How to Remove Permanent Marker from the Skin

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: March 1, 2024 Fact Checked

As its name suggests, permanent marker is designed to be...permanent. That’s great when you want to label an item or draw a picture, but not so great when it gets on your skin. Sometimes, it seems like no amount of scrubbing can make the stain budge. Luckily, you won’t have to live your life with a permanent marker smudge on your hand or leg. There are several powerful cleaners and household products that can safely remove a pesky permanent marker stain from your skin in no time.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Alcohol-Based Cleaners

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Hairspray has many uses beyond styling hair, and lucky for you, removing permanent marker is one of them. Choose an alcohol-containing hairspray, 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 the hairspray into the stain. When most of the ink has been dissolved, wash your skin off with soap and a bit of warm water and pat it dry.
2
Clean with hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer can also be a savior because it contains a good amount of alcohol, which works to thin and erase the ink from a permanent marker stain. Squirt some hand sanitizer onto your hand, and then rub it onto the mark using a circular motion. Doing this for 15-30 seconds should cause the marker to dissolve slowly as it mixes with the sanitizer. Rinse your skin off with warm water, and repeat the process until you've conquered the stain. As a bonus, your skin will be germ free! ^{[1]
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- Try using cleansing wipes that contain alcohol as an alternative to using hand sanitizer.
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Bug spray can fight permanent marker stains even better than it fights those pesky gnats. Similar to hand sanitizer, insect repellent contains isopropyl alcohol, which dissolves permanent marker ink. Spray a heavy amount of bug spray over the mark/stain and use your finger or tissue to rub it onto your skin. Continue spraying the repellent and rubbing the marker stain until it dissolves completely. Then wash your skin with soap and water.
4
Use rubbing alcohol. Even the most stubborn permanent marker stains are no match for the powers of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Simply pour some rubbing alcohol directly onto the stain and use your fingertips or a rag to rub it onto the marker. The marker should fade relatively quickly. Continue rubbing the mark until all the ink is gone. Finish off by washing your skin with warm water and a bit of soap.^{[2]
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- Use a rag or towel you don’t mind getting dirty. Permanent marker will stain your rag just like it stained your skin.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Oils and Creams

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Coconut oil is an effective stain remover, plus it gives your skin a little extra sweet-smelling moisture. Before you use the coconut oil to remove the stain, wash your skin with warm water and a little bit of soap, and pat it dry. Apply a small amount of the coconut oil to your marked skin with your hands. Rub and wipe the coconut oil against your skin with your fingers or a tissue until the marker is completely gone.^{[3]
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2
Pour on a bit of sunscreen. Sunscreen is your skin's best friend in the sweltering sun and during permanent marker stain crises. Coat the marker stain with a thick layer of sunscreen, and then rub it with your fingertips in a circular motion. Continue adding sunscreen and rubbing it in until all the marker has been dissolved. Rinse everything off with warm water, and you're good to go.^{[4]
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- Either cream or spray-on sunscreen will work.
Baby oil and baby lotion are gentle but strong cleansers that can remove permanent marker stains while moisturizing your skin (and smelling great, too). To target an annoying smudge, apply the baby oil or lotion to a tissue and use it to blot and rub the marker stain. Then wash the area with warm water to remove the marker and the excess oil or lotion.^{[5]
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Apply a nice, fat dollop directly on the stained area of skin. Then use your fingers or a tissue to rub the shaving cream into the stain. Apply more if the stain is still there. Continue rubbing the mark until you lift all of that stubborn ink from your skin, and then wash your skin with warm water.^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Other Methods For Removing Stains

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1
Wipe off the marker with baby wipes. To remove a permanent marker stain with baby wipes, simply grab a baby wipe, rub at the marker stain until it is dissolved, and rinse your skin with warm water.^{[7]
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- Try to use baby wipes as opposed to heavy-duty wipes, as baby wipes are more gentle on the skin.
To use a liquid makeup remover, apply a small amount onto a paper towel or cloth, and then rub at the stained area of skin. If you are using makeup wipes, the process is even easier. Simply rub and wipe the irksome stain away.^{[8]
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Teeth aren’t the only thing that toothpaste leaves sparking clean. To clean permanent marker stains with toothpaste, first choose a white cream toothpaste--gel toothpaste won’t work as well. Run warm water and dampen your skin where the mark is and spread on a thick layer of the toothpaste. Let the toothpaste set for 1-2 minutes before you use your fingertip or a damp rag to rub the toothpaste into the skin. Rub it until the ink has dissolved completely, and then rinse with a little warm water.^{[9]
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You can experience the joy of butter without the calories by using it as a stain remover! Take a dollop of butter and smear it on 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 and soap to rinse off the butter and the ink.
Although not technically a ‘skin product’, nail polish remover and acetone will dissolve permanent marker ink and nail polish alike, all without damaging your skin. Unfortunately, nail polish remover evaporates fairly quickly, so you may have to use multiple applications. Pour some of the remover/acetone onto a cotton ball or rag, and rub the mark with it. Continue adding more polish remover and rubbing until the persistent smudge is gone. Then, wash off your squeaky-clean skin with warm water and pat dry.^{[10]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

Is it safe to draw on your skin with Sharpie?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Sharpie is marked as nontoxic to the skin. However, Sharpie can have harmful effects on the body if it enters the bloodstream, so use it with caution.

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Question

Is Sharpie toxic on skin?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

According to the ACMI, Sharpie is nontoxic to the skin and will not cause any ink poisoning. However, occasionally someone may experience a negative allergic reaction to the sharpie.

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Question

What removes Sharpie marker from skin?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Sharpie can be easily removed from skin. You can use an alcohol-based cleaner, such as rubbing alcohol, hairspray, or hand sanitizer. Or, if you prefer, you can rub a glob of sunscreen or coconut oil into the Sharpie until it is gone then wipe it away with a tissue.

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Tips

Always use skin-safe products to remove permanent marker before moving on to household products.

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Remember to moisturize your skin after using these methods as some of them may dry it out.

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Make sure to tell an adult if you are under 18 and choose to use acetone.

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Warnings

Always be careful when using rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, and hairspray near an open flame as these products are highly flammable.

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