How to Remove Permanent Marker & Sharpie from Skin

Co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD

Last Updated: July 5, 2024 Approved

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Whether you come home to find your kid has tattooed herself in permanent marker, or you accidentally get some ink your hand while writing, don't worry - it is not as permanent as you might think. Luckily, there are some simple ways to remove or fade it quickly using everyday household items.

1

Use Hand Sanitizer

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Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used to remove permanent markers from skin.
- Rub a generous amount of the hand sanitizer onto the marked skin, then rub away with a cloth, tissue or cotton ball.
- You may need to complete this process several times in order to completely remove the permanent marker.

2

Use Rubbing Alcohol

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Rubbing alcohol (a.k.a. isopropyl alcohol) is probably the most effective product for removing permanent marker from skin.^{[1]
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- Dip a cotton ball in the rubbing alcohol and then hold it on the skin for a few seconds. Once you’ve done this, wipe and repeat until the mark is gone – do not rub, as this can irritate the skin.
- Rubbing alcohol is available at the pharmacy/drugstore -- look for a 90% solution or higher.

3

Use Nail Polish Remover

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Acetone-based nail polish removers (which also contain isopropyl alcohol) are effective solvents, making them useful for removing permanent marker from skin.^{[2]
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- Dip a cotton ball in the nail polish remover and use it to wipe the marker from the skin.
- You may need to hold the cotton in place for a moment or two to let the nail polish remover take effect.

4

Use Diluted Bleach

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A little diluted beach can help to dissolve the ink on the surface of the skin.^{[3]
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- Mix one part standard strength bathroom bleach with seven parts water. Dip a cotton ball in the solution and use it to rub the marker from the affected area.
- Bleach can be irritating on the skin, so don't attempt to use a stronger solution. Avoid using bleach on the face or other sensitive areas like the underarms and bikini line, and don't use it on babies or small children.

5

Try Baby Oil

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Baby oil is very gentle on skin, making it a suitable option for removing permanent marker from the skin of small children and babies.^{[4]
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- Squirt a little baby oil directly onto the affected area and use a damp washcloth to gently rub it into the skin.
- You may need to repeat the process a couple of times in order to remove the marker.

6

Try Sunscreen

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Many sunscreens (especially the quick-drying formulas) contain alcohol, which can be used to dissolve the permanent marker.^{[5]
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- Simply rub or spray some of the sunscreen onto the affected area, leave it to sink in for a few moments, then use a towel or washcloth to scrub it off.
- Like with the other methods, you may need to apply and remove the sunscreen several times before the marker comes off fully.

7

Try Toothpaste and Mouthwash

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Some people have had success with removing permanent marker using a combination of toothpaste and mouthwash.^{[6]
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- Squirt a little toothpaste (any variety) directly onto the affected area and use your fingers to rub it into the skin. The toothpaste has an exfoliating effect on the skin, helping to remove the top layers of ink.
- Next, pour some alcohol-based mouthwash over the skin and use a damp washcloth to work into the skin. Like the other alcohol-based products, the alcohol in the mouthwash will help to dissolve the marker.

8

Try Shaving Cream

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Some people have had success removing permanent marker using shaving cream. Shaving cream contains a blend of oil and soap that can be helpful in lifting ink from the skin.
- Rub a generous amount of shaving cream onto the affected area and leave to sink in for a minute or two. Use a damp washcloth to work the shaving cream into the skin.
- Again, you may need to repeat this process a couple of times in order to completely remove the marker.

9

Make a Salt Scrub

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A good natural method of removing permanent marker from skin is to make a salt scrub.^{[7]
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- Measure out a tablespoon of coarse sea salt and mix it with just enough water to form a paste. Rub this paste gently onto the marked skin for several minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
- The sea salt will exfoliate the skin, removing the top layers of ink. This method may not remove the marker completely, but it will certainly fade it.

10

Use Olive Oil

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Fat-rich substances like olive oil can help to lift the ink from the permanent marker from the skin, without the need for harsh chemicals.^{[8]
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- Take a generous amount of real olive oil and rub it into the marker stains. Take a piece of paper towel and use it to rub in the fat. You should see the ink coming off on the towel.
- As with other natural methods, this may not remove the stain completely, but it will significantly fade the ink. Be sure to wash off any residue oil afterwards with soap and water, of course.

11

Make a Baking Soda and Water Paste

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Mixing baking soda and water forms an exfoliating paste which helps to scrub marker from skin.
- Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with just enough water to form a paste and rub into the skin for a minute or two, before rinsing off with warm water.
- Alternatively, you can mix one part baking soda with one part toothpaste to form an extra-effective scrub.

12

Try Banana Peel

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Some people claim that banana peel can help to significantly fade permanent marker stains on skin.^{[9]
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- Take the peel from a ripe banana and rub the inside of the peel onto the marker-stained skin, using a circular motion.
- Continue for several minutes, then rinse your arm, pat it dry and repeat the process with another piece of banana peel.

13

Soak in a Tub

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Finally, another natural option for removing permanent marker is simply to soak in a bathtub and allow the water to fade the ink.
- If you like, you can add some baking soda or a couple of drops of tea tree oil to the water to help the process along, but regular bubble bath will work fine.
- Try to keep the marked skin submerged beneath the hot water for as long as possible, and use a sponge or loofah to scrub the area clean.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do you get permanent marker off your skin fast without oil?

Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.

Mohiba Tareen, MD

FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Use butter if you don't have any other oil or lotion lying around. Use a soft cloth and rub the butter gently over the marker stain, wait a few minutes, and repeat the process until the marker is removed.

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Question

What if the stain is on a child? Which method is safe?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Baby oil is a great option for removing a marker stain from a child’s skin since it is a product designed for children. For best results, give the child a bath, allowing the stain to soak for a few minutes, and then wash and gently rub oil over stain using a wash cloth. Repeat and wash the area again. The stain should be significantly faded or gone.

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Tips

Sometimes using these tips may not work but don't worry it will fade or come of in the bath but if it is just fresh enough sometimes you can race to a sink straight after it happens and wash it off not all will come off but most will.

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If it doesn't come fully off don't worry, and don't bother attempting this if you're due for a bath. If the stain is fresh enough it will come of on the bath if you rub it gently with a loofah or a nail brush (the nail brush might hurt, be gentle). If it doesn't come off, it will at least fade greatly.

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Warnings

Be very mindful of sores or open wounds, which can easily become irritated or infected. Products that contain alcohol or things such as salt and bleach can irritate the skin and will be very painful if used on open sores.

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Scrubbing too hard can irritate the skin, causing it to become dry or develop a rash, so be gentle and don't overdo it.

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If you have open wounds, or have been marked up because of surgery, the only safe options are olive oil or baby oil.

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