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.

7

Try Toothpaste and Mouthwash

13

Soak in a Tub

  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.
  2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

  • Question
    What if the stain is on a child? Which method is safe?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this 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.
Advertisement

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

About This Article

Laura Martin
Co-authored by:
Licensed Cosmetologist
This article was co-authored by Laura Martin. Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013. This article has been viewed 1,115,250 times.
10 votes - 60%
Co-authors: 34
Updated: May 11, 2022
Views: 1,115,250
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?
Advertisement