The Best Tattoo Numbing Creams You Can Find in Australia: Pros, Cons, and Price Comparison

Getting inked can be a thrilling experience, but for some, the pain factor can be a dealbreaker. In this post, we’ll review the most popular numbing creams available in Australia, including those you can find on Amazon or in your local pharmacy. Plus, we’ll give you a handy price comparison from cheapest to most expensive.

Pros of Using Anesthetic Creams for Tattoos

1. Pain Relief
   Anesthetic creams help numb the area where you're getting tattooed, reducing the pain significantly. This is especially useful for larger tattoos or for people who have lower pain tolerance.

2. More Comfortable Sessions
   Tattooing can take hours, and numbing creams make it easier to sit through long sessions without being distracted by discomfort or pain.

3. Better Control
   With numbing creams, you’ll likely have better control over your body, making it easier to stay still and let the artist work without interruptions.

Cons of Using Anesthetic Creams for Tattoos

1. Effectiveness Varies
   Not all numbing creams work the same for everyone. Some might wear off too quickly, while others may not numb the area enough. You may need to experiment with different brands to find one that suits you.

2. Potential Skin Reactions
   Some people experience allergic reactions or irritation from numbing creams, especially if they have sensitive skin. Always do a patch test first to avoid unwanted side effects.

3. May Interfere with Tattooing
   In some cases, the numbing cream might affect how the tattoo ink absorbs into your skin, resulting in an uneven tattoo. It’s always best to ask your tattoo artist before using a numbing cream.

4. Temporary Solution
   Numbing creams provide temporary relief, and once they wear off, you may experience more pain than before, especially after hours of tattooing.

Top Tattoo Numbing Creams Available in Australia

Here are some popular numbing creams you can easily get on Amazon Australia or at your local pharmacy, along with a brief rundown of their pros and cons.

1. Lidocaine 5% Cream (Generic Brand)

Pros:

• Easily accessible on Amazon Australia and pharmacies.

• Affordable and effective for pain relief.

• Lidocaine is a well-known and trusted active ingredient.

Cons:

• The numbing effect may not last long enough for larger tattoos.

• Some people report mild irritation after use.

Price: Around $10 - $15

2. Dr. Numb 5% Lidocaine Cream

Pros:

• One of the most popular numbing creams for tattoos.

• Provides up to 2-3 hours of numbing relief.

• Trusted by many tattoo artists.

Cons:

• Can be a bit pricey compared to generic brands.

• Some users find the cream to be greasy.

Price: Around $20 - $30

3. Zensa Numbing Cream

Pros:

• Long-lasting numbing (up to 2 hours).

• Contains natural ingredients like aloe and vitamin E for skin care.

• Great for sensitive skin, as it’s free from parabens, fragrances, and other harsh chemicals.

Cons:

• A bit more expensive compared to other creams.

• Might take longer to start working compared to other numbing creams.

Price: Around $40 - $50

4. Numb Master 5% Lidocaine Numbing Cream

Pros:

• One of the most effective numbing creams on the market.

• Provides up to 2 hours of numbing relief.

• No greasy residue left on the skin.

Cons:

• Slightly higher price point.

• Not always easy to find in local pharmacies (may need to order online).

Price: Around $30 - $40

5. Emla Cream 5% Lidocaine and Prilocaine

Pros:

• Medical-grade numbing cream.

• Well-known and trusted, often used for medical procedures.

• Available at most Australian pharmacies.

Cons:

• Needs to be applied well in advance (around 1-2 hours before your session).

• Can be expensive compared to other brands.

Price: Around $40 - $60

Price Comparison of Tattoo Numbing Creams (Cheapest to Most Expensive)

1. Lidocaine 5% Cream (Generic)

   Price: $10 - $15

   Pros: Affordable and effective

   Cons: Shorter numbing duration, possible irritation

2. Dr. Numb 5% Lidocaine

   Price: $20 - $30

   Pros: Trusted, up to 2-3 hours of relief

   Cons: Can be greasy, pricier

3. Numb Master 5% Lidocaine

   Price: $30 - $40

   Pros: Effective, no greasy residue

   Cons: Higher price, online purchase only

4. Zensa Numbing Cream

   Price: $40 - $50

   Pros: Long-lasting, gentle on sensitive skin

   Cons: Expensive, slower onset

5. Emla Cream 5% Lidocaine & Prilocaine

   Price: $40 - $60

   Pros: Trusted, medical-grade

   Cons: Needs early application, expensive

Final Thoughts

Tattoo numbing creams can be a game-changer when it comes to reducing discomfort during your tattoo session, but it's important to choose the right one for you. Whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly or a high-end option, the creams mentioned above are some of the best available in Australia. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully, do a patch test, and check with your tattoo artist before using any numbing cream.

Ready to get your tattoo started with the right numbing cream? Book your appointment at Hidden tattoo studio today and let’s bring your tattoo ideas to life – pain-free!