Dr Pickles Tattoo Aftercare
Australian-made since 2010. The aftercare balm most-recommended by working tattoo studios across the country. Here's the complete guide — what's in it, who it suits, where to buy, and how it stacks up against the competition.
#1 in our 2026 Australian aftercare ranking
Why Dr Pickles tops our list
Made in Australia for Australian skin
Dr Pickles is manufactured in Brisbane and is an Australian Made campaign licensee. Formulated in our climate, for our skin — UV exposure, humidity, the works.
Vegan formula, no nuts
Uses Candelilla Wax instead of beeswax in the vegan formula. Cruelty-free and paraben-free. Suitable for most allergies (always check the label for your specific concerns).
Pawpaw + D-Panthenol combination
Pawpaw's antiseptic properties soothe irritated skin while D-Panthenol (Vitamin B5) hydrates and seals in moisture. The combination is what makes the formula work — most generic aftercare creams have one or the other.
Stocked nationally
You can buy it at Woolworths, Coles, Discount Chemist, and from over 1,000 tattoo studios across Australia. No need to source it from overseas.
Used by working artists
Recommended by tattoo studios across the country. Most artists either use Dr Pickles in-house or recommend it for client aftercare. It's on the shelf at Lighthouse Tattoo, Tatt Lab and dozens of major studios.
15+ years of formulation iteration
Dr Pickles launched in 2010. The formula has been refined over the better part of two decades — most newer competitors are 1–3 years old.
The Dr Pickles range
Four products covering every stage of the tattoo lifecycle — from artist-side application during the session through to long-term aftercare.
Original Tattoo Balm 50g
The hero product. Pawpaw + D-Panthenol + Safflower Seed Oil. Vegan formula.
Tattoo Balm 75g
Larger tube — same formula, better value if you have a larger piece or multiple tattoos.
Antibacterial Foam Wash
Gentle daily wash for the first two weeks of healing. Fragrance-free.
Tattoo Glide
For tattoo artists during the session — alternative to traditional petroleum-based glides.
Everything we've written about Dr Pickles
Dr Pickles Tattoo Balm Review (2026)
In-depth review with the artist panel verdict, who it suits, who it doesn't.
Dr Pickles vs Bepanthen — which is better?
Two of the most-used Australian tattoo aftercare products, compared head-to-head.
Dr Pickles vs Hustle Butter — pick the right one
A premium Australian-made vs the global artist favourite. Different products for different jobs.
How to use Dr Pickles tattoo balm
Day-by-day application guide. When to start, how thick, how often.
Dr Pickles ingredients explained
Pawpaw, D-Panthenol, Safflower Seed Oil — what each does and why the formula works.
Where to buy Dr Pickles in Australia
Woolworths, Coles, tattoo studios, online — and what each charges.
The Dr Pickles story — built in Brisbane since 2010
How Luke Soden built Australia's most-recommended tattoo aftercare brand.
Dr Pickles Antibacterial Foam Wash Review
The unsung hero of the Dr Pickles range — and why most people skip it.
The honest take
Dr Pickles is an excellent tattoo aftercare balm and one of the most-recommended products in Australia. That doesn't mean it's the right choice for every person or every tattoo.
It's great if: you want a single Australian-made product that covers the whole healing window, you have sensitive skin and want a vegan formula, or you're sourcing from a local pharmacy or supermarket.
Consider alternatives if: you specifically want a product to use during AND after the session (Hustle Butter), need the absolute cheapest option for the first 3 days only (Bepanthen), or have a known reaction to papaya extracts.
For the long version, see our full review and 2026 aftercare buyer guide.