Is coconut oil or vaseline good for tattoos?
- Marcu
- Jul 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 28
Table of Contents
Should you use coconut oil on a tattoo?
Coconut oil is often praised as a natural skincare miracle — but is it safe for tattoos?
🌿 Pros:
• Natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
• Lightweight hydration
• Contains fatty acids that nourish the skin
🚫 Cons:
• Can clog pores if over-applied
• May not provide enough barrier protection during early healing
• Not sterilised — raw coconut oil could carry bacteria if not properly stored
Verdict? Use it sparingly, and only after the initial healing stage (usually after 7–10 days). It’s best as a moisturiser once the skin has sealed.
Is vaseline safe for tattoo aftercare?
This one’s trickier.
Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is not recommended for fresh tattoos. Why?
• It’s too occlusive — it blocks airflow
• Traps moisture and bacteria under the skin
• Can cause ink fading or patchy healing
• May soften scabs too quickly, increasing the risk of scarring
While Vaseline is great for protecting tattoos from water after they’ve healed (like during a shower or swim), it’s not suitable for daily aftercare.
What do professional artists recommend?
Most professional tattoo artists (including our team in Saltash near Plymouth) advise:
✅ Use fragrance-free, non-comedogenic healing creams such as:
• Tattoo-specific aftercare balms
• Bepanthen (in moderation)
• Hustle Butter
• Aveeno (fragrance-free)
• Aquaphor (with care — patch test first)
These products are designed to let your tattoo breathe while keeping it hydrated and protected — two of the most important factors in successful healing.
Better alternatives for tattoo healing
Here’s what to look for in a tattoo aftercare product:
• Fragrance-free
• Hypoallergenic
• Light and breathable
• Non-petroleum based (ideally)
• Designed for healing skin or tattoos
Natural doesn’t always mean safe — coconut oil may be fine later, but steer clear during the first few days.
Final thoughts: Choose what heals, not what hurts
It’s tempting to reach for whatever’s in your cupboard — but healing tattoos deserve a little more thought. While coconut oil can help hydrate long-term, and Vaseline might seem protective, they’re not ideal for the delicate early stages.
Invest in proper tattoo aftercare — it helps your ink stay vibrant, reduces risk of infection, and gives your skin the best chance to recover beautifully.
Your future self (and your healed tattoo) will thank you.
FAQ
Q: Can I use coconut oil on a new tattoo?
A: Not during the first few days. Wait until the tattoo is no longer weeping or raw, usually 7–10 days in.
Q: Is Vaseline ever OK for tattoos?
A: Only as a water barrier once healed. Never apply it to a fresh tattoo — it suffocates the skin.
Q: What’s the best aftercare cream?
A: Look for tattoo-specific balms or fragrance-free, hypoallergenic healing creams recommended by your artist.
Q: Can coconut oil fade a tattoo?
A: Not directly — but using it too soon can interfere with healing, which might affect ink retention.
