The Difference Between Deep and Fast Numbing Creams Explained

Choosing the right numbing cream for your tattoo or aesthetic session isn’t just about strength, it’s about how quickly it kicks in and how long the effect lasts. 

At TKTX, we classify our creams into two main types: Fast Numb and Deep Numb. Understanding the difference will help you pick the ideal solution for your treatment.

Fast Numb vs Deep Numb: What the terms mean

• Fast Numb creams are designed to take effect quickly, typically in around 20-35 minutes, and work best for shorter treatments. 
• Deep Numb creams take longer to fully activate, often between 1-2 hours, but once they do, they penetrate more deeply into the skin and maintain effect for longer (often 2‑5 hours or more).
• Both types share core features: a water‑based formula that doesn’t leave the skin greasy, and a design meant not to interfere with ink absorption or healing. 

When to choose each type

Fast Numb

Choose a fast‑acting formula when your session is short, pain tolerance is moderate, and you want relief with minimal wait time. Ideal for:

• Small tattoos or micro‑sessions
• Piercings or minor body work
• Aesthetic treatments such as fillers or microblading

Deep Numb

Select a deep‑acting formula when your session is longer, you’re working in a highly sensitive area, or you want to maintain comfort for an extended period. Ideal for:

• Full‑sleeve tattoos, back pieces or large designs
• Areas with low pain tolerance (ribs, inner thigh, etc)
• Laser removal or procedures that last multiple hours

Why the timing and depth matter

The activation time and lasting effect are fundamentally linked to how the active ingredients in TKTX creams, such as lidocaine, prilocaine and other anaesthetics, penetrate into the epidermis and dermis. The deep formulas allow more time for absorption and reach nerve endings more effectively. 

If you start too soon (with a deep cream), you risk the numbing not being at full effect; if you use a fast formula for a long session, you might run out of numbing power before the end and face a sudden surge of pain.

Application tips to maximise effectiveness

• Clean and dry the skin thoroughly, removing oils/lotions.
• Apply a generous layer (typically 2–3 mm thick) of the chosen cream.
• Cover the area with plastic wrap or cling‑film to enhance absorption and maintain warmth. 
• For fast formulas: plan your session so that the application is just before your treatment, and anticipate a shorter window of effect.
• For deep formulas: apply well ahead of time (allow full activation) and prepare for a longer session.
• Inform your tattoo artist or practitioner about the product you’ve used, they may adjust their technique accordingly.

Final thoughts

Understanding the difference between fast and deep numbing creams lets you match the product to your session, rather than just picking the strongest option blindly. You can also take our quiz and see which TKTX numbing cream works best for you.

For shorter procedures, the fast category gives swift relief; for longer or intensive sessions, the deep formula offers sustained comfort. 

With correct usage, both types of TKTX deliver effective numbing without compromising ink quality or healing.