Pros
- Fast-acting.
- Decent numbing potency.
- Decent numbing duration.
- Low product cost.
- Consistent performance.
Cons
- Steep decline in strength.
- High cost per ml.
Verdict
Ink Scribd Tattoo Numbing spray can be called the perfect example of the market average. It has decent strength and duration and acts faster than most. But the product offers no recovery time after its duration, and the cost per ml is not ideal. Overall, its benefits and issues place it securely in the 4th position on this list.
5. Inked Inspired Tattoo Numbing Spray
Inked Inspired is another brand that is well known in the tattoo industry. Inked Inspired Tattoo Numbing spray is a reliable numbing solution that provides consistent performance.
Key Ingredients
The key ingredient in Inked Inspired Tattoo Numbing spray is 5% Lidocaine.
Market Presence
Inked Inspired Tattoo Numbing spray is the most popular in the waxing industry. It’s also liked by the artists who work on catalog tattoos. The spray provides enough relief for small tattooing work that takes less time.
Acting Time
Inked Inspired Tattoo Numbing spray starts working within 5-10 minutes and reaches a peak within that duration. The spray only gives off a cold, wet sensation before it builds up.
Amount Needed
You need 4-5 spritzes of the numbing spray for each application. You can use more spray to extend the effective duration of the spray, but not by much.
Numbing Effect
The numbing effect is similar to Ink Scribd Tattoo Numbing spray but a little bit stronger. You aren’t likely to feel any stings or twinges of pain as often, and no patches of hot skin will bother you. There have been a few complaints about cold spots, but these are rare from users with sensitive skins.
Numbing Duration
Each application of the spray will get you an hour of numbing. However, the numbing effect will only last you for 40 minutes with the peak effect. Afterward, you’ll experience a decline in the strength for the next 20 minutes and a sharp decline afterward.
Numbing Effectiveness
The effective duration for each application of the spray is 40 minutes. You’ll get 20 minutes more, but in reality, the time should be considered more as a recovery period. The sharp decline following this period is too fast for you to recover within it, lasting only 2-3 minutes.
Price
A 30 ml can of Inked Inspired Tattoo Numbing spray costs about $20. The cost per ml for the spray comes to $0.67.
Pros
- Fast-acting.
- Moderate numbing strength.
- Moderate numbing duration.
- Low product cost.
- Low per ml cost.
Cons
- Sharp decline after full duration.
- Not strong enough to prevent pain completely.
Verdict
Inked Inspired Tattoo Numbing spray is another example of the market average. It wins out over Ink Scribd Tattoo Numbing spray in terms of strength but loses out when it comes to duration. Also, after the advertised duration, the numbness falls off much faster than with Ink Scribd Tattoo Numbing spray. For that reason, it ranked 5th on the list.
6. Uber Numb Numbing Spray
If you’re okay with sacrificing numbing duration and acting time for numbing strength, then Uber Numb Numbing spray is your pick. Uber Numb Numbing spray promises the strongest numbing sensation on the market, allowing you to go through tattooing sessions in the most painful places without feeling a thing.
Key Ingredients
The key ingredient in Uber Numb Numbing spray is 5% Lidocaine.
Market Presence
Uber Numb Numbing spray is the go-to option when you have to get tattooed on the ribcage, inner thighs, and other painful places. It’s known as the option for killing pain in extreme cases.
Acting Time
The acting time needed for the spray is around 20-25 minutes. You can feel the spray start working the moment it hits your skin. It starts off cold and then gradually builds up. While the buildup, you may experience your skin heating a little.
Amount Needed
You only need 2-3 spritzes of Uber Numb Numbing spray to have the maximum effect. Applying more won’t increase the strength but may increase the duration. However, applying a lot from the start won’t extend the duration as much as a reapplication.
Numbing Effect
The numbing effect is exactly as the product promises. Uber Numb Numbing spray is the strongest numbing spray on the market. You don’t feel a single sensation once it’s working on your skin. You will not feel anything even if steady pressure to your skin is applied. You won’t have issues with hot or cold patches other than the initial heating sensations.
