Most people who use Dr Pickles know about the Original Tattoo Balm. Far fewer know that the brand also makes an Antibacterial Foam Wash — and it's arguably the more important product of the two.
What it is A pump-bottle foam soap formulated specifically for cleaning fresh tattoos. Fragrance-free, antibacterial, and pH-balanced for damaged skin. You use it 2–3 times daily during the first 14 days of healing.
Why it matters The single biggest cause of tattoo infections in Australia is using the wrong soap. Most body washes have fragrance, exfoliants, or surfactants that irritate fresh tattoo wounds. Most antibacterial hand soaps are too harsh and strip the skin barrier.
The Dr Pickles Foam Wash splits the difference: gentle enough not to irritate, antibacterial enough to prevent infection.
How it compares to alternatives
### Generic fragrance-free body wash Acceptable, but most have surfactants and pH balanced for normal skin. They work, but they're not optimised.
### QV body wash A solid alternative. Same fragrance-free, gentle approach. Slightly cheaper. Lacks the antibacterial component.
### Cetaphil Comparable. Slightly thicker formula. No antibacterial component.
### Generic antibacterial soap Avoid. Too harsh for healing skin. Will dry out the area and slow healing.
When to use it - 2–3 times daily for the first 14 days of healing - Pump 1–2 times of foam directly onto the tattoo - Massage gently for 15–20 seconds - Rinse with lukewarm water - Pat dry with a clean paper towel - Wait 5 minutes, then apply Dr Pickles balm
When to stop Stop using the antibacterial wash after Day 14. From then on, regular fragrance-free soap is fine. You don't need ongoing antibacterial care once the surface skin has healed.
Pricing Around $19.95 for a 200ml pump bottle. One bottle covers a full 30-day heal of a medium tattoo with plenty left for a second small piece.
Verdict Worth it. The Foam Wash is one of those quiet products that prevents problems you don't notice — i.e. infections you didn't get. If you're already buying the Dr Pickles balm, adding the Foam Wash for $20 is a sensible insurance policy.
For the full Dr Pickles brand guide, see our [Dr Pickles hub](/dr-pickles). For the day-by-day healing schedule, see [how to use Dr Pickles](/articles/how-to-use-dr-pickles-tattoo-balm).