Skin tags — medically called acrochordons — are small, soft, fleshy growths that hang off the skin. They are extremely common, typically harmless, and often appear in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, groin, under the breasts, or eyelids. Though they don’t cause health problems, many people find them annoying, uncomfortable, or cosmetically unappealing. dogpjs.com
Before exploring home remedies, it’s important to understand one key reality: there’s limited scientific evidence that any home remedy reliably removes skin tags. Many methods are anecdotal — meaning people report results, but medical studies haven’t validated them. Healthcare professionals typically recommend professional removal for safety and effectiveness, especially for larger tags or sensitive areas. Cleveland Clinic
This article reviews 12 popular natural remedies people use, what science says about them, how to try them safely, and cautionary advice where needed.
What Causes Skin Tags? (And Why They Form)
Skin tags develop when loose collagen fibers and blood vessels gather beneath layers of skin. Some common contributing factors include:
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Friction: Skin rubbing against skin, especially in body folds. dogpjs.com
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Weight changes: More folds increase friction. dogpjs.com
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Hormonal changes: Pregnancy may trigger them. dogpjs.com
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Genetics and aging: They become more common with age. dogpjs.com
Again, while harmless, any sudden change in size, color, or pain warrants professional assessment.
12 Popular Home Remedies (With Notes on Safety & Efficacy)
Here’s a breakdown of natural methods many people try — from apple cider vinegar to essential oils — along with context about their effectiveness and risks.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
What people say: ACV’s acidity is believed by some to break down the skin tag tissue over time. dogpjs.com
How to try: Soak a cotton ball in diluted vinegar, apply to the tag for 10-30 minutes daily, then rinse.
Reality check: There’s no scientific evidence showing ACV removes skin tags. Vinegar is acidic and can cause chemical burns, irritation, redness, and scarring, especially on sensitive skin. Healthline
Key caution: Avoid using ACV near the eyes or on delicate skin.
2. Tea Tree Oil
What people say: Tea tree oil’s natural antiseptic properties are believed to dry out skin tags. dogpjs.com
How to try: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil (like coconut oil). Apply with cotton twice daily for several weeks.
Evidence: There’s no clinical research proving tea tree oil removes skin tags. It may dry out the skin tag, but it’s not guaranteed. Healthline
Caution: Some people may develop irritation or allergic dermatitis.
3. Garlic Paste
What people say: Compounds in garlic may promote tissue breakdown. dogpjs.com
How to try: Crush fresh garlic into a paste, apply to the skin tag, cover with a bandage overnight, wash off in the morning.
Evidence: No scientific proof exists for garlic fully removing skin tags. It may irritate or burn skin, especially if left in contact too long. citydermatologyclinic
4. Banana Peel
What people say: Some claim banana peel enzymes help dry out the tag. dogpjs.com
How to try: Tape a piece of inner banana peel to the skin tag overnight and repeat nightly.
Reality: There’s no dermatological evidence supporting banana peels as an effective remove-tag method, though it’s unlikely to harm skin (unless you’re allergic). Healthline
5. Castor Oil & Baking Soda Paste
What people say: The mixture is a traditional remedy believed to dry out skin tags. dogpjs.com
How to try: Mix to a thick paste, apply once or twice daily.
Evidence: No clinical trials support this as an effective method. It may help the skin appear smoother but usually doesn’t detach skin tags.
6. Aloe Vera Gel
What people say: Aloe is soothing, so some apply it hoping to reduce tag size. dogpjs.com
How to try: Rub fresh aloe gel on the tag twice daily.
Evidence: Aloe’s benefits are better documented for hydration and wound healing, not skin tag removal.
7. Vitamin E Oil
What people say: As an antioxidant, vitamin E may support skin regeneration. dogpjs.com
How to try: Pierce a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil daily on the tag.
Evidence: No research supports vitamin E pulling off skin tags. It may benefit overall skin health but isn’t a removal solution.
8. Iodine
What people say: Anecdotally, iodine’s drying effect might help detach small skin tags. Medical News Today
How to try: With petroleum jelly protecting surrounding skin, dab iodine directly on the tag once daily.
Warning: Iodine can irritate skin and should be used with caution.
9. Dandelion Stem Sap
What people say: Traditional folk remedy involving milky sap from dandelion stems. dogpjs.com
Reality: No scientific evidence supports effectiveness, and sap may irritate sensitive skin.
10. Coconut Oil Massage
What people say: Some use coconut oil for general skin health. dogpjs.com
Reality: Coconut oil won’t remove a skin tag, but it may reduce irritation around friction points.
11. Oregano Oil (Diluted)
What people say: The antimicrobial properties are believed to help. dogpjs.com
Reality: As with tea tree oil, there’s no clinical proof that oregano oil removes tags. It can irritate undiluted skin.
12. Friction Reduction and Hygiene
More than a “remedy,” managing friction and irritation helps prevent new tags and reduces discomfort from existing ones. Keeping skin dry and wearing loose clothing reduces rubbing that can worsen skin tags or make them more noticeable. dogpjs.com
Important Safety Notes
❗ Home Remedies Lack Clinical Evidence
Dermatologists and medical institutions strongly caution that natural remedies are not medically proven to remove skin tags safely and effectively. Cleveland Clinic
❗ Risk of Irritation, Burns, or Infection
Many DIY treatments involve acids or strong substances that can damage surrounding skin, cause chemical burns, scarring, or infection. Healthline+1
❗ Misidentification Can Be Dangerous
Not all growths are skin tags. Some could be warts, moles, or other lesions requiring medical evaluation. Removing them at home can delay diagnosis of a serious condition, including skin cancers. Verywell Health
❗ FDA Warns Against Unapproved Products
The US FDA has issued warnings that no over-the-counter skin tag removal products are approved for safety or effectiveness — and some marketed removers can cause damage. Verywell Health
When to See a Professional
If you want your skin tag removed safely and quickly, dermatologists can perform reliable procedures such as:
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Cryotherapy (freezing)
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Excision (snipping with sterile instruments)
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Cauterization (burning)
These approaches minimize scarring, infection risk, and ensure correct diagnosis.
Final Thoughts
Natural home remedies for skin tags are widely discussed and frequently tried. While many people share personal stories of success with things like vinegar or essential oils, scientific evidence for these methods is lacking. Some can cause irritation, burns, or complications — especially if misused or applied to sensitive areas.
The safest way to remove skin tags is through professional medical treatment. But if you do try a gentle home method, be cautious, monitor your skin closely, and consult a healthcare provider if you notice pain, bleeding, or unusual changes.