Brand Partner ContentAlthough skin tags are painless growths that will do just fine if left alone, they can often get stuck in clothing or jewelry and cause pain and discomfort.
They’re also not very nice to look at, which is why people are constantly finding new ways to remove them. While there are a few home remedies you can use to remove pesky skin tags, they don’t always work.
One of the most effective ways to get rid of these skin growths is to use a special skin removal cream that will do the job quickly, effectively, and painlessly. After trying out several products, we found the following to be the most effective at skin tag removal:
1. SkinPro Skin Tag Corrector and Mole Removal Cream
This skin tag remover is our number one choice because it contains 25 percent salicylic acid and has been specially formulated to penetrate the skin to target skin tags and moles from the root up. It is also very easy to use and comes with a handy applicator for effective skin tag targeting.
The product currently contains the highest concentration of salicylic acid on the market and has proved to be one of the most effective ways to remove skin tags permanently!
2. Instaderm Mole and Skin Tag Remover and Corrector
This easy-to-use product uses salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin until the skin tag falls off. It will also help keep your skin healthy, so skin tags won’t recur. The solution incorporates salicylic acid with tea tree oil, a potent essential oil that has been used as an effective treatment for skin tags and other growths.
We will discuss these products in greater detail later in this article, but first, let’s talk about what a skin tag is and whether you should be worried if you see one.
3. SkinPro Skin Tag Corrector and Mole Removal Pen
If you’re looking for a more convenient skin tag removal solution, the SkinPro Skin Tag Corrector and Mole Removal Pen is a fantastic option. Thanks to the convenient applicator, you won’t need to get any product on your fingers.
In addition to salicylic acid, this skin tag removal pen also includes glycolic acid, so you get a double punch in a small, travel-sized bottle!
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags or acrochordons are noncancerous growths that commonly appear in the folds of the skin. They tend to appear in the armpits and groin area but can also form on the face, particularly around the eyelids. Unwanted skin tissue begins to form when collagen fibers become embedded in thicker parts of the skin, ultimately becoming a skin tag.
In many cases, a skin tag will fall off on its own but could persist for several years. You won’t need to treat skin tags since they aren’t harmful and are essentially just extra skin. However, they can be pretty annoying, which is why people go to great lengths to remove them.
Do not confuse skin tags with other conditions such as moles, skin cancer, warts, and certain skin disorders, which can look similar.
Why Do Skin Tags Form?
A skin tag is formed when the body produces too many cells in the upper layers of the skin. As we’ve already mentioned before, they form in the skin’s folds and regions where the skin may rub against itself due to movement.
The older you get, the more likely you are to get skin tags, and you may also be prone to skin tag formation if you have a family history of them.
Furthermore, certain illnesses, such as obesity, diabetes, and some skin conditions, such as Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome, could also be reasons for skin tags. If you are pregnant, high levels of growth factors could also cause them to form.
You will typically find skin tags in the following parts of the body:
- Armpits
- Neck
- Thighs or groin area
- Eyelids
- Genitals
- Underneath the breasts
Dermatological Skin Tag Removal Methods
If you want to remove skin tags quickly, you could use a dermatological removal method. Here are some of the treatments your health care professional may use to help you get rid of your skin tag:
Cauterization
Cauterization or burning is the process of removing a skin tag from its base using electricity or chemicals. This treatment helps prevent infection and bleeding by sealing the incision.
However, if you choose this route, keep in mind that it does pose a risk of scarring, burning, and damaging healthy skin.
Excision
This method involves using a very sharp scalpel to cut skin tags. A chemical compound is applied to the incision after the tag has been removed.
Smaller skin tags can be removed by excision since this method poses a risk of bleeding and infection. You should never try to cut off a skin tag at home, as you could cause serious damage to your skin or infect the area.
If removing skin tags using this method leads to lots of bleeding and a large wound, you may need stitches.
Cryosurgery or Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy or cryosurgery involves using low temperatures to remove skin tags with liquid nitrogen. Keep in mind that it usually takes up to 10 days for the tag to fall off when you use this method. It could work for larger skin tags, and you can purchase a cryotherapy kit over-the-counter to remove a skin tag yourself at home.
Ligation
Another method that dermatologists often use is tying a suture around the base of the skin tag. Since these skin growths are just skin cells, they’ll need a blood supply, so by doing this, the blood supply to the skin cells in the tag is cut off, which causes the skin cells to die and the tag to fall off.
