Water-based inks tend to seep through paper and take longer to dry, so they are more likely to smear and get on your skin. [1] X Research source Roller ball pens and some gel pens are usually water soluble.

This same principal means that oils like coconut oil, baby oil, or olive oil will also help dissolve the ink. Pour some oil onto a paper towel and use it to scrub off the ink.

Look for toothpaste that isn’t see-through (or gelled) or sparkly. It should be an opaque paste and will often be white.

The oils in the tea, combined with the rough fabric of the bag, will work together to break down and lift the pen off your skin. [4] X Research source Don’t be too harsh when you rub the tea against your skin, or you may break the bag and spill tea leaves everywhere. [5] X Research source

Try not to use the rubbing alcohol in a small, confined space, as the smell is very strong. [8] X Research source Isopropyl alcohol and its fumes are extremely flammable, so don’t use it around an open flame or heat source. [9] X Research source The alcohol will also remove your body’s natural oils along with the pen, so you should moisturize after rubbing it on your skin.

The hairspray will leave behind a sticky residue, so once the ink has been removed, rinse your skin with soap and water. [12] X Research source Hairspray is highly flammable, so be careful when you are spraying it. You should never use it anywhere near an open flame.

Acetone can be very harsh on your skin, so use it sparingly and be sure to rinse your arm with soap and water and moisturize afterwards. The amount of alcohol in hand sanitizer varies. Look for one that is 60%-90% alcohol. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Using a rough paper towel will help exfoliate the skin,and remove layers of dead skin cells that are stained by the ink.