Sticky Situation: How To Get Super Glue Off Your Skin

Super glue can be a super big problem if you glue your fingers together or to something else. The powerful adhesive cyanoacrylate, found in super glue and similar products, doesn’t let go easily.

But if you’re reading this, you probably already know that. So, what can you do to get super glue off your skin? We asked dermatologist John Anthony, MD, how to escape this sticky situation.

How to remove super glue from your skin

First, the good news: Your fingers won’t be glued together forever, Dr. Anthony promises. Despite super glue being legendarily strong, the adhesive isn’t permanent. You can break the bond.

So, take a deep breath and don’t panic. Then, try these options to find freedom.

Warm soapy water

The simplest solution? Try washing your glued body part or soaking it in warm and soapy water.

“Hand soap or dish soap works well,” says Dr. Anthony. “Washing will usually soften the glue and break the bond — if you do it within a few minutes before the glue hardens.”

Patience is key here. Super glue is engineered to be water-resistant, so it might take 10 or 15 minutes to loosen up. Once it begins to come undone, gently rub or peel the super glue. (But don’t force things!)

Greasy or oily products

Greasy or oily products can get beneath dried super glue to help soften its bond with your skin, notes Dr. Anthony. You’ll probably be able to find a few good skin-safe options scattered around your house, too.

The list includes:

• Petroleum jelly (like Vaseline®)
• Baby oil
• Mineral oil
• Olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Vegetable oil
• Hand lotion

Whichever product you choose, massage it into your skin and let it sit for 10 minutes or so to try to loosen the super glue. Once the super glue starts to give, gently rub or peel it off. (Again, don’t force it.)

Nail polish remover

Most nail polish removers contain acetone, a harsh and powerful chemical solvent that can dissolve nail polish. Acetone also dissolves cyanoacrylate, the ingredient that gives super glue its power.

A word of caution, though: Acetone isn’t kind to your skin.

“Acetone-based products will remove super glue from the skin, but they can make skin dry, cracked and irritated,” Dr. Anthony warns. “Use the smallest amount possible and don’t mix it with other chemicals.”

If you go this route, put a small amount of acetone-based nail polish remover on a cotton pad or cloth. Dab the glued area gently. Wait for the super glue to soften before gently rubbing or peeling it off.

Afterward, make sure to wash the area with soap and water and apply a moisturizer.

It’s worth noting that acetone-free nail polish removers can also remove super glue from your skin. But they work much more slowly than products with acetone.

Wait it out

The outer layer of your skin is mostly made of dead skin cells. Those dead cells eventually shed — and when that happens, the glue goes with it.

A small area of super glue may come off on its own within a day or two. Thicker patches of glue may take up to a week.

“If it’s not bothering you or causing problems, you can just wait it out,” says Dr. Anthony.

What NOT to do when removing super glue

Understand that the “super” part of super glue means you have a tough adversary. So, getting safely unstuck is a process that can’t be rushed.

With that in mind:

• Don’t pull or pick at super-glued skin to forcefully remove the adhesive. You could injure your skin and end up with a painful blister (or worse).
• Don’t use sharp objects like razors, scissors or knives to sever the super glue connection. You may slice your skin and add to your problems.
• Don’t use harsh abrasives like pumice stones or sandpaper to try to grind away at the super glue. The gritty materials could damage your skin, leaving raw spots and cuts.
• Don’t use hot water to try to “melt” the super glue bond. You could scald your skin.
• Don’t use harsh chemicals to try to detach the super glue. You run the risk of chemical burns.

“Any of these approaches can irritate and damage the skin,” cautions Dr. Anthony. “Other methods are safer and work better.”

When to see a doctor

If you swallow super glue or get it on your face, don’t take any chances. Ditto for getting any of the adhesive on your genitals.

“Super glue in or near your eyes, nose or mouth — or on other sensitive areas — is a medical emergency,” Dr. Anthony states. “Go to the emergency room or your healthcare provider for treatment.”

It’s also best to seek care after a gluing incident if you experience:

• Severe pain
• Swelling
• Numbness or loss of circulation
• Severe allergic reactions

“Getting a small amount of super glue on the skin usually isn’t harmful to most people,” says Dr. Anthony. “But if you’re experiencing problems or nothing is working to break the bond, look to get some help.”