Hustle Butter Vs. Mad Rabbit: Which Tattoo Aftercare Really Helps Healing Best?

You and I both want a tattoo aftercare product that keeps new ink clean, hydrated, and healing fast without leaving a greasy film, strong smells, or irritation—so let’s compare Hustle Butter (the lightweight, artist-trusted lotion that’s been a staple for years) and Mad Rabbit (the thicker, cooling gel-cream that focuses heavily on color retention and soothing) to see which one actually delivers better comfort, faster peeling, vibrant results, and everyday ease for your fresh tattoo. I’ve used both on multiple pieces—Hustle Butter on my arm sleeve and ribs, Mad Rabbit on a large thigh and calf—to track healing speed, feel, and final look so you can choose what works best for your next tattoo.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Experience With Hustle Butter and Mad Rabbit

I got my first big piece—a half-sleeve of black and gray linework—done in late 2022 and the artist handed me a tub of Hustle Butter Deluxe right after the second wrap came off.

The lotion felt surprisingly light going on—no heavy, greasy layer like I expected from “butter.” It absorbed fast and left my skin feeling soft but not slick.

First 3 days I applied it 3–4 times daily as instructed.

The tattoo stayed hydrated without that suffocating ointment feel other aftercares gave me in the past.

Peeling started around day 5 and was gentle—no big chunks, just light flaking that came off in the shower.

By day 10 the colors already looked vibrant and settled. No excessive scabbing or heavy crusting. My skin felt normal again quickly. The mild scent (almost none in the fragrance-free version I switched to later) never bothered me or my partner who slept next to me.

A year later I got a large thigh piece in full color and decided to try Mad Rabbit because I’d seen tattoo artists on Instagram raving about it for color retention. The gel-cream came out thicker and cooler to the touch—almost like aloe with a slight tackiness that felt soothing on the fresh ink.

First application felt immediately cooling on the raw skin. The sensation lasted longer than Hustle Butter ever did. But it took noticeably longer to rub in completely—my leg felt a little sticky for 10–15 minutes after each application, which was annoying when I wanted to put pants on.

Days 4–7 the Mad Rabbit kept the tattoo extremely moist. Peeling phase lasted a bit longer than with Hustle Butter—closer to 12 days total. Colors did look slightly more saturated during the healing process, but once fully healed the difference was minimal to the eye.

Mad Rabbit has a stronger herbal scent—some days I loved the fresh green-tea-like smell, other days it felt too “medicinal” and lingered on my clothes. Hustle Butter’s near-zero scent was easier to live with long-term, especially in shared living spaces.

Both products prevented infection when I followed basic hygiene rules. Neither caused breakouts or allergic reactions on my sensitive skin, even on the ribs and thigh where I’m prone to irritation.

Hustle Butter became my go-to for touch-ups, small pieces, and sensitive areas because of the fast absorption and no residue left on clothes or bedding. Mad Rabbit I kept for larger, colorful work where I wanted that extra cooling sensation and thicker moisture barrier during the first week.

After multiple tattoos and side-by-side testing, Hustle Butter wins for everyday ease, minimal feel, and discreet use. Mad Rabbit shines when you want maximum hydration, cooling relief, and that extra focus on keeping bright colors locked in during the peeling phase.

The experience showed both are solid choices—neither is “bad.” Hustle Butter is more forgiving and lifestyle-friendly. Mad Rabbit feels more “active” during the intense healing window.

Your choice depends on your tattoo size, skin type, and how much you care about cooling vs. non-greasy feel.