Home Remedies for Removing Skin Tags
Skin tags rarely require medical attention or a trip to a doctor, so you won’t need to subject yourself to the scary methods mentioned above to have skin tags removed.
It might be possible to eliminate a skin tag using products that are already in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet. The majority of at-home treatments include drying out the growth until it eventually falls off.
Some at-home remedies can also be bought at a pharmacy. It is important to bear in mind that these home remedies won’t remove skin tags overnight, and you will need to watch for allergic skin reactions. Home remedies require patience and perseverance! If skin irritation occurs, stop the treatment immediately and seek medical attention.
We’ll walk you through the most effective ways to destroy unwanted skin tissue and remove a skin tag in the section below.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
You can eliminate skin tags using acidic substances, and apple cider vinegar is a good acidic home remedy to try. It will break down the skin that surrounds the skin growth, causing it to fall off.
Soak a cotton ball in the apple cider vinegar and apply it to the affected area to use this natural treatment. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before washing the area. Do this once a day until the growth falls off on its own.
2. Garlic
Another natural skin tag remover is garlic. It works as a powerful anti-inflammatory to improve your skin’s appearance. Crush a clove of garlic and apply it to the skin tag. You can wrap it in a bandage overnight for faster results. Repeat this process until the growth falls off.
3. Tea Tree Oil
When mixed with a carrier oil, tea tree oil is safe to use on the skin, and anecdotal evidence has proved that it is effective at treating skin tags. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antiviral properties and has been used for decades to treat many skin conditions.
To use this remedy, ensure that the affected area is clean. Apply the diluted tea tree oil by either soaking a cotton ball in the oil and leaving it on the tag for 10 to 15 minutes or applying the oil generously and leaving it on overnight, covering the area with a bandage. Repeat until the skin tag falls away.
4. Skin Tag Removal Bands
A skin tag removal band shuts off the blood flow to the skin tag’s base. Because they don’t have a blood supply, these skin cells die, which causes the tag to slip off. The process of removing a skin tag by cutting off its blood supply is referred to as ligation.
5. Iodine
Research suggests that liquid iodine can be used to eliminate skin tags. However, there is very little supporting evidence for this.
Anyone interested in trying must first apply coconut oil or petroleum to the surrounding skin. After that, wet a Q-tip in iodine and apply it to the skin tag. Cover the tag using a bandage until the iodine dries.
6. Banana Peel
Yes – you read that correctly! Next time you eat a banana, don’t throw away the peel. Banana peel has antioxidant properties, and it can be used to dry out a skin tag, ultimately causing it to fall off.
Simply apply the banana peel to the affected area and cover it in a bandage. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight to enjoy the full benefits. Repeat the treatment every day or night until the tag falls off.
7. Freezing Kits
As mentioned before, healthcare practitioners utilize liquid nitrogen to remove excess skin tissue, which is referred to as cryotherapy. This form of therapy uses low temperatures to get rid of unwanted skin tissue, and you can purchase an over-the-counter skin tag removal kit from a pharmacy.
Temperatures between 58 and 4 degrees Fahrenheit are required for removing noncancerous growths. When selecting a kit, check the temperature specification and apply petroleum jelly to the surrounding skin before using the kit to prevent healthy skin from being damaged.
8. Skin Tag Removal Creams
Some skin tag removal creams include several helpful remedies from the list above. They can help you remove a skin tag by exfoliating the skin cells, ultimately causing the skin tag to fall off.
This is an excellent method to try if you don’t want to be wrapped in a bandage overnight or apply smelling apple cider vinegar or garlic to your skin. These creams are scientifically formulated and use ingredients like salicylic acid that effectively remove skin tags.
It is also a safer way to remove a skin tag since there is no incision to cause infection. Skin tag removal creams are also one of the most cost-effective ways to remove these skin growths.
Should You Cut Skin Tags at Home?
It’s often tempting to clip or cut off your skin tag. However, you should only do this with the permission of your doctor since infection can set in. You will also need to ensure that the skin has been cleaned well before attempting this.
Bear in mind that while this method delivers the immediate joy of skin tag removal, it is the most uncomfortable and painful way to remove a skin tag. Cutting off tags can be especially dangerous for those who have bleeding disorders or take blood thinners.
Moreover, cutting or clipping larger tags can result in bleeding, and skin tags on sensitive areas like the genitals or around the eyes should never be removed using this method.
What Does Skin Tag Removal Cost?
