How to Remove Permanent Marker from the Skin

Regardless of whether the permanent marker on your skin was intentional or accidental, it can seem like a hassle to remove. Thankfully, there are many products you can use to remove the marker, most of which you probably already own. Whether you reach into your beach bag for some sunscreen, or you go to your medicine cabinet for rubbing alcohol, you'll be sure to find a method of permanent marker removal that works for you. Read on in Step One for more details.

EditSteps

EditHand sanitizer

Try using hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer contains a good amount of alcohol, which works to thin and erase the ink from a permanent marker. Squirt out some hand sanitizer on to your hand, and then rub it onto the marking on your skin using a circular motion. Doing this for 15-30 seconds should cause the marker to dissolve slowly, mixing in with the sanitizer. Rinse this off with warm water, and repeat the process until all the ink has been removed.

EditSunscreen

Pour on a bit of sunscreen. Interestingly enough, the ingredients in sunscreen work together to dissolve permanent marker. While this may not bode well for your hand-drawn tattoo in the summertime, it does provide an easy way for accidental marker removal. Both cream and spray-on sunscreen work well (just make sure they aren’t expired). Coat the marker with a thick layer of sunscreen, and rub it in with your fingertip in a circular motion. Continue adding sunscreen and rubbing it in until all the marker has been dissolved. Rinse off the remaining sunscreen and ink with warm water, and voila!

EditInsect repellent

Use insect repellent. Similar to hand sanitizer, insect repellent contains isopropyl alcohol, which dissolves permanent marker ink. Unfortunately, bug spray doesn’t smell the greatest, but at least, you’ll fend off mosquitoes and kill two birds (or bugs?) with one stone. Spray on a heavy amount of bug spray over the marker and use your finger or tissue to rub it into your skin. Continue spraying on the repellant and rubbing the marker until it has dissolved completely, and then wash your skin with soap and water.

EditSoap

Try a bit of soap and water. Although old fashioned soap and water might require a bit more elbow grease to remove permanent marker, they are tried and true at getting rid of the marks. Dampen the area of your skin where the marker is with warm water. Then, use bar soap (the solid bar works best at scrubbing off the marker) or liquid hand-soap to coat the area. Rub away! If you’re using bar soap, rub the bar with a bit of pressure on the mark, until it dissolves. If you’re using liquid soap, you’ll have to use a washcloth to scrub at your skin. Rub at the mark until it is completely faded, and then rinse off the suds and ink with some more warm water.^[1]

EditWipes

Wipe off the marker with baby wipes. Not everyone has baby wipes on hand, but they can work wonders on getting rid of permanent marker stains. Simply grab a baby wipe, rub at the stain until it dissolved, and rinse off with warm water. Easy as that!
Use a makeup remover wipes on your toddler's face. You can get those at any store that sells makeup. You should only need one wipe. It works like magic and wipes right off.

EditUsing Other Household Items

EditRubbing alcohol

Pour on some rubbing alcohol. Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol is nearly guaranteed to get rid of your permanent marker stain. Rubbing alcohol dissolves the ink, and is a primary ingredient in most of the other agents responsible for removing permanent marker stains. Simply pour some rubbing alcohol directly onto the stain or a rag, and use your fingertips or a rag to rub it onto the marker. The marker should fade relatively quickly; continue rubbing until all the ink is gone. Finish off by washing your skin with warm water and a bit of soap, and pat dry.

EditNail polish remover

Try using nail polish remover or acetone. Not technically a ‘skin product’, nail polish remover and acetone (acetone is the primary ingredient in polish remover) will dissolve permanent marker ink, without damaging your skin. Unfortunately, nail polish remover evaporates fairly quickly, so you may have to use multiple applications if necessary. Pour some of the remover/acetone onto a cotton ball or rag, and rub the mark on your skin with it. Continue adding more polish remover and rubbing until the mark is gone. Wash off your skin with warm water, and pat dry.

EditToothpaste

Spread on some toothpaste. Although it is intended to benefit your teeth, toothpaste has a surprising number of alternative applications, permanent marker removal being one of them. Choose a white cream toothpaste (gel toothpaste won’t work as well) and get some warm water running. Dampen your skin where the mark is, and then spread a thick layer of the toothpaste. Let it set for 1-2 minutes, and then use your fingertip or a damp rag to rub the toothpaste into the skin. Rub until the ink has dissolved, and then rinse off the paste with warm water.^[2]

EditHairspray

Use a bit of hairspray. Hairspray (typically cheaper brands) that contain alcohol are great for removing permanent marker stains. Move into a well-ventilated area, and spray the hairspray onto the stain so that it is completely coated with the liquid. Use your fingertip or a cloth to rub in the hairspray, applying more of the liquid if necessary. When most of the ink has been dissolved, wash your skin off with soap and a bit of warm water, and pat dry.^[3]

EditButter

Try using butter. Although the results are mixed, you may have success removing permanent marker from your skin by using butter (yes, the same butter you cook with). Take a dollop of butter, and smear it on to the permanent marker stain. Let it set for 2-3 minutes, and then use a rag to rub it into the stain. Continue rubbing until the ink has dissolved, and then use hot water to rinse off the butter and the ink.

EditSaltwater

Use warm water and salt. If you’re having a really difficult time getting rid of the permanent marker on your skin, you can exfoliate the skin with salt. This might not be the most effective or comfortable means of removing the marker, but it will work. Soak your skin in warm/hot (bath temperature) water for 5-10 minutes, until it has softened. Put a teaspoon or so of course salt onto the mark, and use your fingertip in a circular motion to rub it in. This action will rub off the dead skin cells, taking the permanent marker with it. Do this until all the marker has been removed, and then rinse off the salt and your skin with more warm water. Pat your skin dry.^[4]

EditCoconut Oil

Use coconut oil. Wash your skin with warm water and a little bit of soap before you use the coconut oil. Then, dry it off. Use the coconut oil on your skin; apply it with your hands, tissue or Q-tip, depending on how large the permanent marker markings are. Rub and wipe the coconut oil until the marker is completely gone. If not gone within 3 minutes, use a little bit of rubbing alcohol to finish the job.

EditTips

Always use skin-safe products to try to remove permanent marker before moving on to household products.
Tea tree oil will also remove marker stains. However, it may not be suitable for your skin type; seek advice from a qualified herbalist or a doctor.
Remember to moisturize skin after using these methods as many of them may dry out or irritate your skin.
Use a lot of make-up remover and nail polish remover to get rid of most of the ink. Then, just simply have a warm bath or shower with lots of soap which will get underneath the ink and make it rise to the top of your skin where you can just simply wipe it off.

EditWarnings

Always be careful when using rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, and hairspray near an open flame as these products are highly flammable.
If the irritation is caused or persisted for longer time,consult a doctor.

EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations

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