Why It's Time to Rethink Petroleum Jelly in Your Tattoo Studio
Let’s talk honestly. While petroleum jelly has been a go-to in the past, it may not be the best choice for modern tattooing.
You're a pro tattoo artist, your setup routine should reflect the same precision as your needlework. Yet many artists are still using petroleum-based products during tattooing and healing. It's time to level up with purpose-built tattoo glides that actually support the skin and your art.
Petroleum Jelly: What’s the Problem?
Petroleum jelly (think Vaseline) has been used for decades in the tattoo world. It's cheap and widely available, sure. But that’s where the benefits stop. Here’s why it falls short:
1. It Suffocates the Skin
Petroleum forms a heavy, occlusive layer that seals the skin completely. While this might sound like protection, it actually traps heat, bacteria, and plasma, which can prolong healing and increase the risk of infection.
2. It Can Pull or Fade Ink
When applied during the tattoo process, petroleum jelly can create a barrier that prevents proper stencil transfer or pulls pigment from the skin. Not ideal when you're chasing clean saturation and long-term vibrancy.
3. It’s Not Made for Tattoos
Petroleum jelly is a byproduct of oil refining. It's not sterile unless specifically purified, and even then, it was never designed for open skin or healing wounds. Skin irritation or pore clogging? Not uncommon. Not to mention it can clog your needles, and no one wants that!
The Better Choice: Tattoo-Grade Glides
Products like Inkeeze, Dr Pickles, and Hustle Butter Deluxe aren’t just trendy alternatives. They are the evolution of tattoo skincare, formulated for both in-process use and aftercare.
We spoke with Justyce from Dr Pickles about why brands are opting for Petroleum free products and this is what she had to say: "Petroleum jelly creates a barrier that traps heat, moisture, and bacteria against the skin, especially risky when healing a fresh tattoo. It can suffocate your ink, slow down the healing process, and even cause irritation or infection. That’s why Dr Pickles Glide is completely petroleum-free, formulated to let your skin breathe and heal naturally, so your ink stays vibrant. Your skin (and your new tattoo) deserves better!"
Why choose a Tattoo Glide?
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Designed for Broken Skin: These glides are made with ingredients that soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and promote healing.
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Ink-Friendly Formulas: They provide smooth glide without interfering with pigment saturation or stencil integrity.
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Non-Comedogenic and Natural: Most glides use botanical ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, papaya extract, or CBD, which support skin health and reduce the risk of irritation or clogged pores.
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Vegan and Cruelty-Free Options: Artists and clients alike are increasingly conscious about product ethics. These glides meet the mark.
Your work deserves better than petroleum jelly. Switching to tattoo-grade glides is not just about keeping up with industry trends. It is about respecting the skin you are working on and preserving the quality of the art you create.
At MTS, we back products that are tested, trusted, and built for tattooing from start to finish. If you're ready to leave petroleum in the past, we’ve got a full range of professional glides ready to ship.
Explore our collection of premium tattoo glides here and make the switch your clients and your craft will thank you for.
