Are you looking for skin tag removal products to help with skin tags in your armpits, on the side of your neck, around your eyes, and elsewhere on your body? There is no need to be concerned.
The best over the counter skin tag removal products, creams, and kits work fast to safely and effectively remove these small imperfections from your skin.
The Cause of Skin Tags
Scientists are unsure of why skin tags appear. The most plausible explanation is that they form on the skin due to friction. It stands to reason given where they form. That said, friction is not the only factor. Genetics, hormones, pregnancy, and obesity can also lead to this condition.
Although nobody is sure of the exact cause, we do know which top rated products for the removal of skin tags really work. Some utilize the healing powers of essential oils while others are pharmaceutical or involve proven techniques for removing a skin tag quickly. The only thing that you need to decide is which method you want to use to get rid of skin tags at home.
Removing Skin Tags at Home
We aim to make the process of removing your skin tags at home as simple as possible. Therefore, we’ve put together a comparison table that contrasts the features of each OTC skin tag removal product. Before exploring the table, we recommend that you scrutinize the factors that are the most important in reaching a decision.
What Makes A Good Skin Tag Remover?
There are many ways of removing skin tags at home. With so many skin tag removal products on the market, it can be hard to make the right decision. Many companies make bold claims about being the best skin tag remover product on the market or what their products can do for your skin, but they aren’t always truthful or accurate.
Here are the factors to consider when you want safely remove a skin tag at home yourself:
- Quick results: Choose a product that is easy to apply (or use) and removes a skin tag fast. There are single-application treatments available that get results almost instantly. You won’t have to wait months for your skin tags to go away entirely.
- Simple to use: The best skin tag products should be safe and straightforward to use at home without the need for any medical training. For example, if you’re using skin tag removal products near the eyes, you don’t want to apply a runny or overly thick liquid.
- Natural: You may prefer a product that is derived from plant or mineral extracts, such as tea tree oil for skin tag removal. There are loads of natural treatments being touted as a cure for skin tags, but most of them don’t work.
- Don’t cause any pain: Depending on how sensitive you are to pain, it may be worth choosing a treatment that is painless (or only causes mild irritation). Extra care needs to be taken when treating particularly sensitive areas, like the groin region, penis, and anus.
- Affordability: Obviously, at-home skin tag removers are cost-effective when compared to seeing a doctor or dermatologist. Pricing does vary based on the option that you select, but there are many products for removing skin tags that cost just $20 to $40.
- Low risk of scarring: Choose purpose-made skin tag removal products to remove skin tags safely and not cause long-term damage to your skin. Make sure that you adhere to the instructions and follow any advice on aftercare (if applicable).
You’ll find an assessment of the criteria (in the table below). Click the “Buy on Amazon” button to get the latest pricing info, read customer reviews, find out how it works, etc.
Do Wart Remover Products Work on Skin Tags?
Although products may be specifically marketed as wart removal products, they may also be able to effectively remove your skin tags as well. For example, Dr Scholl’s Freeze Away specifically says it is to get rid of warts, but it is another over the counter product to remove skin tags as well.
Skin tags are just benign growths and are very closely related to warts but are not harmless and are not viral as warts can often be. The primary ingredient you will find in an over the counter wart remover product such as the one mentioned above is salicylic acid.
While there is no factual evidence proving that salicylic acid is the best for skin tags, anecdotal evidence suggests that it is a popular and effective way to remove skin tags at home.
Essential Oils for Skin Tag Removal
For more natural remedies to remove skin tags, essential oils are another popular choice. In fact, some over the counter skin tag removal products do contain a small amount of essential oil.
Tea tree oil is by far one of the most popular essential oils used for skin tag remedies, and this is due to the antiviral and antifungal properties that can be found when you use this natural remedy.
Best Over the Counter Skin Tag Removal Products
| OTC Product: | Pricing Info | Works: | Speed: | Simplicity: | Safe: | Value: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Buy on Amazon | 9.5/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | $$$$$ |
 | Buy on Amazon | 8.5/10 | 5/10 | 7/10 | 10/10 | $$$$ |
 | Buy on Amazon | 7/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 5/10 | $$$ |
 | Buy on Amazon | 6.5/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 5/10 | $$ |
 | Buy on Amazon | 6/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | $$$ |
- Keep reading for extra information on the treatments (above). We’ve expanded on each of the products that remove skin tags in more detail and included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages.
Why Do People Want to Remove Skin Tags?
People remove skin tags due to the way they look. They are benign but can look ugly. Most appear in locations where they cannot be seen in public, such as the armpits, anus, and groin. Unfortunately, some will form on the face and around the eyes, which can be irritating and embarrassing.
