Buzz
Super glue is a very strong adhesive that can be difficult to remove from your skin. However, you can use household items like nail polish remover or Vaseline to help remove it. If the glue sticks to sensitive areas like your lips or eyelids, it is advisable to consult a doctor before attempting to remove it yourself.
Steps
Use Nail Polish Remover
Select the right type of nail polish remover. Acetone is the active ingredient in nail polish removers that can dissolve super glue. Make sure to choose a remover that contains acetone for this method to work.
- Check the label of the nail polish remover bottle. Acetone is usually listed at the beginning of the ingredient list.
- If your remover doesn’t contain acetone, you can try another method or buy one with acetone. These products are available at most general stores, or you can buy acetone at hardware stores. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when using acetone.
Apply nail polish remover to the glued area. Acetone-based nail polish removers are safe to use on small areas of skin, but you should avoid applying it near your eyes or mouth. Use a cotton swab or paper towel to apply the solution to the area with the glue.
- Nail polish remover can damage the surface of tables and furniture. If you're working on a desk, protect the surface with a cloth. It’s best to perform this task over a sink.
- Do not use nail polish remover to remove super glue from sensitive areas like your eyelids or lips.
Peel off the glue once it has dissolved. After a few minutes, you should notice the glue turning white and beginning to peel off. At this point, you can gently start to peel the glue from your skin.
- If the glue isn’t coming off easily, you can use a nail file to help remove it. Be careful when using the file to avoid accidentally filing off a layer of skin. Stop immediately if you feel pain.
Try using common household and bathroom products
Wash the glued area with warm water and soap. Super glue can gradually come off your skin if you wash it with warm water and soap repeatedly. Use regular tap water and soap. Soak the glued area in a sink with warm soapy water.
- Try peeling the glue off after soaking it.
- If the glue doesn't come off on the first try, you may need to wash it several more times. You may need to continue washing with soap and water a few times to fully remove the glue.
Use petroleum jelly (Vaseline). You can rub Vaseline onto your skin to remove super glue. This method can also help prevent skin damage from the glue. If you don’t have Vaseline, you can buy it at most pharmacies. Some lip balms also contain petroleum jelly. If you have lip balm, check the label to see if it lists petroleum jelly as an ingredient.
- Apply Vaseline to the glued area for a few minutes.
- The glue will begin to peel off as you rub it. Continue rubbing until all the glue is removed.
- After removing the glue, wash your hands with soap and water to remove any residue of glue and petroleum jelly.
- You can also try using orange marmalade. The acid in oranges can help dissolve the glue.
Try using vegetable oil. Soak a piece of cloth or paper towel in vegetable oil and rub it onto the glued area. The glue will begin to peel off within a few minutes.
- If you don’t have vegetable oil, you can substitute it with almond oil or baby oil.
Use WD-40. WD-40 is a penetrating oil that can help remove super glue from your skin. If you have it available, you can try using it to dissolve the glue. Spray the oil onto a paper towel and press it against the glue for a few minutes. Remove the towel and check if the glue comes off.
- You can also try using a silicone-based cleaner.
Use hand lotion. Rub a small amount of hand lotion onto your skin. Any type of hand lotion will work. Keep rubbing until the super glue starts to peel off.
- Similar to petroleum jelly, hand lotion can also help restore moisture to your skin. This method can prevent skin damage caused by contact with super glue. If you have dry skin, this may be the best method for you.
Warnings
- Super glue can be harmful if it comes into contact with sensitive areas of your skin. If the glue touches your eyes or mouth, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Instead, consult a doctor for safe removal.
