Petroleum Jelly vs. Aquaphor vs. Mad Rabbit vs. Hustle Butter vs. Tatloc — What’s the Best Tattoo Aftercare Cream?
Tattoos are more than body art, they’re open wounds that demand precision healing. Choosing the right tattoo aftercare product is the difference between a sharp, vibrant tattoo and one that fades into oblivion. While the market is crowded with options like Petroleum Jelly, Aquaphor, Mad Rabbit and Hustle Butter, a new contender made for all types of skin — Tatloc Tattoo Balm — is redefining healing standards.
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll unpack how each product performs on key tattoo healing parameters and ultimately decide: What’s the best tattoo cream in 2025?
⸻
The Contenders
Let’s break down the top five:
1. Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline, generic brands)
2. Aquaphor Healing Ointment
3. Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm
4. Hustle Butter Deluxe
5. Tatloc Tattoo Balm
⸻
Tattoo Healing: What Really Matters?
Before comparing products, let’s define what matters in tattoo aftercare:
• Moisture Balance (not too oily, not too dry)
• Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
• Antibacterial/Soothing
• Non-irritating & Fragrance-Free
• Vegan & Skin-Safe
• Speeds up healing and locks in ink
⸻
1. Petroleum Jelly: The Old-School Default
Used by generations, petroleum jelly is often the first recommendation by many studios. It’s affordable, accessible and prevents water loss from the skin.
Pros:
• Cheap and easy to find
• Locks in moisture
Cons:
• Clogs pores — leads to breakouts on tattooed skin
• Forms an unnatural seal — suffocates healing area
• Zero healing nutrients, just a barrier
• Not vegan (byproduct of petroleum)
Verdict: Outdated. Suitable for elbows, not fresh tattoos. Not a real tattoo cream by today’s standards.
⸻
2. Aquaphor Healing Ointment
A cult-favorite in the U.S., Aquaphor is a blend of petroleum jelly and healing additives like panthenol.
Pros:
• Moisturizes better than Vaseline
• Contains panthenol (skin healing booster)
• Lightweight texture
Cons:
• Still petroleum-based — pore-clogging potential
• Contains lanolin (animal byproduct, not vegan)
• Leaves a sticky film
Verdict: Slightly better than Vaseline, but not tailored for tattooed skin, especially not in humid weather.
⸻
3. Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm
Mad Rabbit is a popular U.S. brand with a sleek, minimalist image and influencer campaigns. It’s marketed as a “natural tattoo balm.”
Pros:
• Uses shea butter, cocoa butter and essential oils
• 100% vegan and natural
• Pleasant fragrance
Cons:
• Expensive for buyers
• Contains fragrances that may irritate fresh tattoos
• No clinical backing or dermatologist testing
• Not easily available
Verdict: Looks good on Instagram but not ideal for Indian post-ink conditions. Too perfumed for sensitive skin.
⸻
4. Hustle Butter Deluxe
A veteran in the U.S. tattoo space, Hustle Butter is popular in American tattoo parlors and studios.
Pros:
• Vegan, petroleum-free
• Contains mango butter, aloe vera and coconut oil
• Multipurpose: usable before, during and after tattooing
Cons:
• Heavy texture — doesn’t suit oily skin
• Contains coconut oil which can clog pores
• Not fragrance-free
• Imported product — high price, limited accessibility
Verdict: Good ingredients, but the formula isn’t suited for heat, sweat and dust.
⸻
5. Tatloc Tattoo Balm
Tatloc Tattoo Balm is a homegrown, modern-day solution formulated for all types of climate, tattoo healing needs and sensitive skin types.
Pros:
• 100% vegan, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic
• Contains jojoba oil, shea butter, vitamin E and calendula extract
• Absorbs quickly — leaves no oily residue
• Designed for sensitive skin
• Affordable
• Made in India — fresh batches, very high quality
Cons:
• Still growing — not yet in every tattoo studio
• Not available in physical stores yet (D2C only)
Verdict: The smartest choice for tattoo aftercare in India. Tailored formula, safe ingredients, better healing, no heavy chemicals — everything you need in a modern tattoo cream.