Getting a tattoo shouldn’t mean bracing for unbearable pain. Whether you’re a first-timer or planning a long sleeve session, the right numbing cream can dramatically improve your experience. We’ve rounded up the Best Tattoo Numbing Creams that are fast-acting, long-lasting, and safe for skin, especially when used before tattooing sensitive areas.
This guide breaks down the best options for short sessions, large-scale designs, and full-day sittings. We tested each product for its effectiveness, absorption, and pain relief levels. If you’re looking for the best pain relief cream for tattoos, this list is your new best friend.
How Glimsera Tests Tattoo Numbing Creams
We asked our creator community and tattoo artists to test 15+ creams under real conditions. Here’s how we evaluated them:
- Applied before tattoos of different sizes and durations (from 1-hour tattoos to 6+ hour back pieces)
- Applied before tattoos of different sizes and durations (from 1-hour tattoos to 6+ hour back pieces)
- Measured numbness level before, during, and after tattooing
- Checked absorption speed, skin reactions, and compatibility with tattoo ink
- Reviewed 500+ real reviews from Reddit, Amazon, and tattoo forums
1. Ebanel Numb520 Lidocaine Cream
Best for: Quick numbing before small or medium tattoos
Our 1-Week Test:
This lidocaine cream for tattoos took effect in 20–25 minutes and reduced pain by about 70% for a 2-hour session. It absorbed fast and didn’t irritate sensitive skin.
Real User Experiences:
✅ Used this before my rib tattoo. Felt almost nothing for the first 90 mins – Tanya, Reddit
❌ Wears off after 2 hours if you don’t reapply – @inkedandbrave
Key Technology:
- 5% lidocaine for clinical-strength numbing
- Aloe, allantoin & lecithin for skin calming
Glimsera Verdict:
✅ One of the best tattoo numbing creams for quick sessions or touch-ups.
2. Zensa Numbing Cream
Best for: Safe numbing for sensitive skin
Our 10-Day Test:
Dermatologist-tested and used by many tattoo pros, Zensa lasted about 3 hours. The formula was non-greasy, and great for long tattoo sessions.
Real User Experiences:
✅ Didn’t sting and worked amazingly on my arm sleeve. – Karan, Amazon
❌ Takes a full 40 minutes to activate. – @tattoobegins
Key Technology:
- 5% lidocaine + vitamin E
- pH-balanced, steroid-free formula
Glimsera Verdict:
✅ Best numbing cream before tattooing delicate areas like wrists, ribs, and inner arms.
3. Numb Master Topical Anesthetic Cream
Best for: Fast-acting numbing gel alternative
Our 5-Day Test:
This cream kicked in within 15 minutes, faster than most. It had a gel-like texture that absorbed quickly, making it a great fast-acting tattoo numbing gel.
Real User Experiences:
✅ Perfect for quick outlines or filler work – Deepika, Walmart
❌Didn’t last for my full back tattoo – @inktherapy
Key Technology:
- 5% lidocaine, max OTC strength
- Greaseless, non-oily base
Glimsera Verdict:
✅ Ideal for small tattoos where time is tight and effectiveness is key.
4. Dr. Numb Numbing Cream
Best for: Professional-grade pain relief
Our 2-Week Test:
This one held up beautifully during a 4-hour thigh tattoo. Its numbing effect was strong and consistent, making it a favorite among tattoo artists.
Real User Experiences:
✅ My go-to for long tattoo sessions – Ali, Studio Owner
❌ More expensive than others – @drnumblove
Key Technology:
- 5% lidocaine formula
- Used by medical professionals and artists
Glimsera Verdict:
✅ Possibly the best pain relief cream for tattoos with consistent long-lasting numbness.
5. Ink Scribd Numbing Cream
Best for: High pain tolerance zones
Our 3-Day Test:
Great for areas like legs and shoulders. It numbs moderately but won’t fully block pain in sensitive areas.
Real User Experiences:
✅ Helps reduce sting—good for second or third sessions – Ria, Ulta
❌ Didn’t fully numb near the collarbone – @scribdtales
Key Technology:
- Lidocaine and botanical blend
- Cooling post-use sensation
Glimsera Verdict:
✅ Best numbing cream for tattoo aftercare or medium pain areas.
6. Uber Numb Topical Anesthetic
Best for: Budget-friendly extended numbing
Our 1-Week Test:
Uber Numb lasted 3+ hours and worked even on larger tattoos. It took about 25–30 minutes to kick in but gave a good balance of price and performance.