Numbing Duration
According to the official statements, you’ll get 2 hours of numbing duration per application. However, the strength wanes during that period, and you need to reapply the spray per 30 minutes.
Numbing Effectiveness
The effective time you get per application is only 30 minutes. However, unlike other numbing sprays, you can reapply the spray with only 1-2 spritz, and it retains its maximum strength.
Price
It’ll cost you $25 per 118 ml can of Uber Numb Numbing spray. The cost per ml for the product comes to $0.21.
Pros
- Highest numbing potency.
- Not much is needed for each application and reapplication.
- Very low per ml cost.
- Can be used to numb the most painful spots.
Cons
- Short duration.
- Very high product cost.
Verdict
Uber Numb Numbing spray is a product that is meant for specialized use. The numbing spray is meant to be used for the most painful spots, and it sacrifices performance in other areas for that advantage. This spray is the perfect solution to the niche issues that it aims to solve, and it scores 6th place on the list.
7. Bravado Labs Topical Anesthetic Spray
Bravado Labs can be considered an upcoming brand in the tattoo numbing solutions industry. It provides good performance for the price, and it’s an all-rounder that has decent performance across the board. Bravado Labs Topical Anesthetic spray isn’t a mind-blowing product, but it’s good enough for any job.
Key Ingredients
Bravado Labs Topical Anesthetic spray contains 5% Lidocaine, which is the key element.
Market Presence
Bravado Labs Topical Anesthetic spray is not much known in the market. However, the product is slowly gaining ground, and the users have provided good responses.
Acting Time
Bravado Labs Topical Anesthetic spray takes 10-15 minutes to activate and 20 minutes to reach maximum strength. The acting time for the spray can vary by 5 minutes, depending on skin conditions.
Amount Needed
You need 2-3 spritzes for each application. Applying more will not increase duration or strength.
Numbing Effect
The numbing effect is quite a bit stronger than that of Americaine Hospital Formula Anesthetic spray. But it is in the same ballpark. The numbing effect is more of a pain reducer than a full-on numbing experience.
Numbing Duration
You can get up to 1 hour of numbing sensation with the spray. However, the strength is not consistent. You notice a small but steady drop in the potency right after 20 minutes of full strength.
Numbing Effectiveness
While the full effect lasts 1 hour, the effective time for the spray is only 20 minutes or less. You can keep working after the effective period for 10 more minutes, but you’ll be relying more on pain tolerance than the spray. If you want to prolong the effect at full strength, you’ll have to reapply the spray every 15-20 minutes.
Price
You can get a 29 ml can of Bravado Labs Topical Anesthetic spray for about $15. The cost per ml comes to $0.51.
Pros
- Fast-acting.
- Acceptable numbing strength.
- Not much is needed for full potency.
Cons
- Very short effective numbing duration.
- Inconsistent numbing.
Verdict
Unlike the other tattoo numbing sprays on the list, Bravado Labs Topical Anesthetic spray isn’t a stellar choice. However, it’s far better than most other products in the market, and that is without the experience of the market leaders. The true reason why it made this list is the potential the product holds as it goes through improvements and reiterations. For now, it’s completely acceptable for catalog or small tattooing.
How Do I pick the Best Tattoo Numbing Spray?
If you want to pick a tattoo numbing spray for yourself, then you have to consider your needs, budget, and tattooing location. I’ve talked about a few issues you can consider while you pick your best tattoo numbing spray.
How Will You Use It?
You have to match your needs with the tattoo numbing spray’s qualities. If you’re heading into a painful tattooing session on your ribs, then you need a spray with some serious numbing strength. For full sleeves and the like, you need long-lasting solutions. Likewise, for sensitive procedures around the face and other nerve endings, you want mild strength numbing compounds so you can avoid vasoconstriction issues.
It doesn’t end there. You have to account for your pain tolerance and skin type and consider if you have any allergies or a history of skin conditions. You’ll need to look at the ingredients list, both active and inactive, and see if there may be anything that can cause an issue.
