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.
- PROS
• Suitable for primary and secondary numbing on brows
• Soothes & nourishes
- CONS
• It comes in a pot, so you need an applicator
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.
Discover more about Zensa Numbing Cream’s use and benefits here.
- PROS
• Non-greasy and non-sticky
• Suitable for primary and secondary numbing
- CONS
• Isn’t equally intense on all clients, according to some artists
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.
- PROS
• Works fast on broken skin
• Gel formula that wipes off easily
- CONS
• Won’t work on intact skin
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.
- PROS
• 7.5 pH value
• Melt-free consistency
- CONS
• It comes in a pot, so you need an applicator
5. Ebanel NUMB520 Topical Numbing Cream
The Ebanel NUMB520 Topical Numbing Cream is an oil-free and odor-free numbing cream that can be used for microblading. It has a 5% strength lidocaine formula enhanced with Liposomal Technology.
This numbing cream is really fast-acting – it begins to take effect in only 2-3 minutes upon application and peaks after about 20-25 minutes. The numbing can last up to 3 hours when applied densely and covered with plastic wrap.
A no-mess removal is guaranteed as this cream is water-based and leaves no greasy residue.
- PROS
• Works fast
• Long numbing effect
- CONS
• Comes in a pot, so you need an applicator
6. 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.
- PROS
• Has 2 numbing ingredients
• Reliable
- CONS
• It comes in a pot, so you need an applicator
7. Numbskin Numbing Cream
With its 5% lidocaine formulation, it is strong enough to make your client comfortable for up to 2 hours.
As you apply the cream you’ll notice that it glides on white and then turns clear as it sets in. It takes about 30 minutes for the formulation to completely numb the eyebrow area, which can be sped up a bit if you cover the cream with plastic wrap.
It is a 100% cruelty-free product made in Canada that can be used for microblading, tattooing, piercings, laser hair removal, and more.
- PROS
• Highest possible lidocaine content
• Canadian regulations ensure quality
- CONS
• Needs up to 30 minutes if not occluded
8. Dr. Numb Tattoo Numbing Cream
The Dr. Numb Tattoo Numbing Cream has a rich, creamy formula that is fast-absorbing and has a smooth silky texture. It contains 5% lidocaine, it is hypoallergenic and has never been tested on animals.
Unlike many other topical numbing creams that are just meant to be dabbed on the treated area, Dr. Numb is meant to be rubbed in, in 2 layers – first, a thick layer and once it has set in, a thin layer on top of it, and covered in plastic wrap.
It takes about 45 minutes for the effect to take place, but the time does vary from person to person.
- PROS
• 5% Lidocaine
• Rich consistency
- CONS
• Takes longer to work than other creams
9. Numb Master 5% Lidocaine Numbing Cream
The Numb Master 5% Lidocaine Numbing Cream has a 5% Lidocaine, water-based formula.
It begins numbing in 3-5 minutes from application and reaches peak numbing at about 25 minutes.
The numbing sensation lasts anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the thickness of the layer of cream that’s applied and whether you’ve covered it with plastic wrap.
The Numb Master formula is also paraben-free and made in the USA.
- PROS
• Paraben-free
• Lighter, water-based formula
- CONS
• Comes in a pot, so you need an applicator
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
Important!
Remember to always apply numbing cream on clean skin, and to close your numbing cream or gel tightly after each use, to prevent oxidation. Numbing creams don’t require refrigeration but make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place.
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.
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