Why Can I Rub Off My Temporary Tattoo?

Temporary tattoos are a fun and inexpensive way to visualize your body’s potential appearance. Sugar and oil scrubs are the most common method of removing stubborn tattoos, with brown sugar being particularly effective. Other household chemicals, such as hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, and acetone-based nail polish remover, can also be used to break up and remove temporary tattoos.

To remove temporary tattoos, apply baby oil or rubbing alcohol to the tattoo, concentrating on the edges. Olive oil, coconut oil, or any other carrier oil can also be used. If needed, use a mild soap and a soft cloth, sponge, or fingers to gently rub the tattoo in a circular motion. This process may take a few minutes and may need to be repeated if needed.

Oil-based removers are effective because most temporary tattoos are waterproof. Soapy water will not help break them down. To remove temporary tattoos, wet a paper towel wetted with warm water and hold it over the tattoo. Use baby oil or rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball to gently rub and remove the tattoo.

Dermatologist Onyeka Obioha recommends using an oil-based moisturiser, such as baby oil or petroleum jelly, rubbing alcohol, mineral oil, or vegetable oil. When the silicone gets wet, the ink and sticky material stick to the skin instead. Dampen the skin area with the temporary tattoo using lukewarm water to soften the skin and make the exfoliation process more efficient.

The top answers for removing temporary tattoos include alcohol, baby oil, goo gone, and hand sanitizer. While hand sanitizer did remove more of the goo, it was not as effective as other methods.