So, is it actually safe to put on your skin?

We spoke to dermatologistsRachel Nazarianand Hadley King, as well as tattoo artistsRosa PerrandHarper Rose, to find out.

Keep reading to find out what they have to say about the safety of putting coconut oil on tattoos.

woman with blonde buzzcut and tattoos

Stocksy

Meet the Experts

Is Coconut Oil Safe for Your Tattoo?

“Often skin that has recently been tattooed can be mildly sore, even occasionally itchy as it heals.

Coconut oil decreases inflammation, potentially making the healing process more comfortable.”

Rose agrees and says she recommends it specifically because its more than safe for your tattooits actually quite helpful.

What Are the Benefits of Using Coconut Oil on Tattoos?

Coconut oil offers many health benefits that aid in the healing process of a tattoo.

However, Nazarian notes that it is important to ensure you aren’t allergic to coconut oil itself.

If you do happen to itch, though, coconut oil is a gentle exfoliator for any scabs.

Less is more with applying anything after a tattoo, says Perr.

You want to let it breathe, so a thin layer is all you need.

If you keep your skin moisturized even after your tattoo has healed, itll age better, adds Rose.

Its important to carry on looking after your tattoo even years after youve gotten it done.

For example, coconut oil lacks the petroleum jelly that topical antibiotics or straight-up Vaseline has.

Plus, it smells great!

Another way that coconut oil helps your skin is in the actualhealing process.

Vitamin K, specifically, tends to help trigger the natural blood clotting process in wounds.

Its a natural, inexpensive way toheal your tattooand keep it looking healthy and vibrant for years to come.