Dr Pickles Tattoo Aftercare

What Dr Pickles Tattoo Aftercare does

Dr Pickles Pty Ltd is an Australian, family-owned tattoo aftercare brand founded in 2012 by Luke Soden in Brisbane, Queensland. The company develops and sells a portfolio of purpose-formulated aftercare products built around a three-stage Wrap–Wash–Heal system: Second Skin Tattoo Films for initial wound protection, Antibacterial Foam Wash for cleaning, and Tattoo Balms plus Dermal Soothe Gel for healing. Formulations use natural Australian ingredients — pawpaw, D-Panthenol, aloe vera, hemp oil, Kakadu Plum Extract, sandalwood, and cypress blue oil — with vegan options and nut-allergy-safe variants available.

The company monetizes through direct-to-consumer e-commerce (Shopify storefront with AUD/USD/NZD regional pricing), wholesale distribution to 300+ Australian tattoo studios, and mainstream retail placement in Woolworths, Coles, and select pharmacies. A secondary revenue line covers professional studio supplies (Tattoo Glide, grip tape, nitrile gloves) co-developed with artists, plus branded merchandise. Distribution now extends to the US (USD storefront, USA Pro Team) and New Zealand (3PL fulfillment in Auckland).

Brand and community building is a core operating capability rather than a marketing line item: 27 Australian and 6 American elite tattoo artists serve as the Pro Team, including Ink Master contestants and co-design partners. Content marketing, an affiliate program, and a 'Share Your Ink' user-generated content engine reinforce credibility inside a category where artist recommendation is the primary purchase trigger. Dr Pickles is a privately held, bootstrapped company with no external institutional funding or public listing.

Name

Dr Pickles Tattoo Aftercare

Legal name

Dr Pickles Pty Ltd

Website

https://drpickles.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Dr Pickles is an Australian, family-owned tattoo aftercare brand founded in 2012, selling formulated balms, washes, and protective films to tattoo clients and professional artists via DTC e-commerce, 300+ studios, and Woolworths/Coles retail across Australia, the US, and New Zealand.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Tattoo Aftercare

NAICS

Health and Personal Care Retailers (456)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional/Backbar Skincare (Esthetician & Spa Use) (CRABAAAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Professional Skincare & Facial Treatments (CRABALAF)

Keywords

• Tattoo aftercare products
• Natural skincare balms
• Antibacterial tattoo wash
• Tattoo protection film
• Tattoo artist supplies

Headquarters

HQ city

Pinkenba

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Direct Product Sales: The company generates revenue through direct-to-consumer e-commerce sales of tattoo aftercare products including balms, gels, washes, and protective films. Products are sold in individual units and curated packs/bundles at various price points. One-time purchase model with no subscription component currently visible.
2. Professional Artist Supplies: Revenue from tattoo artist-specific products including Tattoo Glide, larger-volume Antibacterial Foam Wash (200ml), Second Skin Tattoo Film rolls, grip tape, and nitrile gloves. Sold through both direct e-commerce and studio wholesale channels.
3. Merchandise: Branded merchandise including apparel (hoodies, t-shirts, bucket hats) and novelty items (air fresheners, LED neon signs for studios). Limited product line complementary to core aftercare business.
4. Wholesale/Retail Distribution: Products distributed through major Australian retailers (Woolworths, Coles) and select pharmacies, providing wholesale revenue stream alongside direct e-commerce.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Dr Pickles manufactures and sells Australian-made tattoo aftercare products organized around a three-stage Wrap, Wash, and Heal system for fresh and existing tattoos. The core portfolio includes the Original Formula Tattoo Balm (pawpaw + D-Panthenol), Natural Vegan Formula Balm (Candelilla Wax), Dermal Soothe Gel, Antibacterial Foam Wash, and Second Skin Tattoo Film, complemented by professional artist supplies (Tattoo Glide, grip tape, nitrile gloves), curated aftercare packs, and branded merchandise.