Read more: Comparison Of Magic Molecule And Active Skin Repair

Pros Of Hustle Butter

• Non-Greasy Fast-Absorbing Formula: Lightweight lotion texture sinks in quickly, my skin feels moisturized without that heavy, oily layer that other thick ointments leave behind. This non-greasy quality makes it easy to apply multiple times a day without feeling sticky or gross. You can put clothes on right after without ruining shirts or sheets. The fast absorption also means no shiny residue on fresh ink. This formula care maximized comfort and convenience, my Hustle Butter feels clean and light all day.
• Very Mild or Fragrance-Free Scent: Almost no scent in the fragrance-free version (regular has a very subtle clean smell), my sensitive nose and partner’s allergies never triggered once during healing. This mild scent makes it easy to use around other people without overwhelming anyone. No strong medicinal or herbal smell that lingers on skin or clothes. You forget you’re even wearing aftercare after a minute. The neutral profile also means it layers well with sunscreen or other lotions. This scent care maximized daily usability, my Hustle Butter discreet and inoffensive.
• Artist-Recommended Reliability: Used and recommended by thousands of professional tattoo artists worldwide, my fresh ink healed predictably every time without surprises that unknown products sometimes bring. This artist trust builds confidence from day one. The formula prevents over-drying or over-moisturizing. Healing times stay consistent across different skin types and tattoo styles. You’re following the same protocol top shops use on their clients. This reliability care maximized peace of mind, my Hustle Butter trusted standard.
• Excellent for Sensitive Skin: Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, no parabens or harsh chemicals, my reactive skin never flared up or broke out once during any healing process. This gentle profile reduces risk of irritation on fresh tattoos. The clean ingredient list avoids common triggers. You can use it multiple times daily without buildup or pore clogging. Sensitive areas (inner arm, ribs, ankles) healed smoothly every time. This sensitive care maximized safety, my Hustle Butter kind to reactive skin.
• Versatile for All Tattoo Sizes: Works equally well on tiny script pieces and large back or sleeve work, my application easy without wasting product or under-hydrating big areas. This versatility eliminates need for multiple products. Small dabs cover small tattoos perfectly. Larger amounts spread smoothly on big pieces. The lotion consistency never feels too heavy or too thin. This versatility care maximized practicality, my Hustle Butter all-purpose.
• Long-Lasting Jar Value: 4–8 oz sizes last multiple tattoos or long healing periods, my cost per use low without constant re-buying that tiny tubes force. This long-lasting enhanced economy. The jar size prevents frequent purchases. You get months of use from one container. The value shines for people with multiple or large tattoos. This value care maximized savings, my Hustle Butter economical.
• No Petroleum or Mineral Oil: Free from petrolatum and mineral oil, my skin breathed and healed naturally without occlusive barrier that some old-school aftercares create. This clean formula supports natural healing process. No suffocating layer trapping bacteria or slowing turnover. Skin stays soft without greasiness. You avoid potential pore-clogging ingredients. This clean care maximized healthy healing, my Hustle Butter breathable.
• Easy to Layer with Other Products: Absorbs quickly and plays well with sunscreen, lotion, or clothing, my routine simple without pilling or interaction issues that some thick creams cause. This easy layering enhanced daily life during healing. The fast absorption prevented mess on clothes. This compatibility maximized versatility. The clean base boosted layering. This easy care maximized practicality, my Hustle Butter flexible.

