New players are emerging in tattoo aftercare, challenging the status quo and redefining what it means to care for a tattoo. Rebel JuneA female-founded and owned brand, is changing the game with an innovative approach to tattoo care that seamlessly blends wellness, natural ingredients, and luxury.
Founder Kelly Ann SchumanRebel June was born out of frustration with the existing tattoo aftercare market. A tattoo enthusiast since age 18, Shuman had always been disappointed by the lack of attractive, effective, and sustainably packaged products for tattoo care.
“I couldn’t find a brand that checked all my boxes,” explains Shuman, “that offered natural, effective products with real ingredients, and a stylish, beautiful look and packaging. ” This gap in the market, combined with a personal moment of clarity, led to the birth of Rebel June.
Schumann’s vision for Rebel June was clear from the beginning: to create a brand that caters to everyone’s needs, moving away from the pharmaceutical and overly masculine aesthetics that dominate the market. The result is a line of products that not only perform exceptionally well, but also look beautiful on any bathroom shelf or in a handbag.
The core of Rebel June’s offering is Balm, A multi-functional product that took a year to perfect, this all-in-one solution is designed to work on both new and old tattoos, addressing a common problem in an industry where products typically focus on either the healing phase or post-healing maintenance.
“We wanted to create a versatile, all-in-one product,” says Shuman. “You can use it on a new tattoo as it heals, or on an older tattoo to make it look more vibrant.” This dual-purpose approach not only offers convenience to users, but also aligns with Rebel June’s commitment to sustainability by reducing waste and overconsumption.
The balm’s formula is a testament to Rebel June’s commitment to natural, high-quality ingredients. Olive oil, known for its nutritious value, is the base of the product. Mango butter and Vitamin E support skin health, while a touch of lavender adds anti-inflammatory benefits and a subtle, pleasant scent. Each ingredient is carefully selected not only for its effectiveness, but also for its ability to work harmoniously with the skin and tattoos.
Rebel June’s commitment to user experience extends beyond the formulation to the packaging itself. Recognizing that jar packaging could be impractical and pose hygiene issues, especially for those with long nails, Shuman opted for a sleek, matte tube design. This choice not only improves ease of use, but also protects the natural ingredients from degradation due to exposure to light and air.
“We wanted something we could be genuinely excited about, like something you’d find at Sephora,” explains Shuman, highlighting the brand’s focus on providing a luxurious skincare experience for tattoo aftercare. The matte finish of the tube serves two purposes: it’s aesthetically pleasing, but also practical for anyone wanting to photograph products, and it reflects Shuman’s background as an influencer.
The brand’s focus on natural ingredients coincides with growing consumer demand for clean beauty products.
Following the success of The Balm, Rebel June recently expanded their lineup to include: Washis a foaming tattoo cleanser. This fragrance-free formula is designed to gently remove impurities, excess ink, and potential bacteria from your newly applied tattoo. Like The Balm, The Wash is formulated with natural ingredients that help reduce inflammation and promote proper healing.
What sets Rebel June apart in the crowded skincare market is its unique positioning at the intersection of tattoo care and wellness. The brand’s tagline, “Where wellness meets tattoo aftercare,” sums up its mission to elevate tattoo care from a merely functional process to a ritual of self-care.
This approach resonates with the growing trend of tattooed people who see body art as an extension of their style and self-expression. By offering products that not only maintain the vibrancy of tattoos but also nourish and care for the skin, Rebel June is tapping into the broader trend of holistic wellness and self-care.
The brand’s focus on natural ingredients aligns with growing consumer demand for clean beauty products. “I’m a big believer in using natural products, especially if it’s something you put on your skin every day,” says Schumann. This commitment to natural formulas sets Rebel June apart in an industry where synthetic ingredients are still the norm.
As Rebel June continues to grow, it’s becoming clear that Shuman’s vision goes beyond just selling products: The brand is cultivating a community of tattoo enthusiasts who understand the artistry of body ink and want to care for it with the same level of care as the rest of their skincare routine.
In a male-dominated industry, Rebel June stands out as a brand that understands and caters to the specific needs and preferences of everyone. By combining effective, natural formulas with thoughtful, attractive packaging, Rebel June isn’t just selling tattoo aftercare products, it’s offering a lifestyle.
