HOW TO GET PERMANENT MARKER OFF OF SKIN WITHOUT HARSH CHEMICALS
If you’re a parent raising sensory-seeking kiddos, you’re no stranger to arts and crafts mishaps. You set up a sensory play activity, realized you were out of washable markers, and grabbed the permanent ones instead. They’re basically the same thing, right? We’ve all thought… until our little ones are covered in permanent marker, and we’re scrambling for ways to get it off.
Hey, no harm, no foul! I’ve posted about how to get food coloring off skin, how to get slime out of hair, and how to get play-doh out of clothes. Trust me; I’ve been there. Now, if left alone, the marker will eventually fade with regular hand-washing and showering. But here’s the thing: kids have delicate skin, and permanent markers can cause irritation especially for little ones with sensitivities.
That’s why it’s worth having a few gentle, effective tricks up your sleeve for when the next arts and crafts project ends up on your kid’s arms… and legs, feet, hands, face you get it. Today, I’m sharing a guide on how to remove permanent marker from skin; no harsh chemicals or extensive scrubbing necessary!
How To Get Permanent Marker Off Of Skin Without Harsh Chemicals
Let’s be real: little ones love to color everything within reach, so it comes as no surprise when it ends up everywhere but their activity packs and coloring sheets. Typically, this is no big deal, as we often hand over the washable markers and leave the kids to their masterpieces. But when it's a permanent marker, how do we safely, quickly, and effectively clean it off without tears?
Whether you’re dealing with a tiny doodle or a full-blown Picasso painting, simple, gentle methods can be just as effective. But before we jump straight into the tips and tricks, let’s take a second to talk about why permanent markers can cause irritation and which materials are about to become your new holy grail.
Is Permanent Marker Bad For Your Skin?
Permanent marker isn’t designed for skin, so leaving it on isn’t ideal. Most permanent markers contain ingredients such as xylene, toluene, and other heavy solvents great for getting the ink to stick to surfaces but bad for leaving on skin. These ingredients often cause redness, dryness, irritation, and sometimes a mild allergic reaction.
Plus, because kids often put their fingers in their mouths or touch their hands to their faces, there’s a small risk of getting that marker in their eyes or ingesting residues from skin that hasn’t yet been cleaned. That’s why, ideally, you want to clean off the permanent marker as quickly as possible using safe, kid-friendly methods.
Can Permanent Marker Come Off Of Skin?
You can absolutely get permanent marker stains off skin no fancy or expensive products are required. While these markers are designed to cling to some surfaces (paper, plastic, metal), skin is a different story. With the right combination of gentle ingredients and a little bit of patience, it will be like it never even happened!
What Takes Permanent Marker Off Skin?
Olive Oil
Micellar Water / Makeup Remover
Whitening Toothpaste
Sea Salt + Water
If you’re in a pinch, you can also use rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, and alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Just keep in mind that these products are harsher on the skin, so use them with care!
How To Get Permanent Marker Off Skin
Baby Oil: I posted about this hack on my Instagram a while back, so check that out if you haven’t yet! Apply a small amount of baby oil to the stained area and gently rub it in. Wipe it away with a soft cloth and repeat as necessary until the marker is gone!
Coconut Oil: You’ll use this method just like you used the baby oil. Apply a small amount to the stained area, gently rub it in, and then rinse it off with warm water. Feel free to leave it on for a minute or two it’s totally safe to do so!
Olive Oil: Okay, I think you know how to use the oils for permanent marker removal… but let’s review it just for good measure! Apply a small amount of olive oil to a cotton pad, gently rub it onto the stain, and let it sit for a few minutes. After a bit of time has passed, rinse the olive oil off with warm water!
Whitening Toothpaste: For this hack, you want whitening toothpaste, NOT gel. Just squeeze a small amount onto the stain, gently rub it in a circular motion, and then rinse. Thanks to the baking soda, the marker comes off super easily!
Sea Salt + Water: This gentle scrub is fantastic for removing permanent marker from skin. Combine sea salt with a small amount of water, gently massage it onto the stained area, and rinse with water. Because it is exfoliating, avoid harsh scrubbing! Apply lotion when you’re finished.
Baking Soda + Dish Soap: Mix a few drops of dish soap with baking soda to create a paste. Apply it to the stain, gently rub it onto the area, and rinse with warm water when you're finished. Follow up with a moisturizing lotion!
No more harsh ingredients and rough scrubbing remove permanent marker from skin with these simple, gentle tricks!
With how often I incorporate arts and crafts into my kids’ daily routines, I’m no longer surprised when I see a little bit of permanent marker here and there and I bet you’re in the same boat! But removing permanent marker doesn’t have to feel like a chore all you need is the gentle ingredients and a good attitude!
If you want more cleaning hacks to keep in your back pocket, check out these posts:
And, if you’re ready for your little ones to start helping out around the house, don’t miss my posts on Clean-Up Games For Kids and How To Teach Your Kid To Clean Up After Themselves!
For more fun and imaginative independent play, pre-order our new book, Playful by Design! It’s a guide to transforming your home into a place of creativity and connection, igniting kids’ imagination, and fostering independence.
Check out the Mothercould blog for more engaging sensory play recipes! And, for more in-depth tutorials, helpful cleaning tips, and exciting activity packs, download the Mothercould in Your Pocket resource.