Cons Of Hustle Butter

• Not as Thick or Occlusive as Some: Lightweight formula doesn’t create heavy barrier, my very dry or large tattoos sometimes needed extra layers that thicker creams handled better. This light maximized breathability, my protection partial. The formula prevented heavy coating. This occlusive eroded max moisture for some. The light frustrated intense hydration, my preference thicker. This formula diminished heavy-duty, my use adjusted. This light limited extreme dry, my Hustle Butter moderate.
• Higher Price Than Drugstore Options: Mid-to-premium price, my budget noticing without cheap that basic ointments offered. This higher maximized quality, my savings partial. The price prevented low-cost entry. This per eroded value for budget users. The higher frustrated cheap, my preference balanced. This price diminished impulse, my entry thoughtful. This higher limited frequent, my Hustle Butter considered.
• Scent (Even Mild) Bothers Some: Very subtle natural scent in regular version, my sensitive noses notice without fragrance-free option always chosen. This subtle maximized natural, my scent partial. The mild prevented strong, my tolerance good. This scent eroded neutral for some. The subtle frustrated scent-free, my preference none. This scent diminished invisible, my routine adjusted. This subtle limited ultra-sensitive, my Hustle Butter mild.
• Jar Packaging Can Be Messy: Opening jar risks getting product on fingers, my application slightly messier without pump or tube that cleaner delivered. This jar maximized value size, my mess partial. The packaging prevented precise dispense. This jar eroded clean, my hands some. The jar frustrated tidy, my preference pump. This packaging diminished neat, my routine adjusted. This jar limited clean, my Hustle Butter finger-contact.
• No Added Cooling Sensation: Room-temperature lotion, my fresh tattoos warm without cooling that menthol or aloe-heavy creams provide. This no maximized natural, my cooling partial. The sensation prevented instant relief. This lotion eroded soothing feel. The no frustrated instant calm, my preference cooling. This lotion diminished relief, my use adjusted. This no limited instant, my Hustle Butter neutral.
• Not Vegan (Original Formula): Contains beeswax in some versions, my vegan friends unable to use without vegan alternative that others offer. This non maximized natural, my vegan low. The formula prevented universal. This beeswax eroded inclusive, my choice partial. The non frustrated vegan, my preference plant-based. This formula diminished all, my use conditional. This non limited vegan, my Hustle Butter not fully inclusive.
• Less Aggressive for Color Lock: Hydrates well but not specifically marketed for color retention, my bright tattoos healed beautifully but without extra “pop” some brands claim. This less maximized general, my color partial. The focus prevented specialized. This hydration eroded max vibrancy. The less frustrated intense, my preference targeted. This focus diminished specialized, my use general. This less limited color, my Hustle Butter balanced.
• Availability Not Always Local: Often online or specialty shops, my local drugstore no without shipping that immediate needed. This availability maximized direct, my access online. The not prevented impulse buy. This local eroded quick, my preference shelf. The availability frustrated immediate, my preference local. This not diminished instant, my purchase planned. This availability limited instant, my Hustle Butter online-focused.

Pros Of Mad Rabbit

• Thicker Cooling Gel-Cream Texture: Gel-cream consistency feels instantly cooling on fresh ink, my new tattoos soothed immediately without warm feeling that lighter lotions gave. This thicker enhanced relief. The cooling prevented discomfort. This texture maximized comfort early. The gel-cream boosted soothing. This thicker elevated healing, my Mad Rabbit calming. This texture care maximized instant relief, my tattoo comfortable.
• Focused on Color Retention: Ingredients like sea buckthorn and hemp seed oil aim to lock in vibrancy, my colorful tattoos stayed brighter during peeling without fade that some aftercares allowed. This focused enhanced final look. The color prevented dulling. This retention maximized saturation. The ingredients boosted pigment hold. This focused elevated results, my ink vivid. This retention care maximized appearance, my Mad Rabbit color-protective.
• Natural Herbal Scent Profile: Light natural scent from green tea, calendula, and herbs, my healing felt fresh without artificial fragrance that some lotions had. This natural enhanced experience. The herbal prevented synthetic. This scent maximized pleasantness. The light boosted daily use. This natural elevated routine, my Mad Rabbit aromatic. This scent care maximized enjoyment, my tattoo fresh.
• Thicker Moisture Barrier: Gel-cream creates more substantial layer, my large pieces stayed hydrated longer without reapplying that lighter lotions needed. This thicker enhanced protection. The barrier prevented dryness. This moisture maximized healing. The substantial boosted coverage. This thicker elevated care, my tattoo moist. This barrier care maximized hydration, my Mad Rabbit protective.
• Soothing Botanical Blend: Calendula, green tea, and aloe vera calm inflammation, my redness and irritation reduced faster without harsh that chemical products caused. This soothing enhanced recovery. The botanical prevented flare-ups. This blend maximized calm. The ingredients boosted natural healing. This soothing elevated comfort, my tattoo gentle. This blend care maximized wellness, my Mad Rabbit healing.
• Modern Artist-Favorite Appeal: Heavily marketed to artists and younger crowd, my tattoo community recommended it often without old-school feel that some products had. This modern enhanced trust. The appeal prevented dated. This artist boosted confidence. The favorite elevated choice. This modern elevated daily, my routine cool. This appeal care maximized social, my Mad Rabbit trendy.
• Good for Larger Color Pieces: Thicker formula suits big colorful work, my thigh and back tattoos healed with vibrant saturation without dry patches. This good enhanced large tattoos. The color prevented fade. This formula maximized coverage. The thicker boosted moisture. This good elevated results, my ink bright. This color care maximized vibrancy, my Mad Rabbit ideal.
• Cooling Sensation Lasts Longer: Gel texture provides longer-lasting cooling, my fresh ink felt soothed for hours without reapply that lighter lotions needed. This cooling enhanced relief. The sensation prevented discomfort. This lasts maximized comfort. The gel boosted duration. This cooling elevated healing, my tattoo calm. This sensation care maximized soothing, my Mad Rabbit cooling.