If you have a large skin tag on your face or somewhere conspicuous, you may have considered cosmetic surgery to have the tag removed. What does it cost to have skin tags removed?
Skin tag removal typically costs an average of $150 in the US, and since it is a cosmetic procedure, insurance won’t cover the cost.
However, if you’d prefer to use a skin tag removal cream, you can expect to pay an average of $32. The skin tag removers on our list of recommendations are priced as follows:
- SkinPro Skin Tag Corrector and Mole Removal Cream – $33.97
- Instaderm Skin Tag and Mole Remover and Corrector – $32.87
- SkinPro Skin Tag & Mole Removal Pen – $30.97
How to Choose an Effective Skin Tag Remover
If you want to remove skin tags safely, we recommend using a skin tag remover. With just a simple application, you can use these creams to effectively target multiple skin tags at once. We’ve used the following factors to help us determine which products are the most effective, and you should also keep this in mind when selecting a skin tag remover.
1. Look for Salycylic Acid
When choosing an effective skin tag remover, remember that the best skin tag removers include salicylic acid.
This powerful ingredient will help to exfoliate the affected area. Since skin tags are just skin cells, this deep exfoliation will ultimately cause them to dry up and shrink before finally falling off.
We recommend looking for products that contain a 25 percent concentration. This is enough to remove the skin tag effectively without causing damage to the skin.
2. Tea Tree Oil
As mentioned before, tea tree oil has been used to treat skin conditions for decades. Since it is so effective at removing bacteria and treating acne, experts believe it can be an effective treatment for skin tags and may even help prevent skin cancer.
While tea tree oil may or may not work on its own, adding it to salicylic acid offers a double punch, increasing the effectiveness of this natural remedy. Your skin will also thank you since it offers so many skincare benefits!
3. Affordability
Another essential thing to consider when choosing a skin tag remover is the cost. Many products that claim to be effective at removing skin tags simply don’t live up to these claims, and after spending a small fortune, you’re still left with stubborn skin tags.
This is why we took special care to choose products that are just as cost-effective as they are effective.
4. Ease of Use
The truth is that most of us have busy lifestyles and simply do not have the time to crush up garlic or sit around waiting for a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar to do its thing.
We also understand that using a skin tag removal band or freezing kit may not be the most practical solution, either, since you could have trouble treating skin tags in awkward places with this method.
This is why we recommend skin tag removal creams that pack a good punch, don’t break the bank, and offer a convenient and effective way to remove unwanted skin growths.
5. Effectiveness
One of the most important things we look at when reviewing skincare products is whether they actually work. Many products look good on paper and may even perform well in lab settings but do not do well in the real world.
This is because everyone is different and with their own unique characteristics. Some people have dry skin, while others have oily skin. Others still have combination skin, so to be effective, a product will have to cater to the needs of all skin types.
It will also have to actually remove the skin tag because that’s why you’re buying these products, right?
However, the truth is that no skin tag remover has ever been medically reviewed or approved for use as an effective treatment for removing skin tags, but this does not mean that they do not work.
A great way to find out how effective a product really is is to look at customer reviews from real customers who have tried and tested the product. The products on our list of recommendations have received an impressive number of positive reviews from people who had their skin tags removed with a topical remedy!
6. Quick Results
Another essential factor to consider is how long the product takes to remove the skin tag. You should never have to wait months for a skin tag remover to work! We were careful to select great products with a proven track record of getting rid of skin tags in just a few days.
7. Painless Treatment
One of the primary reasons people turn to skin tag removal creams is that they don’t want to experience any pain. Because, after all, skin tags are still a part of your skin! Keep in mind that some products could cause scarring and burns, so choose one that uses natural ingredients and is suitable for sensitive areas.
With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the best skin tag removers that you can try at home.
The Best Skin Tag Removers – Three Effective At-home Remedies
In the section below, we’ll give you more information about the skin tag removal products we mentioned at the beginning of the article. With our products on hand, you won’t need to suffer through excision or watch as your physician burns you with freezing liquid nitrogen!
SkinPro Skin Tag Corrector and Mole Removal Cream – Best Overall Skin Tag Remover
Because it uses the highest concentration of salicylic acid available in a skin tag removal product, this skin tag remover is an effective way to eliminate unwanted skin tags by targeting the tag from the root.
How Does It Work?
SkinPro Skin Tag Corrector and Mole Removal Cream is a convenient skincare product that contains 25 percent salicylic acid that has shown a lot of promise in removing unwanted skin.
