Some claim that home remedies, like lemon juice and aloe vera, can make moles fade, reduce their size, or remove them entirely. However, there is no research to support any home remedy for mole removal.

Most people have between 10 and 40 moles on their body. They are usually harmless but can sometimes become cancerous.

If a person has a cancerous mole, then health insurance will typically cover the cost of removal. However, insurance may not include the removal of benign moles, which is why some people may consider home remedies. Others may try home remedies because they do not want to see a doctor about a normal mole.

Anyone considering removing a mole using home remedies should talk with a dermatologist (skin doctor) beforehand.

Below are 14 home remedies for removing moles. It is important to remember that none of these remedies have been proven effective. Some may even be dangerous.

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The following methods are among the most popular methods of removing moles, but despite claims of their effectiveness, they are unproven.

Anyone attempting these remedies should follow instructions carefully and be aware of possible damage, irritation, and scarring of the surrounding skin.

1. Garlic

Some people believe that applying garlic to a mole for a period of time will cause it to diminish or disappear entirely. This is because garlic contains enzymes that may dissolve the cell clusters that cause the mole. Garlic can cause skin burns.

2. Castor oil and baking soda

Mixing castor oil and baking soda creates an ointment that may remove moles if applied for several weeks. The theory is that the baking soda dries out the mole, while the castor oil helps protect the skin.

3. Oregano oil

Oregano essential oil can be harsh on the skin and must be diluted with a carrier oil, such as castor oil. When applied a few times a day for several weeks, the combination of oils may help remove a mole.

4. Iodine

Using a specific concentration of iodine for several weeks may cause a mole to flake off. Iodine can burn, so a person should consider applying petroleum jelly around the surrounding area to protect the skin. What’s more, iodine is toxic, so a person should take great care when using it and never apply it to broken skin.

5. Lemon juice

Using lemon juice several times a day may bleach the mole, making it less obvious.

6. Tea tree oil

Tea tree essential oil is a well-researched essential oil best known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Some people claim that applying tea tree oil several times a day for a period will cause the mole to disappear. A person should take care when using tea tree oil, as it is potent and toxic if swallowed.

7. Potatoes

It’s thought that potatoes have a natural bleaching effect. Though the potato may not fully remove the mole, it may help fade it over time.

8. Flaxseed oil

Some studies indicate flaxseed oil contains properties that help with wound healing. People also use it to help get rid of dark spots and blemishes, including moles.

9. Frankincense oil

Frankincense essential oil reportedly has properties that help absorb oils and dry the skin. Proponents believe that when applied daily, the frankincense oil reacts with the mole, causing it to dry out, scab, and fall off.

A person should always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil (like sweet almond or coconut oil) before applying it to the skin.

10. Banana peels

Banana peels contain specific enzymes and acids that some people think can help remove a mole. One potential benefit of using banana peel on the skin is that it will act as a moisturizer.

11. Honey

Some studies indicate that honey has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Some believe that applying honey to moles will cause them to fade away within a few days.

12. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide reportedly has properties that will help remove moles when applied to the skin. It should be applied three to four times a day. A person should check with a pharmacist to find the type of hydrogen peroxide suitable for this purpose.

13. Aloe vera

Aloe vera contains many recognized skin-promoting properties. Some people believe that when used over time, aloe vera will help remove moles. A person must do an allergy test first, as it is possible to be allergic to aloe vera.

14. Coconut oil

Coconut oil may help with other skin issues, but no studies that indicate it can help remove moles. However, some people believe it will reduce the size of the mole when applied daily.

Nobody should use an at-home mole removal method in place of a medical assessment. It is important to note that home remedies will not effectively treat a cancerous mole.

Anyone with a suspicious-looking mole or who wants to remove a mole must see a doctor first. The doctor can check whether the mole is cancerous and will be able to discuss removal options.

People should use caution with the mole removal creams available in pharmacies or other stores. Many of these over-the-counter creams will remove more than the mole itself, which can leave a pocket in the skin that will not heal or go away.

People who have issues with healing tissue, such as those with diabetes, should work with their doctor to safely remove moles.

A person should also avoid or stop using any home remedy that causes an adverse reaction. If using an at-home method, a person should immediately discontinue it if they develop redness, swelling, or other side effects.

Before starting any at-home mole removal method, people should see a doctor or dermatologist.

People should also be aware of the signs of skin cancer. If a person notices one or more of the following signs in their mole, they should visit a doctor for an examination:

  • irregular shape
  • irregular borders
  • rapidly changing shape or size
  • changing colors
  • diameter larger than ¼ inch

Below are some commonly asked questions about removing moles at home.

How does a person get rid of moles fast at home?

Some people claim that home remedies such as garlic, oregano oil, honey, and banana peels are effective in removing moles at home.

However, there is little evidence to support this. In fact, these remedies may even cause unwanted or dangerous side effects.

How do you get rid of raised moles?

Various mole removal methods are available to help people get rid of a raised mole.

Freezing, burning, shaving, and excision are surgical procedures that a doctor can perform.

How long does it take for apple cider vinegar to remove a mole?

While it is possible to use apple cider vinegar for mole removal, health professionals do not advise this as it can cause burns and other complications.

If a person wants to remove a mole, they should first seek a doctor’s advice.

Home remedies for removing moles are poorly researched and offer varying degrees of risk.

A person should never use home removal methods as a substitute for being examined by a doctor. A doctor can help identify cancerous moles that require different treatments.

For some people, at-home methods may be a low-cost solution to removing unwanted moles, but they must research the remedy thoroughly and be aware that it may not work, cause side effects, and even be dangerous.