Home Remedies for Skin Tags: Evidence, Safety, and Best Practices for At-Home Removal

Separate fact from fiction: A comprehensive guide to at-home skin tag removal methods, their safety, and effectiveness.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Oct 4, 2025

Separate fact from fiction: A comprehensive guide to at-home skin tag removal methods, their safety, and effectiveness.

Skin tags — small, benign growths on the skin — are extremely common and generally harmless. While they can occur anywhere, they are most frequently found in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, eyelids, groin folds, and under the breasts. These growths are medically known as acrochordons.

Many people seek easy and accessible ways to remove skin tags at home to improve cosmetic appearance or comfort. However, not all remedies are safe or supported by research. This in-depth guide explores the most popular home remedies, considers scientific and medical perspectives, outlines risks, and provides guidance on safe skin tag management.

Related: Natural Remedies for Skin Tags

Understanding Skin Tags
Common Home Remedies for Skin Tag Removal
Evidence for Non-Pharmaceutical Remedies
OTC and DIY Removal Methods
What Not To Do: Risks and Dangers
Medical Perspectives: When to See a Doctor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion

Understanding Skin Tags

Skin tags typically appear as soft, small, flesh-colored or slightly darker growths that hang off the skin by a thin stalk (pedunculated). They are not cancerous and do not turn into cancer. The exact cause of skin tags is unclear, but factors may include friction, insulin resistance, obesity, genetics, and hormonal changes (such as those during pregnancy).

Most people develop at least one skin tag in their lifetime.
Skin tags are painless but can become irritated by clothing, jewelry, or shaving.
They are often a cosmetic concern rather than a medical one.

Common Home Remedies for Skin Tag Removal

Many widely circulated remedies claim to naturally dry out or remove skin tags. The sections below detail the most popular options, how they are used, and what is currently known about their mechanism and effectiveness.

Tea Tree Oil

How it is used: Tea tree oil, derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, has antiviral and antifungal properties. To attempt removal, people typically dilute it with a carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil), then apply to the tag using a cotton swab, covering the area with a bandage overnight. This may be repeated nightly for several days up to several weeks.

Purported mechanism: Believed to dry out the growth due to its astringent nature.
Evidence: Mostly anecdotal; no robust clinical studies support its efficacy for skin tags. However, it is generally safe for most people if diluted and not ingested or applied near the eyes.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

How it is used: ACV is applied by soaking a cotton swab, placing it over the tag, and securing it with a bandage for 10–30 minutes, then removing and washing thoroughly. This is often repeated daily until the tag darkens, shrivels, and potentially falls off.

Purported mechanism: The acidity may break down skin tissue.
Evidence: No scientific studies confirm ACV removes skin tags. ACV can cause skin irritation and even burns, so use extreme caution.

Banana Peel

How it is used: Place a small piece of banana peel over the tag, secure with a bandage, and leave overnight. Repeat nightly until results are seen.

Purported mechanism: Antioxidants and enzymes in the peel are believed to dry out the tag.
Evidence: There is no scientific research confirming effectiveness, but this method is generally harmless unless allergic to bananas.

Vitamin E Oil

How it is used: Apply liquid vitamin E directly to the tag and massage gently. Some suggest covering with a bandage and repeating daily.

Purported mechanism: Antioxidant properties promote skin health, possibly aiding in reduction.
Evidence: No research demonstrates it will lead to removal, though it is unlikely to harm skin when applied topically.

Crushed Garlic

How it is used: Fresh garlic is crushed, applied to the tag, and covered with a bandage overnight. The area is washed thoroughly in the morning.

Purported mechanism: Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects may benefit skin health.
Evidence: Evidence is anecdotal only; garlic can irritate or burn sensitive skin and may even cause contact dermatitis.

Iodine

How it is used: Carefully dab liquid iodine onto the tag with a cotton swab, taking care to protect the surrounding skin (using petroleum jelly or coconut oil as a barrier). Repeat twice daily.

Purported mechanism: Iodine may destroy localized skin cells.
Evidence: No clinical studies support this approach; risk of irritation or allergic reaction is present.

Other Popular Anecdotal Remedies

Lemon juice: Sometimes dabbed on the tag for its astringent properties, but unproven and potentially irritating.
Castor oil and baking soda paste: A homemade mixture occasionally cited in folk remedies, with no clinical foundation.

Evidence for Non-Pharmaceutical Remedies

Most home remedies target the gradual drying and eventual necrosis (death) of skin tag tissue so it will fall away. However, none of the common natural home remedies — including tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, banana peel, vitamin E, or garlic — have been validated by controlled clinical trials for skin tag removal. Their effectiveness remains largely anecdotal, and potential side effects (skin irritation, burns, allergic reactions) must be weighed.

