Dr Pickles vs Hustle Butter, Which Tattoo Balm Wins?
The Australian purpose-built balm versus the New York studio-bench cult favourite. Both vegan, both loved by artists. Dr Pickles edges it on fresh-ink healing and price; Hustle Butter wins on in-chair feel.
Dr Pickles wins overall, for most users.
Glow's editorial team tested both brands across 12 weeks. Here's where each one wins.
Dr Pickles vs Hustle Butter, compared.
| Dimension | Dr Pickles | Hustle Butter |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Dr Pickles ✓ Australian, formulated on the Gold Coast for local conditions. |
Hustle Butter American, a New York studio-bench cult product imported into Australia. |
| Formula | Dr Pickles ● Plant-based, lanolin-free, vegan. Built to heal without occluding. |
Hustle Butter ● Shea and mango butter base with a light vanilla scent, vegan. |
| Best for fresh ink | Dr Pickles ✓ Light and non-occlusive from day one, so scabs stay thin. |
Hustle Butter Lovely in the chair but slightly too rich past the weeping phase in a hot Australian summer. |
| In-chair feel | Dr Pickles Clean, no-fuss application. |
Hustle Butter ✓ A genuine ritual, the cult balm artists reach for during the session. |
| Price and availability | Dr Pickles ✓ Around AU$24.99 for 75g, Chemist Warehouse nationally and in studios. |
Hustle Butter Around AU$28, imported via Adore Beauty and stocked in some studios. |
| GLOW Score | Dr Pickles ✓ 9.2 / 10. Best overall. |
Hustle Butter 7.5 / 10. Best US import. |
✓ = wins this dimension · ● = tie
When Dr Pickles wins.
You want the best all-round healing, a locally made formula suited to Australian conditions, and easier availability at a lower price.
When Hustle Butter wins.
You love the in-chair ritual, your artist already uses it, or you want the cult New York balm and don't mind paying import prices.
Common questions.
Is Dr Pickles better than Hustle Butter?
In GLOW's 2026 test, Dr Pickles scored 9.2 to Hustle Butter's 7.5. Dr Pickles is lighter on fresh ink and easier to buy in Australia. Hustle Butter is the nicer in-chair experience.
Is Hustle Butter worth importing to Australia?
If you love the in-chair feel and don't mind the price, yes. For everyday healing, a locally stocked balm like Dr Pickles is lighter on fresh ink and cheaper.
Are both vegan?
Yes, both Dr Pickles and Hustle Butter are vegan.
Which is better value in Australia?
Dr Pickles, at around AU$24.99 for 75g and stocked nationally, versus roughly AU$28 for the imported Hustle Butter.
Related from Glow.
Best tattoo balm in Australia · Dr Pickles review · Best tattoo aftercare