A new player has emerged in tattoo aftercare, challenging the status quo and redefining what it means to care for your ink. Rebel June, a woman-founded and owned brand, is changing the game with its innovative approach to tattoo care that seamlessly blends wellness, natural ingredients, and a touch of luxury.
Founded by Kelly Ann Shuman, Rebel June was born out of frustration with the existing tattoo aftercare market. As a tattoo enthusiast since the age of 18, Shuman found herself constantly disappointed by the lack of appealing, effective, and sustainably packaged products available for tattoo care.
“I could never find a brand that checked all the boxes,” Shuman explains. “There wasn’t a brand that offered natural, effective products with real ingredients, combined with a stylish, aesthetic look and packaging.” This gap in the market, combined with a personal moment of clarity, led to the birth of Rebel June.
Shuman’s vision for Rebel June was clear from the start: create a brand that caters to everyone, moving away from the pharmaceutical or overly masculine aesthetics that dominate the market. The result is a line of products that not only perform exceptionally well but also look beautiful on your bathroom shelf or in your purse.
At the heart of Rebel June’s offerings is The Balm, a multifunctional product that took a year to perfect. This all-in-one solution is designed to cater to both new and old tattoos, addressing a common issue in the industry where products are typically focused on either the healing phase or post-healing maintenance.
“I wanted to create a versatile, all-in-one product,” Shuman says. “You can use it on new tattoos during the healing phase, and on older tattoos to make them look more vibrant.” This dual-purpose approach not only provides convenience for users but also aligns with Rebel June’s commitment to sustainability by reducing waste and overconsumption.
The Balm’s formulation is a testament to Rebel June’s dedication to natural, high-quality ingredients. Olive oil, known for its nourishing properties, forms the base of the product. Mango butter and vitamin E contribute to skin health, while a bit of lavender adds anti-inflammatory benefits and a subtle, soothing scent. Each ingredient is carefully selected not just for its effectiveness, but also for its ability to work in harmony with the skin and the tattoo.
Rebel June’s commitment to user experience extends beyond the formulation to the packaging itself. Recognizing the impracticality and potential hygiene issues of jar packaging, especially for those with long nails, Shuman opted for a sleek, matte tube design. This choice not only enhances ease of use but also protects the natural ingredients from degradation caused by light and air exposure.
“I wanted something I could genuinely get excited about, like the products you find at Sephora,” Shuman explains, highlighting the brand’s focus on creating a luxury skincare experience for tattoo aftercare. The matte finish of the tube serves a dual purpose – it’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical for those who want to photograph their products, a nod to Shuman’s background as an influencer.
The brand’s focus on natural ingredients aligns with increasing consumer demand for clean beauty products.
Building on the success of The Balm, Rebel June has recently expanded its line to include The Wash, a foaming tattoo cleanser. This fragrance-free formula is designed to gently remove impurities, excess ink, and potential bacteria from newly done tattoos. Like The Balm, The Wash is formulated with natural ingredients that help reduce inflammation and promote proper recovery.
What sets Rebel June apart in the crowded skincare market is its unique positioning at the intersection of tattoo care and wellness. The brand’s tagline, “Where Wellness Meets Tattoo Aftercare,” encapsulates its mission to elevate tattoo care from a purely functional process to a self-care ritual.
This approach resonates with a growing demographic of tattooed individuals who view their body art as an extension of their personal style and self-expression. By providing products that not only maintain the vibrancy of tattoos but also nourish and care for the skin, Rebel June is tapping into the broader trend of holistic wellness and self-care.
The brand’s focus on natural ingredients aligns with increasing consumer demand for clean beauty products. “I’m a firm believer in using natural products, especially if you’re going to put them on your skin daily,” Shuman states. This commitment to natural formulations sets Rebel June apart in an industry where synthetic ingredients are still commonplace.
As Rebel June continues to grow, it’s clear that Shuman’s vision extends beyond simply selling products. The brand is fostering a community of tattoo enthusiasts who appreciate the artistry of their body ink and want to care for it with the same level of attention they give to the rest of their skincare routine.
In a male-dominated industry, Rebel June stands out as a brand that understands and caters to the specific needs and preferences of everyone. By combining effective, natural formulations with thoughtful, appealing packaging, Rebel June is not just selling tattoo aftercare products – it’s offering a lifestyle.
