Curious to know how to remove a temporary tattoo without damaging your skin but got no steadfast methods? Well, don’t worry as you’ve landed on this page where we are going to discuss the best self-applied methods to remove a temporary tattoo without any hassles.
Temporary tattoos are immensely popular because of the fact that they are created to be transferred onto the skin and not underneath the skin’s surface and do not induce any pain. And since most people get bored over time, they prefer removing the tattoo and getting the new one. Also, temporary tattoos do not last for more than a week and will start fading once a week is over.
However, if you’re in a rush where you want to remove the tattoo even before it starts cracking up on its own, do not rely on your soap and water. I repeat, do not.
Reason? Because it simply doesn’t work. You will need a scrub or something hard to remove it.
How To Remove Temporary Tattoos Safely
Here in this article where we’re going to talk about every possible method to remove your temporary tattoo at home naturally. So let’s get started.

1. Use an oil-based remover
One of the most common methods to remove a temporary tattoo is via using an oil-based solution. They are mainly used for cleansing the skin and removing makeup as it works well in removing the outer layer without robbing your skin’s natural oils. You can get an oil-based remover easily available in the market.
However, if you are unable to find one or are in a little rush to know how to remove your temporary tattoo at home, you can go for the easily available oils at your homes such as olive oil, baby oil, or coconut oil. You can use any of them effortlessly and try removing your tattoo. Now let’s talk about how to use these oil-based cleansers-
- Apply some mixture to your tattoo.
- Rub it gently in a circular motion.
- Keep doing it and you will see that the tattoo pigments will start flaking off.
2. Try out an exfoliating body scrub
The other alternative is to try out an exfoliating body scrub that will not help in breaking off the particles of your temporary tattoo but will also remove your dead skin cell and stimulate the growth of new cells.
Although it is an uncomplicated and widely available thing that you can buy from any general store or even from a chemist, if you don’t find one, you can also make one on your own. Since most people prefer opting for a chemical way method, trying out these home-based exfoliating scrub mixtures will work-
- Take half a teaspoon of vanilla extract and add it to a scent.
- Try mixing a half cup of brown sugar and coffee grounds.
- Half a cup of ground oatmeal and brown sugar.
- Half a cup of olive or coconut oil.
- Now bind them all and apply.
Note- Make sure you aren’t allergic to any of the products used above before applying them to your body. If not, give it a go.
You need to ensure that whatever you’re using, be it a home-based scrub or a market one, you need to apply it on your tattoo in a circular motion and rub it for about 30 seconds and see if it is working. If not, then continue doing it for another 30 seconds.
3. Try a chemical-based remover
Honestly, we don’t prefer or encourage these chemical-based removers especially if you’re searching for how to remove a temporary tattoo from your face or from any sensitive part. But if your tattoo is a tenacious one and you have tried using other methods, giving it a try can surely be your savior. Some chemical products are made in a way that their combination can easily break up the particles of your tattoo and reduce the color in a jiffy.
Although there are many chemical-based products available, you should opt for the one that contains salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acid as they’re beneficial in boosting your skin’s cell turnover. Products such as nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, and hydrogen peroxide are some of the most common and widely available chemical-based removers for removing your stubborn tattoo.
For applying, make sure you rub it on your tattoo in a circular motion but with a soft cloth and not your fingers. Do this 5 times in an interval of 20-30 seconds (You can increase or decrease it as per the situation). Our preferred ones from the list are hair spray and rubbing alcohol-
- Rubbing Alcohol – Since it is an easily available product that does not do a lot of harm to your body, we prefer using that over others. It is undoubtedly a safe and highly effective method that you can even use for children. Note that if your tattoo area has cuts, do not apply it as it will cause you pain.
- Hair spray – If you’re a woman, hair spray is the day-to-day product that you use. It is also a comparatively more unassailable method than others. However, you need to spray the mixture on your tattoo and allow it some time to let it sit. Once it dries out, take a soft cloth and rub the tattoo until it starts fading. Once done, wash it with some warm water and apply some cream to it.
4. Apply some cold cream
Yes, you heard it right. Applying some cold cream can also aid in removing your tattoo because it contains oil and water both. Though you can use any, prefer using the one that contains fewer chemicals and more oils.

Once you have chosen your cold cream, apply a generous amount of cream on your tattoo and ensure that you cover the whole design. Once done, let it sit, and don’t disturb it until it soaks it all. It may take time till an hour to sit and once done, make sure you take a wet cloth and wipe away the extras. Laterwards, you can rinse it in running water and see if your tattoo starts fading.
5. Household tape
As weird as it sounds, using household tape can also do wonders if you are looking for a budget method. All you need to do is to take a large piece of tape and apply it to your tattoo. Once it sticks, remove it as you do with your wax strips.
Don’t expect the whole tattoo to come out once or twice. You must repeat the process 7-8 times or more as per your tattoo. Once you have completely taken it off, apply some cream to the place.
How to relieve your skin’s irritation after removing the tattoo?
If you were consistently scrubbing your skin for removing your temporary tattoo, getting some irritation or inflammation is common. Especially if you’re using some chemical-based product, you will have to face some skin-related inflammation and for that, you can try out these methods-
- Try applying a cool compress to that area and keep doing it for around 15 minutes. Make sure you do not scratch or rub it again.
- Try using substances like cucumber gel, coconut oil, or aloe vera gel on your skin and let it sit for some time. If your irritation doesn’t go, apply it twice a day and it surely will make a difference.
Wrapping up
These were some of the tried and tested methods to remove your temporary tattoo at home without damaging your skin. Since we have experimented with all of these methods, we’re sure that it is safe for your skin as well. However, you still need to be cautious if you have a sensitive skin type. Note that before applying any of the given methods, ensure that the products can go well with your skin otherwise it may cause some irritation.
If you have tried any of these methods, please comment below and let us know what worked best for you. Furthermore, if any of your queries is still unsolved, comment down and let us know in the given comment section.
FAQ
How to remove temporary tattoos at home?
There are plenty of ways to remove your temporary tattoo at home. You can try out the above-mentioned methods and see if it works for you.
Will coconut oil remove temporary tattoos?
Yes, oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, and baby oil are very beneficial for removing a temporary tattoo. All you have to do is to take some oil and gently apply it in a circular motion. Alternatively, you can also try out some above-mentioned scrubs that include coconut oil.
Does micellar water remove temporary tattoos?
Yes, micellar water can remove your temporary tattoo if it is not a stubborn one. Since micellar water is used to remove your makeup, it works well for removing your tattoo as well.
Can we use a temporary tattoo removal cream to remove a tattoo?
Although tattoo removal creams are meant to remove your tattoos, we do not recommend using them as they’re made up highly with chemicals. Alternatively, try out some home-based methods and if nothing works, then go for a tattoo removal cream.