By exfoliating the skin, salicylic acid essentially breaks down the cells in the skin tag and removes them. This causes the skin tag to be removed quickly and effectively without having a cosmetic procedure done.
Before using the product, the company recommends washing the skin well with warm water. Next, apply two coats of skin tag removal cream using the ultra fiber brush included. Repeat this process twice a day until the tag falls off.
Since this product targets and breaks down skin cells, you will need to exercise caution when using it. Never apply it to healthy skin. You could also apply petroleum jelly around the skin tag before applying the product to prevent the surrounding skin from being damaged.
What We Liked About the Product
We loved the fact that this product is so easy to use. All you need to do is apply a small amount of the cream to the affected area twice a day and watch the magic work!
Furthermore, the product is very effective and has removed skin tags for thousands of people! It currently contains the highest concentration of salicylic acid on the market, which is the reason for its success.
This skin tag removal cream is also one of the most affordable products we’ve come across, which is a plus!
SkinPro Skin Tag and Mole Removal Pen – Most Convenient Skin Tag Removal Cream
The SkinPro Skin Tag and Mole Removal Pen, another great product from SkinPro, is a convenient solution to your skin tag woes! It offers the benefits of two great products and a moisturizer to keep your skin looking and feeling great.
How Does It Work?
There are three main ingredients in this skin tag removal pen. One of the main ingredients is salicylic acid, which exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells, while the other, gluconic acid, essentially breaks down the “glue” holding cells together. The final ingredient we’d like to talk about is squalane.
This naturally-derived compound occurs naturally in the skin and functions as a natural moisturizer for the skin. However, it is also found in rice bran, olives, and sugarcane. When you use this product, you get an all-in-one solution to quickly and effectively remove skin tags and replenish any oils the other ingredients may have removed.
What We Liked About the Product
We were impressed with the ingredients used in this skin tag removal pen. The truth is that for a tiny bottle, you get a quick and easy-to-use product that has proven to be an effective way to get rid of skin growths.
It also comes with a handy applicator that is easy to use, and because it has a creamy formula, it won’t drip. Moreover, unlike the other options on our list, you won’t need to apply two coats of the product, as it is a potent formula.
Instaderm Skin Tag and Mole Remover and Corrector – Best Two-in-one Product
Unlike the other products on our list, Instaderm Skin Tag and Mole Remover and Corrector is an oil-based product. It uses a double-action solution to quickly, easily, and painlessly remove skin growths.
How Does the It Work?
Instaderm Skin Tag and Mole Remover and Corrector contains two substances that target and remove skin tags. The first is salicylic acid which eliminates unwanted skin cells, causing the skin tag to shrink and ultimately fall off.
In addition to salicylic acid, the product also contains tea tree oil, an essential oil with powerful antimicrobial properties. This means that while the salicylic acid breaks down the skin cells and removes them, the tea tree oil will kill bacteria in that area that could cause an infection.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties that will reduce any redness and swelling in the area, and it’s also great for removing skin growths like skin tags, so you get double the action in one great product!
To use the skin tag remover, clean the area to be treated with warm water and pat it dry. Use the ultra fiber brush to apply two coats of the product. Repeat twice a day until the skin tag falls off.
What We Liked About the Product
This product offers a much safer and cost-effective alternative to cosmetic treatments. Instaderm is easy to use and provides the benefits of two great products in one! It is also very easy to use, and you can expect to see results in just a few days.
Customers have also taken to Amazon to talk about their experience with the product. We found that many verified buyers were able to successfully remove their skin tags using Instaderm Skin Tag and Mole Remover and Corrector.
The Bottom Line
No one likes having skin tags and if you want to remove them, there are several ways to do so.
The first option you can try is a home remedy. This involves preparing and applying a natural substance every day. In many cases, you will need to allow the treatment to sit overnight.
Unfortunately, the treatment must often continue the treatment for weeks, if not months in many cases, which isn’t just inconvenient, but there is also no guarantee that it will work after you put in all that effort.
You could also try dermatological removal methods. These involve cutting off, burning, or suturing the growth. While they may offer quick results, they are often painful and could cause scarring.
Lastly, you could choose a skin tag remover containing salicylic acid, a potent compound that exfoliates the skin to remove skin tags safely. These products are specially formulated to target and remove skin growths.
However, not all products are created equal, and many lose the hope of painless skin tag removal after spending thousands of dollars on products that simply don’t live up to their claims.
Fortunately, we have done the hard work for you to bring you three great products you can trust!
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