“Perfect” skin means something different to everyone. Some people see marks on the skin, like birthmarks, moles and freckles, as something to be celebrated as they provide individuality and identity, like your fingerprint. On the other hand, some people prefer skin to be as clear as possible, free from “blemishes,” like moles, scars and skin tags. That’s okay, too. If you happen to fall into the latter category and dream of clearer skin, you’ve more than likely wondered how to remove skin tags.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are one of the most common skin growths you’ll see on people’s skin. They are usually quite small and stick out from the skin on a tiny stalk with an appearance similar to that of a wart. They are both non-cancerous and painless. Although not exclusively, skin tags appear most frequently on certain areas of the body. These include:
- Neck
- Armpits
- Under breasts
- Thighs
- Eyelids
- Groin
While the exact cause is not 100% understood and may come down to a number of different factors, skin tags are most likely the result of skin rubbing against itself over time. And although they are usually harmless, a lot of people would prefer to remove them. You may assume this means heading to the dermatologist, but you may be interested to know that it’s also possible to remove most skin tags in the comfort of your own home.
Thanks to natural remedies and advances in modern technology, it’s now easier than ever to get rid of skin tags by yourself, without the need of a skincare professional. It’s possible you already have one or more of the several topical applications which can be used to remove skin tags. Alternatively, there are plenty of made-for-purpose skin tag removal products available for purchase online.
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What’s the Difference Between a Mole and a Skin Tag?
However, before we dive into how to remove skin tags and all of the best products to do so, let’s just take a moment to mention moles. Unlike skin tags, moles are made of cells that usually produce skin pigment. But, instead of lying flat against your skin, they bunch up. It’s important to familiarize yourself with your moles so that if one changes over time or looks or feels different, such as becoming painful, itchy or tender, you’ll notice straight away. This will allow you to consult with a doctor right away for further investigation, in case you have something more serious.
Furthermore, while removing skin tags or moles for cosmetic reasons is okay, make sure you know what you’re dealing with, and if you’re ever unsure, consult a medical professional before undertaking any self-treatment. Also, it’s worth noting that moles can sometimes go below the surface of the skin, making removal impossible without medical assistance.
How To Remove Skin Tags at Home: DIY Remedies and Tools
You may find that some skin tags will naturally rub themselves away if they are present in particularly high-friction areas of the body. However, if you do choose to take action against a skin tag, it’s a good idea to check it over with a medical professional before you do so. Larger skin tags or high concentrations may require professional treatment. Some of the most common treatment options performed by health professionals include:
- Surgical Removal
- Electrosurgery
- Ligation
If your skin tag appears particularly manageable, and you’ve had it checked over and got the go-ahead from your dermatologist or health professional, there are a number of at-home solutions for removing skin tags. Common at-home treatment options include:
Ligation – Ligation treatment places an elastic band around the skin tag site, cutting off its blood supply and eventually causing it to drop off on its own. This method is one of the most popular at-home options, as it requires little skill, is budget-friendly and involves no potentially dangerously sharp points or hazardous liquids. An example of ligation treatment is the TagBand Skin Tag Removal Device.
Topical Treatments – Probably the most popular option for an at-home skin tag removal is the application of a topical treatment. These come in the form of creams or liquids which can be applied to the skin tag site and left to do their work, removing the tag. It is important to note that topical treatments may possess powerful, skin-removing action. Many chemical-based topical treatments come supplied in made-for-purpose applicators. However, some topical treatments take the form of something you may already have around the house, like chopped garlic or essential oil. Either way, it’s always important to heed any warnings before applying any treatments to your skin.
Now that we’ve settled the difference between skin tags and moles and examined some of the possible at-home treatments available to you, take a scroll through our list of the 17 best at-home skin tag removal products and say goodbye to those annoying and unsightly skin tags once and for all.
