Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags: A Simple, Honest Guide

Some people use apple cider vinegar for skin tags.  Skin tags are tiny, harmless growths that tend to show up in the most inconvenient places — the neck, underarms, eyelids, and anywhere skin rubs together. They’re not dangerous, but they can be annoying, especially when they snag on clothing or become irritated. Because of that, many people look for easy at‑home options and end up hearing about Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags as a natural remedy.

Before trying anything on your skin, it helps to understand what skin tags are, how this method is supposed to work, and what risks come with DIY treatments. This guide below breaks everything down in a friendly, straightforward way so you can decide what’s right for you.

If you want a simple breakdown of how ACV works in general, my main Apple Cider Vinegar guide explains its most common uses and benefits.

What Skin Tags Actually Are

Skin tags are small pieces of soft tissue made of collagen and tiny blood vessels. They often appear where skin folds or rubs, and they’re extremely common. Most people get at least a few in their lifetime. They’re harmless, but if they bother you, it’s understandable to want them gone.

That’s where the idea of using Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags comes in — a simple, inexpensive option people hope will shrink or dry out the tag.

Why People Try Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags

Apple cider vinegar is acidic, and that acidity is the main reason people believe it may help. The theory is that the acid slowly irritates the tissue of the tag, causing it to darken, shrivel, and eventually fall off. It’s a method shared often online, even though scientific research on it is limited.

Some people swear by it. Others see no change at all. And some end up with irritated skin instead of a removed tag. So it’s important to know what you’re getting into.

o see the many ways people use ACV beyond skin care, you can read my guide on what apple cider vinegar is good for.

How People Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags at Home

Most DIY methods follow the same basic steps:

• Clean the area gently with mild soap and water.
• Dip a cotton ball or swab into diluted ACV.
• Apply it directly to the skin tag.
• Either hold it there for a minute or secure it with a bandage.
• Repeat once or twice a day.

When using Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags, some people notice the tag darkening over time. Others don’t see much change. And if the skin around the tag becomes red, sore, or blistered, that’s a sign to stop immediately.

What This Method Can and Can’t Do

It’s important to keep expectations realistic. Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags may help dry out a small tag, but it’s not guaranteed. It also won’t work on moles, warts, or any growth that isn’t a true skin tag.

If you want a broader look at skin wellness overall, Everyday Health offers helpful, expert-reviewed information.

And because ACV is acidic, it can irritate the skin around the tag more than the tag itself. That’s why some people end up with redness or a small burn instead of results.

If you’re curious about the broader advantages of ACV, I break them down in my Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits article.

Safety Tips Before Trying Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags

Even though this method is popular, it’s not risk‑free. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Always dilute ACV. Full‑strength vinegar is too harsh for most skin.
• Avoid sensitive areas. Eyelids, lips, and intimate areas should never be treated at home.
• Stop if it burns. Stinging is normal, but pain, blistering, or swelling means the skin is irritated.
• Don’t pick at the tag. This increases the risk of infection.

Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags should never cause severe discomfort. If it does, it’s not the right method for you.

When You Should NOT Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags

Some people should avoid this method completely. That includes anyone with:

• Diabetes
• Poor circulation
• Slow wound healing
• A history of keloid scarring

These conditions make even small skin injuries riskier. In these cases, using Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags could cause more harm than good.

Many women use ACV for skin, wellness, and daily routines, which I cover in my Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for Women guide.

What If It’s Not a Skin Tag?

Not every bump is a skin tag. Some growths look similar but need medical evaluation. If a spot is changing, painful, bleeding, or looks unusual, it’s best to get it checked before trying any home remedy.

This is especially important if you’re considering Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags on your face or anywhere near your eyes.

Alternatives to Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags

If you’re unsure about using ACV, there are other options:

• Leave it alone. If it’s not irritated, you don’t have to remove it.
• Over‑the‑counter products. Some are designed specifically for skin tags.
• Professional removal. Quick, clean, and usually inexpensive.

Professional removal is the most reliable option. It’s fast, and you’ll know for sure that the growth is harmless.

Is Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags Worth Trying?

It depends on your skin, your comfort level, and the location of the tag. Some people get results. Others get irritation. And some see no change at all. If you decide to try it, go slowly, dilute the vinegar, and stop at the first sign of irritation.

Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags can be tempting because it’s simple and inexpensive, but it’s not a guaranteed fix. There may be other ways to remove skin tags. Knowing the risks helps you make a safer choice.

FAQ: Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Tags