What pens are safe to use on skin?

Author: Melvina Cassin III  |  Last update: Sunday, January 25, 2026

Sharpie Fine Point Markers are the safest pens to use on skin. Even with these pens, it's a good idea to avoid writing on the lips or near the eyes. King Size Sharpie, Magnum Sharpie, and Touch-Up Sharpie contain xylene, which is neurotoxic and may damage organs.

What pens can I draw on my skin with?

A sterile skin scribe marker pen is used for free hand drawing on skin. This pen is pre-sterilized and is ready for use right out of its packaging. It's recommended that you use a sterile pen if you intend to ink the skin after your free hand drawing.

What marker is safe to use on skin?

Sharpie Fine Point Markers are the safest pens to use on skin. Even with these pens, it's a good idea to avoid writing on the lips or near the eyes. King Size Sharpie, Magnum Sharpie, and Touch-Up Sharpie contain xylene, which is neurotoxic and may damage other organs.

Is it safe to write on skin with a pen?

No, writing with a pen in your hand is not harmful. Many youngsters do such ridiculous things when they are young, and it is fun to watch them doodle and try to erase it. Your skin will not be harmed, but make sure to immediately rub the lettering with water.

What pens can I use to safely for tattooing?

The most common brands include Sharpie (non-toxic), but specifically designed tattoo skin markers like Spirit Freehand Tattoo Markers or Electrum Stencil Markers are preferred for precision and longevity during the tattooing process.

Best Pens to Draw on Skin of 2025 [Updated]

What can substitute for tattoo ink?

There are several fun alternatives if you're not totally sold on permanent ink.
  • Temporary ink can help you test out different designs and styles. ...
  • Similarly, tattoo markers allow you to create your own temporary design. ...
  • Welded bracelets will give you the feeling of permanency without the long-term commitment.

Is Bic pen ink toxic on skin?

Ink is minimally toxic and can cause a mild upset stomach or stained skin/tongue if ingested. Avoid harsh scrubbing or chemical cleaners on the skin. Any stains should wear off in several days.

Are Sharpies safe for tattoos?

According to Sharpie's blog, markers that bear the ACMI "non-toxic" seal have been tested and deemed safe for art, even by children, but this does not include body art, such as drawing eyeliner, filling in tattoos, or making temporary tattoos. The company does not recommend using Sharpies on skin.

What can I use to draw on my skin?

A crayon or grease pencil is your best bet since there is not irritating solvent content. The Mistubishi® Dermatograph, like the name suggests, is perfect for marking on skin. it is a high quality grease pencil.

Are Crayola markers safe for skin?

Although our arts and crafts products are nontoxic, we do not recommend using them to make eyeliner, lipstick, or other makeup, and strongly discourage using them this way. Crayola art products were never intended to be used on the skin or face in this manner.

What pen stays on skin?

Skin Markers
  • Pack of 10 Skin Doodler Skin Surfer Pens. ...
  • Squidster Sterile Skin Markers - Dual Ended. ...
  • Viscot Sterile Surgical Skin Markers. ...
  • Squidster Non-Sterile Skin Markers - Dual-Ended. ...
  • Electrum Disposable Skin Markers - Violet (alcohol resistant) ...
  • Tombow Dual Brush Pen. ...
  • Pack of 5 Kyōdai Firm Tip Brush Pen.

Which marker is best for skin?

The results showed that Sharpie® W10 black, Dual Tip (Purple Surgical), and Easimark modern regular tip (Leonhard Lang) were the best performers across all skin types. Red pen should be avoided with betadine skin preparation.

What is the safest pen to use on skin?

A pen used for drawing on skin would be some sort of Gel pen. Afterwards, the ink from the Gel pen can be removed with alcohol (not the drinking kind), but isopropyl alcohol. Non toxic, or any type of washable marker would be good.

What are skin safe markers?

Cosmetic-quality BodyMark markers are specially designed to draw on skin so you can create fake tattoos. They come in a range of eight vivid shades: black, brown, red, pink, purple, blue, light blue, green.

What is the safest pen to draw on yourself with?

If you have to write or draw on your skin, look for a water-based felt pen with non-toxic ink.

What pen can I use on my skin?

Skin Safe Marker Pen(256)
  • Stargazer Semi-Permanent Tattoo Pen, Strong Color, Vegan and Cruelty Free Waterproof Skin Marker, Up to 24 Hours Temporary Tattoo Marker Pen 0.03 fl. ...
  • Viscot Mini XL Surgical Ultrafine Fine Tip Skin Marker Pen (10 Pieces) ...
  • Skin Companion Twin Tip Green Skin Marker Pen (1 Piece)

What can I use to draw something out of my skin?

Use tweezers cleaned with rubbing alcohol to remove the object. Use a magnifying glass to help you see better. If the object is under the surface of the skin, sterilize a clean, sharp needle by wiping it with rubbing alcohol. Use the needle to gently break the skin over the object and lift up the tip of the object.

What can I use to draw on skin before tattoo?

The Mini Surgical Marker provides the ideal solution for stenciling your art on the skin prior to tattooing. They're filled with traditional skin marking ink (Gentian Violet) and sized accordingly for single use and very economical!

Can I draw on myself with a pen?

Tattoo inks are specially formulated for use on the skin and undergo strict regulations to ensure safety. In contrast, regular pens and markers are not intended for prolonged skin contact. It's essential to differentiate between the two and use non-toxic ink for drawing on your skin.

What pen is safe to tattoo over?

Non-toxic Sharpies are considered safe for temporary skin marking. During the tattooing process, the needle picks up only the tattoo ink, leaving the surface marker ink behind.

What are non-toxic markers?

A good rule of thumb: if the label on a marker says “nontoxic” or does not say “permanent ink,” the ink is probably water-based. Not only are water-based varieties safer to use, they are easier to remove from the wall!

What can you use to write on skin?

Body Safe Markers(102)
  • BIC BodyMark Temporary Tattoo Marker, Black, 1-Count. ...
  • BodyMark Temporary Tattoo Markers, Color Collection, 6-Count Pack and Stencils. ...
  • BIC BodyMark Washable Temporary Tattoo Markers Medium Point Assorted Colors 8/Pack (MTBP81-E-AST)

What pen ink is safe for stick and poke?

Tattoo ink is the best, but non toxic india ink (such as Higgins, Speedball or Winsor and Newton) works well also. These are all easily available on the internet. Stay away from pen ink and inks that may be toxic.

Is it okay to write on skin with a pen?

Most pens contain chemicals that are toxic if ingested, and some of these chemicals can also be harmful to the skin. Pens can contain a variety of different chemicals, including alcohol, ammonia, and formaldehyde. Drawing on your skin with a pen can cause skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

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