What Do Tattoo Artists Use To Wipe Away Ink?

If you’ve ever been tattooed, you have probably noticed that the whole process can be a bit messy. As the tattoo artist is doing their work, it is inevitable to have a bit of extra ink scatter around. And, in the end, your tattoo ended up looking super clean and neat? How?

Cleanliness and attention to hygiene are extremely important in the tattooing process. Without the awareness, one could be risking contamination and infection. So any excess ink needs to go away in order for it to not damage the tattoo as well as your skin. In the following paragraphs, we’ll talk about how tattoo artists manage to wipe off any excess ink and make your tattoo clean and neat at the end. So, keep on scrolling!

What Do Tattoo Artists Use To Wipe Away Ink: Ever Heard of Green Soap?

Well, this is the thing tattoo artists use to keep your skin sanitized, clean, and the tattoo neat. For those who have already gotten tattoos, you have probably noticed how your tattoo artist used green soap on your skin before the very tattooing procedure. Well, that is the reason why no excess ink was left on the skin and why your tattoo looked perfect.

So, What Is Green Soap?

Green soap is a plant-based, environmentally friendly soap. It is also described as oil-based, vegetable soap. Generally, the soap is used by medical professionals, in medical facilities, tattoo and piercing studios, and similar facilities for keeping the skin clean and sanitized during certain procedures. This is the go-to, medical-level soap that is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.

The green soap can be used as a regular soap or it can be diluted and applied via spray bottle. This makes a procedure even safe and hygienic since you won’t be touching the skin directly.

And of course, green soap isn’t actually green. It is rather of a yellowish color which it gets from the ingredients, like vegetable oil or glycerin. However, the soap has a green tint, hence the name.

Why Is Green Soap Used?

Green soap is an exceptional way to keep the skin sanitized and clean. It helps reduce the potential for infection after you’re done with the tattoo, as well as reduces the potential for skin infection, swelling, redness, and raised tattoo bumps.

Overall, the green soap simply reduces the potential for developing any sort of tattoo side effects.

However, the soap’s main purpose isn’t just to keep things clean and infection-free, although it’s a rather important purpose. The soap also has soothing properties. Because it contains natural oils, it promotes skin healing and makes your skin nourished and soft after such an aggressive and intense procedure that is tattooing.

What Are The Ingredients of Green Soap?

Green soap is generally made by blending different natural ingredients. Some of them include glycerin, vegetable oil, coconut oil, ethyl alcohol, and other variations of these ingredients. The soap is plant-based, environmentally friendly, and cruelty-free. Because of these ingredients, the soap has effective sanitizing effects, but it also battles skin dryness, itchiness, scaliness, and other issues one could potentially deal with after a tattoo procedure.

What If I’m Allergic or Can’t Get a Hold of The Green Soap?

Sure, even though it is hypoallergenic and made from completely natural ingredients, this doesn’t mean that some people out there won’t experience certain allergic reactions after the use of the green soap. And, sure enough, not everyone reading this will be able to just go buy green soap. Therefore, we’ve gathered some equally good alternatives you can surely utilize;

• Sterilized water – unless you’re allergic to water (which some people are, by the way), this is probably your best alternative to using green soap. We’re emphasizing that sterilized water should be at the pharmacy; one should not use random bottled water or tap water for these purposes. This could be counterproductive and you can risk serious bacterial infections.
• Hydrogen peroxide – this is a well-known alternative many already utilize to wipe off excess ink or sanitize the skin before procedures. It is important to use hydrogen peroxide quite carefully since it can contribute to tattoo and skin lightening.
• Alcohol mixed with carrier oil – this is also an excellent option if you want to remove excess ink or sanitize the skin before a procedure. However, alcohol is known to be rather damaging and can dry the skin pretty significantly. So, be rather careful when using it. Make sure to use small amounts especially if you have sensitive skin.

If you are allergic to green soap, it is essential to notify your tattoo artist prior to your tattoo appointment. This way your tattoo artist will have enough time to prepare an alternative skin sanitizer as well as something they can use to wipe off the excess ink. If you don’t want to use any of the aforementioned alternatives, make sure to try out baby soaps, or antibacterial, fragrance-free soaps as well. These might work nicely, without causing skin damage or irritation.

How Can Green Soap Be Used For Tattooing?

The general use of green soap is to prepare the skin for the tattooing procedure by sanitizing and cleaning it. However, this soap has many other uses as well;

• The green soap can be used in its diluted form – this way the tattoo artist prevents any chances of cross-contamination but not touching the skin. This will reduce the chance of infection significantly.
• The green soap can be diluted with water – as such, green soap is then used to wipe down the tattooed area, remove any excess ink during color change, and simply cool down the skin and prevent pain and irritation during long sessions.
• The green soap sanitizes shaved skin – before the actual tattooing process, the tattoo artist is most likely to shave the designated tattooing area. To prevent ingrown hairs and bacteria buildup, the tattoo artist will yet again clean the area with green soap. This will ensure no hairs are left, and your skin is receiving the hydration and nourishment needed to withstand the tattoo needle.
• The green soap solution is used to clean the finished tattoo – after the tattooing process is done, the tattoo artist will use a green soap solution to remove any remaining ink or blood left on the skin. Once cleaned, the tattoo will be wrapped for protection.

Where Can I Buy Green Soap?

You can purchase green soap from a tattoo supply store or store that sell medical supply. It is also available to purchase from Amazon if you’re looking for an online purchase option. Here are some of our Amazon recommendations;

• Dragon Art Green Soap – this is a concentrated green soap that comes with a squeeze bottle for better and easier dispensing. This soap is used by tattoo professionals and piercers, so it is super high-quality and generally very efficient for sanitizing and removing excess ink or blood from a tattoo. The soap needs to be diluted with water before use.
• Pirate Face Tattoo Cosco Green Soap – this also is a concentrated green soap product designed for professional use. This soap is one of the best-selling green soaps used by tattoo professionals and piercers. The soap comes with a squeeze/wash bottle, which is excellent in case you don’t have a spray bottle at hand. It is super efficient in sanitizing, cleaning, and removing excess ink and blood from a tattoo. The soap needs to be diluted with water before use.

Final Thoughts

So, now you know what tattoo artists use to wipe away excess ink. Green soap is super effective and useful; it is generally safe for the skin and even contributes to skin healing and hydration. If you have never used it, make sure to test whether you’re allergic to it by adding one small drop of soap onto the skin. If your skin gets irritated and red, then you should be utilizing green soap alternatives. In this case, make sure to notify your tattoo artist so they can prepare suitable alternatives.

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