Tiger Spit vs Mad Rabbit: An Honest Comparison
Mad Rabbit blew up after Shark Tank and is now one of the most popular tattoo care brands in the US. If you're weighing it against Tiger Spit, here's an honest, ingredient-level comparison — including where Mad Rabbit wins.
Both brands are part of the modern, clean tattoo-care movement — a world away from petroleum products like Vaseline and Bepanthen. This isn't a hit piece. It's a fair look so you can choose what fits your skin and your stage of healing.
What they have in common
- Both are petroleum-free — no Vaseline-style occlusives
- Both use natural plant butters and oils (shea, calendula, almond)
- Both are 100% vegan and cruelty-free
- Both work on fresh and existing tattoos for moisturising
The biggest difference: fragrance
Mad Rabbit's signature Tattoo Balm is scented — it comes in fragrance variants like Frankincense & Lavender, Vanilla & Coconut and Sandalwood, using essential oils such as lavender and frankincense. Many people love the experience, and Mad Rabbit does also offer some fragrance-free products in its range.
But essential oils and added fragrance are a leading cause of irritation on healing skin. Tiger Spit Tattoo Balm is completely fragrance-free — no essential oils, no parfum. For a fresh wound or sensitive skin, that's the safer choice.
Fresh tattoos vs healed tattoos
This is a detail many people miss. Mad Rabbit positions its Balm Salve as a product for already-healed tattoos — their own guidance is to wait until your tattoo is healed before using it, with their Soothing Gel aimed at the fresh-healing phase. So with Mad Rabbit you're often looking at two products for two stages.
Tiger Spit Tattoo Balm is formulated to be used across the whole journey — safe on fresh ink from day one, through healing, and for long-term maintenance. One product, every stage.
Both are 100% vegan
Good news if vegan matters to you: both balms are fully vegan. Mad Rabbit uses carnauba (plant) wax, and Tiger Spit Tattoo Balm is beeswax-free and 100% vegan too. On animal-free formulation, the two are evenly matched — so this comes down to fragrance, healing stage and shipping.
Availability and shipping in Europe
Mad Rabbit is a US brand. For European customers that usually means import costs, customs, and longer delivery. Tiger Spit is based in Europe with fast, free worldwide shipping — often the deciding factor for EU collectors.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Tiger Spit | Mad Rabbit |
|---|---|---|
| Petroleum-free | Yes | Yes |
| Vegan | 100% vegan | 100% vegan |
| Fragrance-free | Yes | No (signature balm is scented) |
| Safe on fresh tattoos day 1 | Yes | Balm salve: wait until healed |
| EU shipping | Fast / free | Import from US |
So which should you choose?
Choose Mad Rabbit if: you love a scented balm experience and you're in the US where it ships fast.
Choose Tiger Spit if: you want zero fragrance on healing skin, you want one balm that works from the first day through long-term care, or you're in Europe and want fast, affordable shipping.
Both beat petroleum products easily. The most important thing is consistent aftercare with a clean, breathable product — whichever you choose.
Want the fragrance-free, day-one option? Try Tiger Spit Tattoo Balm or browse the Tattoo Aftercare collection. New to healing? Read our Complete Guide to Tattoo Aftercare.
Note: this comparison is based on publicly listed INCI ingredients and manufacturer guidance at time of writing. Always check current labels, as formulas can change. For any skin reaction or medical concern, consult a dermatologist.
