New piercings are exciting but require a little extra care. Anyone who's gotten professionally pierced has probably been instructed to use saline solution. Saline is the best way to clean fresh wounds, helping your body's natural healing processes avoid running into any speedbumps. When deciding what solution to get, you are choosing a product that will have direct contact with your healing tissue, so you want the best!
So, we did the research to find the most trustworthy products available. Our top pick is NeilMed's Neilcleanse Wound Wash. This simple saline solution is frequently recommended by piercers. Scroll through the rest of our list to find the solution that suits you, and check out the buying guide if you're not sure what to look for!
Quick List - Top Saline Solutions for Piercings
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Saline solution uses salt and water to clean and irrigate wounds and infections. The salt (sodium chloride) draws water from the bacteria in the wound, killing them. If these bacteria are left to fester, an infection can arise. The solution also works by flushing any debris from the wound.
Saline solution is used to clean wounds because it is non-toxic and does not damage the healing tissue. It also doesn't detract moisture from the affected area.
The salt in saline is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent, so it can reduce swelling in addition to killing infection-causing bacteria. That said, if you have an infection that doesn't die down, seek medical care.
Some saline solutions are more popular than others, but the one piece of advice to follow above all others is to find what works for you and stick to it.
If you don't know where to start or have had problems with other products you've tried, here are some guidelines to keep in mind when looking for a saline solution for piercings.
Not all piercing solutions are saline solutions! Simple is best since additives are more likely to interfere with healing than assist in it, but some ingredients are safe and beneficial. For irritated and angry piercings, solutions with chamomile can soothe and speed up healing by opening up blood vessels and drawing out toxins.
Tea tree oil is sometimes included for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. However, tea tree oil is drying and can slow the healing process or cause irritation in new piercings. We would not recommend using it unless advised by a medical or piercing professional.
The sodium chloride used in saline solution is refined and man-made. If you prefer natural ingredients, sea salt is a feasible substitute. Sodium bicarbonate can be included to reduce stinging or irritation. Though a normal saline solution should not have these negative effects, some may find the sodium bicarbonate offers a gentler cleanse.
Saline solutions usually come in a bottle for soaking or a spray can. Both sprays and soaks will dehydrate harmful bacteria.
Saline soaks flush your piercings more fully than a spray. If you do a soak, dispose of any remaining solution instead of reusing it to avoid contamination. Dunk the pierced body part or apply the solution to the location without allowing any liquid to escape. Don't soak your piercing if it is bleeding, as this can prevent clotting.
Sprays are ideal for piercings in a location that is hard to reach or otherwise challenging to soak for a few minutes. Sprays are portable, so they are good for on-the-go, low-maintenance, or immediate care.
You can soak or spray your piercing without cotton balls or Q-tips, though these tools can be helpful for getting in corners or crannies. You can also use a saline or sea salt solution for oral piercings by rinsing and spitting the solution.
If you plan on making your own, just know that the Association of Professional Piercers, with both soaks and saline spray, it's better to go for a sterile, bought solution rather than a homemade one! You can still use a homemade soak during the times when you run out of solution, though.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amount | Key Ingredients | Scent | Provides Relief | Certifications | |||||
1 | NeilMed Neilcleanse™ WoundWash | ![]() | Gentle Care, Anytime, Anywhere | 6.3 fl oz | USP Grade Water, USP Sodium Chloride (9mg/mL) | unknown | |||
2 | H2Ocean Piercing Aftercare Spray | ![]() | Best Enzymatic Sea Salt Spray for Quick Healing | 1.5 fl oz | Purified Water, Sea Salt, Lysozyme, Sodium Citrate | unknown | unknown | ||
3 | Steri-Wash Aftercare Piercing Spray | ![]() | Best Travel-Sized Saline Solution Used in Hospitals | 3 fl oz | unknown | unknown | unknown | ||
4 | Dr. Piercing Aftercare Bump & Keloid Treatment Drops | ![]() | Gentle Care for Piercing Bumps & Keloids | 15 ml | unknown | unknown | |||
