Numbing creams can sound like an easy fix for tattoo discomfort, but they come with important limitations and risks, particularly during linework. Please read this carefully before deciding to use them.
1. How numbing creams work
Over-the-counter numbing creams (such as Numit or Emla) are topical anaesthetics that contain lidocaine and prilocaine. These ingredients temporarily block sodium channels in nerve endings, preventing pain signals from being transmitted from the skin to the brain.
The numbing effect is local and limited to the upper layers of the skin. Numbing cream does not change how deep a tattoo needle goes or how ink settles in the skin, but it can alter blood flow and skin temperature. This can affect how the skin behaves and feels during tattooing.
When applied correctly, numbing effects usually last between one to three hours, depending on the product, application, and individual response. As the anaesthetic wears off, sensation returns gradually.
2. The downsides of numbing cream
The main issue with numbing cream, particularly during linework, is stencil breakdown. It can soften the stencil and cause it to rub away faster than usual, making it harder for the artist to clearly see what they are working from. This slows the process and increases the risk of errors.
If the stencil fades to the point where normal black linework would erase the remaining guide, the artist may need to change technique and lightly greywash-line what is still visible before returning to permanent black linework. This effectively means outlining parts of the tattoo twice.
Numbing cream can also alter local blood flow and fluid levels in the skin. When this happens, the skin may feel swollen, spongy, or rubbery, disrupting the tactile cues artists rely on to accurately judge depth, pressure, speed, and technique.
Together, these effects disrupt the flow of the session, increase how long the tattoo takes, and affect overall cost. Skin changes may also influence how the tattoo is applied and heals, which can result in touch-ups or rework that would not qualify as a free touch-up.
Because of these factors, I prefer that numbing cream is not used unless it is genuinely necessary. More on what constitutes “genuinely necessary” is outlined in Section 6.
3. Approved vs black-market products
When numbing cream is used, the type of product matters. If you do choose to use it, the only products I am comfortable working with are TGA-approved and purchased over the counter from an Australian pharmacy:
Numit 5% Cream: This is the product I’ve had the best experience with.
EMLA 5% Cream: Acceptable if Numit cannot be sourced.
I will not tattoo clients who have used unregulated or “extra strength” products purchased online due to the following safety risks:
Unsafe concentrations of lidocaine: Excessive doses increase the risk of lidocaine toxicity. Higher percentages do not provide better numbing. Once accessible nerve endings are saturated, additional lidocaine only increases systemic absorption and associated risk.
Epinephrine (adrenaline): This ingredient is never safe for casual use. It constricts blood vessels and restricts oxygen to the skin, directly affecting healing and skin response. Epinephrine is a prescription-only drug and should only ever be administered by trained medical professionals.
Common unregulated or black-market numbing products: This includes online creams such as TKTX, Numb Numb, Dr. Numb, J-Cain, and similar “tattoo numbing” products sold outside Australian pharmacies. These products are not TGA-approved and are not permitted.
Red flags for unregulated products include:
- Purchased online or through tattoo supply sites 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
If a product is not TGA-approved and pharmacy-dispensed in Australia, it must not be used.
4. Safety and application guidelines
Systemic safety considerations
When used correctly, over-the-counter numbing creams are generally safe. However, lidocaine is still a medication, and excessive use or use over large areas can lead to systemic absorption. In rare cases, this may affect the nervous system or heart, particularly in people with certain medical conditions or on specific medications. Correct dosing, surface area limits, and pharmacy-approved products are essential.
General requirements:
• You must purchase and apply numbing cream yourself. I cannot provide or apply numbing agents.
• Use the product strictly as directed by the manufacturer.
• Check for any factors that may increase sensitivity to lidocaine, including relevant medical conditions or medications. If unsure, consult your pharmacist or doctor.
• Patch-test the product the day before your appointment to rule out allergic reaction
Application timing and preparation:
Begin numbing cream application 2 hours before your booking.
Applying it earlier or leaving it on for longer does not improve results.
- Before application, take a warm shower to cleanse the area, remove surface oils and dead skin cells, and gently warm the skin. Dry skin before the next step.
- Rub in a thin initial layer of numbing cream, then apply a second thick layer on top, like frosting a cake.
- Wrap the area in plastic film and secure it so it does not move.
- Keep the area comfortably warm, as cold skin reduces effectiveness. A warm (not hot) heat pack may be used. The area should never feel hot or uncomfortable.
- Leave the cream & plastic on. I will remove it when preparing the skin for the stencil. Removing it early can cause the numbing effect to wear off prematurely.
Thickness and surface area: For numbing cream to be safe and effective, the amount of cream must match the size of the area being numbed. See below. Do not spread the cream thinner to cover more area. This only reduces numbing effectiveness and increases the risk of lidocaine toxicity due to greater systemic absorption.
Surface area guide (when applied correctly):
- An A4-sized area (≈ 600 cm²) requires two 30 g tubes and represents the maximum recommended surface area
- An A5-sized area (≈ 300 cm²) typically requires one 30 g tube
- An A6-sized area (≈ 150 cm²) (postcard/credit card size) is suitable for one 10 g tube for a small, targeted application
5. Natural alternatives
Biotat: During sessions I use Biotat, a professional glide and green soap containing eugenol (from clove oil), which has a mild natural analgesic effect. It helps take the edge off without affecting skin integrity or healing. Because it is used continuously throughout the tattoo, the effect builds gradually and lasts for the duration of the session.
Most clients report that Biotat noticeably helps. Some experience a strong numbing effect, while others feel a milder benefit. But I find even clients who report it “didn’t work” will sit more comfortably and for longer than usual.
Be sure to check 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
In some cases, numbing cream is genuinely necessary to complete a tattoo safely and to a high standard. This applies when pain responses cause involuntary reactions such as severe twitching, constant movement, or excessive sweating that make controlled tattooing impossible.
In these situations, numbing cream can improve the outcome of the tattoo by reducing involuntary responses and allowing accurate, consistent application.
Numbing cream does not make a tattoo quicker or easier overall. Sessions using numbing often take longer and may increase cost, as the process is limited by the duration and effectiveness of the numbing.
Numbing cream should not be treated as a convenience or comfort aid. Using it unnecessarily introduces risk without improving results and should be reserved for situations where pain would otherwise prevent the tattoo from being completed properly. Clients should weigh the potential benefits against the risks, including health considerations and the possibility of extended tattoo time.
7. Final notes on numbing cream
I prefer to work without numbing cream and generally discourage its use, as it often creates more complications than benefits.
That said, in certain cases numbing cream may be genuinely helpful when pain responses would otherwise make it difficult to tattoo safely or effectively. The information above is provided so clients can make an informed decision.
If you believe you genuinely need to use numbing cream, please let me know before your appointment so we can plan accordingly. Only approved pharmacy products should be used, and clients choosing to use them must understand and accept the associated risks.