The problem is made worse when many skin tags appear in a cluster in the same area. This often happens to the neck and around the eyelids. Some people (and parts of the body) are more prone to this skin condition than others.
Skin tags can catch or rub against clothing and jewelry. This can lead to physical irritation, infection, and bleeding.
Our Top 7 Skin Tag Removal Recommendations
1. TagBand Device
[two_third_first]When you want to know how to remove skin tags at home, the TagBand skin tag removal device is one of the best options.
The idea behind it is based on the oldest way of removing skin tags: tying them off using thread so that the tissue dies and falls off. The problem with ligation is that it’s inconsistent; you have to tie the thread just right and leave it undisturbed for it to work. Things are now so much easier with these over the counter removal options.
The TagBand Device is a complete skin tag removal kit, not just a band. It comes with a unique applicator and several strong elasticized bands. Using the applicator, stretch the band and place it around the skin tag. The TagBand applicator makes the process much more straightforward than tying it off on your own.[/two_third_first]
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Once the band is in place, it will take only 7 to 10 days for the skin tag to fall off. First, the tissue of the skin tag will change color, becoming purple or black. This is a natural reaction as the tissue dies. Other than a slight tingling sensation at the outset, the process is painless.
- The process only needs to be carried out once. It’s a set-and-forget treatment, so it’s ideal for people who lead hectic lifestyles.
- You will get fast results. The average time it takes for your skin tag to drop off is approximately one week. And, of course, results are permanent, as skin tags don’t grow back.
- It’s much cheaper than paying for your skin tag to be removed by a dermatologist.
- The TagBand Device is far easier to use than trying to tie off skin tags with string.
- It’s safer to use and much more hygienic. You’re unlikely to experience any infection or irritation during or following the removal process
- You can remove up to ten skin tags with one kit. You can also buy more bands at a reduced price (should this be necessary).
What Are the Cons?
- The TagBand Device only comes in two sizes. The Tagband skin tag removal device is for medium and large-sized skin tags. The Micro TagBand is intended for smaller-sized skin tags. You need to select the right device based on the size of your skin tag. If you get this wrong, the band won’t be secured tightly enough, so it won’t work.
- Despite the applicator, some areas of the body can be difficult to reach. You may need assistance from someone before releasing the band.
- It’s not suitable for those tiny skin tags because the band won’t form a sufficient seal.
- Micro TagBand works by stopping the skin tags blood supply and results can be seen within days
- The included cone is placed over the skin tag with the removal device pushing off the band
Read Our Review of the TagBand Device!
2. Apothecary Tea Tree Oil
[two_third_first]Tea tree oil is an essential oil which is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternifolia plant. It is a pale, clear liquid with a strong smell. Although it’s toxic if consumed, it has many beneficial properties and can work wonders for your skin.
Apothecary tea tree oil works by drying out the skin over many weeks so that the skin tag eventually shrinks and falls off. So, if you’re looking for more all-natural remedies to remove your skin tags, tea tree oil is the safest of the skin tag removal products.[/two_third_first]
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Like any other topical ointment, tea tree oil is applied directly to the area. It’s recommended to combine it with other oils, such as grapeseed oil. This is because it is surprisingly strong and can irritate the skin (for some people) after repeated applications. The grapeseed oil acts as a carrier oil and safely dilutes the essential oil enough to be used safely on the skin.
What Are the Pros?
- Tea tree oil is beneficial for the skin, which is why many cosmetics brands use it in their products.
- It’s all-natural. You don’t need to worry about your skin coming into contact with chemicals. This means that there is no risk of scarring.
- It can be used to treat many skin tags and lasts a long time. It’s excellent value for money.
What Are the Cons?
- Tea tree oil can irritate the skin, so it’s a good idea to dilute it slightly with a carrier oil.
- It’s poisonous if consumed, so keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
- Skin tag removal with tea tree oil is not instant – it requires regular applications (up to three times daily) and can take 6 to 12 weeks to work.
- Pharmaceutical grade, highly versatile essential oil
- Use to make your own shampoo, lotion, tea tree oil soap, body wash, toothpaste
Read Our Review of Apothecary Tea Tree Oil!
3. Pristine Wart & Mole Vanish
[two_third_first]Wart Mole Vanish by Pristine is a cream which can be used to remove all sorts of skin growths, including warts, moles, and syringoma. Although it doesn’t have ‘skin tag’ in the name, it can be used to remove them.
It’s a unique product that works by inducing the natural cauterization of skin cells. It achieves this in one 20-minute application, though some larger growths may require a second application.
Unlike using a cauterization tool, Pristine Wart Mole Vanish is a herbal cream. It’s made from all-natural ingredients such as lemon, fig plant, and cashew plant.[/two_third_first]
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It’s easy to apply, and the kit contains everything you need to remove skin tags on the face, neck, eyelids, and more at home – the cream itself, an antibacterial solution, cotton swabs, and applicator sticks.