Remedy	Evidence	Risks/Side Effects
Tea tree oil	Anecdotal only	Skin irritation, especially if undiluted or used on sensitive skin
Apple cider vinegar	Anecdotal only	Can cause burning, irritation, or chemical burns
Banana peel	No scientific evidence	Generally safe (except for allergies)
Vitamin E oil	No scientific evidence	Unlikely to harm skin when used topically
Garlic	Anecdotal only	Possible skin irritation or burns
Iodine	Anecdotal only	Contact dermatitis or allergy

OTC and DIY Removal Methods

Several over-the-counter (OTC) and do-it-yourself removal options exist, some with a stronger scientific foundation than others:

Removal Bands and Patches

These kits use a tiny rubber band or patch to cut off blood supply to a skin tag (ligation method), causing it to wither and fall off within days or weeks. This technique is more supported for external, pedunculated (stalked) tags but may cause discomfort or local irritation.

Make sure the band fits only the tag and does not constrict surrounding tissue.
Not suitable for large or multiple tags, or tags on sensitive areas (face, eyelids, genitals).

Removal Creams

These topical products are designed specifically for skin tags or warts. Most work by drying out the tag over 2–3 weeks. Many contain plant extracts, while some include salicylic acid (not recommended for sensitive skin as it can be harsh).

Follow package instructions carefully and do not use on broken skin.
Avoid strong acids if you have a history of skin sensitivity or allergy.

Cryotherapy (Freezing Kits)

At-home cryotherapy kits use substances like nitrous oxide or dimethyl ether and propane to freeze the skin tag, causing it to fall off within 10–14 days. This mimics in-office cryotherapy but is less potent and generally slower.

Often less effective than professional treatment; may require multiple applications.
Risk of freezing surrounding skin, which can lead to blistering or local damage.
Protect surrounding skin with petroleum jelly before use.

Cutting or Snipping

Some people attempt to cut off a skin tag with clean scissors or nail clippers after numbing the area. This DIY method carries the greatest risk of bleeding, infection, and scarring. It is NOT recommended without professional guidance.

Never attempt on large tags, tags with a broad base, or in sensitive areas.
Clean instruments thoroughly, consider risk of infection and possible complications.

What Not To Do: Risks and Dangers

Do NOT use home remedies or chemical products on skin tags near the eyelids, genitals, or mucous membranes.
Avoid repeatedly traumatizing or irritating a skin tag, as this may lead to infection, scarring, or abnormal healing.
If a lesion bleeds, changes color, grows rapidly, or becomes painful, see a dermatologist for evaluation to rule out more serious skin conditions.

Medical Perspectives: When to See a Doctor

While most harmless skin tags can be managed at home, certain circumstances require professional input:

If the tag is large, multiple, in a sensitive area, or shows any concerning changes (bleeding, rapid growth, color change).
If there is a personal or family history of skin cancer.
If you are unsure if the lesion is truly a skin tag and not another skin condition (such as moles, warts, or cancerous growths).
If you have diabetes or a compromised immune system, due to higher risk of infection.

Doctors can offer several quick, minimally invasive procedures:

Professional cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen freezing)
Cauterization (burning off the tag)
Surgical excision (snipping)

Such in-office treatments are rapid and reduce the risk of complications or scarring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are home remedies for skin tags truly effective?

A: Almost all natural home remedies for skin tags (tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, banana peel, vitamin E, garlic) lack scientific proof, though anecdotal accounts suggest some may occasionally work. The most reliably effective at-home methods are ligation bands or professional-grade cryotherapy kits, though these also carry some risks.

Q: Is it safe to cut off a skin tag myself?

A: It is not recommended to cut or snip a skin tag at home due to risk of bleeding, infection, and scarring. Always consult a healthcare provider for removal, especially with larger or sensitive-area tags.

Q: Which skin tags should not be removed at home?

A: Avoid home removal for tags located on the eyelids, face, genitals, or mucous membranes, or for tags that are large, broad-based, or show atypical features (color change, rapid growth, pain).

Q: What should I do if a skin tag becomes red, swollen, or painful after a home remedy?

A: Stop the remedy immediately, keep the area clean, and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen. These may be signs of infection or adverse reaction.

Q: Will skin tags grow back after removal?

A: Once a skin tag is removed, it does not typically return. However, new tags can develop in prone areas due to ongoing friction or susceptibility factors.

Conclusion

Natural at-home remedies for skin tags are popular, but most are not supported by research and many have potential side effects. When seeking at-home care:

Prioritize gentle methods with the lowest risk of irritation or injury.
Avoid dangerous or untested DIY removal approaches, especially in sensitive areas.
Consult a healthcare provider for professional treatment and diagnosis when in doubt.

Skin tags are not a health threat, but safe and effective removal begins with informed choices.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete