Resources
Safe
products.
What you put on your face after PMU matters — a lot. This guide tells you exactly what to use and what to avoid.
Why This Matters
Your skincare routine has to change.
Aftercare isn't just for the first few weeks — it's a lifelong commitment to protecting your investment. The skin on your face acts like a wick: what you apply to your forehead will eventually reach your brows, even if you're not applying it directly. PMU sits much shallower in the skin than body tattoos, which means it's far more vulnerable to what you put on your face.
From the forehead to the lips — for the first 12 weeks, and carefully long-term — stick to the products on this list.
Ingredients to Avoid
The Big No-No List.
These ingredients lighten pigment, speed up cell turnover, or cause your PMU to fade or shift color. Check every product label — they hide in foundations, moisturizers, and sunscreens.
Retinol
Speeds up cell turnover — fades PMU fast.
Retinoids
Same family as retinol. All forms are a no.
Vitamin C
Brightening agent — lightens pigment over time.
Glycolic Acid
AHA — accelerates exfoliation and fading.
Lactic Acid
AHA — same problem as glycolic.
Mandelic Acid
AHA — gentler but still fades PMU.
Salicylic Acid
BHA — penetrates and disrupts pigment retention.
Chemical Exfoliants
Any AHA/BHA — accelerates pigment loss.
Enzymes
Exfoliate at the surface — same effect as acids.
Peptides
Cell-renewal signals — interfere with healing.
Hyaluronic Acid
Draws moisture and can pull pigment outward.
Niacinamide
Brightening — can shift or lighten pigment tone.
Ceramides
Barrier-repair agents that can alter pigment retention.
Brands to Avoid
These popular brands contain ingredients that are problematic for PMU. Some have gentle options — when in doubt, text us a photo of the label.
Safe for PMU
Safe cleansers.
✓ Vanicream Gentle Cleanser
No hyaluronic acid formula. Studio favorite. Use after 6 weeks healed.
✓ Oatmeal Aloe Soap
The bar soap we provide you at your appointment. Use this during healing.
✓ Micellar Water
Gentle option for the forehead region during and after healing.
Safe for PMU
Safe moisturizers.
✓ Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Use this during the healing process to keep PMU protected and moist.
✓ Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
No hyaluronic acid formula. Free of dyes, fragrance, lanolin, and parabens. After 6 weeks healed only.
✓ Pure Aloe Vera Gel
No fragrances or alcohols. Gentle hydration during and after healing.
Safe for PMU
Safe SPF.
UV exposure is one of the fastest ways to fade PMU long-term. Wear SPF daily — but make sure it's one of these.
✓ Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Broad-spectrum, sensitive skin formula. A Brow Babes favorite.
✓ Supergoop! Glow Screen
Another Supergoop! formula safe for PMU clients.
Good to Know
Safe products FAQs.
Why can't I use retinol?
Retinol and all retinoids significantly speed up skin cell turnover — which is exactly what fades PMU. Your permanent makeup sits much closer to the skin's surface than a body tattoo (think: between the icing and the top of a cake). Anything that accelerates cell turnover will push the pigment out faster. Avoid all retinol and retinoid products near your brows, eyeliner, and lips long-term.
Can I use Vitamin C?
No. Vitamin C is a brightening agent, and brightening agents lighten pigment — including your PMU. Even if a product feels gentle, if it contains Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid, or ascorbyl derivatives) it should stay away from your brow, liner, and lip area.
What sunscreen is safe?
Supergoop! is our go-to recommendation — their formulas are broad-spectrum and designed for sensitive skin without the actives that interfere with PMU. Avoid sunscreens with brightening agents, niacinamide, or vitamin C. Always check the ingredient list.
Can I use anti-aging products?
Most anti-aging products contain retinoids, peptides, or acids — all of which are on the no-no list. If a product claims to "firm, tighten, smooth, rejuvenate, or reduce signs of aging" near your face, check the ingredients carefully. Many popular brands that seem harmless (like RoC, No7, StriVectin) are on the avoid list for this reason.
Why do ingredients matter for PMU?
The skin on your face acts like a wick — what you apply to your forehead will eventually reach your brows, even if you're not applying it directly. PMU sits much shallower in the skin than body tattoos, making it much more vulnerable to product ingredients. That's why facial skincare can dramatically affect how your PMU heals, retains, and ages over time.
What if I accidentally use something I shouldn't?
Don't panic — one accidental use isn't going to destroy your PMU. Rinse the area gently with water and avoid using that product again near the treated area. If you notice your PMU fading faster than expected or changing color, text us a photo and we'll take a look.
Still Not Sure?
Send us a photo of the label.
If you're not sure whether a product is safe, text us a photo of the ingredient list and we'll let you know. We'd rather check than have you risk it.