TKTX: numbing creams for tattoo and permanent makeup
TKTX is a Chinese brand of professional topical anesthetics. Tattoo, permanent makeup, microblading and piercing artists use three product formats from the brand: a 10 g tube cream for numbing before a session, a 15 ml gel for numbing during the session, and a 30 ml spray to refresh the effect. Creams come in series marked 38, 40 and 75.
Key point: the numbers 38, 40 and 75 in TKTX names mark the product series, not the lidocaine concentration. A documented formula exists only for the 15 ml gel: lidocaine 6%, tetracaine 3%, epinephrine 0.2%. For the creams and the spray, the manufacturer does not publish the exact formula.
What do the numbers 38, 40, 75 and 99.9 mean on TKTX
The number on the box never stands alone, it's part of an English phrase: "38% More Numbing" on the gold series, "40% More Numbing" on series 40, "75% MORE NUMBING" on the black limited series. It's a claim about how strong the line is, "38 percent more numbing", not a list of ingredients, and lidocaine at a 40% or 75% concentration is not used in a topical product. You can check this on the brand itself: the TKTX gel box is printed with 40, while the manufacturer's documentation lists 6% lidocaine, 3% tetracaine and 0.2% epinephrine in it, 9.2% active ingredients in total.
The number 99.9, which people often ask about, is the same kind of labeling. The brand has no official series under that name. If a seller writes "TKTX with 75% lidocaine", that's an error or marketing, and it's not a number to rely on when choosing a product. A detailed breakdown of every series: TKTX: what 40, 75 and 99.9 mean. How to read percentages in numbing products in general: what 10%, 12.5% and 40% mean.
TKTX cream, gel and spray: three formats and how to choose
The brand has three formats for different stages of a session. The 10 g cream is a primary product: applied in a thick layer to clean, intact skin before the procedure and covered with occlusive film. The 15 ml gel is a universal format: it works both before the procedure and during the session, the epinephrine in it constricts blood vessels and works on already broken skin. The 30 ml spray is a secondary product: sprayed on during the procedure to refresh the numbing effect without stopping the session. The 38, 40 and 75 cream series come in different packaging designs, but the box color doesn't affect the formula, it only marks the series.
The logic behind primary and secondary anesthetics is the same across brands, and it's covered separately here: primary or secondary anesthetic: how to choose by formula. A primary product only works on intact skin, a secondary one is built for skin that's already broken.
TKTX formula: what's confirmed and what isn't
The brand has only one formula confirmed by documentation, the 15 ml gel: lidocaine 6%, tetracaine 3%, epinephrine 0.2%, 9.2% active ingredients in total. The gel is made by Guizhou Miaoyao Pharmaceutical, China. For the 38, 40 and 75 cream series and for the 30 ml spray, the manufacturer doesn't publicly disclose the exact formula, product listings describe it as a "combined formula based on local anesthetics", with no numbers.
If ingredient transparency matters to you, the anesthetics category has brands that publish their full formula. An overview of formulas and how to read them: how to choose an anesthetic for tattoo, permanent makeup and brows.
How to apply TKTX and how long to leave it on
According to the manufacturer's instructions for series 40, the cream is applied in a 3-6 mm thick layer to clean, dry skin without rubbing it in, then covered with occlusive film. Leave-on time ranges from 25 minutes to an hour depending on skin sensitivity, the film is kept on for 50-60 minutes, and the effect lasts 1.5 to 3 hours. For series 38 and 75, the manufacturer doesn't publish separate figures, check the packaging of the specific product for exact timing.
The gel is applied in an even layer to the work area, the effect kicks in within 2-5 minutes, and it can be reapplied during the session if needed. The spray is shaken and sprayed in a thin layer during the procedure, with excess wiped off after a few minutes. Common application mistakes and working with the film are covered step by step here: how to apply a numbing product, film and leave-on time.
Contraindications and precautions
TKTX is a professional cosmetic product for topical use, not a medicine. It should be applied by a professional who takes the client's condition into account. A sensitivity test before first use on a new client is mandatory.