1. TagBand Skin Tag Removal Device
BEST OVERALL
If your skin tag is on the larger side, try the TagBand Skin Tag Removal Device. This at-home skin tag remover only costs $20 and it’s really easy to use. When compared to a visit to the dermatologist, who might charge you closer to $2,000, this is an amazing solution. With more than 2,500 customer reviews, the TagBand Skin Tag Removal Kit has a 4-star rating on Amazon. Made for medium to large-sized skin tags, the device works by placing a rubber band around your tag. This cuts off the blood flow to your skin tag, causing it to eventually fall off in a week’s time. Simply place the removal device over the skin tag, and let the band go to work!
2. Tomiya Skin Tag Remover
BEST SKIN TAG REMOVER PEN
The Tomiya Skin Tag Remover is a fast-acting and effective way to remove skin tags in the comfort of your own home. It uses a natural formula which is safer for your skin and is unlikely to cause skin irritation or unwanted side effects. The pen-like device is easy to use. Simply apply a thin layer of the formula to your skin, and the tag should eventually peel off on its own. This cost-effective and professional-standard treatment can also be used on other skin problems like warts, corns and calluses.
3. Minced Garlic in Water
SURPRISING FOODY PICK
You may be surprised to learn that you most likely already have an effective skin tag-fighting treatment in your home in the form of garlic. If you want a budget-friendly, all-natural answer to treating your skin tags (which also comes in handy for cooking, too) give some of this Botticelli Minced Garlic in Water a try. Simply apply some of the garlic to your skin tag using a bandage and let it work its magic overnight. Repeat the process until you are skin tag-free.
4. Handcraft Blends Handcraft Tea Tree Essential Oil
MOST VERSATILE
If you’re looking for a versatile treatment that will remove your skin tags and can be used to fight acne, deodorize, sanitize and more, look no further than the Handcraft Blends 100% Pure Tea Tree Essential Oil. Tea tree oil boasts a number of handy properties, including being antiviral and antifungal, which makes it useful for skin care. Apply the oil to your skin tags using a Q-tip or cotton swab and gently massage it into the skin. Cover it overnight and, like garlic, repeat the process until your skin tag is gone.
5. Bragg USDA Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
BEST ORGANIC REMEDY
Another possible treatment for your skin tags which you may already have in your home is apple cider vinegar. The vinegar’s high acidity works to break down the tissue around your skin tag, eventually causing it to fall off. If you don’t have some already, try this Bragg USDA Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. Apply it by cotton swab to your skin tags. Let it sit for around 30 minutes before washing the area, then repeat this process daily until the extra skin is gone. This process does take longer than many built-for-purpose answers, so if you’re looking for a fast answer to skin tags, this isn’t it.
6. 100% Natural & Organic Vitamin E Oil
BEST FOR GENERAL SKINCARE
As there is some suggestion that skin tags might occur as you age, fighting wrinkles and skin aging may be a viable answer to ridding your skin of tags. Try applying this 100% Natural & Organic Vitamin E Oil to your skin tags and watch as the antioxidant gets to work. After a couple of days, your skin should be skin tag-free. In addition, vitamin E is a great skincare treatment for fighting aging, preventing wrinkles, removing dark spots and producing elastin and collagen.
7. Ariella Skin Tag Remover & Mole Corrector
MOST POTENT
The Ariella Skin Tag Remover & Mole Corrector is a versatile answer to clearing your skin of skin tags. The set includes a mole/skin tag remover and a repair lotion. Together, these elements provide a complete treatment for your skin. The set is great for skin tags, moles, spots, freckles and nevus, and it usually achieves the skin tag-free outcome seven to 10 days after you apply the remover. Furthermore, this corrector can be used on your body and feet.
8. SkinPro Skin Tag Remover & Mole Corrector
FASTEST
By harnessing the power of salicylic acid, the SkinPro Extreme Skin Tag Remover is able to permanently remove skin tags, moles and warts. As one of the most highly concentrated solutions on the market, it’s able to work quickly and accurately to remove skin growths, leaving your skin looking clean and healthy. Simply apply two coats of the liquid daily and wait for the remover to take effect.