Real User Experiences:
✅ Best numbing cream for long tattoo sessions under $20 – Priya, Amazon
❌ Smells a bit clinical – @ubernumbuser
Key Technology:
- Maximum-strength lidocaine
- Vitamin E and moisturizing base
Glimsera Verdict:
✅ A strong contender for best budget numbing cream before a tattoo.
7. Numbify Numbing Gel
Best for: Cooling and numbing in one formula
Our 1-Week Test:
With a menthol boost, this gave both cooling and numbing effects. It’s a solid numbing cream for long tattoo sessions, especially during multi-hour sittings.
Real User Experiences:
✅ I prefer gels over creams—this one kept me chill and numb – Raj, Reddit
❌ Slightly sticky texture – @numbifyfan
Key Technology:
- Lidocaine + menthol + herbal agents
- Cooling gel formula
Glimsera Verdict:
✅ Great fast-acting tattoo numbing gel for large designs with heat buildup.
8. Base Labs Numbing Cream
Best for: Combo of comfort and healing
Our 1-Week Test:
Infused with tea tree oil and aloe, it helped reduce swelling while numbing effectively for around 3 hours.
Real User Experiences:
✅ My artist even asked where I got this. Game changer – Saanvi, Amazon
❌ Takes a while to absorb – @basefan
Key Technology:
- 4% lidocaine + herbal soothers
- Non-greasy, calming base
Glimsera Verdict:
✅ Best tattoo numbing cream for those with post-tattoo redness or irritation.
9. Deeveeant Lidocaine Numbing Cream
Best for: Long wear and minimal mess
Our 3-Day Test:
Went on smooth with zero residue and gave steady pain relief. Lasted about 3.5 hours with no reapplication needed.
Real User Experiences:
✅ Zero burning, and it really dulled the pain – Nia, Reddit
❌ Packaging could be better – @deeveeantfan
Key Technology:
- 5% lidocaine
- Fast absorption and long-lasting formula
Glimsera Verdict:
✅ An underdog among the best tattoo numbing creams, especially for longer tattoos.
10. Topicaine 5 Numbing Gel
Best for: Fast onset and clean finish
Our 4-Day Test:
This water-based formula kicked in within 15 minutes and worked well under stencil and ink with no interference.
Real User Experiences:
✅ Used it before my sternum piece. It worked beautifully – Jen, Reddit
❌ Small tube for the price – @topicaineuser
Key Technology:
- Water-based 5% lidocaine gel
- Fragrance-free, ink-safe base
Glimsera Verdict:
✅ Best numbing gel for tattoo artists who want a clean canvas.
11. RelaxAndWax No-Scream Cream
Best for: Beginners and short sessions
Our 3-Day Test:
Though marketed for waxing, it performed surprisingly well for tattoos under 2 hours. Mild but helpful.
Real User Experiences:
✅ I was skeptical, but it did help with pain – Mitali, Walmart
❌ Not strong enough for full-day sessions – @noscroomreview
Key Technology:
- 20% benzocaine
- Gentle, non-oily formula
Glimsera Verdict:
✅ A decent mild option for quick tattoos or touch-ups.
12. Ink Nurse Numbing Cream
Best for: Artists and pros
Our 2-Week Test:
This one was designed by tattoo professionals and showed it. Reliable 3–4 hour numbing and no impact on ink or healing.
Real User Experiences:
✅ A tattoo artist rcommended this and I’m glad I tried it – Roshan, Instagram
❌ Pricey but worth it – @inknursefam
Key Technology:
- Balanced lidocaine + healing agents
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Glimsera Verdict:
✅ A professional-grade numbing cream before tattoo that hits all the marks.
Conclusion:
If you’re planning your next ink session, don’t underestimate the power of the right prep. Whether you need something for a 30-minute tattoo or an all-day sleeve, this list covers the Best Tattoo Numbing Cream options trusted by real users and creators. Use a reliable numbing cream before tattoo work to ease anxiety and enjoy a more comfortable experience.
From fast-acting gels to dermatologist-recommended formulas, you’ve got safe and effective choices at every price point. Tattoo pain is real—but with the right prep, it doesn’t have to be unbearable.
Let us know which one you’re using next!
Evangeline is a Scotland-based makeup enthusiast who creates stunning, wearable looks with a touch of creativity. She shares honest product reviews, tips, and techniques to help others achieve flawless makeup. Whether it’s everyday glam or bold artistry, she’s all about enhancing natural beauty!