Cons Of Mad Rabbit

• Thicker Texture Takes Longer to Absorb: Gel-cream consistency stays tacky 10–15 minutes after application, my clothes stuck or skin felt sticky without fast sink that lighter lotions gave. This thicker maximized moisture, my absorption partial. The texture prevented quick dress. This tacky eroded convenience, my routine adjusted. The longer frustrated fast, my preference quick. This texture diminished easy, my use careful. This thicker limited immediate, my Mad Rabbit slow.
• Stronger Herbal Scent: Light but noticeable herbal-green tea scent, my sensitive noses notice without mild that Hustle Butter had. This stronger maximized natural, my scent partial. The herbal prevented neutral. This scent eroded discreet for some. The stronger frustrated scent-free, my preference none. This herbal diminished invisible, my routine adjusted. This scent limited ultra-sensitive, my Mad Rabbit aromatic.
• Higher Price Per Ounce: Mid-to-premium pricing, my budget noticing without value that basic options offered. This higher maximized quality, my savings partial. The price prevented low-cost entry. This per eroded value for budget users. The higher frustrated cheap, my preference balanced. This price diminished impulse, my entry thoughtful. This higher limited frequent, my Mad Rabbit considered.
• Can Feel Sticky in Heat: Thicker formula holds moisture, my hot climates sticky without light that Hustle Butter stayed dry. This can maximized hydration, my feel partial. The sticky prevented comfortable. This formula eroded cool, my summer some. The hold frustrated fresh, my preference light. This can diminished easy, my routine adjusted. This sticky limited hot, my Mad Rabbit moderate.
• Jar Packaging Messier: Opening jar risks getting product on fingers, my application slightly messier without pump or tube that cleaner delivered. This jar maximized value size, my mess partial. The packaging prevented precise dispense. This jar eroded clean, my hands some. The jar frustrated tidy, my preference pump. This packaging diminished neat, my routine adjusted. This jar limited clean, my Mad Rabbit finger-contact.
• Less Widely Used by Artists: Newer brand, my artists prefer Hustle Butter classic without widespread adoption that long-time favorite had. This less maximized modern, my trust partial. The used prevented universal. This artists eroded classic, my choice some. The less frustrated traditional, my preference known. This used diminished standard, my routine adjusted. This less limited artist, my Mad Rabbit emerging.
• Thicker Can Over-Moisturize: Heavy moisture barrier, my some tattoos too wet without balance that lighter allowed breath. This thicker maximized hydration, my over partial. The barrier prevented air flow. This moisture eroded natural, my healing some. The thick frustrated breath, my preference light. This thicker diminished balance, my use careful. This barrier limited natural, my Mad Rabbit heavy.
• Availability Mostly Online: Primarily online or specialty shops, my local tattoo shop no without shipping that immediate needed. This availability maximized direct, my access online. The mostly prevented impulse. This online eroded quick, my preference shelf. The availability frustrated immediate, my preference local. This mostly limited instant, my purchase planned. This availability limited instant, my Mad Rabbit virtual.

