Do Tattoo Removal Creams Work? What the Evidence Says
Contents
- Do Tattoo Removal Creams Really Work?
- What Makes A Good Tattoo Removal System?
- Creams vs Peels
- Timeframe
- Ingredients
- Tattoo Removal Creams & Systems
- 1. ProFade 3-Step Tattoo Removal Cream
- 2. 50% TCA Home Skin Peel Kit
- 3. Tat B Gone Tattoo Removal System
- 4. Wrecking Balm Tattoo Fade System
- In Conclusion
- Sources
Tattoos are incredible forms of artwork that can both mean a lot and say a lot. However, in a fast-paced, ever-changing society it can be easy to to get caught up in a fashion whirlwind. Of course, our minds also change constantly.
If you have a tattoo that was once a beloved piece of art, but has lost some of its significance, or you simply don’t like it anymore, you may wish to remove it. You're not alone! Roughly 25% of people who get a tattoo come to regret one; a 2023 Pew survey put the figure at 24% of tattooed Americans.
The problem is, tattoos are designed to be permanent – the ink penetrating deep into several layers of skin.
They can be painful and difficult to remove with the help of a trained professional – and costly too!
That makes at-home creams tempting. They're sold as a way to minimize the appearance of your tattoo without laser sessions.
But do they actually work, and are they safe?
This article looks at what the evidence says and at four popular products.
Do Tattoo Removal Creams Really Work?
| Image | Model | Steps Involved | Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProFade 3-Step Tattoo Removal Cream | ProFade 3-Step Tattoo Removal Cream | 3 | 3 tubes |
| 50% TCA Home Skin Peel Kit | 50% TCA Home Skin Peel Kit | 1 | Bottle and gloves |
| Tat B Gone Tattoo Removal System | Tat B Gone Tattoo Removal System | 2 | 8 pots |
| Wrecking Balm Tattoo Fade System | Wrecking Balm Tattoo Fade System | 4 | Applicator, erosion head, gel, cream, concealer |
Many people will tell you that tattoos, unlike piercings and radical hair coloring, are irreversible.
For the large part, this is true. Whilst piercing and outrageous hair colors are quick and easy to alter when you decide you don’t like them anymore, tattoos take a lot more time and effort to reverse.
The truth is, a tattoo removal cream isn't a magic potion that you rub on to your tattooed skin and wake up with a clean slate.
The FDA has not approved any tattoo removal creams, ointments or do-it-yourself kits. It says it is not aware of any evidence that they are safe or effective.
These products work on the skin's surface, but tattoo ink sits deeper, in the dermis. The FDA warns they may cause rashes, burns or scars.
For most people, the realistic expectation from a cream is little or no fading. Any visible change usually comes from irritating or peeling the top layer of skin.
If you want a tattoo gone, talk with a board-certified dermatologist about laser removal. Below we review four popular at-home products so you know what you're buying.
What Makes A Good Tattoo Removal System?
No at-home system will remove a tattoo, and none is FDA approved. If you still consider one, these are the factors to weigh.
Creams vs Peels
Creams are usually milder, so they're less likely to irritate skin, and also less likely to change anything.
Acid peels are harsher. They can cause redness, blistering, chemical burns and scarring, especially at high strengths used at home without a professional.
Timeframe
There's no quick way to remove a tattoo. The FDA notes that laser removal takes multiple treatments a few weeks apart, and complete removal is not always possible.
Creams require daily use for months, often with little to show for it.
Ingredients
The active ingredients in tattoo removal creams are often harsh, and harsh ingredients raise the risk of burns and scarring.
Creams or systems that offer a several step process will often include a soothing balm or cream to help minimize irritation of the treated area. If you’re worried about redness or pain, these systems could work for you.
If you have sensitive skin or allergies, it’s best to check the ingredients carefully or, better still, consult with a medical professional.
Tattoo Removal Creams & Systems
1. ProFade 3-Step Tattoo Removal Cream
ProFade's maker says daily use over several months can reduce a tattoo's visibility. We could not find independent evidence to confirm that, and it is not FDA approved.
Results, if any, depend on the ink, the tattoo's age and how deep the ink sits.
Some users report skin reactions, especially when combining it with other skincare products.
ProFade isn’t suitable for tattoos on the face, particularly those near the eyes.
Larger tattoos will use up the product faster than smaller tattoos.
If you’re confused as to how the process works, and the part that each tube of cream plays, there’s a manual that comes with the products to help guide you through each step safely and effectively.
2. 50% TCA Home Skin Peel Kit
TCA (trichloroacetic acid) is a chemical peel that dermatologists use in controlled settings for some skin conditions.
It works by burning away layers of skin. That can make a tattoo look lighter, but it can also cause a chemical burn and permanent scarring.
The higher the percentage of TCA, the deeper and riskier the peel.
A 50% solution is a very deep, strong peel. At this strength, mistakes at home can cause serious burns, infection, scarring and changes in skin color.
We do not recommend using 50% TCA at home. Higher concentrations are even riskier.
In order to minimize damage, Q-tips, vinyl gloves and detailed instructions are included with your purchase.
These all help ensure the safe use of the 50% TCA, but are also an indication of just how dangerous the side effects can be when it isn’t used properly.
If you're considering a chemical peel, have it done by a board-certified dermatologist, not at home.
3. Tat B Gone Tattoo Removal System
Tat B Gone is a two-step at-home system that its maker describes as simple and pain-free.
Like other creams, it is not FDA approved for tattoo removal, and we found no independent evidence that it works.
Manufacturer’s claim that Tat B Gone is the simplest, most affordable and most convenient tattoo removal cream on the market. It’s gentle on your skin and is unlikely to cause irritation or further discomfort.
It’s easy to use. The fact that it can be applied in the comfort of your own home does make it very convenient.
In order to see any results, you need to follow the guidelines to the letter.
Application must be strict, twice each day, every day. Skipping a day can slow down the already slow process.
Results have been mixed, and some consumers may not see results for several months. Even then, it’s important to note that the tattoo may not be removed completely.
However, application is simple and for smaller, more recent tattoos the cream may prove quite successful and be relatively cost-effective.
Stop using it and see a clinician if you develop a rash, blistering or a burn.
4. Wrecking Balm Tattoo Fade System
Wrecking Balm is a complete fading system kit that’s easy to use to help fade your unwanted tattoo.
It takes daily dedication, and results are not guaranteed.
The system includes a Dermomatic Microdermabrasion Applicator, Erosion Head, Suffusion Gel, Hydravescent Cream and Branding Butter Concealer.
The maker says these steps increase skin cell turnover to speed natural fading. Abrading the skin does not reach the deeper ink, and over-abrasion can irritate or scar it.
Three minutes a day is all it takes, but even this may be too big of a commitment for some users to adhere to on a regular basis.
Like many other tattoo removal creams and systems, results will vary in their effectiveness as well as the timeframe in which they’re seen.
The included concealer is the most reliable part of the kit. It can hide your tattoo for events and special occasions, though it doesn't remove anything.
In Conclusion
If you've had a change of heart about your tattoo, the honest answer is that creams are unlikely to remove it. None are FDA approved, and the FDA warns they may cause rashes, burns or scars.
Laser removal by a trained professional is the main option. It takes several sessions, and complete removal isn't always possible.
Talk with a board-certified dermatologist about your tattoo, skin type and realistic results. For now, a good concealer can cover it for special occasions.
Sources
- Tattoo Removal: Options and Results, FDA
- Think Before You Ink: Tattoo Safety, FDA
- How many Americans have tattoos, why, and do they regret it?, Pew Research Center
