Best Medical Skin Markers of 2025

Brian Howie Avatar
Brian Howie
Last Updated: Jan 17, 2025

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Medical skin markers are essential tools used by healthcare professionals to mark the skin before surgical procedures or medical treatments. These markers are specifically designed to provide clear and accurate markings, ensuring precision and minimizing the risk of errors during procedures. With a variety of tip sizes and colors, medical skin markers allow for easy identification and alignment of incision points, biopsy sites, and anatomical landmarks. Made with non-toxic, skin-safe ink, these markers are easily washable and sterilizable, making them safe for patient use. Reliable and convenient, medical skin markers are a vital asset in any medical setting.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

LabAider Surgical Skin Marker Pen Cover #TOP 1
LabAider Surgical Skin Marker Pen
ftb score rating icon 9.8
McKesson Surgical Skin Marker Cover #TOP 2
McKesson Surgical Skin Marker
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Viscot 1456XL-10 Surgical Ink Marker Cover #TOP 3
Viscot 1456XL-10 Surgical Ink Marker
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Medical Skin Markers

#TOP 1

LabAider Surgical Skin Marker Pen

LAB-Skin-6
Purple
LabAider Surgical Skin Marker Pen Cover
LabAider 6Pcs Professional Surgical Tip Skin Marker Pen Sterile Tattoo Stencil Markers Pen with Paper Ruler for Eyebrow, Lips - Individually Wrapped (0.5MM&1MM)

The LabAider Skin Marker Pen is a pack of 6 surgical markers that are individually sealed and sterile. With 2 tip sizes of 0.5MM and 1MM, this pen allows for accurate and clean line drawing, making it suitable for both professionals and beginners. Made from medical grade 100% BPA free plastic handle and natural gentian ink, it is safe to use. The waterproof and sweatproof feature ensures long-lasting results, and the markers can be easily removed using medical alcohol or low-strength alcohol. With multiple uses for eyebrows, plastic surgery, earrings, and skin markings, the LabAider Skin Marker Pen is a versatile tool for various applications.

What We Like
High-quality materials
Durable and precise tools
Variety of included tools
Easy to clean
Great for professionals and hobbyists
What We Don't Like
Short ink duration
Possible ink leakage
#TOP 2

McKesson Surgical Skin Marker

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McKesson Surgical Skin Marker Cover
McKesson Surgical Skin Marker [Pack of 100] Medical or Tattoo Stencil Pen, Violet Ink, Mini Size

The McKesson Surgical Skin Marker, also known as the McKesson Skin Marker, is a versatile pen designed for various applications. With its regular tip and violet ink, it is perfect for marking surgical sites during skin-prep, ensuring correct site surgery. Additionally, this mini-sized marker reduces waste and is non-sterile, making it suitable for tattoos, earrings, piercings, and other skin marking needs. The McKesson Skin Marker, with its convenient size and latex-free composition, provides a reliable tool for healthcare professionals and individuals alike.

What We Like
High quality materials
Excellent durability
Stylish design
Great value for money
What We Don't Like
Limited color options
#TOP 3

Viscot 1456XL-10 Surgical Ink Marker

Viscot 1456XL-10
Viscot 1456XL-10 Surgical Ink Marker Cover
Viscot 1456XL-10 Mini Ultra Fine Tip XL Surgical Ink Marker- 10 Count- Prep Resistant Surgical Grade Skin Marker- Latex Free, FDA Registered- Designed for Surgical Procedures, Tattoos, Piercings, Etc.

The Viscot Surgical Ink Marker is designed for precision and longevity. Its special ink formulation stays visible up to ten times longer than standard markers, making it ideal for surgical procedures, tattoos, and piercings. Being latex-free and FDA registered ensures safety for all skin types, especially at sensitive sites. The ultra-fine tip allows for accurate marking in various surgical disciplines, from plastic surgery to orthopedics. Additionally, its mini size makes it an eco-friendly choice that is easy to store, providing convenience in busy medical environments.

What We Like
Compact size
Good for skin marking
Non-bleeding ink
Long-lasting for procedures
What We Don't Like
Dried up quickly
Limited usage per marker
#TOP 4

Viscot Mini Skin Markers Purple Ink

B0087P1VB2
Purple
Viscot Mini Skin Markers Purple Ink Cover
Viscot FINE TIP 100 Mini Piercing & Tattoo Skin Markers in Case Purple Ink

The Viscot Mini Markers are designed specifically for medical professionals needing precise site marking. They comply with the JCAHO Universal Protocol, ensuring that you can mark the correct area confidently. Perfect for single-use, these markers help maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Their scrub-resistant ink means that your markings will stay visible during procedures, providing you peace of mind. With these features, you can focus on delivering quality care without worrying about your marking tools.

What We Like
Inexpensive and disposable
Doesn't dry out
Holds well on skin
Great price for permanent makeup
Large pack available
What We Don't Like
Tip too thick for details
Not truly "fine tip"
#TOP 5

Medline Regular Tip Surgical Skin Markers with Ruler and Labels, Sterile

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Medline Regular Tip Surgical Skin Markers with Ruler and Labels, Sterile Cover
Medline Regular Tip Surgical Skin Markers with Ruler and Labels, Sterile (Pack of 50)

Medline Surgical Skin Markers are a convenient and essential tool for medical professionals. These sterile markers come with a 6" (15 cm) ruler and labels, making it easy to measure and label the skin accurately. The sterile feature ensures the markers are safe to use in medical settings. The ruler provides precise measurements, allowing for accurate marking on the skin. The labels included with the markers can be used to identify specific areas on the skin. With these markers, medical professionals can easily mark and label the skin, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in procedures. The latex-free material makes them suitable for individuals with latex allergies. Medline Surgical Skin Markers are a reliable and practical choice for medical professionals.

