DISCLAIMER: Check local regulations regarding topical anesthetics before you use any numbing product on any client.
Okay, let’s be realistic, microblading is not the most pleasant experience. The blade literally slices the skin, and while pain is a subjective category, the sensations are not nice!
That’s why you need a high-quality, safe, fast-acting and long-lasting topical anesthetic, to make sure the procedure is as bearable as possible. You want your clients to leave your salon thrilled with their new brows, not traumatized by the pain.
To help you choose the best numbing cream for microblading to use on your clients, PMUHub has put together a list of top 5 tested and reliable products. Let’s get started!
What Is the Best Numbing Cream for Microblading?
Let’s take a look at the best numbing cream for microblading:
1. Numpot Gold
One of PainStoppers’ most beloved products, the Numpot Gold is a 5% lidocaine numbing and moisturizing cream. It’s suitable for microblading, but also for lips and eyeliner.
You can use it for pre-numbing on all facial areas, but also as a secondary anesthetic on the brows and lips.
Artists also like using it after the procedure, to seal in the color.
It’s a great product overall because it doesn’t only make the procedure painless, but if you apply it during or after the treatment, your client won’t feel the immediate discomfort.
For one, the numbing sensation is prolong, and the skin is moisturized which soothes the initial irritation.
Numpot Gold Numbing Cream
2. Zensa Numbing Cream
According to many artists, Zensa Numbing Cream is the best topical numbing cream for microblading with its powerful 5% lidocaine formula.
Unlike many other numbing creams on the market, Zensa’s formula is non-sticky, non-greasy, and it doesn’t leave a film-like barrier on the skin. Due to its creamy consistency, it is very easy to pack on and wipe off when numbing is done.
It is suitable for both primary and secondary numbing. The effects of the Zensa Numbing Cream last about 2-3 hours, depending on the client.
Zensa Numbing Cream
3. Tag 45 Numbing Gel
The Tag #45 numbing gel is a staple in so many artists’ microblading kits. It’s a well-loved product that’s been on the market for a long time.
This is actually a numbing gel, not a cream, and it’s meant for use on broken skin.
It works really fast – in a couple of minutes or less – since it sinks directly into the skin. It gives an intense numbing sensation that can be prolonged if needed.
Use it after you do the first pass, either pre-numbed or without numbing. It’s applied directly onto the incisions with a microbrush.
Tag 45™ Numbing Gel
4. Microcaine
Another reliable topical anesthetic from PainStoppers. Like all their formulas, the Microcaine microblading numbing cream was formulated in collaboration with doctors, so it’s a safe choice.
It contains 5% lidocaine, so it’s as strong as they get.
But what makes Microcaine special is its melt-proof formula, which is convenient regardless of what procedure you’re doing, but especially useful for permanent eyeliner.
4. Microcaine Numbing Cream
5. DOTC Blue
The formula of DOTC Blue contains 3% lidocaine and 2% tetracaine, which means it’s a powerful anesthetic.
Combining multiple numbing ingredients ensures it works on different clients, who may not get sufficient numbing from lidocaine alone.
It’s only suitable for primary pre-numbing on intact skin, but it combines really well with Tag #45.
DOTC Blue Numbing Cream
Some Basic Info on Microblading Numbing Cream
Microblading numbing cream is a topical anesthetic used to numb the eyebrow area before the treatment.
A numbing gel meant for use on broken skin can be used during the treatment, to prolong the numbing sensation.
Either way, a topical anesthetic contains a numbing agent, usually lidocaine, that sinks into the skin and prevents the nerves from sending any signals to the brain that trigger the sensation of pain.
A topical anesthetic cream can be applied before or after eyebrow mapping. This step is called pre-numbing, and ensures the client feels no pain right from the start.
If needed, secondary numbing options that come in a gel or liquid can be applied during the procedure when the effects of pre-numbing begin to wear off.
Image source: Instagram @frangipanibeautybar
Why You Should Always Use Numbing Cream on Your Clients
The use of numbing creams is an ideal solution for dealing with the burning, scratching sensation caused by microblading needles.
Some numbing creams contain vasoconstrictors that reduce bleeding, and as a result, help the artist see clearly where they are applying pigment.
The best numbing cream for microblading can also be beneficial to faster healing, but in order to unlock its full potential, you must also be mindful of how you store it.
Image source: Instagram @honey.beebrows
To Sum Up
There is no universal answer to the question of what the best numbing cream for microblading is. It all comes down to personal preference.
The general rule of thumb is to invest in a high-quality, water-based formula with 5% lidocaine (the max lidocaine strength approved for use by microblading artists), but most importantly, to know how and when to use your numbing cream.
When administered correctly, numbing cream can make a huge difference between a painful experience and a five-star beauty treatment for your clients, so make sure not to skip this step.
Stock up on numbing cream for microblading and other microblading supplies on PMUHub!
This product-focused resource supports PMU artists and professionals performing related aesthetic treatments in choosing and using appropriate tools and supplies.
