When it comes to tattoo aftercare, your skin deserves more than just generic ointments or over-the-counter lotions. At Napalm Balms, we believe in combining nature’s most powerful healing agents with science-backed solutions. As a veteran-owned and operated company, we don’t settle for less—especially when it comes to what goes on your skin.
That’s why we use medical-grade 16+ Manuka Honey in our tattoo aftercare formula. This natural powerhouse isn't just a trend—it’s a therapeutic game-changer.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes 16+ Manuka Honey so special, how it accelerates tattoo healing, and why it's the centerpiece of our aftercare line.
🔬 What is Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey is a monofloral honey derived from the nectar of the Leptospermum scoparium plant, native to New Zealand and parts of Australia. Unlike conventional honey, Manuka honey contains a unique compound called methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives it its renowned antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties.
The “16+” rating refers to the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor), a grading system that measures the potency of antibacterial properties. A UMF of 16+ is considered medical-grade, meaning it's strong enough for clinical use, including treatment of burns, open wounds, and surgical sites—making it more than capable of aiding in tattoo healing.
🧬 The Science: Why 16+ Manuka Honey is Ideal for Tattoo Aftercare
Healing a tattoo is like healing a controlled skin injury. It requires protection, hydration, and infection control, while minimizing itching, flaking, and scarring. Here's why 16+ Manuka Honey excels in every one of those categories:
1. Potent Antibacterial Protection
Fresh tattoos are open wounds, and your skin becomes vulnerable to bacteria, fungus, and environmental contaminants.
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Methylglyoxal (MGO) in 16+ Manuka honey actively fights off Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, and other pathogens without the need for synthetic antibiotics.
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Unlike typical antiseptics, Manuka honey doesn’t destroy healthy tissue or cause dryness.
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Creates an acidic environment (low pH) that further discourages bacterial growth while promoting healing.
2. Anti-Inflammatory & Redness Reduction
Tattooing can cause swelling and inflammation that lasts for days.
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Manuka honey contains natural anti-inflammatory agents that soothe irritated skin and reduce post-tattoo redness.
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Helps regulate the immune response in the skin, minimizing overreactions that cause itchiness, bumps, or raised scarring (like keloids or hypertrophic scarring).
3. Accelerated Skin Regeneration
The faster your skin regenerates, the better your ink settles.
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Manuka honey stimulates fibroblast activity—cells that are critical for collagen production and tissue repair.
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Encourages rapid development of new epidermal tissue and blood vessels, reducing downtime.
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Promotes a moist healing environment, which has been shown to heal wounds up to 50% faster than dry healing methods.
4. Natural Moisture Barrier Without Clogging Pores
Keeping the tattoo moisturized is crucial—but pore-blocking petroleum can trap bacteria or suffocate skin.
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Manuka honey forms a breathable, natural barrier that locks in moisture while still allowing oxygen exchange.
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It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts around the tattoo.
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Maintains optimal hydration to prevent cracking, flaking, or ink fallout.
5. Scar Prevention & Skin Texture Improvement
One of the top concerns after healing a tattoo is texture distortion or scar formation.
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The antioxidants in Manuka honey help neutralize free radicals that contribute to scarring.
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Supports smoother skin texture, allowing your ink to heal clean and crisp, especially on larger pieces or color-heavy designs.
💪 Why Napalm Balms Uses 16+ Manuka Honey in Our Aftercare Formula
We’re not here to slap our name on a white-label product and call it a day. Napalm Balms was built from scratch by a disabled veteran who understands the importance of attention to detail, performance, and skin health.
Our Manuka honey-infused balm is:
✅ Made with 16+ UMF Certified Manuka Honey
✅ Free of petroleum, parabens, and synthetic fragrance
✅ Enriched with natural oils (like jojoba and coconut) to support skin health
✅ Crafted in small batches for quality control
✅ Safe for all skin types, ethnicities, and tattoo sizes
✅ Cruelty-Free and Veteran-Owned
Whether you’re healing your first tattoo or your fortieth, we’ve got your skin’s six.
🧴 Coming Soon: Beard Balms & Body Lotions
Tattoo aftercare is just our first mission.
Up next from Napalm Balms:
🧔 Beard Balms – Infused with the same high-quality healing ingredients, designed to tame, hydrate, and nourish beards of all lengths and textures.
🧴 Daily Body Lotions – Lightweight yet powerful, designed for sensitive and tattooed skin.
Each product will be crafted with purpose, using natural ingredients that honor your skin and your ink.
🔥 Final Thoughts
When it comes to tattoo aftercare, don’t settle for gimmicks or chemical-laden goops.
16+ Manuka Honey is one of the most powerful natural healing agents on Earth—and we’ve built our formula around it to ensure your tattoos heal faster, look sharper, and feel better.
Whether you're an inked-up veteran or a first-timer, Napalm Balms is your new post-tattoo ritual.
Real healing. Real results. Combat-tested. Skin-approved.
👊 Join the Movement
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