Alright, let’s talk about something nobody wants to talk about but everybody deals with at some point: skin tags.

You know those tiny, fleshy little freeloaders that show up uninvited on your neck, underarms, eyelids, or somewhere even more awkward (you know the place 👀)? They don’t hurt, but they’re annoying as hell. And they’re definitely not invited to the sleeveless party or that romantic shoulder kiss moment.

So naturally, I turned to what I trust most in this world… garlic.

Yeah. That same spicy little clove that turns pasta into heaven and your breath into a war crime? Turns out, it’s also your secret weapon against skin tags. Who knew?

Let’s dive in, because this is the most Italian home remedy you’ll ever use—and yes, you will smell like a walking pizza, but that’s a small price to pay for smooth, tag-free skin.

Why Garlic? Why Not Just Use a Laser or Whatever?

Great question, friend. The answer is simple: I’m broke, and I don’t feel like booking an overpriced dermatology appointment so someone can zap my little skin buddy off for $300. Also, I like my remedies like I like my food—natural, spicy, and slightly suspicious.

Garlic’s got this magical compound called allicin—basically the Chuck Norris of plant enzymes. It breaks down excess skin tissue, acts like a bouncer for bacteria, and helps your skin heal smoother than a pickup line in a Hallmark movie. It’s antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and just anti-annoying in general.

So yeah, garlic’s not just for vampires anymore.

Method #1: The Garlic Paste That Made Me a Believer

This one’s easy. Like, criminally easy. Here’s how I did it:

What You Need:

1 garlic clove (fresh AF)
A cotton pad
Medical tape or a bandage
A tolerance for smelling like an Italian restaurant

What You Do:

Crush that garlic like it owes you money.
Slap that glorious paste right onto the skin tag.
Cover it with a cotton pad and tape it down.
Leave it overnight and pray your partner doesn’t divorce you.
Rinse in the morning. Repeat for 3–5 days.

Around day three, my skin tag looked like it had seen the gates of garlic hell. Shrinking. Drying up. And by day five? That sucker just… disappeared. Like a bad ex. Didn’t even leave a note.

Method #2: Garlic + Apple Cider Vinegar = Double Trouble

You ever just know a recipe is gonna work because it burns a little going on? Yeah, this is that one.

What You Need:

1 clove garlic (again, fresh. No pre-minced jar nonsense)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Cotton ball
Bandage or tape

Instructions:

Mash up the garlic.
Mix it with that tangy ACV.
Soak a cotton ball, press it on the tag, and secure it like a little spicy band-aid.
Leave it for a couple hours (not overnight unless you’re hardcore).
Repeat daily.

This one hits differently. It’s got vinegar sting and garlic punch. My skin tag didn’t stand a chance. It shriveled faster than my willpower at a donut shop.

Method #3: Garlic Oil for the Sensitive Skin Club

If the above methods felt a little too intense for your precious baby-soft skin, don’t worry. You can still join the garlic cult with a chill version.

What You Need:

2 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons coconut or olive oil
A jar (bonus points if you feel like a Pinterest mom)

How It Works:

Crush garlic and mix with oil.
Let it sit for 24 hours to get all infused and fancy.
Dab a little oil on the skin tag once a day.
Wait patiently like a garlic-scented zen master.

This method is slow. Like, “watching paint dry in the rain” slow. But it’s gentle, soothing, and perfect for sensitive skin zones (or, you know, your face).

So… How Long Does This Take?

Depends on how stubborn your skin tag is and how consistent you are. Some people see results in 3 days. Some need 10. Me? About a week, give or take.

But one thing’s for sure: it works. No pain, no gross chemicals, no $500 laser appointments. Just garlic, tape, and a whole lotta faith.

Hold Up: Let’s Talk Precautions

Before you go turning your neck into a garlic crime scene, please consider the following:

Patch test first! Some people are sensitive to garlic and can get red, itchy, or feel like their skin’s throwing a tantrum.
Don’t use on broken skin – Garlic on cuts = instant regret.
Avoid your eyelids, unless you’re into spicy eye water.
Dilute if needed with coconut oil or aloe if things feel too intense.

Basically, don’t go full vampire hunter mode without thinking it through.

If Garlic Ain’t Your Vibe, Try These

Not ready to walk around smelling like an appetizer tray? That’s fair. Here are some other natural backups:

Tea Tree Oil – Smells like a spa and works slowly but surely.
Banana Peel – Weird flex, but the enzymes help break down the tag.
Aloe Vera Gel – Chillest of all. Helps heal and soothe the area gently.

Garlic’s still my MVP, but hey, everyone’s skin is different.

Final Thoughts: Garlic, Gross but Glorious

Is garlic a little stinky? Absolutely.
Did my boyfriend complain about the smell? Repeatedly.
Did I get the last laugh when my skin tag bailed on its lease and left town? You BET I did.

Natural, cheap, effective. Garlic is the little skin tag assassin hiding in your pantry. So if you’ve got a tag (or five) making themselves at home on your body, do yourself a favor—grab a clove, some tape, and channel your inner kitchen witch.

And if someone asks why you smell like bruschetta? Just smile and say:

“I’m exfoliating. Naturally.”