5 | Base Laboratories Piercing Aftercare Spray|4 oz | ![]() | Natural Saline Spray for Clean and Soothing Piercings | 4 fl oz | USP Grade Water, USP Sodium Chloride, Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera, Rosemary, Vitamin B5 | Unscented | unknown | ||
6 | BodyJ4You Piercing Aftercare Saline Cleanser Spray | ![]() | Essential Aftercare Solution for Clean and Healthy Piercings | 2 fl oz | Purified Water, Mediterranean Sea Salt, Dead Sea Salt, Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera, Rosemary Oil, Vitamin E | Rosemary | |||
7 | H2Ocean Body Piercing Foam Soap | ![]() | Gentle Care for Faster Piercing Healing | 1.7 fl oz | Inactive: purified water, poloxamer, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, disodium EDTA, sea salt. Active: Benzalkonium Chloride 0.13% | Unscented | |||
8 | MediCleanse Saline Piercing Aftercare Fine Mist Spray | ![]() | Gentle Care for Every Piercing and Tattoo | 7.5 fl oz | Sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride USP | Unscented | |||
9 | Inverness Ear Care Solution | ![]() | Clean, Protect, Heal – Piercing Care Simplified | 4 fl oz | Aqua, Benzalkonium Chloride | Unscented | |||
10 | Base Laboratories Hypochlorous Acid Spray | ![]() | Fast, Natural Healing for Every Piercing | 8 fl oz | Sodium Chloride, Hypochlorous Acid, Aloe Vera, Rosemary, Tea Tree Oil | Unscented |
Key Ingredients | USP Grade Water, USP Sodium Chloride (9mg/mL) |
---|
The NeilMed Wound Wash is a safe and effective solution for cleansing minor abrasions and cuts. This sterile, preservative-free isotonic saline spray provides a gentle yet thorough cleaning experience. Designed for convenience, the 6.3 fl oz can sprays in any direction, making it ideal for first aid at home or on the go. Its compact size and lightweight design ensure it’s always ready when you need it, whether traveling, camping, or playing outdoors.
This ready-to-use spray simplifies wound care by delivering a consistent and even application. Its gentle formula is perfect for sensitive skin, offering peace of mind for quick and reliable cleansing. Compact and practical, NeilMed Wound Wash is an essential addition to any first-aid kit.
Amount | 6.3 fl oz |
---|---|
Scent | unknown |
Provides Relief | |
Certifications |
Key Ingredients | Purified Water, Sea Salt, Lysozyme, Sodium Citrate |
---|
Sea salt is an alternative to sodium chloride for saline solutions. Sometimes it's preferred for the natural elements it contains that man-made sodium chloride doesn't. This solution includes lysozyme, an enzyme naturally found in your body that destroys harmful bacteria. This can also allows you to spray from any angle.
Reviewers said this product healed their piercings much quicker than other solutions had in the past. Some who had keloids, bumps, infections, or irritation noticed marked improvement soon after using the spray.
Amount | 1.5 fl oz |
---|---|
Scent | unknown |
Provides Relief | |
Certifications | unknown |
Key Ingredients | unknown |
---|
This saline solution is normal saline, or sterile saline, made with just purified water and sodium chloride. Steri-wash products are used in hospitals and other emergency care settings for wounds and burns. Plus, the cap twists shut to avoid spills or accidental sprays.
Some reviewers wished the spray stream was more of a mist. However, others said the pressure was perfect, and the product was overall easy to use. Since it's three ounces, people appreciated that they could take it on planes or carry it around with them for convenient use.
Amount | 3 fl oz |
---|---|
Scent | unknown |
Provides Relief | |
Certifications | unknown |
Key Ingredients | unknown |
---|
Amount | 15 ml |
---|---|
Scent | unknown |
Provides Relief | |
Certifications |
Key Ingredients | USP Grade Water, USP Sodium Chloride, Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera, Rosemary, Vitamin B5 |
---|
Base Labs' All Natural Piercing Aftercare Spray offers a gentle yet effective solution for maintaining clean and healthy piercings. Powered by an isotonic saline solution enriched with minerals, this spray is suitable for various types of piercings including ears, nose, belly button, and more. It helps cleanse and soothe irritation, making it ideal for both new piercings and existing ones prone to keloids and bumps. The formula includes USP grade water, sodium chloride, tea tree oil, aloe vera, rosemary, and vitamin B5, ensuring a nurturing blend that supports accelerated healing and prevents complications.
The fine mist spray dispenser allows for precise application directly onto the piercing without disturbing surrounding skin, promoting a hygienic and healing environment. Base Labs emphasizes its commitment to effective aftercare with products designed to enhance the piercing experience and minimize healing times, backed by research indicating the benefits of saline solutions for wound care.
