"Tired of Confused Aftercare Advice? Here's the Truth About Tattoo Healing Products"

Michael Samuel
May 4
3 min read

Updated: Jun 6

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If you’ve ever typed “best tattoo aftercare” into Google, you’ve probably seen the flood of options: Hustle Butter, Aquaphor, A+D, Tattoo Goo, Mad Rabbit, Saniderm, Bepanthen, and now dozens of influencer-endorsed creams and gels. Sound familiar?

But what most people won’t tell you is this: all tattoo aftercare isn’t created equal.

In fact, some of the most popular products on the market aren’t even designed for tattoos.

Let’s break it down.

🕵️ The Problem With Mass Market Tattoo Aftercare

Walk into any drugstore or scroll online and you’ll find ointments and balms promising to “heal fast” or “protect your ink.” But here’s the reality:

Aquaphor & A+D Ointment: These are petroleum-based. Great for minor cuts, but not breathable. They can trap bacteria, clog pores, and prolong scabbing. Originally formulated for diaper rash and skin irritation — not body art.

Tattoo Goo / Mad Rabbit: While they’ve become popular thanks to influencer marketing, they often include too many essential oils or alcohols that can irritate sensitive, healing skin. What works on your elbow might not work on a fresh tattoo.

Bepanthen: Widely used in Europe, it contains lanolin, which can cause allergic reactions. Plus, the formula includes synthetic preservatives and stabilizers that aren’t ideal for open skin.

Saniderm & Bandage Films: These breathable tattoo wraps are amazing — if you use them correctly. But not everyone reacts well to adhesives. If removed too early (or too late), they can cause more harm than good.

The truth is, most of these weren’t developed by tattoo professionals. They were created by companies trying to ride the popularity of tattoo culture.

💼 You Need Something Designed By A Real Artist, For Real Healing

That’s where GLEEK BUTTER™ stands out.

This isn’t a copycat balm. It’s a product born from over 34 years of hands-on experience by Michael A. Samuel — a respected tattoo artist and community figure. He’s seen what works, what doesn’t, and what truly helps skin recover.

GLEEK BUTTER™ was created to:

Lock in essential moisture without clogging pores

Support natural healing with calming botanicals

Protect tattoos with breathable ingredients

Smell incredible with a soothing scent profile

🌿 What’s Inside Matters

GLEEK BUTTER™ is 100% vegan and plant-based. It features a healing-rich blend of:

Butters: Shea, Cocoa, Mango (ultra-refined and packed with nutrients)

Oils: Sea Buckthorn, Jojoba, Calendula, Squalane (to soothe, repair, and protect)

Essential Oils: A signature blend of Lavender, Frankincense, Sweet Orange, Cedarwood, and Vanilla — balanced for both aromatherapy and skin support

No petroleum. No synthetic preservatives. No fillers.

Just what your skin truly needs.

🖤 A Brand With a Purpose

GLEEK BUTTER™ isn’t just about skin. It’s about legacy.

Every purchase helps fund:

Free art classes for children
Mentorship programs for aspiring artists
Continued education about tattooing, aftercare, and healing

It’s proudly Black-owned, artist-powered, and culture-driven.

Yes — it may cost a little more than what you find on a store shelf. But that’s because it’s not made like those products. If you want the best for your body art, you have to invest in better care.

Because real healing is worth more than a $5 tube of petroleum jelly.

GLEEK BUTTER™ - Why It's Different

A Premium Tattoo Aftercare Comparison Card

🏆 Ingredient Comparison

Brand	Key Ingredients	Why It Matters
GLEEK BUTTER™	Shea, Cocoa, Mango Butters, Coconut Oil, Jojoba, Vitamin E (MT-50), Calendula, Sea Buckthorn, Squalane, Candelilla Wax	100% Vegan. Deep healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich.
Hustle Butter	Shea, Mango Butter, Coconut Oil, Aloe, Green Tea, Mint EO	Cooling & soothing, but lacks squalane or seabuckthorn.
Mad Rabbit	Shea, Cocoa Butter, Beeswax, Calendula, Almond Oil	Basic blend. No plant-based wax or advanced skin oils.
After Inked	Grape Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Petrolatum	Petroleum-based. No botanical oils or wax alternatives.
Sanibalm	Beeswax, Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Colloidal Silver	Antibacterial focus. Lacks premium nutrient-rich skin oils.