$24.99
Written by the Hush team. Yes, we make one of these, so we stuck to things you can check: format, size, price and what's on each brand's own page. Prices were checked on each brand's site on Oct 16, 2026.
Quick answer: For most tattoo sessions, the best numbing product is one made for tattooing, in a size that covers your piece, at a price you won't wince at. Hush Numbing Gel is a tattoo-native 4% lidocaine gel with no epinephrine, and the 4oz is $39.99, about $10 an ounce. Whatever you pick, talk to your artist first.
The short list
| Product | Format | Size and price (brand site, Oct 16 2026) | About per oz | Epinephrine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hush Numbing Gel | Gel | 4oz $39.99, 2oz $24.99 | $10 (4oz) | None |
| Dr. Numb | Cream | $19.99 to $55.99 (10g and 30g tubes, 2oz jar) | about $19 to $57 | None listed on the 30g cream page |
| Tsunami Balm Numbing Gel | Gel | 1oz (30ml) $18.00 | $18 | None in its ingredient list |
Per-ounce numbers are simple math on the listed price and size (30g is about 1.06oz). Shipping and sales change prices, so check before you buy.
1. Hush Numbing Gel: best value for tattoo-native numbing
Hush has been made for tattoo sessions since 2009. It's a family-owned, minority-owned brand, made in America and based in Miami. - Active: Lidocaine HCl 4%. No epinephrine. - Format: a gel, which is Hush's session product. - Value: the 4oz is $39.99, about $10 an ounce, and enough for bigger pieces or more than one sitting. - Also: vegan and cruelty-free, FDA-compliant under the OTC monograph, and backed by a Pro Team of licensed tattoo artists. - Good to know: free US shipping on orders of $45 and up. - Who it's for: collectors and artists who want a tattoo-specific gel in a size that lasts. Shop Hush Numbing Gel · Want aftercare too? Session Duo: Gel + Healing Spray, $54.99
2. Dr. Numb: the long-running cream
Dr. Numb is one of the best-known numbing cream brands and sells several tube and jar sizes on its own site. - Format: cream. - Sizes and prices: from $19.99 for a tube to $55.99 for a 2oz jar. - Good to know: the 30g cream page lists no epinephrine. Check the label for the version you buy, since Dr. Numb sells more than one formula. - Who it's for: people who already prefer a cream. Read: Hush vs Dr. Numb
3. Tsunami Balm Numbing Gel: small-size gel from an aftercare brand
Tsunami Balm is mainly an aftercare brand (balm, lotion, soothing gel, sunscreen) that also sells a numbing gel. - Format: gel, 1oz (30ml), $18.00. - Good to know: its listed ingredients include lidocaine HCl and no epinephrine. - Who it's for: small pieces, or anyone already using Tsunami aftercare. Read: Hush vs Tsunami Balm
How to choose a tattoo numbing product
- Made for tattoos. Pick a brand that makes products for tattoo sessions and that artists already know.
- Gel or cream. Gels are lighter and easy to wipe clean before the stencil. Creams are thicker. It's personal, so ask your artist what they like working over. More on that in why use a gel instead of a numbing cream.
- Read the active ingredient. Most tattoo numbing products use lidocaine. Learn how lidocaine works and read every label.
- Check for epinephrine. Some people prefer to skip it. Hush never uses it.
- Do the per-ounce math. A cheap small tube can cost more per ounce than a bigger bottle. Big pieces need more product.
- Tell your artist first. Some artists have a preference or a process. Plan it with them before session day.
How to use any numbing product safely
- Talk to your artist before your appointment.
- Do a small patch test a day or two before if you've never used the product.
- Read the warnings on the label before you use it.
- Don't use more, or more often, than the label says.
- Stop and ask a doctor if you get a rash or irritation.
FAQ
What's the best numbing cream for tattoos? The best one is made for tattooing, fits the size of your piece, and works with your artist's process. Hush makes a gel, not a cream: 4% lidocaine, no epinephrine, $39.99 for 4oz.
Is a numbing gel or a numbing cream better for tattoos? Neither is better for everyone. Gels are lighter and wipe off clean before the stencil; creams are thicker. Ask your artist which they prefer.
Does Hush contain epinephrine? No. Hush Numbing Gel is 4% lidocaine HCl with no epinephrine, no tetracaine and no benzocaine.
How long does numbing gel last? It varies by person and placement, and the Hush label doesn't give a time. Plan breaks with your artist.
Is Hush vegan? Yes. Hush is vegan and cruelty-free.
Keep reading
- Hush vs Dr. Numb
- Hush vs Tsunami Balm
- Hush vs Aspercreme for tattoos
- Tattoo pain: 10 ways to take the edge off
- The most painful places to get a tattoo
- How to prep for your tattoo session
Sources (checked Oct 16, 2026): Hush label and Hush Numbing Gel page; Dr. Numb 30g cream page and Dr. Numb's store catalog; Tsunami Balm Numbing Gel page.
