Getting a new tattoo is exciting, but proper aftercare is crucial for preserving your ink and keeping your skin happy.
While there are many commercial ointments and creams on the market, more and more people are turning to natural alternatives.
That’s where a DIY tattoo balm recipe comes in. When you make your own healing balm, you control every ingredient.
No harsh chemicals, no synthetic fragrances, just pure, skin-loving goodness.
In this guide, we’ll share five of the best homemade tattoo balm recipes from trusted creators, explain the benefits of each one, and help you choose the right one for your skin type and healing stage.
Whether you’re new to tattoo aftercare or a seasoned ink enthusiast, you’ll find a DIY balm that suits your needs.
Why Choose a DIY Tattoo Balm?
There are so many benefits to making your own balm. First, you get to pick exactly what goes on your skin.
Many store-bought products contain petroleum, artificial preservatives, or fragrance, things that can irritate a fresh tattoo.
DIY tattoo balms are made with natural oils, waxes, butters, and essential oils that promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Plus, you can tweak the texture, scent, and ingredients based on what your skin loves most.
Want a lighter feel? Use jojoba or almond oil.
Prefer a thicker salve? Add more beeswax.
Interested in herbal infusions? Add calendula or chamomile.
If you’re new to DIY salves and balms recipes, don’t worry, these are beginner-friendly and deeply nourishing.
What’s the Difference Between a Tattoo Balm, Cream, and Ointment?
Tattoo balm is a solid oil-based salve made with butters and beeswax.
It’s thicker than a cream and forms a barrier to protect the skin. Tattoo cream is lighter and more lotion-like,usually whipped for easier spreadability.
Ointments are petroleum or lanolin-based products often prescribed for wound healing but not always ideal for sensitive tattooed skin.
In general, a balm is best for dry skin or for the flaky healing stage, while creams can be great once the tattoo is mostly healed.
This guide focuses on balm recipes, but you’ll find cream-style tips in one of the recipes below too.
Best Ingredients for DIY Tattoo Balm
The base of most healing balm recipes includes a combination of plant-based oils, natural butters, and beeswax.
Each ingredient plays a role:
- Shea butter softens and protects
- Coconut oil has antibacterial properties
- Jojoba oil mimics skin’s natural sebum
- Calendula and chamomile-infused oils are anti-inflammatory
- Lavender and helichrysum essential oils support skin repair
- Beeswax helps lock in moisture
Looking for an extra healing boost? Consider incorporating magnesium oil or tallow, especially if your skin tends to be dry or irritated.
These ingredients offer essential minerals and fatty acids that deeply nourish the skin.
How to Use Healing Balms for Tattoo Aftercare
Always start with clean, dry hands and skin.
Scoop a small amount of balm with a clean fingertip and gently spread a very thin layer over your tattoo.
Do not over-apply; the goal is to keep the tattoo slightly moisturized, not smothered.
Apply 2–3 times a day during the initial healing phase, then reduce frequency as your skin scabs and flakes.
Once fully healed, you can switch to a lighter lotion if needed, like this Tattoo Aftercare Lotion.
5 DIY Tattoo Balm Recipe
1. Botanical Tattoo Balm
This classic botanical balm from Moutain Rose Herbs uses jojoba and coconut oil, shea butter, and lavender essential oil.
It’s gentle and hydrating, great for the first week of healing.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup jojoba oil
- 1/4 cup unrefined coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- 4 tablespoons beeswax pastilles
- 2 tablespoons calendula-infused oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 24 drops lavender essential oil
How to prepare: Melt the jojoba oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax together in a double boiler. Once melted, remove from heat.
Stir in the calendula oil, vitamin E, and essential oil. Pour into glass balm jars and let cool completely.
2. Easy Healing + Brightening Balm
This balm from Jenni Raincloud has fewer ingredients but works beautifully on dry or flaky tattooed skin.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup shea butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
- 2 tablespoons beeswax
- Optional: 10 drops lavender or frankincense essential oil
Melt everything except essential oil. Stir in oil after removing from heat, pour into tins, and let solidify.
This is great if you want a balm that melts easily in your hands.
3. Herbal Healing Balm
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon calendula-infused oil
- 1 tablespoon chamomile-infused oil
- 1 tablespoon rosehip oil
- 1 tablespoon St. John’s Wort oil
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- 2 tablespoons beeswax
- Optional: 3–5 drops helichrysum essential oil
How to prepare: Melt the shea butter and beeswax in a double boiler. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the herbal oils and essential oils.
Pour into dark glass jars and allow to cool before capping.
4. Whipped Tattoo Cream
This is more of a cream than a balm from Pronounce Skincare. It’s whipped, fluffy, and absorbs fast.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons mango butter
- 2 tablespoons cocoa butter
- 2 tablespoons kokum butter
- 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
- 5 drops frankincense essential oil
- 5 drops tea tree oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
How to prepare: Melt the butters and oil in a double boiler. Once melted, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Add essential oils. Chill until solid but not hard. Then whip with a hand mixer until fluffy.
Store in a jar with a wide opening.
5. Aloe + Hemp Tattoo Balm
This recipe from YouTube DIY video by Clean Skin Co. is extra rich and packed with healing
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon hemp oil
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon beeswax
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- Optional: essential oils or scent oils (lavender, chamomile)
How to prepare: Melt shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, and beeswax in a double boiler. Remove from heat and stir in hemp oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, and essential oils.
Whisk well and pour into a small jar. Let it cool fully before sealing.
It’s a fantastic balm if your skin tends to dry out easily during healing or if you’re dealing with irritation.
Want to Skip DIY? Try These Pre-Made Favorites
If you’re short on time or want something ready-to-go, these natural products are excellent alternatives:
Organic Tallow Balm (Unscented) – ultra-nourishing, good for sensitive or dry skin
After Inked Tattoo Aftercare Non-Petroleum Jelly – effective, dermatologist-approved
Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm – made for tattoos, great aftercare balm
Ebanel Tattoo Balm – Premium tattoo aftercare cream
Final Thoughts
Creating your own DIY tattoo balm recipe is a beautiful way to care for your skin using ingredients you trust.
With so many variations, you can start simple and get more adventurous as you grow comfortable with the process.
Whether you prefer a healing balm packed with herbs or a whipped creamy blend, you’re giving your tattoo, and your skin, the best chance to shine.
If you’re not ready to DIY, feel free to check out the recommended ready-made options in our article.
Have fun, stay creative, and treat your ink with love.
No responses yet