I usually recommend Mad Rabbit numbing cream. You can receive a discount on it by following my link here, or it is also available on Amazon. If using another product, please ensure that there is less than 5% Lidocaine in the active ingredients.

The FDA issued a warning in March 2024 in regards to certain tattoo numbing creams containing excessive Lidocaine and/or other hazardous ingredients. Specifically, it is recommended that you do NOT use the following:

• TKTK (Minthra+, J-Cain)

• NumbSkin

• Tattoo Numbing Cream Co.

• Painless Tattoo Co.

• Dermal Source

• Ink Eeze numbing gel, spray, and soap

1. Use gloves when applying, or wash hands thoroughly after application

2. One to two hours prior to your appointment, apply a thick layer of the cream to the skin that’s going to be tattooed - Do not rub it into the skin

3. Cover with plastic wrap

4. Arrive for your appointment - I’ll take care of cleaning the area off for you!

As of right now, I have not seen any changes to the tattooing process or the healing process when using reputable brands of numbing cream with less than 5% Lidocaine. Just some things to keep in mind:

• Do not use if you have had any allergic reactions to Lidocaine, if you have any medical conditions that prevents you from using topical or local anesthetics, or if you are taking any medications that interact with Lidocaine.

• Do not use on open skin (cuts, blisters, rashes, etc.). If the skin is damaged, I will not be able to tattoo over it anyways!

• Using Lidocaine over a large area of skin and covering the area of application increases its absorption, which can increase the risk of side effects such as abnormal heartbeats and breathing difficulties.