13 Ways To Get Permanent Marker Off Skin - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Personal Care and Style
• Personal Hygiene
• Cleaning Skin
• Removing Skin Stains

How to Remove Permanent Marker & Sharpie from Skin Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Use Hand Sanitizer 2 Use Rubbing Alcohol 3 Use Nail Polish Remover 4 Use Diluted Bleach 5 Try Baby Oil 6 Try Sunscreen 7 Try Toothpaste and Mouthwash 8 Try Shaving Cream 9 Make a Salt Scrub 10 Use Olive Oil 11 Make a Baking Soda and Water Paste 12 Try Banana Peel 13 Soak in a Tub + Show 10 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A VideoWATCH NOW Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Article Summary Co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD

Last Updated: July 21, 2025 Approved

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This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD. 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. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 14 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,170,369 times.

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.

Steps

1

Use Hand Sanitizer

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1. 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.
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2

Use Rubbing Alcohol

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1. Rubbing alcohol (a.k.a. isopropyl alcohol) is probably the most effective product for removing permanent marker from skin.[1]
   • 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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1. Acetone-based nail polish removers (which also contain isopropyl alcohol) are effective solvents, making them useful for removing permanent marker from skin.[2]
   • 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.
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4

Use Diluted Bleach

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1. A little diluted beach can help to dissolve the ink on the surface of the skin.[3]
   • 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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1. 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] [5]
   • 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.
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6

Try Sunscreen

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1. Many sunscreens (especially the quick-drying formulas) contain alcohol, which can be used to dissolve the permanent marker.[6]
   • 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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1. Some people have had success with removing permanent marker using a combination of toothpaste and mouthwash.[7]
   • 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.
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8

Try Shaving Cream

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1. 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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1. A good natural method of removing permanent marker from skin is to make a salt scrub.[8] [9]
   • 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.
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10

Use Olive Oil

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1. 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.[10] [11]
   • 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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1. 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.
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12

Try Banana Peel

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1. Some people claim that banana peel can help to significantly fade permanent marker stains on skin.[12]
   • 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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1. 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.
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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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 2
• 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 30

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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. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 3
• 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. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 4

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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. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 2
• Scrubbing too hard can irritate the skin, causing it to become dry or develop a rash, so be gentle and don't overdo it. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 2
• If you have open wounds, or have been marked up because of surgery, the only safe options are olive oil or baby oil. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 3

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about skin care, check out our in-depth interview with Mohiba Tareen, MD.

References

1. ↑ https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/remove-permanent-marker/
2. ↑ https://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/2013/01/remove-permanent-marker-everything/
3. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-remove-permanent-marker/
4. ↑ https://www.thriftyfun.com/Removing-Sharpie-Marker-Off-Skin.html
5. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview
6. ↑ https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-remove-a-permanent-marker-stain-from-skin
7. ↑ https://housekeeping.wonderhowto.com/how-to/remove-permanent-marker-stains-with-toothpaste-340631/
8. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-an-exfoliating-sea-salt-hand-scrub-projects-from-the-kitchen-213554
9. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview

More References (3)

10. ↑ https://www.thriftyfun.com/Removing-Sharpie-Marker-Off-Skin.html
11. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview
12. ↑ https://www.thriftyfun.com/Removing-Sharpie-Marker-Off-Skin.html

About This Article

Co-authored by: Mohiba Tareen, MD FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD. 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. This article has been viewed 1,170,369 times. 12 votes - 75% Co-authors: 36 Updated: July 21, 2025 Views: 1,170,369 Categories: Pen Ink and Marker Stains | Removing Skin Stains Article SummaryX

If you got permanent marker on your skin, there are a few things you probably have lying around the house that can help get it off. Rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, and hand sanitizer can all remove permanent marker. Just rub the liquid into the stain using a cotton ball, then rinse with warm water. You can also use olive oil, coconut oil, or baby oil. Massage a small amount of oil into the stain, then wash and rinse the area. For stubborn stains, try a sea salt scrub. Mix sea salt with a small amount of warm water to form a scrub, then gently massage it into your skin to remove the marker. Whitening toothpaste is also effective. Use a toothbrush to gently rub the toothpaste into the stain to remove it. To learn more from our Cosmetologist co-author, like how to make a salt scrub for your skin, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

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  Anonymous

  Jan 30, 2017

  "The hand sanitizer worked great! At first it looks like it is smudging the color, but I wiped it off and the..." more

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Mohiba Tareen, MD FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist 12 votes - 75% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 36 Updated: July 21, 2025 Views: 1,170,369

Anonymous

Jan 30, 2017

"The hand sanitizer worked great! At first it looks like it is smudging the color, but I wiped it off and the..." more

Hi Y'all

May 19, 2020

"It did partially work, but left some of the outside of the shape I drew. When I tested this out I knew it..." more

Jacob Gonzal

Jun 9, 2017

"The 6th graders were doing this "ask someone out" thing. To do it, you had to write on their hand. I..." more Rated this article:

Anonymous

May 10, 2019

"I always seem to get marker or pen ink on my hands, but could not get it off. This helped a lot. I will use this..." more

Lemon M.

Apr 24, 2023

"I used marker to draw on my skin, but wanted to get rid of it, and this suggestions helped! Thank you so much." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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