What’s Your Budget?
Budget is a major concern, but not because it can constrict your options. Sometimes, we have more than enough budget for a need, and we have the urge to pick the most expensive one. Or we don’t have enough and don’t even consider options.
You have to look at the brands offered on the market and pick the ideal choice. If the choice is out of your budget, then you have two choices. You can save up and get it, or you can find the next best thing. Ignoring options because of budgets will make you lose sight of the market leaders.
How Do You Define Value?
Value can be how much you have to pay per ml for a tattoo numbing spray. Or how much you get per can. You can also find value in how much spray you have to use for your needs.
You can completely disregard quantity-based issues and find value in a numbing spray’s other aspects. You can place value on the numbing strength, recovery from pain, fast relief, and other qualities. Whatever you place value in, try to prioritize it when you’re choosing the best tattoo numbing spray.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best tattoo numbing spray?
The best tattoo numbing spray for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Some popular options include Americaine Hospital Formula Anesthetic spray, Ebanel Liposomal Numb520, and Uber Numb Numbing spray. It is important to read reviews and do your research before selecting a tattoo numbing spray.
How do I apply tattoo numbing spray?
Follow the instructions provided with the specific brand of tattoo numbing spray you are using. In general, you should apply the spray to the area of skin where the tattoo will be placed, and wait for the numbing effect to take place before beginning the tattoo process.
How does tattoo numbing spray work?
Tattoo numbing sprays work by numbing the skin and blocking pain signals from the nerves to the brain. Most tattoo numbing sprays contain lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic that numbs the skin.
How long does the numbing effect of tattoo numbing spray last?
The duration of the numbing effect of tattoo numbing spray varies depending on the brand and the strength of the product. In general, the numbing effect can last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.
Is tattoo numbing spray safe to use?
Yes, tattoo numbing spray is generally safe to use, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully and not exceed the recommended dosage. Some people may be allergic to the ingredients in tattoo numbing spray, so it is important to do a patch test before use.
Are there any side effects of using tattoo numbing spray?
The most common side effect of using tattoo numbing spray is skin irritation, which may include redness, swelling, or itching. In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, such as an allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, or a rapid heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Can tattoo numbing spray be used on all parts of the body?
Yes, tattoo numbing spray can be used on all parts of the body where tattoos are typically placed. However, some areas of the body may be more sensitive than others, so the effectiveness of the numbing spray may vary.
Can I use tattoo numbing cream and spray together?
It is generally not recommended to use tattoo numbing cream and spray together, as this can increase the risk of side effects. It is best to choose one method of numbing and follow the instructions carefully.
Can tattoo numbing spray affect the quality of my tattoo?
There is no evidence to suggest that tattoo numbing spray affects the quality of the tattoo. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and not exceed the recommended dosage, as this can affect the healing process.
Final Verdict
Tattoo numbing sprays are products with an over saturated market. As a customer, it’s hard to figure out which brands are the best. But reading through thousands of words to understand what you need isn’t really for everyone either. So, here are 3 recommendations for you to use.
For your average use cases, the Ebanel Liposomal Numb520 spray is the best choice. You get powerful numbing that lasts 30 minutes to 1 hour for a good price. For most of your tattooing needs, you will have no issues with this choice.
Americaine Hospital Formula Anesthetic spray is perfect when you need numbing on areas that could suffer from vasoconstriction issues. It’s also a good choice if you have sensitive skin or other conditions. Benzocaine is much more forgiving than Lidocaine, and that makes this spray perfect for working on brows, scars, blemishes and more sensitive areas.
If you plan to get tattooed on your ribs, inner thighs, and other painful zones, you need Uber Numb Numbing spray. You cannot find another spray that is more potent on the market. You won’t need to fear pain with this one.
The best tattoo numbing spray is a bit hard to find, considering that there are so many choices. But you can find what you need by looking at the official claims and validating them by checking public reviews. If you feel too stressed to pick your own, you can always fall back on this list.