The amount you get in this bottle is enough for 2 to 5 larger skin tags or 5 to 25 smaller ones, so it’s an excellent value for the money.
What Are the Pros?
- Wart Mole Vanish is 100% natural as it’s derived from plants.
- It’s quick and easy: 90% of skin tags will be successfully removed with one rapid treatment, so there’s usually no need to reapply.
- Your skin tags will be gone in as little as 20 minutes
- It’s less expensive than having your skin tag cauterized by a dermatologist.
What Are the Cons?
- As it uses cauterization, there is a chance that Wart Mole Vanish will produce a blemish or scar if you pick off the scab too early. You may wish to cover up the area with a band-aid to prevent the scab from becoming dislodged.
- Even though you only need to apply the cream once and the skin tag will be gone in twenty minutes, the scab will take a week or two to fall off
- The skin tag removal cost is higher than the other leading OTC remedies.
- JUST ONE 20-MINUTE SINGLE APPLICATION - Pristine Herbal Touch Wart & Mole Vanish removes 2-5 large growths or 5-25 smaller growths with one kit. Read the instructions fully and start the removal process with our one, 20-minute application process.
- FAST & EFFECTIVE MOLE AND SKIN TAG REMOVAL - One, 20-minute application is normal in most circumstances. No daily application of creams, oils or acids! Check out our before and after photos to see examples of real people who have removed unwanted moles, warts, and skin tags.
Read Our Review of Pristine Wart Mole Vanish!
4. HaloDerm Advanced Mole and Skin Tag Remover
[two_third_first]HaloDerm Advanced Mole and Skin Tag Remover is another cream that is similar to Wart Mole Vanish. This one is marketed for removing skin tags and does the job very well. It comes in the form of a small tube, with enough cream to successfully remove up to 5 skin tags.
The cream’s two main active ingredients are naturally derived; these ingredients are zinc chloride and Sanguinaria Canadensis extract (commonly known as bloodroot).[/two_third_first]
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It does have some inactive ingredients including a preservative. The product boasts that it can remove skin tags in as little as 8 hours, after one application – though this does vary depending on the size of the skin tag.
What Are the Pros?
- HaloDerm Advanced Mole and Skin Tag Remover is easy to use, and quick to apply.
- Skin tags will usually be removed 24 hours after application, but you’ll still need to wait for the skin to heal and return to its natural color before the healing process has been completed.
- The tube contains enough cream for up to 5 skin tags or up to 5 applications. The handy tube means that it can be stored away for the future if you just have the one growth to treat.
What Are the Cons?
- When applied, the cream can cause a slight stinging or burning sensation. Be careful not to get it on any healthy skin. If you do, wash it away without delay.
- It also doesn’t come with an antibacterial solution to prevent infection, so you’ll have to buy that separately.
- If you disturb the scab before the healing process has completed, there is a risk of scarring.
- #1 SKIN TAG REMOVER & MOLE REMOVER - Unlike most other treatment methods, HaloDerm TARGETS THE ROOT of your skin tag or mole and removes it for good.
- FAST & EFFECTIVE HOMEOPATHIC FORMULA - This cost-effective method provides incredibly fast results. We know moles and skin tags can be annoying, bothersome & even embarrassing at times. We created this formula with the goal of helping people feel & look their best! In most cases, skin tags and moles will fall off naturally within 7 - 10 days.
Read Our Review of HaloDerm Advanced Mole and Skin Tag Remover!
5. BuyNaturally Skin Tag and Wart Remover
[two_third_first]BuyNaturally has produced another homeopathic treatment created using only natural ingredients, and it comes in the form of a paste. Many of the ingredients are the same as the HaloDerm cream, such as bloodroot and zinc oxide.
However, the BuyNaturally cream has another vital ingredient: Thuja Occidentalis, which is extracted from an evergreen tree. This is used in other favorite OTC skin tag removers, such as Revitol skin tag remover.
Unlike the HaloDerm cream, BuyNaturally provides everything that you need for application in one skin tag removal kit: cotton swabs, adhesive bandages, and after-healing cream.
It also comes with an applicator spatula for the skin tag removal cream, roughing needle, and emery boards. However, the emery boards should only be used to remove warts and not for skin tags.[/two_third_first]
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The paste in this removal kit is quick to apply, and only one or two uses are needed for skin tag removal. After the initial application, your skin tag could fall off in as little as two days. The skin will recover gradually over the next few weeks.
What Are the Pros?
- It is an all-natural product, but it still cauterizes the skin.
- Small skin tags usually only require one application to be removed.
- The skin tag removal kit contains everything you need to get the job done from start to finish.
