Tattoo removal cream: Does it work?

  • image.alt
  • With Mayo Clinic dermatologist

    Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.

    read biography

Mayo Clinic Health Manager

Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.

Get Started

Free

E-Newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

Question

Tattoo removal cream: Does it work?

Does tattoo removal cream really work?

Answer

from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.

Tattoo removal creams are widely available online. But there's no evidence that they work. At best, tattoo removal cream may fade or lighten a tattoo. The tattoo will remain visible, however, and skin irritation and other reactions are possible. Remember, tattoos are meant to be permanent. Because the ink is placed beneath the top layer of skin, complete removal of a tattoo is difficult. If you're interested in tattoo removal, don't attempt it on your own. Ask your dermatologist about laser surgery or other options for tattoo removal.

AN01735

Nov. 29, 2007

© 1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Text Size: smaller largerlarger