Numbing Cream & Tattooing: What You Need to Know
Numbing cream is something clients occasionally ask about, so this page covers how it works, the downsides, what products are safe to use, and when it’s actually worth considering.
1. How numbing cream works
Over-the-counter numbing creams (such as Numit or EMLA) contain lidocaine and prilocaine, which temporarily block pain signals in the upper layers of skin. The effect typically lasts one to three hours, depending on the product and the individual. As it wears off, sensation returns gradually.
Numbing cream does not change how deep the needle goes or how ink settles — but it can affect blood flow and skin texture, which matters during the tattooing process.
2. The downsides
The main practical issue is stencil breakdown. Numbing cream softens the stencil and causes it to fade faster than usual, making it harder to see the guide lines clearly. In some cases, the stencil fades to the point where continuing with normal black linework would erase what remains. When that happens, I need to lightly outline the affected areas in a diluted grey wash first to preserve the design, then go back over with permanent black — effectively outlining those sections twice.
Numbing cream can also alter local blood flow and fluid levels in the skin, causing it to feel swollen, spongy, or rubbery. This disrupts the tactile feedback I rely on to judge depth, pressure, and speed accurately.
Together, these effects slow the session down, increase how long it takes, and affect the overall cost. Skin changes may also influence how the tattoo heals, which can result in touch-ups that would not qualify as a free fix.
3. Approved products only
If numbing cream is used, it must be a TGA-approved product purchased from an Australian pharmacy. The only products I’m comfortable working with are:
- Numit 5% Cream — my preferred option
- EMLA 5% Cream — acceptable if Numit is unavailable
I will not tattoo clients who have used unregulated or “extra strength” products purchased online. The risks include:
Unsafe lidocaine concentrations. Higher percentages do not improve numbing — once the accessible nerve endings are saturated, additional lidocaine only increases systemic absorption and the risk of toxicity.
Epinephrine (adrenaline). This ingredient constricts blood vessels, restricts oxygen to the skin, and directly affects healing. It is a prescription-only drug and has no place in casual use.
Common unregulated products include TKTX, Numb Numb, Dr. Numb, J-Cain, and similar creams sold through tattoo supply sites or online marketplaces. These are not TGA-approved and are not permitted.
Red flags for unregulated products:
- Purchased online or through a tattoo supply site rather than a pharmacy
- Marketed as “extra strength” or “maximum strength”
- No Australian AUST L or AUST R number
- Ingredients not clearly disclosed, or containing epinephrine (adrenaline)
- Inconsistent packaging or multiple “versions” of the same product
4. Safety and application
General requirements
- You must purchase and apply numbing cream yourself — I cannot provide or apply it.
- Use the product strictly as directed by the manufacturer.
- If you have any medical conditions or take medications that may affect lidocaine sensitivity, check with your pharmacist or doctor first.
- Patch-test the product the day before your appointment to rule out allergic reaction.
Application — begin 2 hours before your appointment
Applying earlier or leaving the cream on longer does not improve results.
- Take a warm shower to cleanse the area and gently warm the skin. Dry thoroughly.
- Rub in a thin initial layer of cream, then apply a second thick layer on top — like frosting a cake.
- Wrap the area in plastic film and secure it so it stays in place.
- Keep the area comfortably warm. Cold skin reduces effectiveness; a warm (not hot) heat pack is fine.
- Leave the cream and wrap on. I will remove it when preparing the skin for the stencil — removing it early causes the numbing to wear off prematurely.
Surface area and quantity
The amount of cream must match the size of the area being treated. Do not spread it thinly to cover more skin — this reduces effectiveness and increases the risk of systemic absorption.
| Area | Approximate size | Amount needed |
|---|---|---|
| Small / targeted | A6 — postcard size (~150 cm²) | One 10 g tube |
| Medium | A5 (~300 cm²) | One 30 g tube |
| Large | A4 (~600 cm²) | Two 30 g tubes — maximum recommended area |
5. Natural alternatives
During sessions I use Biotat, a professional glide and green soap containing eugenol (derived from clove oil), which has a mild natural analgesic effect. Because it’s applied throughout the session, the effect builds gradually and lasts the duration. Most clients find it noticeably helps — some experience strong numbing, others a milder benefit, but even clients who feel it “didn’t work” tend to sit more comfortably and for longer than usual.
It’s also worth checking the tattoo preparation guide before your appointment. Good sleep, food, and hydration have a far greater impact on pain tolerance than most people realise.
6. When numbing cream is genuinely necessary
Numbing cream is best reserved for situations where pain causes involuntary physical reactions — severe twitching, constant movement, or excessive sweating — that make controlled tattooing difficult or impossible. In those cases, it can genuinely improve the outcome by allowing more accurate, consistent application.
It is not a general comfort aid, and using it unnecessarily introduces risk without improving results. Sessions using numbing cream often take longer and may cost more, since the process is limited by the duration and effectiveness of the anaesthetic.
If you think numbing cream may be necessary for your session, please let me know before your appointment so we can plan accordingly.
