In recent years, numbing creams have surged in popularity among tattoo clients, especially as social media has normalised longer sessions and large-scale pieces. But what even is it, and is it worth using?

For many, the idea of sitting through hours of tattooing without discomfort sounds too good to pass up. These topical aesthetics can help reduce pain and anxiety, making the experience more manageable for those with lower pain tolerance or first-time clients.

Tattoo numbing creams typically contain one or more active ingredients designed to dull pain by blocking nerve signals. The most common are:

• Lidocaine – A local aesthetic that numbs the surface of the skin.
• Prilocaine – Often paired with lidocaine for enhanced effect.
• Benzocaine – Another aesthetic that works similarly but is generally milder.
• Tetracaine – Stronger and longer-lasting but less commonly used due to potential side effects.

These creams work by temporarily desensitising the nerve endings in the skin, which reduces or eliminates the pain signals sent to the brain during tattooing. They’re typically applied 30–60 minutes before a session and sometimes reapplied during breaks, depending on the product and the artist’s comfort with it.

Is it worth it? That depends. For some clients, especially those with low pain tolerance or undergoing long sessions, numbing cream can make a huge difference in comfort. But it’s not a magic solution—results vary depending on skin type, placement, and the product used. Also, once the cream wears off (usually after a couple of hours), the pain can return suddenly and more intensely. It’s also important to consider the artist’s preferences—some won’t work on numbed skin due to changes in texture or healing outcomes. If you’re interested, it’s always best to have a conversation with your artist beforehand to weigh the pros and cons for your specific situation.