Amount | 4 fl oz |
---|---|
Scent | Unscented |
Provides Relief | |
Certifications | unknown |
Key Ingredients | Purified Water, Mediterranean Sea Salt, Dead Sea Salt, Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera, Rosemary Oil, Vitamin E |
---|
Amount | 2 fl oz |
---|---|
Scent | Rosemary |
Provides Relief | |
Certifications |
Key Ingredients | Inactive: purified water, poloxamer, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, disodium EDTA, sea salt. Active: Benzalkonium Chloride 0.13% |
---|
H2Ocean Body Piercing Foam Soap is the ultimate cleanser for new piercings and jewelry, promoting healing and preventing infections. Enriched with soothing aloe, this soap moisturizes while it cleans, ensuring your skin stays hydrated during the healing process. Its alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and dye-free formula reduces irritation, featuring pharmaceutical-grade benzalkonium chloride to fight keloids and bumps.
Harnessing nutrient-rich sea salt from the Red Sea, this patented solution includes over 82 essential trace minerals that aid recovery. Trusted since 2001, H2Ocean’s natural, USA-made aftercare products provide effective and safe solutions for all your piercing needs.
Amount | 1.7 fl oz |
---|---|
Scent | Unscented |
Provides Relief | |
Certifications |
Key Ingredients | Sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride USP |
---|
MediCleanse Sterile Saline Piercing Aftercare Fine Mist Spray provides a safe and natural solution for cleansing and healing body piercings and tattoos. This set includes two 7.5 oz bottles of sterile, preservative-free saline, ensuring gentle and effective cleaning without stinging or burning. The unique fine mist nozzle allows for easy application on hard-to-reach areas, supporting your aftercare routine with convenience and precision.
Manufactured in an FDA-registered facility in the USA, MediCleanse guarantees safety and efficacy in every bottle. Designed for all skin types, this drug-free saline spray promotes a pain-free healing process, helping prevent infection and maintain healthy skin.
Amount | 7.5 fl oz |
---|---|
Scent | Unscented |
Provides Relief | |
Certifications |
Key Ingredients | Aqua, Benzalkonium Chloride |
---|
Inverness Ear Care Solution is designed to support safe and effective aftercare for all ear piercings, including earlobes, cartilage, and helix. Powered by Benzalkonium Chloride, this solution helps reduce recovery time by keeping piercings clean, soothed, and protected. Its specially formulated antiseptic properties aid in preventing infections and irritation, ensuring your piercing heals smoothly.
Crafted with precision, Inverness Ear Care Solution is FDA-registered, providing trusted care for new piercings. With its easy-to-use design, it simplifies aftercare, making it ideal for maintaining the health of your piercing from day one.
Amount | 4 fl oz |
---|---|
Scent | Unscented |
Provides Relief | |
Certifications |
Key Ingredients | Sodium Chloride, Hypochlorous Acid, Aloe Vera, Rosemary, Tea Tree Oil |
---|
Base Laboratories Piercing Aftercare Spray harnesses the power of hypochlorous acid and saline solution to accelerate healing and soothe skin irritations. Designed for use on ear, nose, belly, and body piercings, as well as tattoos and minor wounds, this spray effectively reduces bacterial buildup and promotes healthy recovery. Its unique formula, enriched with naturally occurring hypochlorous acid, mimics the body's healing response, helping to minimize redness, irritation, and improper healing.
This no-fuss, unscented spray is gentle yet potent, packed with essential minerals to prevent piercing bumps and keloids while ensuring a quicker healing process. Simply apply 2–4 times daily to keep new piercings clean and irritation-free. With Base Laboratories, experience a natural, effective solution for all your aftercare needs.
Amount | 8 fl oz |
---|---|
Scent | Unscented |
Provides Relief | |
Certifications |
Have you ever found yourself running low on saline solution, but not knowing what to do between the time you order a new one online and when it actually arrives at your house? Well, you can actually make a sea salt soak that is also effective at cleaning and caring for your piercings! Here are some tips, tricks, and a recipe from UrbanBody Jewelry.
Every problem has a different solution! Check out these articles for other products that will help soothe various ailments.
No. 1: NeilMed|Neilcleanse™ WoundWash
No. 2: H2Ocean|Piercing Aftercare Spray
No. 3: Steri-Wash|Aftercare Piercing Spray
No. 4: Dr. Piercing Aftercare |Bump & Keloid Treatment Drops
No. 5: Base Laboratories|Piercing Aftercare Spray|4 oz
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