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I’ve been collecting tattoos for years – some are fresh and shiny, while others have been around long enough to fade a bit. Over that time, I’ve tried everything from drugstore lotion to boutique butters in search of the best tattoo balm to keep all of my tattoos (old and new) looking their best.
Hustle Butter Deluxe has been a long-standing favorite in the tattoo world (artists swear by it), but Harry’s Tattoo Frost recently entered the scene — and it might be the first product to actually dethrone the butter. Curious, I put both to the test to find out which tattoo balm actually works better. Here’s how they stack up.
We like
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TL;DR – The Quick Verdict
Winner: Harry’s Tattoo Frost
- Finish: Hydrated, non-shiny (no transfer to clothes)
- Feel: Fast-absorbing gel; fragrance-free and sensitive-skin friendly
- Value: $2.53/oz (or $2.22/oz with 2-pack) vs Hustle Butter’s $4.80/oz
CTA: [Shop Tattoo Frost]
Formula & Feel: Comparing Hustle Butter and Harry’s Tattoo Frost
Hustle Butter Tattoo Balm: This one goes hard on richness. The ingredient list reads a bit like an Erewhon smoothie: shea butter, mango seed butter, coconut oil, and sunflower oil, with a few botanical extracts (green tea, rosemary, aloe). It’s vegan and petroleum-free, which I appreciate, but it’s heavy. Think oily and – honestly – a little slow to absorb. My arm glistens for a solid few minutes after applying. The scent is lovely (sweet and tropical), but if you’re sensitive to that sort of thing, it’s definitely noticeable.
Harry’s Tattoo Frost: Tattoo Frost is a fragrance-free, frosted black gel (yes, it does look and feel very cool) that sinks in pretty instantly. The brand’s techy formula leans on three key ingredients: hyperfermented aloe complex, silica, and pro-vitamin B5, which together deliver long-lasting hydration without any greasiness (it feels surprisingly cool and weightless instead). My tattoos look hydrated but never shiny, and my clothes don’t get stained in the process.
Winner: Harry’s Tattoo Frost, an upgrade in texture and usability.
Healing & Performance: Which Tattoo Balm Actually Works?
Hustle Butter: Originally developed for artists to use during tattoo sessions, this tattoo balm is designed to reduce friction and soothe skin in real time. It works well for the healing phase, but in my experience, it’s more of a thick barrier than a deeply nourishing treatment. Great at preventing dryness, but not the fastest absorber or the most breathable.
Harry’s: Tattoo Frost, on the other hand, is formulated for healed or healing tattoos that need lasting hydration and brightness. Its hyperfermented aloe is the secret weapon — it’s more bioavailable, meaning it actually penetrates the skin instead of sitting on top. After a week of using Tattoo Frost, I noticed that my older tattoos looked more saturated, and I can only imagine it’s working those same wonders on my fresher ink.
Winner: Harry’s Tattoo Frost, supports healing and maintains vibrancy long-term (without the heavy balm feel).
Ease of Use: Everyday Tattoo Aftercare That Fits Your Routine
Hustle Butter: This one feels luxurious, but I’ve had a hard time consistently using it because it can leave a greasy film that transfers to clothes (and the occasional pillowcase). Also, as I noted previously, it smells good enough to make you want to eat it, but that also means it’s not great if you’re sensitive to fragrance or trying to be discreet at the office.
Harry’s: You can tell that some products are created out of a need for something better than what currently exists on the market, and Tattoo Frost has that vibe. I can apply it before the gym or bed without feeling slick. Plus, it’s non-sticky, alcohol-free, paraben-free, and perfect for sensitive skin. Simply put, it’s low-maintenance and high-performance (my favorite type of product).
Winner: Harry’s Tattoo Frost, more portable, more practical, more likely for me to actually use.
Price, Brand & Verdict
Hustle Butter: Runs $23.99 for 5 oz, which is admittedly pricey, but this product is a mainstay in tattoo culture (it’s nostalgic, iconic, and effective).
Harry’s: Tattoo Frost is $20 for 7.9 oz (or $17.50 each in a 2-pack). It’s not only more affordable per ounce, but feels like an evolution of tattoo products past. With Tattoo Frost, you’re getting a fresher, dermatologist-minded formula from a brand that knows skincare.
Overall Winner: Harry’s Tattoo Frost
Hustle Butter is a good product — Harry’s Tattoo Frost is just better. It feels like the next generation of tattoo care: smarter, lighter, and made for daily use. It’s a product that brings something new to the table: the precision and performance of a brand that’s been perfecting men’s skincare for years.
Want to try the lightest, smartest tattoo aftercare balm I’ve found? Start here, with Harry’s Tattoo Frost.
FAQs
1. What is the best tattoo aftercare balm?
The best tattoo balm depends on your skin type and lifestyle, but lightweight, hydrating formulas like Harry’s Tattoo Frost stand out for long-term tattoo vibrancy and comfort.
2. Can I use Harry’s Tattoo Frost on a new tattoo?
Yes, once your tattoo is no longer an open wound, Harry’s Tattoo Frost can be used to deeply hydrate healing skin and keep new ink bright.
3. What’s the difference between Hustle Butter and Harry’s Tattoo Frost?
Hustle Butter is a rich, buttery balm used during tattoo sessions and early healing, while Harry’s Tattoo Frost is a lightweight gel moisturizer designed for ongoing tattoo care and brightness.
4. Why do men need a specific tattoo aftercare product?
Men’s skin tends to be thicker and oilier, meaning lightweight, fast-absorbing products like Harry’s Tattoo Frost provide the right balance of hydration without heaviness or residue.
5. How often should I apply tattoo balm?
You can apply a tattoo aftercare balm like Harry’s Tattoo Frost once or twice a day, especially after showering, to maintain moisture and color vibrancy.
