TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid)

TCA is generally used as a skin peeling agent. It is used in the presence of health care providers and has the potential to cause excessive trauma to the skin if too much of it is used. In the 1970s, a study was conducted using TCA to remove tattoos. While it did work for the most part, there were and still are substantial risks to using this ingredient to remove a tattoo.

Even though most TCA products are watered-down, it is still dangerous to use this ingredient to remove a tattoo at home. Remember, that this ingredient is still an acid and works by essentially dissolving layers of skin. Eventually, the tattooed layers of skin will rise to the surface and fade away. However, many of those that have used TCA have reported substantial scarring over the area where their tattoo is.

The only other topical tattoo removal option is to use a tattoo removal cream. These products in conjunction with an exfoliating pad or device bring the tattooed layers of skin closer to the surface while prohibiting new skin from developing color. Over time, they can fade and help erase unwanted tattoos. These tattoo removal creams are the least expensive way to remove a tattoo, but they also take the longest. However in addition to being inexpensive, the are also the least risky and least painful to fade a tattoo at home.