Product overview

Dr Pickles Tattoo Aftercare is an Australian-made, Brisbane-based tattoo aftercare brand offering a comprehensive portfolio of products for tattoo healing and studio operations. The core product line centers on a three-stage tattoo healing system: WRAP (Second Skin Tattoo Film and Tattoo Film Sachets for initial protection), WASH (Antibacterial Foam Wash in 50ml and 200ml sizes), and HEAL (Tattoo Balm in Original Formula 75g, Natural Vegan 50g, and Pocket Size 20g, plus Dermal Soothe Gel). The company also offers bundled packs (Wash and Heal Pack, Session Pack, Big Session Pack, Studio Starter Pack, Artist Starter Pack) for convenient aftercare, artist supplies including Tattoo Glide, Coflex Grip Tape, and Nitrile Black Gloves, merchandise (hoodies, t-shirts, bucket hats, air fresheners), and studio display products (LED neon signs). All products are cruelty-free with vegan options available.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Dr Pickles x Elric Gordon: Collaborative tattoo glide product line designed with artist Elric Gordon for precision tattooing.

Products and services

• Original Formula Tattoo Balm (75g) Natural pawpaw-based tattoo aftercare balm formulated with D-Panthenol for healing and recovery of new and existing tattoos; reduces scab formation and skin dehydration.
• Natural Vegan Formula Tattoo Balm (50g) Vegan-friendly tattoo aftercare balm using Candelilla Wax instead of beeswax, formulated with pawpaw, D-Panthenol, and Safflower Seed Oil; suitable for vegans and people with nut allergies.
• Tattoo Balm (20g) Pocket Size Compact pocket-sized tattoo aftercare balm with natural pawpaw and D-Panthenol for on-the-go tattoo healing and maintenance.
• Dermal Soothe Gel Lightweight cooling gel with Aloe Vera, Cucumber Oil, Kakadu Plum Extract, Sandalwood Oil, Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E for tattoo recovery, laser aftercare, cosmetic tattoo recovery and everyday skin irritation.
• Antibacterial Foam Wash (50ml) Travel-size aloe-based antibacterial cleanser formulated for fresh tattoo aftercare with natural antiseptic properties, hemp oil, and vegan-friendly ingredients.
• Antibacterial Foam Wash (200ml) Artist Series Professional-grade unscented antibacterial foam wash in 200ml studio size with saline solution, coconut oil, and organic aloe vera; designed for artists to remove stencils, sanitise skin, and clean fresh tattoos.
• Second Skin Tattoo Film (15cm x 10m Roll) Hypoallergenic transparent adhesive tattoo film (Pickle Wrap) with snake-skin matte finish; waterproof, breathable, ultra-thin protective barrier that acts as a second skin for fresh tattoos, shielding from friction, bacteria, and moisture loss.
• Tattoo Film Sachet (14cm x 15cm) Pre-cut single-session tattoo film sheets supplied in sachets (two sheets per sachet) for initial fresh-tattoo protection.
• Tattoo Glide (Dr Pickles x Elric Gordon) Professional tattooing lubricant co-developed with Elric Gordon; formulated with Paraffins, Microcrystalline Wax, Dimethicone, Jojoba, Sunflower, Grapeseed, and Cocoa Butter oils to reduce friction and inflammation during tattooing.
• Dr Pickles 3 in 1 Wash Everyday body wash in Peppermint and Citrus variants with Hemp Oil; not intended for use on fresh tattoos.
• Coflex Grip Tape (Box of 12) Cohesive bandage grip tape for tattoo artists, 50mm wide, available in Green and Black with Dr Pickles logo; box of 12 rolls at 4.5m each.
• Nitrile Black Gloves Professional-grade latex-free black nitrile gloves for tattoo artists offering strong puncture resistance and reliable grip.
• Everyday Hoodie Relaxed-fit branded hoodie with Dr Pickles logo on front chest and larger logo across the back.
• Signature T-Shirt Relaxed-fit branded t-shirt with Dr Pickles logo on front and back, available in Black.
• Classic Bucket Hat Cotton twill bucket hat with embroidered Dr Pickles logo, available in White and Black.
• Air Freshener Peppermint-scented air freshener carrying the Dr Pickles signature logo for use in cars, studios, or gym bags.
• Dr Pickles Original Formula LED Neon Sign 114cm x 120cm wall-mounted LED neon sign featuring the Dr Pickles Original Formula logo for tattoo studio display.
• Dr Pickles Sold Here LED Neon Sign 79cm x 130cm studio-only LED neon sign displaying 'Sold Here' with the Pickle Man character for promoting Dr Pickles products at point of sale.

