How to Remove Temporary Tattoos

Co-authored by Barbie Ritzman

Last Updated: July 11, 2024 Fact Checked

Temporary tattoos are great for kids, a costume party, or for a night where you just feel like looking hardcore without the commitment of a real tattoo but they can be stubborn to get off. Whatever your reason for putting a temporary tattoo on, at some point it will start to peel and you'll want to remove it. Follow these different methods to rub, peel, and soak your tattoo away.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Scrubbing

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1
Apply a small amount of baby oil to the temporary tattoo. Keep in mind that most temporary tattoos are able to stand up to water and soap, so oil is generally the best way to go if you want to scrub a temporary tattoo off. You could also try to use a face or body scrub. The beads from the scrub should help remove the tattoo from your skin.^{[1]
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- Alternatively, you can use special temporary tattoo remover wipes like Limisan. Those wipes contain silicons which ensure easy removal of the temporary tattoo.
- Alternatively, you can pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball or piece of paper towel. Be aware that rubbing alcohol may burn a bit.
- If you do not have baby oil, you can use olive oil on your tattoo as well.
Doing this will allow the baby oil to soak into the tattoo (and your skin) making it easier to rub the temporary tattoo away.^{[2]
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Get a washcloth and rub the tattoo vigorously. The tattoo should begin to become clumpy and start to peel off and rub away. Keep rubbing until all of the temporary tattoo has been removed.
- You can use a paper towel in place of a washcloth.
Wash the remaining oil off with warm water and soap. Wash your skin until there is no oil left. Pat the area dry with a towel.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Peeling

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Clear tape, such as Scotch tape, works better than masking or painter’s tape. Hang the tape pieces by one end off of the side of a table or counter (wherever you will be working).
Make sure that you press it down firmly so that it attaches to the surface of the temporary tattoo. Use a finger to rub the tape down along your skin.
The temporary tattoo should peel off with the tape. This process might take several tries, particularly if it is a large temporary tattoo.^{[3]
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Do this after all of the temporary tattoo has been removed. Doing this will reduce the redness caused by peeling the tape from your skin.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Cold Cream

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Make sure that the tattoo is fully covered by the cream.
You should leave the cream on for an hour or so to make sure that it thoroughly works its magic on the temporary tattoo.
Use warm water and soap to remove any remaining cold cream.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Nail Polish Remover

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If you do not have nail polish remover, you can also use rubbing alcohol.^{[4]
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Scrub at the tattoo so that it begins to flake off of your skin. You may need to wet the cotton ball again or get a new cotton ball, depending on how large your temporary tattoo is.
Use a washcloth to rinse your skin where your temporary tattoo was. Use warm water and soap to remove any of the acetone left behind by the nail polish remover.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Make Up Remover

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Rub gently.
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Expert Q&A

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Question

What is the best remover for temporary tattoos?

Barbie Ritzman
Beauty & Skincare Specialist
Barbie Ritzman is a Beauty Specialist, Influencer, and the Owner of Barbie’s Beauty Bits. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in skincare and aesthetics. Barbie studied marketing at Tidewater Community College and holds a Certificate from the Media Buying Academy. For her work, she’s won Beauty Influencer of the Year - The USA and was featured in “The Allure 50,” which includes the year’s 50 most influential people in the beauty industry.

Barbie Ritzman

Beauty & Skincare Specialist

Expert Answer

Applying a mixture of baking soda and water as a paste can help loosen the tattoo and make it easier to wipe off. Just be patient and gentle with skin as you apply it to avoid irritation.

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Question

If I don't do any of these methods, how long will my temporary tattoo last?

Community Answer

All temporary tattoos are different, but it may last up to one week.

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Question

Is it safe to put nail polish remover on my neck?

Community Answer

Since nail polish remover has alcohol in it, it can irritate your skin. You most likely would not want to try it on your neck.

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Tips

Be careful with the rubbing alcohol! Don't overdo it, because it will sting.

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Lots of tattoos fade on their own or in the shower, so if you're uneasy about being hard on your skin then just wait a few more days--the tattoo will peel off on its own.

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Use a makeup wipe to get tattoos off.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Use baby oil and let it sit on your skin for a minute. Then get a clean rag and wipe the tattoo and oil off.
You can also use petroleum jelly to remove temporary tattoos.
You can use olive oil to remove a temporary tattoo.
Regular lotion works best in my experience.
For me, nail polish remover works the best!

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