Tattoo Soaps Explained: From Studio Prep to Aftercare

Choosing the Right Tattoo Soap: What Artists and Clients Need to Know

Let’s face it — there’s a lot more to tattooing than just the ink and the needle. One of the most underrated heroes of any tattoo session? Soap. Yup, the stuff you use to clean skin before, during, and after the tattoo can make a massive difference — for healing, comfort, and even how that ink sets.

But which soap should you use? Green? Red? Foaming? Antimicrobial? There are tons of options out there, and they’re not all created equal. So we broke it down for you — what each type is for, what’s in them, when to use them, and which brands Canadian and U.S. tattoo artists actually trust.

Green Soap: The Industry Classic

If you’ve ever walked into a tattoo studio, you’ve probably caught a whiff of green soap — that signature eucalyptus-tinged scent.

What It Is:

Green soap is a concentrated, vegetable-based soap with glycerin, lavender, and isopropyl alcohol. It’s the OG in tattoo cleaning and has been a studio staple for decades.

What It’s For:

• Prepping the skin before tattooing

• Cleaning excess ink and blood during the session

• Wiping down tools and equipment

How to Use It:

It’s a concentrate — dilute it 1:8 or 1:10 with distilled water in a spray bottle.

Popular Brands:

• Cosco Green Soap – The most widely used; affordable and effective

• Dynarex Green Soap – Same formula, similar performance

• Tincture of Green Soap (Tattoo Goo) – Slightly different scent, similar use

Pros:

✔ Trusted and effective
✔ Antiseptic properties
✔ Affordable in bulk

Cons:

✘ Can dry out sensitive skin
✘ Has to be diluted before use

Red Soap: The Tough Love Option

Red soap looks wild, but it’s not just for show — it packs more antimicrobial punch.

What It Is:

Usually contains chloroxylenol or chlorhexidine, glycerin, and sometimes triclosan or panthenol. It’s designed to fight bacteria hard.

What It’s For:

• Pre-cleaning and post-tattoo cleansing

• Great for sensitive areas or larger pieces where infection risk is higher

• Some artists prefer it over green soap for healing efficiency

How to Use It:

Usually used undiluted or diluted just slightly depending on skin sensitivity.

Popular Brands:

• Red Soap by TattooMed

• Dr. Numb Red Antibacterial Soap

• Zensa Red Soap Cleanser

Pros:

✔ Stronger antimicrobial effects
✔ Often gentler on healing skin
✔ Doesn’t sting like alcohol-based cleansers

Cons:

✘ Slightly pricier
✘ Some contain harsh preservatives (read the label)

Foaming Tattoo Soaps (During & After)

If you’re into minimal mess and maximum skin love, foaming cleansers are the modern go-to.

What They Are:

Ready-to-use, no-dilution-needed soaps in foam pump bottles. Usually infused with natural oils, witch hazel, tea tree, or chamomile.

What They’re For:

• On-the-fly during tattoo sessions

• Gentle cleansing for aftercare

• Soothing irritated or overworked skin

How to Use It:

Pump, apply, and wipe — easy as that. Some artists use it between passes; others give a bottle to clients for home use.

Popular Brands:

• Hustle Bubbles Deluxe – With aloe and coconut, smells amazing

• INK-EEZE Green Foam Soap – Includes lavender and witch hazel

• TattooMed Cleansing Foam – Vegan, fragrance-free, for aftercare use

• Redemption Foaming Wash – Organic, cruelty-free option with calendula

Pros:

✔ No dilution needed
✔ Skin-soothing ingredients
✔ Great for travel and studio use

Cons:

✘ Costs more per ml than concentrates
✘ Some are overly scented for sensitive clients

🧼 Antimicrobial & Surgical Prep Soaps

Used before the first line is even drawn, these soaps make sure you’re working on a clean canvas.

Key Ingredients:

• Chlorhexidine gluconate

• Triclosan

• Isopropyl alcohol

Common Uses:

• Pre-tattoo surgical prep

• Wiping down equipment and stations

• Protecting open skin during long sessions

Notable Products:

• Hibiclens – Antiseptic cleanser often used in medical settings

• Provon Antimicrobial Lotion Soap – Gentle and scent-free

• Dettol Antiseptic Liquid (not a soap, but used similarly in some shops)

Note: Always check local health regulations. Some antiseptics are restricted in certain provinces or states.

✍️ Artist Tips: Picking What Works for You

Choosing tattoo soap isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s what artists often consider:

• Skin Sensitivity: If your clients have sensitive skin, avoid harsh alcohol-based soaps. Foaming or red soap is a safer bet.

• Budget: Green soap concentrates are great value for money — especially in busy shops.

• Convenience: Foaming cleansers are amazing when you're switching clients quickly or traveling to conventions.

• Aftercare: Recommend a gentle, natural-based foaming soap or red cleanser for home use. Avoid anything with perfumes or heavy oils.

💡 Quick Comparison Table

Final Thoughts: So, Which Tattoo Soap Should You Use?

Here’s the honest answer: you’ll probably end up using more than one. Green soap for basic cleaning, red or antimicrobial soap for sensitive cases, and foaming cleansers for quick wipes or aftercare.

Test a few and find what works best with your workflow — and your client’s skin. Just like ink or needles, once you find the right soap, you’ll never want to be without it.

Want to stock up for your shop or studio? We carry a full range of tattoo soaps in Canada — from concentrates to foam pumps, all artist-approved.