At No Pain Tattoo, your safety and the longevity of your ink are our top priorities. While our No Pain Tattoo Numbing Cream is formulated to be pH-balanced and free from harsh perfumes or dyes, every individual’s skin chemistry is unique.
This test isn’t just for No Pain Tattoo products. If you’ve purchased lidocaine products from another company, we absolutely want you to be safe, so you can follow this guide with ANY brand.
Performing a patch test AT LEAST 24 hours before your appointment is the only way to ensure your skin is 100% compatible with a product. Don't wait until you're in the artist's chair to find out you have a sensitivity! We recommend to perform this test when you receive your products.
Why Is a Patch Test Necessary?
A patch test (or "spot test") allows you to check for two things:
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Allergic Reactions: Checking for a rare sensitivity to lidocaine or other active ingredients.
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Product Experience: Seeing exactly how it feels to use numbing cream and knowing what to expect when you get to your appointment.
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Timing: It gives you enough time to contact us and ask questions should any arise during testing. Even if you’ve purchased from another brand.
By testing a small area on your arm or leg a day early, you eliminate the risk of an "angry" skin reaction ruining your expensive tattoo appointment.
The 5-Step "No Pain" Patch Test Protocol
To get an accurate result, you must simulate the real conditions of your tattoo session. This means following the 120-Minute Protocol even for your test.
1. The Sterile Cleanse
Choose a small area of skin near where your tattoo will be (but not directly on the future tattoo site). We recommend the inner bicep for an upper-body application and the inner thigh for a lower-body application. Wash for 60 seconds with warm water and our Cleansing Foam or a fragrance-free, dye-free soap like Dial Antibacterial & Sensitive.
2. Sanitize (Optional - Before Application)
Wipe the small test area with alcohol. This removes any surface oils or "invisible shields" that might block the lidocaine.
3. The "Frosting" Layer
Apply a thick, pea-sized amount of Numbing Cream. Do not rub it in; let it sit on top of the skin like frosting on a cake.
4. The 120-Minute Wrap
Cover the area with a small piece of plastic wrap and tape the edges down. Wait exactly 120 minutes. This allows the cream to penetrate the dermis—the same way it will during your tattoo.
5. Remove & Monitor
After 2 hours, remove the wrap and wipe away the excess cream with a dry towel. Monitor the area for the next 24 hours.
What to Look For: Normal vs. Abnormal
Normal Signs (Good to go!):
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Numbness: The area feels "heavy" or non-responsive to touch.
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Slight Blanching: The skin may look slightly paler than the surrounding area; this is a normal reaction to the lidocaine.
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Color: The skin may turn light red or pink if you’re fair-skinned. This can be caused if you’re sensitive to the plastic wrap or the alcohol, and is a normal biological reaction.
Abnormal Signs (Do not use!):
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Intense Redness or Hives: If the area becomes raised, bumpy, or bright red.
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Burning or Stinging: A mild cooling sensation is normal, but a painful "burn" indicates sensitivity.
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Itching: Persistent itching after the cream is wiped off.
(Above Image: Wrap removed and numbing cream wiped off. A perfect result!)
Note: If you experience any "Abnormal Signs," wash the area immediately with cold water and do not proceed with a full-scale application for your tattoo. Give us a call or email and we will get everything worked out for you. +1 (503) 610-0963 contact@xpaintattoo.com.
Ready for the Big Day?
Once your patch test is clear, you can walk into your appointment with 100% confidence. For the ultimate session, we recommend the Full Numbing and Aftercare Bundle. This gives you the prep you need for the chair and the professional-grade foam and balm you need to heal your art perfectly.
Read: Ready for Ink? The Ultimate Pro-Guide to Tattoo Preparation
The Verdict
The 10 minutes it takes to set up a patch test can save you from a ruined tattoo and a week of skin irritation. Be a pro—test your skin, follow the 120-minute rule, and enjoy your pain-free session.
A huge THANK YOU for being proactive with your skin safety. It is VERY rare that someone is sensitive to numbing products, but checking before you go full scale is the smart thing to do.
Haven't grabbed your cream yet? Shop the No Pain Tattoo Numbing Cream now and see why thousands of artists and collectors trust us with their (and their clients’) skin.