What Are the Cons?
- Because of the nature of the paste, it can be quite tricky to apply without getting any on the surrounding skin. This can cause a burning or stinging sensation.
- The paste causes the skin tag to scab over. If you disturb the scab, scarring can occur.
- 100% Natural Homeopathic Remedy Skin Tag Remover
- Complete Skin Tag & Wart Removal Kit Comes with Everything You Need to Remove Skin Tags & Warts
Read Our Review of BuyNaturally Skin Tag and Wart Remover!
6. Kungber Mole Removal Pen
[two_third_first]Although advertised as a mole removal device, the Kungber Mole Removal Pen is suitable for a wide variety of skin blemishes, such as warts and skin tags. It’s a relatively new product and works using cauterization to get rid of skin tags.
The pen itself is chargeable, and when switched on heats up. There are six strength levels to choose from, and two interchangeable needles – a smaller one for small freckles and a larger one for skin tags, warts and moles.[/two_third_first]
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The device works by burning the skin tag off. To use, switch the device on, wait for it to heat up, and gently sweep it over the area. You may feel a stinging sensation, though this should not last for long.
After use, the skin tag should scab over, and fall off within a few days. It may be necessary to repeat the procedure for larger skin tags.
What Are the Pros?
- The device is rechargeable via USB, so you don’t need to worry about changing out batteries or plugging it in.
- Skin tags are removed quickly, with the same method of cauterization used by dermatologists.
- There’s no need for repeated use of creams or ointments.
What Are the Cons?
- As far as skin tag removal products go, this device can be slightly painful to use. You may choose to purchase a numbing cream.
- As with all forms of cauterization, there is a risk of scarring. Also, it’s not suitable for extremely large skin tags.
- MORE EFFECTIVE THAN EVER: SkinPro EXTREME Skin Tag Remover packs the power of pure Salicylic Acid, in the highest concentration available in the market, to bring about permanent, fast & targeted skin tag removal, mole removal & wart removal
- ADVANCED FAST ACTION: SkinPro Skin Tag Remover is formulated specifically to penetrate & correct even the most stubborn skin tags, moles & warts from the root up; Advanced Mole Remover for unprecedentedly fast results
7. Compound W Freeze Off Wart Removal System
[two_third_first]Again, don’t be put off by this product being sold as a wart remover – you can also use the Compound W Freeze Off Wart Removal system for freezing off skin tags. It works through the process of cryotherapy, which means it freezes off your skin tags using liquid nitrogen.
Exposing your skin tag to extreme cold causes the cells to die. So, once you apply the product, your skin tag will start to turn black, and eventually fall off. If your skin tag is tiny, it could fall off in a few days. Larger skin tags may take several weeks.[/two_third_first]
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Most skin tags will only require one quick application, though for large skin tags you might need to apply it once more. The product is straightforward to use and comes with a precision tip so that it doesn’t touch the rest of your skin.
What Are the Pros?
- Compound W Freeze Off uses liquid nitrogen to freeze off skin tags, but it’s still cheaper than visiting a doctor.
- It’s simple to use and takes seconds to apply. Usually, only one application is necessary
- Scarring is extremely rare.
What Are the Cons?
- You might experience a slight stinging feeling after the application; however, this sensation does go away. The treated area usually feels sensitive for a few days.
- Although it’s easy to use, if you accidentally apply Compound W Freeze Off to your healthy skin, it may sting.
- Easily and effectively remove plantar warts in as little as one treatment in the convenience of your home
- Tip targets the wart and not the skin
Read Our Review of Compound W Freeze Off Wart Removal system!
Is Skin Tag Removal Covered By Insurance?
The procedure is not usually covered by insurance or Medicare because it is not considered a medically necessary procedure; it is more cosmetic. As we pointed out, skin tag removal products are usually used at home and done so for aesthetic reasons. That being said, your insurance may cover the cost if your skin tags have led to a nasty infection.
You will be able to get skin tags removed by a doctor under your insurance plan if a biopsy is required. For example, if further medical checks are needed to make sure that you don’t have malignant melanoma. That is a genuine medical concern and would be covered.
The same applies if your skin tag is really large. Some continue to grow until they reach the size of a grape (or larger), which can be uncomfortable. Skin tags of such a large size may affect your quality of life. Your insurance may cover their removal if that applies.
Bear in mind that everyone is different, and all skin tags and skin growths are different. What treatment works for one person might not work for you.
Nevertheless, with so many excellent options (not all of them are available at Walgreens, Walmart, and CVS) out there. You’re bound to find the best over the counter skin tag removal product. We recommend the TagBand Device.
- Micro TagBand works by stopping the skin tags blood supply and results can be seen within days
- The included cone is placed over the skin tag with the removal device pushing off the band