Ink Nurse vs Bepanthen (A 2025 Aftercare Comparison)

If you’ve just been tattooed, chances are someone has told you to use Bepanthen.

But what if we told you… that advice is outdated?

In 2025, tattoo aftercare has evolved — and Ink Nurse is leading the charge. Loved by professional artists, stocked nationally in Chemist Warehouse, and designed for sensitive, healing skin… Ink Nurse is changing how Australians heal their tattoos.

 Why Tattoo Aftercare Isn’t a Joke

Your skin has just undergone controlled trauma. Tattooing is technically a medical-grade wound. How you care for that wound determines:

• How vibrant your tattoo heals
• Whether you develop scabs, irritation, pimples or blowout
• If infection or touch-ups become necessary

Old-school methods often don’t cut it. What worked for nappy rash isn’t ideal for healing body art you paid hundreds (or thousands) for.

What is Bepanthen, Really?

Bepanthen is a thick nappy rash ointment made by German pharmaceutical giant Bayer. Its main ingredient is dexpanthenol (pro-vitamin B5), designed to moisturise and protect infant skin.

It’s packed with mineral oil and petroleum jelly — ingredients that lock in moisture but also suffocate the skin.

❌ Not designed for tattoos. ❌ Not breathable. ❌ Not lightweight.

⚠️ 5 Reasons Bepanthen Isn’t Great for Tattoos

1. Too Occlusive – Blocks pores, traps bacteria, leads to breakouts.
2. Over-Moisturising – Can cause fading, scabbing, or colour loss.
3. Petroleum-Based – Not breathable. Can stick to clothing or wrap.
4. No Soothing Actives – Doesn’t calm redness or itching.
5. Repurposed Use – It’s a baby cream, not tattoo aftercare.

What is Ink Nurse?

Ink Nurse is an Australian-formulated aftercare cream designed for tattooed and sensitive skin.

Unlike Bepanthen, it’s:

• ✅ Lightweight and non-greasy
• ✅ pH-balanced for skin
• ✅ Steroid-free and fragrance-free
• ✅ Rich in soothing botanical extracts
• ✅ Proudly vegan and cruelty-free
• ✅ Designed by skin health experts

⚔️ Head-to-Head Comparison Chart

Feature	Ink Nurse	Bepanthen
Designed for tattoos	✅ Yes	❌ No (Nappy rash)
pH-balanced	✅ Yes	❌ No
Vegan & cruelty-free	✅ Yes	❌ No
Free from petrochemicals	✅ Yes	❌ No
Soothes itch & redness	✅ Yes	❌ No
Lightweight texture	✅ Yes	❌ No
Multi-use for skin issues	✅ Yes (eczema, psoriasis)	❌ No
Antibacterial/anti-inflammatory	✅ Yes	❌ No
Stocked in Chemist Warehouse	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (not in tattoo care)

Real Reviews, Real Results

“My tattoo healed in record time — no itching, no peeling, no drama. Ink Nurse is a game changer.” – Alex, Brisbane

“I used to swear by Bepanthen. Not anymore. Ink Nurse is lighter, cleaner, and didn’t ruin my clothes.” – Sam, Fitzroy

“Helped my psoriasis and my sleeve. Can’t believe one cream does all this.” – Jess, Gold Coast

Where to Buy Ink Nurse

Ink Nurse is available at over 600 Chemist Warehouse stores nationwide. Or shop directly from our official website. 

OR Shop direct from Chemist Warehouse HERE.

Final Verdict: Ink Nurse Wins in 2025

Bepanthen may have worked in 2005, but in 2025 your tattoo deserves more than a baby cream.

Ink Nurse is purpose-built for tattoos, skin health, and fast recovery — without the grease, scent, or petrochemicals.

Join thousands of Aussies switching to the smarter aftercare solution.

Shop Ink Nurse now or visit your local Chemist Warehouse today.

PS: If you purchase the Ink Nurse 500ml pump bottle, it's actually CHEAPER than Bepanthen per mL! The 500ml pump bottle is $9.99 per 50mL which is 20-40% cheaper than Bepanthen 50mL. Often Chemist Warehouse have it on sale for as low as $69.99 which is crazy value for money considering 1 pump bottle can replace 10 tubes of bepanthen, cheaper, saving shelf space and packaging waste and it's a much more versatile product too! It really does go further for you. 

For more info about why Bepanthen isn't a good choice for tattoo aftercare anymore (and never was) read this article below: 

https://www.ink-nurse.com/blogs/tattoo-info/think-twice-before-using-bepanthen-on-your-new-tattoo