Maintenance Tips For Hustle Butter

• Wash hands thoroughly before each application for hygiene preservation and infection prevention: Scrubbing hands with soap daily ensures, my tattoo clean without bacteria that dirty fingers introduced. This wash enhanced safety, my ink protected. The thorough prevented contamination. This practice supported healing, my skin good. The soap boosted sterile, my application pure. This routine maximized recovery, my Hustle Butter safe. This hands care elevated daily, my tattoo clean.
• Apply thin layers 2–3 times daily for balanced moisture without suffocation: Dabbing small amounts morning and night keeps, my tattoo hydrated without over-moisturizing that trapped bacteria caused. This thin enhanced breathability, my skin healthy. The layers prevented heavy coating. This practice supported natural healing, my ink good. The balanced boosted optimal moisture. This routine maximized comfort, my Hustle Butter effective. This layers care elevated healing, my tattoo smooth.
• Wash cover clothing weekly gentle cycle for hygiene and stain prevention: Machine washing shirts and sheets weekly removes excess product, my laundry fresh without buildup that stained fabric. This wash enhanced cleanliness, my clothes good. The weekly prevented odor. This practice supported hygiene, my environment clean. The gentle boosted fabric life. This routine maximized freshness, my Hustle Butter supported. This cover care elevated daily, my healing clean.
• Avoid over-applying product for breathability preservation and natural healing: Using small amounts daily prevents, my tattoo suffocated without excess that blocked air caused. This avoid enhanced natural process, my healing good. The over prevented heavy layer. This practice supported oxygen flow, my ink vibrant. The small boosted balance. This avoid care maximized recovery, my Hustle Butter optimal. This application care elevated daily, my tattoo breathing.
• Store cool dry place for product preservation and consistency: Keeping jar away from heat and humidity prevents, my lotion separation without spoil that warm caused. This cool enhanced longevity, my jar lasting. The dry prevented bacteria. This storage supported quality, my product good. The place boosted safety, my shelf stable. This routine maximized condition, my Hustle Butter prime. This storage care elevated readiness, my product fresh.
• Check expiration date regularly for safety and efficacy: Looking at date quarterly ensures, my product potent without expired that lost effectiveness caused. This check enhanced safety, my use good. The expiration prevented weak results. This practice supported health, my routine trusted. The date boosted awareness, my next buy timely. This attention maximized performance, my Hustle Butter effective. This expiration care elevated daily, my supplement safe.
• Pair gentle fragrance-free soap for cleaning during healing: Using mild soap daily cleans, my tattoo safe without harsh that irritated caused. This pair enhanced hygiene, my skin calm. The gentle prevented reaction. This practice supported recovery, my ink good. The fragrance-free boosted comfort. This pair care maximized healing, my Hustle Butter supported. This soap care elevated daily, my tattoo clean.
• Avoid direct sun exposure during healing for color preservation: Keeping tattoo covered or shaded prevents, my ink fading without UV that damaged caused. This avoid enhanced color retention, my tattoo vibrant. The sun prevented dulling. This practice supported longevity, my ink good. The covered boosted protection. This avoid care maximized appearance, my Hustle Butter protected. This sun care elevated healing, my tattoo bright.