What We Like
Great price
Effective for tattoo stenciling
Good quality
Useful for surgical markings
Exciting gift for tattoo artists
What We Don't Like
Hard to remove from skin
Occasional missing markers in pack
#TOP 6

Element Tattoo Supply Viscot Mini XL Surgical Markers

Element Tattoo Supply Viscot Mini XL Surgical Markers Cover
ELEMENT TATTOO SUPPLY (10 Pack) Viscot Mini XL Surgical Markers Stencil Skin Scribes

Introducing the Element Mini XL Surgical Markers from Element Tattoo Supply. These innovative medical skin markers are a game-changer for plastic surgery procedures. With their patent-pending ink, these markers last 10 times longer than traditional markers, eliminating the need for remarking of the patient once they are in the operating room. The Mini XL markers also feature ink that remains visible even after scrubbing with prep solutions, ensuring clear and accurate markings. Say goodbye to the hassle of frequent remarking and enjoy the convenience and efficiency that the Element Mini XL Surgical Markers bring to your practice.

What We Like
Long-lasting ink
Highly pigmented
Easy to use
Durable for stenciling
What We Don't Like
Can bleed on skin
Thick tips for precision
#TOP 7

Viscot Mini EZ Green 10 Pack

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green
Viscot Mini EZ Green 10 Pack Cover
Viscot Mini EZ Removeable Ink Skin Marker Green 10 Pack

The Viscot Mini EZ Green 10 Pack is a mini-sized skin marker designed for use on the skin. With its regular tip, it allows for precise and easy marking of piercing sites after prep or non-surgical aesthetic procedures. The green color ink is easily removable, ensuring that markings can be erased without leaving any residue. This FDA registered, medical grade non-toxic marker is safe to use on the skin. Its compact size makes it convenient to carry and store, making it a must-have for professionals in the medical field. The Viscot Mini EZ Green 10 Pack offers reliable and efficient marking, providing convenience and accuracy for various skin marking needs.

What We Like
Easy to wipe off
Good for marking injection sites
Highly pigmented ink
Perfect for acupuncture practice
Convenient size for use
#TOP 8

Skin Companion Surgical Markers - Pack of 5

8542030653
1 Count (Pack of 5)
Skin Companion Surgical Markers - Pack of 5 Cover
Skin Companion Twin Tip - Surgical Markers (Pack of 5, Black)

The Skin Companion Markers are designed with a gentle formula that is safe for your skin, ensuring comfort during use. The twin tips provide versatility, allowing you to make precise markings, which is particularly useful for intricate procedures. With a fine point, you can create small, detailed designs easily. Additionally, these markers are user-friendly, as they can be effortlessly applied and washed off with just soap and water, making cleanup a breeze. This pack of five ensures you have plenty of markers for multiple uses, adding convenience to your medical tasks.

What We Like
Durable on skin
Multiple tips for versatility
Long-lasting ink
Easy removal with alcohol wipes
Attractive packaging
What We Don't Like
Wipes off easily when wet
Not ideal for surgical use
#TOP 9

Viscot 1450-10 Mini XL Prep Resistant Ink® Markers

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Viscot 1450-10 Mini XL Prep Resistant Ink® Markers Cover
Viscot Mini XL Surgical Markers / 10 Pack / Tattoo stencil pen - Surgical Marker

Introducing the Viscot Mini XL Markers - the perfect choice for all your surgical marking needs. These surgical-grade skin markers are designed for marking piercing and tattoo sites, as well as surgical aesthetic procedures. With Viscot XL Prep Resistant Ink, you can be confident that your markings will remain visible for up to 10 times longer compared to other inks. The latex-free and FDA registered markers are ideal for plastic surgery, orthopedic, and spine surgical procedures. The mini size of these markers makes them more eco-friendly and economical, while still providing the same high-quality performance. Each pack contains 10 markers, conveniently packaged in clear plastic containers for easy visibility in offices and examination areas.

What We Like
Long-lasting markers
Vivid color
Stays in place
Useful for rough designs
What We Don't Like
Bleeds on skin
Smudges easily
#TOP 10

RHUI Surgical Skin Marker Pen

Marker-Purple-4pack
RHUI Surgical Skin Marker Pen Cover
Surgical Skin Marker Pen 4-Pack Professional Sterile Tip Tattoo Stencil Markers Pen Scribes Purple, Individually Wrapped (Tip Size: 0.5mm/1mm/3.5mm)

The RHUI Tattoo Stencil Markers Pen is a set of professional surgical markers that come in a pack of 4. With different tip sizes ranging from 0.5mm to 3.5mm, these markers are perfect for precise and accurate drawing. Whether you are a professional or a beginner, these markers are easy to use and provide clean lines and vibrant colors. Made with skin-friendly materials, they are harmless and non-irritating. The waterproof and sweatproof formula ensures long-lasting results. