At Cosmetic Ink, we often receive messages from artists and clients asking, “Do you sell numbing cream?” or “Where can I buy anaesthetic for my treatment?”
While it might seem like a simple product to stock, topical anaesthetic is a regulated medicine in Australia. For that reason, we do not and legally cannot sell numbing products through our online PMU store.
Understanding the Legal Classification
Topical anaesthetics that contain ingredients such as lidocaine (between 2% to 10%), prilocaine, or epinephrine are classified as Schedule 2 Pharmacy-Only Medicines under Australian law.
This means they must be supplied through a registered pharmacy—either over the counter or through a licensed compounding pharmacy—and cannot be sold online by cosmetic or body tattoo suppliers.
Even though these products don’t require a prescription if under 10% lidocaine, a pharmacist must assess each order to ensure the formulation is safe and appropriate for the intended use. Selling or purchasing anaesthetic from a non-pharmacy retailer is a breach of TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) regulations, and both the seller and the buyer risk penalties for non-compliance.
Unfortunately, there are now many unlicensed Australian websites advertising numbing creams to cosmetic artists. These products are not made or supplied under pharmacy conditions, and their safety, ingredient strength, and formulation quality cannot be guaranteed.
Why pH Matters
One of the key factors that determines how well an anaesthetic works is its pH level.
If the pH is not correctly balanced, the active ingredients cannot penetrate the skin effectively, meaning the numbing result may be weak or inconsistent. Worse, an incorrect pH can also cause skin irritation or swelling, and negatively affect how pigment takes during tattooing.
This is why sourcing your anaesthetic from a compounding pharmacy is essential—every batch is formulated under strict controls to maintain the correct pH and concentration for safe, effective absorption.
The Dangers of Unregulated Products
Using unregulated numbing creams—even those marketed within Australia—comes with real risks. These products may:
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Contain inaccurate or harmful concentrations of anaesthetic ingredients
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Irritate or damage the skin’s texture and barrier
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Lead to infections or allergic reactions
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Interfere with pigment retention and final healed results
Products such as Emla, TKTX, and Numbit are not appropriate for cosmetic tattooing, especially around delicate areas like the lips and eyes. Their ingredients and formulation are unsuitable for PMU use, and they are not supplied under TGA-approved standards.
How to Source Anaesthetic the Right Way
The correct and legal way to source anaesthetic for cosmetic tattooing is through a pharmacy.
We recommend clients and artists contact a licensed compounding pharmacy that understands cosmetic tattooing and can supply a formulation specifically designed for your treatment.
A trusted example is:
Tugun Compounding Pharmacy
📞 (07) 5598 2411
📧 tuguncom@bipond.net.au
Their pharmacists can assess each client’s suitability and provide both pre-numbing and secondary numbing formulations appropriate for cosmetic tattoo procedures. Payment is made conveniently over the phone, and orders are shipped quickly through postal or courier services.
You can share this message with your clients as a guide:
Pre-purchase your anaesthetic:
I recommend Tugun Compounding Pharmacy for the purchase of a topical anaesthetic suitable for your cosmetic tattoo treatment. Simply let the pharmacist know what treatment you’re having, and they’ll supply the correct products for you.
In Summary
At Cosmetic Ink, our focus is on safety, compliance, and education within the cosmetic tattoo industry.
While we don’t sell numbing creams online, we want our clients and artists to understand why—and to know exactly how to source their anaesthetic the right way.
By purchasing through a licensed pharmacy, you’re protecting both your client’s skin and your business reputation. Always choose products that are TGA-compliant, pharmacy-made, and pH-balanced for safe, consistent, and professional results.