Named customers22 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• WoolworthscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor Australian supermarket chain stocking Dr Pickles tattoo aftercare products in stores nationwide, providing broad retail distribution and consumer access.
• ColescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor Australian supermarket chain stocking Dr Pickles tattoo aftercare products in stores nationwide, providing broad retail distribution and consumer access.
• 300+ Australian Tattoo StudioscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetwork of tattoo studios stocking Dr Pickles products for client aftercare sales and artist use. Includes Pro Team artist studios and general stockists.
• Australian Pro Team (27 Artists)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsorship program featuring 27 of Australia's most elite tattoo artists as brand ambassadors. Artists include Elric Gordon, Lauren Schubert, Michael Daffy, Jackson May, and others across major Australian cities.
• American Pro Team (6 Artists)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerUS sponsorship program featuring 6 respected American tattoo artists including Ink Master contestants. Artists include Shannon Manning, Winona Taylor, Mitchell Baer, Efrain Segoviano, Eric Hare, and Adzvee.
• Elric GordonflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Melbourne tattoo artist Elric Gordon to co-design the Dr Pickles Tattoo Glide professional lubricant. Exclusive product development partnership leveraging artist expertise for professional-grade tattooing supplies.
• Tattoo Studios (LED Neon Signs)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStudio-exclusive LED neon signs (Original Formula and 'Sold Here' designs) available for purchase by tattoo studios to promote Dr Pickles products and brand presence in their locations.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Bishop Rotary: Major tattoo supply brand selling equipment, inks, and aftercare to professional artists. Comparable professional-tattoo-channel focus, but anchored in equipment and consumables rather than aftercare specifically.
• Ego Pharmaceuticals: Australian-headquartered skincare manufacturer (Qv, Dermeze, Ego) with broad mass-market retail distribution. Comparable Australian manufacturing base and pharmacy/supermarket footprint, but operates in general dermatological skincare rather than tattoo-specific.

Direct peers

• After Inked: Tattoo aftercare brand offering post-tattoo moisturizer and healing products. Comparable purpose-built positioning and consumer/studio channel mix.
• Tattoo Goo: Long-running tattoo aftercare brand selling balms, soaps, and lotions to consumers and artists. Comparable purpose-built aftercare positioning and DTC-plus-studio distribution.
• Hustle Butter Deluxe: US-based tattoo aftercare brand offering luxury tattoo balm and care products used by professional artists and consumers globally. Directly comparable to Dr Pickles as a multi-product tattoo aftercare line sold via DTC and tattoo studios.
• H2Ocean: Tattoo aftercare brand specializing in sea salt-based foam wash and healing products. Closely comparable category positioning, professional/consumer split, and tattoo-studio distribution model.
• Saniderm: Direct competitor in the second-skin tattoo adhesive film category that Dr Pickles competes with via Pickle Wrap. Closely comparable product category and target customer.
• Mad Rabbit: US-based tattoo aftercare brand offering balms, soaks, and sunscreen products with strong social media and artist ambassador programs. Comparable product range and influencer-led GTM motion.

Emerging players

• Electric Sea & Sky: Niche tattoo aftercare and skincare brand with partial overlap in balms and lotions for tattooed skin. Smaller scale and narrower catalog but intersecting audience.
• Eikon Device: Canadian tattoo equipment and supplies brand with artist-ambassador programs. Adjacent category serving the same professional tattoo community, with partial overlap in aftercare and aftercare-adjacent supplies.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/drpickles_
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dr-pickles-tattoo-aftercare

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dr Pickles Tattoo Aftercare