Q&A for How to Remove Permanent Marker from the Skin

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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.
    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.
  • 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.
    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.
  • 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.
    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.
  • Question
    Does it matter what kind of marker it is or does it just have to be permenent marker?
    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.
    Founder, Mulberry Maids
    Expert Answer
    You can use any of the above tips no matter what sort of marker stain you have on your skin.
  • Question
    Does it matter where on my skin I have marker/pen ink?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as some methods should not be used close to sensitive areas, such as around the eyes. If you got permanent market on your face, try some makeup remover, toner, or face wipes instead.
  • Question
    Will rubbing alcohol hurt my skin?
    Community Answer
    In most cases, no. It really depends on how sensitive your skin is, and whether or not you have any open wounds in that area. If you apply it and it starts to sting too much, simply wash it off with soap and water, and try something else.
  • Question
    Will nail polish remover burn your skin?
    Community Answer
    Usually it won't. However, this may vary person to person, so do remain cautious. If it does start to tingle or burn a little, wash it off and try a different method.
  • Question
    How can I remove stains on my upper lip if these methods did not work?
    Community Answer
    Try using a toothbrush and toothpaste. If that doesn't work, try something like makeup remover. Don't use anything that contains alcohol because it will dry out your lip. If all else fails, wear lipstick to cover the stain until it comes off naturally. Just use a color that is close to your natural lip color.
  • Question
    Can you die from alcohol on your skin that already has an opened wound?
    Community Answer
    No, alcohol is an antiseptic, and will kill any germs or bacteria on the wound.
  • Question
    I tried all of your methods, but none worked. Any other options?
    Community Answer
    Keep cleaning. It will eventually fade over time if you clean it every day.
  • Question
    What if I don't have something here -- coconut oil, for example?
    Community Answer
    You can use any of the other methods. You don't need to do all of them, just a single one. If it doesn't work or if you're having a hard time with that chosen method, you can try another one until you get it off for good.
  • Question
    Is it possible to remove sketch pen marks from skin?
    Community Answer
    Yes, use any of the methods in the article and you should be able to remove it with no problem.
  • Question
    Why would I put permanent marker on your skin anyways?
    Community Answer
    It may get on your skin accidentally. It may be used to mark you "paid" at a public event.
  • Question
    How can I remove a two week old permanent tattoo from my hand?
    Community Answer
    If it's a permanent tattoo, you will need to have it professionally removed. At two weeks, however, a permanent tattoo is not even likely to be fully healed.
  • Question
    How sensitive is my face to these methods?
    Community Answer
    It varies from person to person, so try a little bit of everything and see what works. Stop immediately if you feel any irritation or pain.
  • Question
    Does rubbing alcohol sting when you first put it on?
    Community Answer
    It won't sting unless you're applying it to an area with a small cut, wound, etc.
  • Question
    I have tried everything to get this off of my face and I cannot get it off. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Just keep on trying to get it off, and it will get off eventually. Also, it might help to scrub it a little harder, but not hard enough to do damage to your face.
  • Question
    Will this work for black ink that is on my nail cuticle?
    Community Answer
    Yes! Use hand sanitizer or white toothpaste. If you are using sanitizer, just rub some on the stained area. If you're using toothpaste just brush it on with a toothbrush.
  • Question
    I tried every single one of these methods, including the alcohol and cream based cleaners, and I still have marker on my hand. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Scrub the area with a cotton pad covered in witch hazel. You may need to do it twice, but it should work. Be advised that if you have any small cuts or anything on this area, the witch hazel may cause redness and stinging.
  • Question
    What if it's all over a child's face?
    Community Answer
    Try warm water and soap first, then baby oil or coconut oil. Do not use rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover.
  • Question
    Which one should I use if it is on my lip?
    Community Answer
    Use one that isn't harsh, such as makeup remover, coconut oil, white cream toothpaste etc.
  • Question
    What is the healthiest way to get rid of the sharpie?
    Community Answer
    Use baby wipes or coconut oil to make sure you don't get irritated skin in that area.
  • Question
    I did not realize my marker was permanent and colored all over my hand. Do you think I can quickly get it off?
    Community Answer
    Sure. Use the suggestions in this article.
  • Question
    How do I remove permanent marker from my face?
    Community Answer
    You can try coconut oil, toothpaste,and makeup remover wipes or you can use baby oil.
  • Question
    I've had the stain for a long time. What other methods could I try?
    Community Answer
    You could try water, soap, shaving cream and hand sanitizer then the alcohol.
  • Question
    If I get permanent marker stains on my skin, will they remain on my skin forever?
    Community Answer
    No. You can use the above methods to get it off quickly. If the methods don't work, the ink will eventually fade and then disappear over time.
  • Question
    How do I remove sharpie from my face?
    Community Answer
    You can use a toothbrush and toothpaste and if that doesn't work try makeup wipes.
  • Question
    How do I remove permanent marker from my skin if it's been on there for a while?
    Community Answer
    All permanent markers will come off of skin eventually, but try using the above suggested methods, if you really want to get it off earlier.
  • Question
    How can I remove marker off my hand without taking off nail polish?
    Victoria Tsukayama
    Community Answer
    If the mark is further away from your nails, just use the methods above. But if it is close to your nails, you either have to be very cautious, or you have to remove the polish.
  • Question
    How do I remove Mr. Sketch Non-Washable Marker from my hands?
    Community Answer
    Use hand sanitizer, wash with normal soap, wash with facial cleanser and then put toothpaste on it and wait for about 2 minutes.
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