Oregano Essential Oil for Removal of Skin Tags
Skin tags are tiny, harmless, soft bumps that often show up where your skin rubs together — like on your neck, armpits, or eyelids. Many people get them. They don’t usually hurt or cause problems, but many people want to remove them because they don’t like how they look.
Doctors can take skin tags off in a few ways — by freezing them, cutting them off, or using special creams. But lately, some people have been trying essential oils as a more natural way to help shrink or remove them.
Essential oils come from plants and are very strong, concentrated liquids that can have special effects — like fighting germs, calming redness, or helping skin heal. Some people believe certain essential oils might help skin tags dry up and fall off.
Scientists are still studying this idea, but a few early reports and small studies show that essential oils could be helpful.
Let’s look at a study that shows how oregano essential oils might help make skin tags smaller or even go away.
STUDY: Using Oregano Essential Oil to Remove Skin Tags
🌿 Study Introduction:
Scientists wanted to see if a special gel made with oregano essential oil could help make skin tags shrink and go away — instead of using surgery or freezing.
🧪 How the study was done (the basics):
The researchers created a topical hydrogel (a gel you put on the skin) that contains oregano essential oil from the plant Origanum vulgare.
They tested how stable and safe the gel was, and then they applied it to skin tags for 8 weeks and measured what happened.
They looked at how many of the lesions (skin tags) reduced in size or number and also looked at changes under the microscope (skin tissues) after treatment.
🔍 How much they used, how often, how applied:
The study gel delivered oregano essential oil topically (on the surface of the skin).
They used it daily for several weeks (8 weeks total treatment period) on the area where the skin tags were located.
The actual concentration of oregano essential oil in the gel and exact number of drops for each skin tag weren’t described in simple “drops” terms for each tag in the summary I saw — rather, they created a formulation and applied it as designed in the study.
✅ What they found — How Oregano Oil Helped:
After 1 month, the treated skin tags had reduced in number by about 20–30%. After 2 months, about 50% of the lesions had reduced (either in size or number).
Under the microscope, the skin tags that had been treated showed less thickness, fewer blood vessels, lower number of cells — which suggests the treatment was really changing the tissue of the skin tag.
The gel was shown to be safe for skin application (no big irritation issues) in the study.
📚 In simple language:
Think of a skin tag like a small bunch of skin that’s grown a little extra. The scientists used a special gel with oregano oil and had people put it on the skin tag every day for about 8 weeks. Over time, the skin tag got smaller, fewer in number, and the skin under it started to change so the tag was less bulky. It’s a natural alternative to cutting or freezing the tag off.
⚠️ Important notes (for safety and realism):
This study used a specific gel formulation designed for the research — it’s not just “drop some oregano oil on the skin and expect the same result.”
And although the results are encouraging (20-50% reduction after 1-2 months), it doesn’t say that all skin tags will disappear completely or that this method works for everyone.
Always use a carrier cream or base gel and patch-test for skin sensitivity — essential oils can irritate some people.
If a skin growth changes color, bleeds, grows fast or looks unusual, you should see a doctor — because sometimes what looks like a skin tag could be something needing medical attention.
Other Essential Oils Studied for Skin Tag Removal
Tea Tree Oil: Known for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil is one of the most popular choices for natural skin tag removal.
Frankincense Oil: Often used on sensitive skin, frankincense is valued for its gentle action on skin tags.
Lemon Oil: With its astringent properties, lemon oil can help dry out skin tags, but care must be taken to avoid sun exposure after application.
Lavender Oil: A milder option, lavender oil is beneficial for those with sensitive skin or who need a gradual approach to skin tag removal.
Safety Considerations and Tips
While essential oils have potential as natural remedies, it’s essential to use them safely. Here are some guidelines:
Dilution is Key: Essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil to avoid irritation.
Patch Test: Before applying any essential oil, perform a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any adverse reactions.
Avoid Sensitive Areas: Some areas, especially near the eyes, may be more sensitive to essential oils.
Consistency Matters: Essential oils work slowly on skin tags, so consistency and patience are crucial.
Conclusion
Essential oils offer a fascinating alternative to traditional treatments for skin tags. While they require patience and consistent use, they can provide a natural, non-invasive way to deal with these skin growths. However, results vary widely from person to person, and anyone interested in trying essential oils for skin tags should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s the right choice for them.
References
Bora L, Avram Ş, et al. Stability Profile and Clinical Evaluation of an Innovative Hydrogel Containing Polymeric Micelles as Drug Delivery Systems with Oregano Essential Oil against Fibroepithelial Polyps. PMC / NCBI. 2023.
Avram Ş, Bora L, Vlaia LL, et al. Cutaneous Polymeric-Micelles-Based Hydrogel Containing Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil: In Vitro Release and Permeation, Angiogenesis, and Safety Profile In Ovo. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2023;16(7):940. doi:10.3390/ph16070940.
Supplemental background on oregano oil’s properties: “What are the benefits of oregano oil?” from Medical News Today.