Skin tags, also called acrochordons, are benign, soft skin growths that often appear on the neck, underarms, eyelids, or other folds. Though harmless, their appearance can be bothersome. If you prefer gentle, at-home remedies over medical procedures, here are several proven methods using natural ingredients:

1. Tea Tree Oil

How it works: Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and dries out skin tags gradually.

Method:

• Clean the affected area with soap and water.

• Apply a drop or two of pure tea tree oil to the tag, gently massage and let dry.

• Cover with a bandage.

• Repeat twice daily until the tag falls off (usually several weeks).

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

How it works: The acetic acid helps break down the skin tag tissue.

Method:

• Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar.

• Place on skin tag, secure with a bandage for 30 minutes.

• Remove, rinse area.

• Repeat daily for 1–2 weeks.

3. Castor Oil & Baking Soda Paste

How it works: This combination dries and shrinks the tag.

Method:

• Mix castor oil and baking soda into a thick paste.

• Apply to the tag, cover with a bandage.

• Leave overnight.

• Repeat daily until tag disappears.

4. Garlic Paste

How it works: Garlic’s enzymes break down the tag tissue.

Method:

• Crush fresh garlic and apply directly to the tag.

• Cover with a bandage.

• Leave on for 1 hour, then wash off.

• Repeat daily until it detaches.

5. Banana Peel

How it works: The antioxidants and enzymes in banana peel work to dry skin tags.

Method:

• Cut a small piece of banana peel.

• Place the inside part directly on the tag.

• Tape or bandage and leave overnight.

• Repeat nightly until the tag falls off.

6. Vitamin E Oil

How it works: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that rejuvenates skin and helps the tag dry out.

Method:

• Apply a drop of vitamin E oil on the tag and massage gently.

• Cover with a bandage, leave on overnight.

• Repeat daily.

Tips For Safe Home Removal

• Always wash hands and area before and after treatment.

• Never forcefully scratch, twist, pull, or cut a skin tag.

• If you see redness, swelling, pain, or bleeding, stop treatment and consult a doctor.

• Avoid application near the eyes or sensitive areas.

• For facial tags, use the gentlest remedies (Vitamin E or apple cider vinegar, but not garlic).

When To See A Doctor

• If the skin tag is large, painful, changes color, or bleeds.

• For tags in sensitive locations.

• If you’re uncertain about the growth type.