Tattoo Goo vs Hustle Butter vs After Inked: Which Tattoo Aftercare Is Best?
- Electric Linda
- May 11
- 5 min read
Choosing tattoo aftercare can feel weirdly dramatic.
You just got a beautiful new tattoo, your skin is tender, your artist gave you instructions, and now the internet is screaming 700 different opinions at you like a chaotic tattoo aftercare choir.
“Use balm!”
“No, use lotion!”
“Never use that!”
“My cousin used coconut oil and now he’s basically a dermatologist!”
Let’s calm the circus down.
Three of the most popular tattoo aftercare products are Tattoo Goo, Hustle Butter, and After Inked. All three are well-known in the tattoo world, but they are not exactly the same. The best choice depends on your skin, your tattoo, the healing stage, and whether you prefer a balm, butter, or lotion.
As a tattoo artist, here’s how I would look at them.
Tattoo Goo: best for people who like a classic balm
Tattoo Goo is one of the old-school names in tattoo aftercare. Their original balm is described as being rich in olive oil, lavender oil, and other natural ingredients, and Tattoo Goo says it is designed to moisturize skin and support vibrant-looking ink.
The texture is usually thicker than a lotion. Think balm, not cream. That means it can feel more protective, but it also means you need to use it carefully.
And by carefully, I mean: thin layer, my love. Thin. Layer.
Do not frost your tattoo like a cupcake.
Too much balm can make the tattoo feel greasy and suffocated. A little is enough.
Pros of Tattoo Goo
Tattoo Goo is easy to carry, especially in the small tin. It can be nice for smaller tattoos, travel, and quick touch-ups when the tattoo starts feeling dry. It is also a familiar product that many clients recognize.
Cons of Tattoo Goo
Because it is a balm, some people may overapply it. If you are the type of person who thinks “more product equals more healing,” Tattoo Goo may tempt you into becoming a slippery little seal. Don’t. Your tattoo needs moisture, not a bathtub of ointment.
Best for
Tattoo Goo may be a good option for smaller tattoos, traditional aftercare lovers, and people who prefer a thicker, more protective feel.
Hustle Butter: best for artists and clients who like a richer butter
Hustle Butter Deluxe is widely used by tattoo artists before, during, and after tattooing. It is often positioned as a vegan alternative to petroleum-based products used in the tattoo process.
This one is richer and creamier than many standard lotions. A lot of tattoo artists like Hustle Butter because it can be used during the tattooing process as a glide, and clients can also use it afterward for aftercare.
The vibe is more “luxury tattoo butter” than “clinical lotion.”
Pros of Hustle Butter
It feels nourishing, spreads nicely, and is especially popular among artists. Because it is used during tattooing too, many clients already associate the smell and texture with the tattoo experience.
It can be a great product to recommend when someone asks, “What was that nice-smelling stuff you used during my tattoo?”
Cons of Hustle Butter
It is rich. That can be lovely, but again: thin layer. If someone applies too much, especially on a large fresh tattoo, it may feel heavy.
Also, people with sensitive skin should always be careful with scented or botanical-heavy products. Natural ingredients can still irritate some skin types. Nature is cute, but she is not always gentle. Ask anyone who has met poison ivy.
Best for
Hustle Butter may be a good choice for tattoo collectors, artists, and clients who prefer a richer vegan butter-style product.
After Inked: best for people who prefer a lighter lotion
After Inked is a tattoo moisturizer enriched with grape seed oil, and the brand describes it as suitable for tattoo and permanent makeup aftercare.
Compared with Tattoo Goo and Hustle Butter, After Inked feels more like a daily lotion. That can make it easier for many people to use correctly, especially after the first few days when the tattoo is entering the dry, itchy, flaky stage.
After Inked is also commonly described as vegan and fragrance-free in product listings, which can make it appealing for people who want something less heavy and less scented.
Pros of After Inked
It is lightweight, easy to apply, and less greasy than many balms and butters. For clients who hate the feeling of thick products, After Inked can be a very comfortable option.
It also works nicely later in the healing process when the tattoo starts getting dry and tight.
Cons of After Inked
If someone loves that thick balm feeling, After Inked may feel too light. Some people want that “protected” feeling, especially in the early healing stage.
Best for
After Inked may be a good choice for larger tattoos, sensitive clients who dislike heavy balm textures, and anyone who wants a lighter daily moisturizer.
So which one is best?
Here’s the honest answer: there is no universal winner.
There is only the best product for your skin, your tattoo, and your healing method.
Product | Texture | Best for |
Tattoo Goo | Balm | Small tattoos, classic aftercare, travel |
Hustle Butter | Rich butter | Tattoo artists, collectors, richer moisture |
After Inked | Lotion | Larger tattoos, lighter feel, daily moisturizing |
But which one is my personal favorite?
Honestly? None of them. I mean, they're all good; I have tried them all, and I will totally recommend all of them, they do the aftercare work very well. But we don't sell any of these in my tattoo shop, Masterpiece. We have decided, after agreeing with all the artists I work with, to sell the products from the TattooMed collection. I personally like that it is not as oily or sticky as the others, and it gets absorbed faster. Yes, you will need to apply the cream more often than with the others, but I think it's worth it.
My professional recommendation
If you are healing a fresh tattoo, follow your artist’s instructions first. Your artist knows how they worked the skin, how saturated the tattoo is, and what aftercare method they prefer.
If I had to simplify it:
Choose Tattoo Goo if you like a classic balm. Choose Hustle Butter if you want a rich tattoo butter. Choose After Inked if you want a lighter lotion. Lastly, choose TattooMed if you want it to absorb faster and don't like sticky creams.
The real secret is not just which product you choose. It is how you use it.
Wash gently. Dry carefully. Apply a thin layer. Do not scratch. Do not swim. Do not marinate your tattoo in mystery cream from the back of your bathroom cabinet.
Your tattoo is art. Treat it like art.
Not like a leftover lasagna.
Good luck!
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