9. Ariella Mole and Skin Tag Remover
BEST HOMEOPATHIC
This formula from Ariella is made with a blend of natural ingredients with broad spectrum healing capabilities for all skin types. The ingredients are concentrated and powerful enough to make skin tags fall off within 7-10 days when used consistently. This formula can be used on any part of the body and is very easy to use. The kit comes with a skin tag remover as well as a repair lotion to keep your skin healthy and healing quickly after the removal.
10. Auto TagBand
MOST USER-FRIENDLY
If you prefer a slightly less labor intensive way to treat your skin tags, give the Auto TagBand a try. Working in the same way as the Standard TagBand devices, the Auto cuts off the blood supply to your skin tags using small bands. However, the Auto TagBand’s design allows you to use it with just one hand, which makes reaching some of the less accessible areas of your body a little easier. It’s best for medium to large skin tags.
11. DINHAND Premium Skin Tag Remover Device
BEST BUDGET
At under $15, the DINHAND Premium Skin Tag Remover Device is a budget-friendly answer to removing skin tags from your body. Using the tool is as easy as directing a band over your skin tag before letting it get to work, cutting off the blood supply. Eventually, after the band has tightened and finished its work, the tag will fall off, leaving you with clear skin. This device is compatible with medium to large skin tags and can be used on both your face and body to boot.
12. 153 Wart Remover Set
ORGANIC PICK
The 153 Wart Remover Set is a two-piece kit that includes both a wart-removing cream and wart-removing essence with an accompanying dropper. Both products can be used to effectively remove skin tags. The organic formulas are filled with a range of natural ingredients, including salicylic acid, beeswax, arbutin, mentha and angelica root. Furthermore, the set is backed by over 3,000 five-star reviews from Amazon users, so get started, and soon you will be happy with the results achieved by this effective cream and essence combo.
13. Viburn Mole Corrector & Skin Tag Remover Cream
BEST COMBO
Included in this Viburn Mole Corrector & Skin Tag Remover Cream set are both a skin tag remover liquid and an accompanying skin repair lotion. The liquid formulas include a number of powerful removal ingredients, namely silicea, centella, asiatica, hyaluronic acid and others. The set can be used on skin tags as well as moles and warts. And, it’s also safe for use on either your body or your face. Once you have begun the process, you can expect complete removal and repair of the skin in as little as 10 days.
14. LiRainhan Skin Tag Repair Kit
MOST PRECISE
For a truly precise tool, opt for this pen from LiRainhan. The device comes with several different tips to change out depending on the size of the skin tag you are trying to remove. To use, select the needle tip and adjust the level on the LCD to the appropriate setting and then proceed to apply the needle gingerly to the skin tag. Reviewers noted that it was mostly painless when removing tags, although they did notice a slight burning smell. LiRainhan’s removal pen comes with a USB charger for quick and convenient recharging for any future skin tag issues down the line.
15. Compound W Skin Tag Remover
BEST TARGETED ATTACK
The Compound W Skin Tag Remover is able to target your skin tags while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected by the effective treatment. It’s a dermatologist-proven method which freezes skin instantaneously. It also uses special TagTarget skin shields and a precision treatment tip. By adhering to the skin, the shields protect your unaffected skin, meaning it remains unharmed while the skin tag is treated and removed. This is both an easy-to-use and convenient answer to removing skin tags in the comfort of your own home.
16. Viburn Skin Tag Remover
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
This two-part skin tag removal system is made with an all-natural formula that’s free of harsh chemicals and designed to not burn your skin, even if you tend to be sensitive. Each pen is built for ease of use, making the application of the skin-tag-removing liquid simple. When used consistently, it should remove tags within seven days of the first application. The formula includes glycerin, honeysuckle extract, amaranthus extract and other ingredients that naturally remove tags and also soothe your skin in the process.
17. Natural Vine Skin Tag Remover Cream
GENTLEST METHOD
This Natural Vine Skin Tag Remover Cream uses a premium formula to remove your skin tags gently without scarring or burning your skin. It includes aloe, sophora and other herbal ingredients that are fast-acting and mixed to cause the tag to fall off naturally in around seven days. It’s a great alternative to surgery, intimidating tools or other formulas that burn and may leave a mark. Skip the discomfort and insecurity and let Natural Vine do the work!
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