- individual intolerance to local anesthetics or any component of the product
- for the gel specifically: intolerance to lidocaine, tetracaine or epinephrine, and cardiovascular conditions, since epinephrine affects blood vessel tone
- pregnancy and breastfeeding
- broken skin, inflammation, open wounds in the application area when using the primary cream
- contact with eyes and mucous membranes, especially when using the spray
- exceeding the dose and leave-on time stated on the packaging of the specific product
Important: this material is for informational purposes only and doesn't replace a professional consultation. All TKTX products are intended for professional topical use only.
Which TKTX to choose for the job
- Tattoos and long sessions. 10 g cream under film ahead of time, choose the series based on experience with that client's sensitivity.
- During-procedure work. 15 ml gel: the only product in the line with a formula confirmed by documentation, epinephrine lets you work on already broken skin.
- Quick numbing refresh. 30 ml spray, a secondary product for spraying on during the session.
- Brow, lip and eyelid permanent makeup. The approach differs by zone: anesthesia for permanent makeup.
- Matching an anesthetic to a specific procedure. Tattoo, permanent makeup, lips, mesotherapy, hair removal: which anesthetic to choose for which procedure.
TKTX range at It's Beauty
The range is split by format and purpose: creams for numbing before the procedure, gel for use during the session, spray for refreshing the numbing effect. Every product listing states the format, volume, how to use it and contraindications, and states honestly whether the manufacturer discloses the formula.
- Series 38, cream: TKTX Gold 38, gold, 10 g
- Series 40, creams: TKTX 40, gold, 10 g, TKTX 40, black, 10 g, TKTX 40, red, 10 g
- Series 75, creams: TKTX 75, black, Limited Edition, 10 g, TKTX 75, blue, 10 g
- Gel, for use during the session: TKTX numbing gel, 15 ml, lidocaine 6%, tetracaine 3%, epinephrine 0.2%
- Spray, secondary product: TKTX numbing spray, 30 ml
- Other anesthetic brands: "Anesthesia" category, primary and secondary products, gels and hemostatics
Frequently asked questions about TKTX
How much lidocaine is in TKTX 75?
The number 75 is the manufacturer's series label, not the lidocaine content. On the packaging it's printed inside the phrase "75% MORE NUMBING", which is a claim about how strong the line is, not an ingredients list. TKTX doesn't publicly disclose the exact formula of its creams, and lidocaine at a 75% concentration isn't used in topical products.
What does the number 40 mean in the TKTX name?
The same thing as 38 or 75: a series label, not a lidocaine concentration. On the box the number sits inside the phrase "40% More Numbing". The TKTX gel box is also printed with 40, while the manufacturer's documentation lists 6% lidocaine, 3% tetracaine, 0.2% epinephrine, 9.2% active ingredients in total.
How do the TKTX colors differ from each other?
The box color marks the series, not a separate formula. The manufacturer doesn't publish separate confirmed formulas for each color. For a practitioner, the practical difference is the product format, purpose and leave-on time, not the box color.
Which TKTX product has a known formula?
Only the 15 ml gel: lidocaine 6%, tetracaine 3%, epinephrine 0.2%, 9.2% active ingredients in total, made by Guizhou Miaoyao Pharmaceutical, China. There's no single published formula for the creams or the spray, the manufacturer doesn't disclose exact percentages.
How long should TKTX cream stay under the film?
According to the manufacturer's instructions for series 40, from 25 minutes to an hour depending on skin sensitivity, and the film is recommended to stay on for 50-60 minutes. Layer thickness is 3-6 mm, and the cream isn't rubbed in. For series 38 and 75, the manufacturer doesn't publish separate figures, check the packaging of the specific product for exact timing.
How is TKTX gel different from the cream?
The 10 g cream is a primary product, applied to intact skin before the procedure under occlusive film. The 15 ml gel is universal: the effect kicks in within 2-5 minutes, the epinephrine in it constricts blood vessels, which is why the gel is used both before the procedure and during the session on already broken skin.
Is TKTX a medicine?
No. It's a professional cosmetic product for topical use, marked "For External Use Only" on the packaging. Run a sensitivity test on a client before first use, don't exceed the dose and leave-on time from the instructions on the specific packaging, and take the contraindications into account.
