The Canadian guide to TKTX cream.
Four colours, four different timing profiles. This guide helps Canadian buyers compare the range, plan around an appointment and use the selected product responsibly.
Match the formula to the appointment—not the loudest box.
For a long tattoo or a larger, more uncomfortable placement, Green is the usual starting point. Black fits many short-to-medium tattoo sessions. Gold activates more quickly and is commonly selected for smaller work, piercings, laser sessions and cosmetic procedures. Yellow is the traditional long-session formula familiar to established TKTX users.
Those are selection cues, not medical promises. Timing and sensation vary from person to person. Your artist’s preference, the ingredient and warning information on your package, and professional advice take priority.
Green vs Black vs Gold vs Yellow.
| Formula | Position in range | Typical activation* | Published duration* | Common starting point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green | Current stronger option | 45–60 minutes | 4–5 hours | Long appointments, large pieces, ribs, back and other demanding placements |
| Black | Mid-strong all-rounder | 1–2 hours | 2–3 hours | Short-to-medium tattoo sessions |
| Gold | Gentler, fast-activating option | 20–30 minutes | 1–2 hours | Small tattoos, piercings, laser and cosmetic appointments |
| Yellow | Traditional strong standard | 1–2 hours | 4–5 hours | Long sessions for buyers familiar with the classic formula |
*Timing ranges are approximate product-guide estimates, not guarantees. Individual response varies; confirm the plan with your artist and use only on a small area of intact skin.
Start with these four questions.
How long is the session?
A one-hour fine-line appointment does not have the same timing needs as a five-hour back piece. Use the expected working time to narrow the colour range.
How large is the area?
A small tube may cover a compact placement; a back, thigh or sleeve section can require more product. Estimate coverage before appointment day.
Where is the tattoo?
Ribs, sternum, inner arm, knee and other sensitive placements may change how the session feels. Discuss the location with the artist before choosing.
What does the artist allow?
This is the deciding question. Some artists recommend a specific process, and some prefer clients not to apply numbing cream at all.
Green 40%
The current stronger green option for collectors preparing for a long appointment or a larger piece. Its typical activation window is about 45–60 minutes, with a published duration of about 4–5 hours.
- Best starting point
- Long tattoo sessions and higher-discomfort placements
- Timing
- About 45–60 minutes · About 4–5 hours
Black 40%
A mid-strong, versatile TKTX option for appointments that sit in the middle of the range. Its typical activation window is about 1–2 hours, with a published duration of about 2–3 hours.
- Best starting point
- Short-to-medium tattoo sessions
- Timing
- About 1–2 hours · About 2–3 hours
Gold 40%
The gentler, fast-activating gold option for smaller areas and shorter appointments. Its typical activation window is about 20–30 minutes, with a published duration of about 1–2 hours.
- Best starting point
- Small tattoos, piercings and shorter cosmetic appointments
- Timing
- About 20–30 minutes · About 1–2 hours
Yellow 40%
The former strongest standard and recognizable traditional choice for longer sessions. Its typical activation window is about 1–2 hours, with a published duration of about 4–5 hours.
- Best starting point
- Long sessions and collectors who prefer the traditional formula
- Timing
- About 1–2 hours · About 4–5 hours
Plan the preparation backwards from the appointment.
The package may not include a full tutorial. This conservative framework summarizes our product guide: confirm first, prepare clean skin, keep the application limited, use the formula timing window and remove the cream before the procedure.
- Before appointment day
Ask and patch-test.
Confirm your artist permits the product. Review the ingredients and warnings, then test a small area well in advance. Do not proceed if irritation develops.
- Before application
Wash, shave and dry.
Clean with soap and water, shave only if needed, and dry the area completely. Never apply over cuts, abrasions, irritation, blisters or a fresh tattoo.
- During the guide window
Keep the application limited.
Apply a small, even amount to a small area of intact skin. Do not cover it with a bandage or plastic wrap unless authorized directions for the exact product expressly permit it.
- Before the procedure
Remove, cleanse and tell.
Use the guide window for your formula, remove the cream, and let the artist cleanse the area according to studio procedure. Tell them what you applied and report unexpected symptoms immediately.
Know when to stop and ask.
Do
- Review the ingredient and warning label
- Patch-test well before the session
- Use a small amount on a small area of intact skin
- Tell your artist what you applied
- Remove the cream before the procedure
Do not
- Use large quantities or cover a large area
- Apply to cuts, blisters, abrasions or irritation
- Cover with a bandage or wrap unless expressly authorized
- Reapply during tattooing
- Ignore unexpected symptoms
If you have allergies, a medical condition, take medication, are pregnant or nursing, or have questions about ingredients, speak with a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional before use. Health Canada’s guidance for common topical anaesthetics also warns against bandaging the treated area and using large quantities or large treatment areas; review the topical anaesthetic labelling standard.
Check the product and the seller.
TKTX is frequently imitated. A trustworthy Canadian purchase should come with clear CAD pricing, a domestic order record, trackable fulfilment and support you can reach. When the package arrives, inspect the seal, colour consistency, printing quality, batch information and condition before use.
Domestic stock also reduces the routine uncertainty of cross-border delivery. Still, order with enough time to inspect and patch-test before the appointment rather than relying on a last-minute arrival.
TKTX guide FAQ.
Which TKTX colour is strongest?+
Green is positioned as the current stronger formula in the Canadian range, replacing Yellow as the usual long-session recommendation. Individual response varies, so strength alone should not decide your purchase.
What is the fastest TKTX option?+
Gold has the shortest published activation window at roughly 20–30 minutes. It is generally positioned for smaller tattoos, piercings, laser work and cosmetic procedures.
How much TKTX cream do I need?+
Coverage depends on the size of the area. Keep the application area small and use a small, even amount rather than treating a large area. If a large placement is planned, ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional before use.
Can TKTX completely remove tattoo pain?+
No topical product works identically for everyone or guarantees a pain-free tattoo. Many users still notice pressure, vibration or sensation, especially as the effect fades.
Should I tell my tattoo artist?+
Yes. Ask before the appointment. Some artists have a preferred product or application method, while others do not tattoo over skin prepared with numbing cream.
Choose with confidence.
Review live availability and CAD pricing, or use the formula finder for a quick starting point.