How To Get Sharpie Off Of Skin: Tips And Tricks - Healthline

Maybe your like

HealthlineSubscribe

Bites and Stings

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process

Removing Permanent Marker from Your Skin

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Kristeen Cherney on January 16, 2019

How-to
Risks
Safe ink
Summary

Permanent marker will eventually fade with regular washing and natural oils from your pores. If you use home remedies, make sure to avoid anything you’re allergic or sensitive to. You may also consult a doctor if you develop any rashes or swelling on your skin.

Ink happens. Once in a while, it’s possible to get permanent ink on your skin.

Unlike tattoo ink that’s actually embedded in your skin, permanent ink — think Sharpie markers — only touches the surface. This means that it’ll eventually fade over a few days. However, there may be ways you can get rid of permanent marker stains from your skin a bit quicker.

Beware of any so-called remedies that can cause more harm to your skin than good — you could inadvertently end up with more than a permanent marker stain.

Removing permanent marker from skin

It can take two to three days for permanent marker to fade from the skin on its own, according to Northern New England Poison Center.

If you want to remove the marker a bit quicker, you may also incorporate one of the following methods into your washing routine. You’ll likely need to repeat these methods several times before seeing results.

There are also harsh ingredients you’ll want to avoid applying to your skin. These include baking soda and bleach. Also, don’t use any ingredients to which you have a known allergic reaction.

Sea salt scrub

Sea salt has natural exfoliating properties. When mixed with warm water, you can make a gentle scrub to exfoliate the top layer of skin. Try mixing equal parts salt water and warm water to create a paste. Gently massage — but don’t rub — the scrub into your skin twice a day.

Olive oil or coconut oil

If you have olive or coconut oil at home, apply a small amount to your skin and rub in gently before rinsing away. These oils can help bind to your epidermis. In theory, the oil can then attach to the permanent marker stains on your skin and help remove them gently.

Baby oil

The idea behind mineral oil, or baby oil, is that it can attach to excess oils on the skin and then remove all substances. In theory, this could also work with permanent marker stains.

Apply a small amount of oil to the affected area and then wash and rinse as normal. Be careful if you have acne-prone skin, however, as applying extra oils could lead to more breakouts.

Whitening toothpaste

The same properties of whitening toothpaste that help lighten surface stains on your teeth may also potentially lighten permanent marker spots on your skin. Use this method twice per day.

As a bonus, you can even use a new toothbrush for exfoliation. Gently massage in circular motions around the dyed skin and rinse well.

Chemical-based removers

Household chemical-based removers can remove permanent marker pigments if you’re in a pinch. These include:

rubbing alcohol
nail polish remover
hand sanitizer

You can use these up to twice per day. Apply a small amount with a cotton ball and rinse with warm water.

Makeup remover

Makeup remover may be another solution to removing permanent marker from your skin. This is also a less harsh option compared to household chemical-based removers. Apply with a cotton ball and massage in a circular motion for several seconds. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Is ink on the skin unhealthy?

Traditional permanent markers that you find at office supply stores aren’t intended for your skin. In fact, mainstream permanent markers contain ingredients that are considered poisonous, such as resin, xylene, and toluene.

When these markers come into contact with your skin, mild irritation can occur. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and itchiness. Also, permanent marker fumes can be irritating to your eyes, nose, and throat.

Safest ink for skin

An accidental mark from permanent ink is unlikely to cause any adverse symptoms. With that being said, you don’t want to apply permanent marker to your skin on purpose.

If you’re interested in markers for your skin for sports or temporary tattoos, you’ll want to find markers specifically designed for the skin. These are also waterproof, but unlike your traditional Sharpie marker, there are no toxic ingredients included.

Shop for skin-safe markers.

Takeaway

Permanent marker will eventually fade with regular washing and natural oils from your pores. If you want to get rid of marker stains a bit quicker though, consider the home remedies above.

Use caution though, and don’t use any substance to which you know you’re allergic or sensitive. See a doctor if you develop any rashes or swelling from permanent marker stains on your skin.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

How to safely exfoliate at home. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/exfoliation
Isopropyl alcohol. (2012).https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/isopropanol
Marker ink (permanent). (2016).https://www.nnepc.org/poisons/m/marker-ink-permanent
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Seborrheic dermatitis.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seborrheic-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352710

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Kristeen Cherney on January 16, 2019

Health Conditions

Condition Spotlight

Wellness Topics

Product Reviews

Featured Programs

Featured

Lessons

Newsletters

Lifestyle Quizzes

Health News

This Just In

Top Reads

Video Series

Find Your Bezzy Community

Follow us on social media