Choosing the right aftercare for your new or existing tattoo can make the difference between art that fades and fades and ink that holds its edge for years. At Mad Rabbit, we know that the debate over why balms and lotions are “tattoo-friendly” is heating up as more people prioritize both skin health and lasting vitality. So in 2025, when a customer asks, “Is Hustle Butter suitable for tattoos?”, they might instead be asking, what do professional artists and skin professionals look for in aftercare, and how do clean, science-backed products fit into that?
Mad Rabbit vs. Hustle Butter: Tattoo Aftercare Comparison (2025)
If you’re weighing up whether to choose Mud Rabbit or Hustle Butter for your tattoo aftercare, use this head-to-head comparison to see how they stack up against what artists and skin health experts value most. We believe that transparency and realistic details will help you make the right choice for your ink and lifestyle.
Features/Standards Mud Rabbit Hustle Butter Formula Type Clean, Vegan, Non-Toxic, Dermatologist Tested Vegan, Natural, Cruelty Free Petroleum Free Yes (No Petroleum, Parabens, Mineral Oils) Yes Ingredient Highlights Shea Butter, Sesame Oil, Chamomile, Vitamin A/E, Aloe (tailored for both new and existing tattoos) Shea, Mango, Coconut, Sunflower, Aloe, Green Tea Dermatologist Tested Yes – Tested specifically on tattooed skin No widely published data Designed for the tattoo lifecycle Yes – products for all stages: numbing, soothing, healing, daily maintenance, sunscreen Mainly focused on healing and moisturizing stages Texture and feel Lightweight, non-greasy, fast absorbing (balm stick, ointment, gel, lotion options) Creamy, buttery, moderate absorption Product range Kits/Bundles (balms, washes, gels, SPF, anesthesia), professional Tattoo Glide, studio-grade products Primarily Tattoo Balm/Glide Packaging Contemporary and travel-friendly (balm sticks, kits, ointment tins) Jars and tubs Artist and studio input Formulated with input from tattoo artists and studios (including Mad Rabbit Studio LA) and tested in real-world conditions Widely used in studios, but not necessarily fine-tuned by artists SPF protection Tattoo-specific SPF 30 available Yes Hypoallergenic / for sensitive skin Yes (dermatologist tested, minimal allergen risk, unscented option) Contains essential oils (may not suit all skin types) Subscriptions / Bundles Flexible subscriptions, carefully selected bundles for every routine Single product purchases or packs
What tattoo professionals really value in aftercare
Today’s top tattoo artists and skin experts are skeptical of miracle claims and want products backed by real results and evidence. Here are the most talked about ones in our community and at Mad Rabbit Tattoo Studio in Los Angeles.
Breathability: Freshly inked skin is scarred and needs airflow instead of heavy, pore-clogging ointments. Formulas that allow the skin to breathe support recovery and reduce complications. Clean ingredients and petroleum-free: Most experts now favor vegan, cruelty-free, and non-petroleum-based balms. Petroleum suffocates your skin, traps bacteria, and risks dulling the color of your tattoo in the long run. Soothing and Moisturizing: A proper aftercare balm or cream should soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and help control scabs without creating an oily film. No artificial fragrances or harsh additives: Unscented or naturally scented options are preferred to minimize irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
The truth about vegan tattoo balms and why it matters
The movement towards vegan and clean aftercare, as seen in Hustle Butter and our Mud Rabbit products, isn’t just an Instagram trend. Dermatologists and industry experts agree that plant-based butters (such as shea oil, mango oil, and sunflower oil) provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and help restore the skin barrier. Vitamin E and aloe also support recovery.
Vegan balms are generally less comedogenic, reducing the chance of clogged pores, ingrown hairs, or dull spots. Traditional petroleum jelly alternatives are well-tolerated and form a protective, breathable layer that helps tattoos heal faster.
What will real tattoo artists and skin experts say in 2025?
Tattoo artists are increasingly choosing water-based vegan balms for use during sessions and aftercare. Key observations reported by our artist and dermatologist partners include:
Use during tattoo sessions: Modern balms and glides help artists move the needle smoothly, reducing the risk of trauma and pigmentation. Our Pro Tattoo Glide is popular for its vegan formula and lightweight protective feel.
