If you’ve been tattooing for a while, you’ve probably noticed it’s gotten harder to find Vasocaine.

 

Whether your distributor’s out, it’s backordered, or it’s just disappeared from your usual order, you’re definitely not the only artist looking for an alternative.

 

The good news is there are plenty of solid options out there. Some work best before the appointment starts, while others are great to have nearby once the skin’s open and your client starts feeling it.

 

Here’s a look at a few products artists keep coming back to.

Spend five minutes on Reddit or in a tattoo Facebook group, and you’ll see the same question over and over:

 

 

For a lot of artists, the answer is…they aren’t.

 

Instead of chasing it down, many shops have switched to lidocaine-based sprays and creams that are easier to find and still get the job done.

 

That doesn’t mean one product replaces another perfectly. It just means you’ve got more options than you might think.

The biggest difference is when you use them.

 

Sprays are usually used during the tattoo after the skin has already been opened. They’re great for helping clients get through those last couple hours of a longer session.

 

Creams are typically applied before the tattoo starts, although some are designed to be used during the procedure too. Just make sure you’re following the manufacturer’s directions for whichever product you’re using.

If you ask ten artists what they’re using instead of Vasocaine, you’ll probably get ten different answers. These are the products that seem to come up again and again.

If you need something today, this is probably the easiest option.

 

Bactine Max contains 4% lidocaine, it’s easy to find at most drugstores, and a lot of artists keep a bottle around for longer sessions. It’s affordable, dependable, and gets recommended constantly.

If you want something made specifically for tattooing, Derma Numb is worth checking out.

 

Artists like that it helps take the edge off without making the skin feel overly slick or changing the way they work.

Zensa gets talked about a lot, and for good reason.

 

It’s a 5% lidocaine cream that’s easy to work with, and because it doesn’t contain epinephrine, a lot of artists like using it when they don’t want to affect the skin while they’re tattooing.

Dr. Numb has been around forever and still has plenty of fans.

 

Most artists use it before the appointment starts. Put it on ahead of time under a wrap, and it can make those longer sessions a lot easier for clients.

Hush has built a pretty loyal following over the years.

It goes on light, isn’t greasy, and artists like that it doesn’t leave a bunch of residue behind while they’re working.

Honestly, there isn’t one.

 

Some artists swear by Bactine. Others won’t use anything except Zensa. Plenty keep more than one numbing product in the shop depending on the client and the tattoo.

 

Like a lot of things in tattooing, it comes down to what fits your workflow.

 

If Vasocaine’s been tough to find, don’t stress. There are plenty of great alternatives that artists are using every single day.

No numbing product is going to make every client feel the same way.

 

Everyone responds a little differently, so it’s always worth setting realistic expectations before you start. Follow the manufacturer’s directions, use quality products from reputable brands, and don’t be afraid to try a couple different options until you find what works best for you and your clients.

Whether you’re replacing Vasocaine or just looking to expand your setup, there are plenty of products that can help make longer sessions more comfortable for your clients.

 

Ultimate Tattoo Supply carries trusted brands and professional-grade tattoo supplies to help you stay stocked and ready for every appointment.

 

If you’re still comparing options, check out our guide to Tattoo Numbing Cream: Everything You Need to Know to learn more about how different numbing products work and when to use them.