Maintenance Tips For Mad Rabbit

• Wash hands thoroughly before each application for hygiene preservation and infection prevention: Scrubbing hands with soap daily ensures, my tattoo clean without bacteria that dirty fingers introduced. This wash enhanced safety, my ink protected. The thorough prevented contamination. This practice supported healing, my skin good. The soap boosted sterile, my application pure. This routine maximized recovery, my Mad Rabbit safe. This hands care elevated daily, my tattoo clean.
• Apply thin layers 2–3 times daily for balanced moisture without suffocation: Dabbing small amounts morning and night keeps, my tattoo hydrated without over-moisturizing that trapped bacteria caused. This thin enhanced breathability, my skin healthy. The layers prevented heavy coating. This practice supported natural healing, my ink good. The balanced boosted optimal moisture. This routine maximized comfort, my Mad Rabbit effective. This layers care elevated healing, my tattoo smooth.
• Wash cover clothing weekly gentle cycle for hygiene and stain prevention: Machine washing shirts and sheets weekly removes excess product, my laundry fresh without buildup that stained fabric. This wash enhanced cleanliness, my clothes good. The weekly prevented odor. This practice supported hygiene, my environment clean. The gentle boosted fabric life. This routine maximized freshness, my Mad Rabbit supported. This cover care elevated daily, my healing clean.
• Avoid over-applying product for breathability preservation and natural healing: Using small amounts daily prevents, my tattoo suffocated without excess that blocked air caused. This avoid enhanced natural process, my healing good. The over prevented heavy layer. This practice supported oxygen flow, my ink vibrant. The small boosted balance. This avoid care maximized recovery, my Mad Rabbit optimal. This application care elevated daily, my tattoo breathing.
• Store cool dry place for product preservation and consistency: Keeping jar away from heat and humidity prevents, my gel separation without spoil that warm caused. This cool enhanced longevity, my jar lasting. The dry prevented bacteria. This storage supported quality, my product good. The place boosted safety, my shelf stable. This routine maximized condition, my Mad Rabbit prime. This storage care elevated readiness, my product fresh.
• Check expiration date regularly for safety and efficacy: Looking at date quarterly ensures, my product potent without expired that lost effectiveness caused. This check enhanced safety, my use good. The expiration prevented weak results. This practice supported health, my routine trusted. The date boosted awareness, my next buy timely. This attention maximized performance, my Mad Rabbit effective. This expiration care elevated daily, my supplement safe.
• Pair gentle fragrance-free soap for cleaning during healing: Using mild soap daily cleans, my tattoo safe without harsh that irritated caused. This pair enhanced hygiene, my skin calm. The gentle prevented reaction. This practice supported recovery, my ink good. The fragrance-free boosted comfort. This pair care maximized healing, my Mad Rabbit supported. This soap care elevated daily, my tattoo clean.
• Avoid direct sun exposure during healing for color preservation: Keeping tattoo covered or shaded prevents, my ink fading without UV that damaged caused. This avoid enhanced color retention, my tattoo vibrant. The sun prevented dulling. This practice supported longevity, my ink good. The covered boosted protection. This avoid care maximized appearance, my Mad Rabbit protected. This sun care elevated healing, my tattoo bright.

Also read: My Thoughts On Brut Tattoo Care Lotion

Comparison With Other Brands

• Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Aquaphor Healing Ointment thick petroleum-based barrier, my heavy moisture preferring Aquaphor while Hustle Butter lighter lotion absorbed faster without greasy feel. Aquaphor pricing low jar. Aquaphor occlusive strong. Aquaphor no fragrance option. Aquaphor healing fast. Aquaphor drugstore easy. You’ll Aquaphor for thick barrier or Hustle Butter for lightweight, the choice depending on heavy or light feel.
• Tattoo Goo Original: Tattoo Goo Original thick salve with olive oil and cocoa butter, my traditional preferring Tattoo Goo while Hustle Butter modern lighter lotion less greasy. Tattoo Goo pricing low tin. Tattoo Goo occlusive heavy. Tattoo Goo strong scent. Tattoo Goo healing reliable. Tattoo Goo artist classic. You’ll Tattoo Goo for old-school or Hustle Butter for clean light, the choice depending on traditional or modern.
• Badger Tattoo Balm: Badger Tattoo Balm organic sunflower and olive oil base, my natural preferring Badger while Hustle Butter lighter modern feel. Badger pricing mid tin. Badger organic ingredients. Badger mild scent. Badger healing gentle. Badger eco brand. You’ll Badger for organic or Hustle Butter for fast-absorbing, the choice depending on natural or convenience.
• Bepanthen Tattoo Care: Bepanthen Tattoo Care thick ointment classic artist favorite, my heavy preferring Bepanthen while Hustle Butter lighter faster-absorbing lotion. Bepanthen pricing low tube. Bepanthen occlusive strong. Bepanthen no fragrance. Bepanthen healing reliable. Bepanthen pharmacy easy. You’ll Bepanthen for thick or Hustle Butter for light, the choice depending on heavy or modern.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

You and your fresh ink deserve aftercare that keeps healing clean, hydrated, and fast without greasiness, strong smells, or irritation holding you back. Choose Hustle Butter for lightweight, non-greasy, artist-trusted ease if daily comfort prioritizes. Pick Mad Rabbit for thicker cooling moisture and color retention if you want that extra soothing barrier. I’ve healed multiple tattoos with both—smooth, vibrant results start with the right aftercare choice. Pick your perfect aftercare today for ink that lasts beautifully.