Reduces redness and swelling: Plant oils and butters have been shown to quickly soothe inflammation and support a smooth healing period. Improving the brilliance of your ink: Whether your ink is a bold black, vibrant color, or subtle gray wash, artists know that consistent hydration with quality aftercare will maintain the richness of the color. Promotes skin health: Tattooed skin needs to restore its barrier. Avoid anything that interferes with natural repair and look for gentle, scientifically-based repair ingredients.
How dermatologists evaluate tattoo aftercare
Our dermatologist partners remind us that good tattoo aftercare is good skin care, but it also has its own unique demands:
Oil-free and non-comedogenic formula: Oil acts as a seal, sometimes too effective, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and preventing moisture exchange. Modern vegan balms work without suffocating fresh ink. Sensitivity to allergies: New tattoos often have micro-trauma, making them more susceptible to allergic reactions. Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested products, like Mad Rabbit’s products, are perfect for all skin types. Ongoing care and sunscreen: Dermatologists emphasize daily use of SPF to prevent color fading and protect your skin from further stress. Our SPF 30 Tattoo Sunscreen meets that need.
Step by Step: Latest Best Practices for Tattoo Aftercare in 2025
Initial cleansing: For the first few days, use a gentle, unscented cleanser like Nu Tattoo Wash (included in the Nu Tattoo Aftercare Intro Kit).
Targeted Soothing: Applying a cooling product like a soothing gel to your new tattoo can help relieve itching and discomfort during initial healing (days 1-21). Hydrate and protect: Moisturize two to three times a day with a clean vegan balm like Tattoo Balm Stick or Balm Salve. Leave a thin layer on the tattoo (do not suffocate it) during the peeling and exfoliation stage (usually the first two weeks). Sunscreen: Once healed, incorporate a tattoo-specific sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ into your daily routine to prevent fading. Long-term maintenance: Make daily hydration and the occasional whitening balm part of your skin ritual to keep your ink looking new.
What about the drawbacks and risks?
There are no universal aftercare products. Sometimes even the cleanest, most natural balm can feel heavy if applied too much or, in very rare cases, cause an allergic reaction in very sensitive users. Always patch test new products on a small area before applying your new tattoo. If you experience continued redness, rash, or swelling, contact your artist or dermatologist immediately.
What makes a product stand out? What we learned in our studio
We have worked with both veterans and newcomers at Mad Rabbit Tattoo Studio. Here’s how products will earn loyalty from both artists and clients in 2025.
SCIENTIFICALLY BUILT AND DERMATOLOGIST TESTED: Formulas tested on inked skin take the guesswork out of it. Actual Results: Visibly reduces and reduces redness within hours instead of days. It doesn’t peel or scab easily, so the ink is crisp and the lines are crisp. Simplicity: There are no endless six-step routines. Purifying, soothing, moisturizing, and protecting are all non-negotiables.
Mad Rabbit’s Perspective: What we offer for every tattoo journey
Our customers (from first-timers to collectors) and the artists in our studio have shaped our science-backed approach. We’ve designed aftercare to support you every step of the way, from the moment you get out of your chair to a lifetime of vitality.
FAQ: Tattoo Aftercare in 2025
Are vegan and petroleum-free balms really as effective as traditional methods?
In our experience and that of many top artists, the answer is yes. These support healing, avoid clogging pores, and provide more even results. All you need for daily support is a product like Mad Rabbit Balm Stick. Can you use aftercare balm on old tattoos?
yes. With a clean, non-comedogenic balm, you can even revive the look of decades-old ink. For real feedback, check out our customer reviews. Is it safe to use scented aftercare on a fresh tattoo?
We recommend avoiding the use of artificial fragrances during the early stages of healing. Naturally scented products with essential oils are generally safe, but do a patch test if you know you have sensitive skin.
Read more
Conclusion: 2025 standards for tattoo aftercare
By 2025, it has become clear that comfort, hygiene and color protection do not mean compromise. Our clean, plant-based, science-backed aftercare is championed by leading studios and skin experts and is now the gold standard. It’s not about the hype. It’s all about giving your tattoo the healthiest environment possible to heal and simple daily habits to keep that art alive for years to come.
If you’d like to consider the latest in tattoo care that meets these criteria, check out our full line of dermatologist-tested tattoo balms, aftercare kits, and essentials. At Mad Rabbit, we’re always here to help you make informed skin and ink choices. So your story is as clear as your art.
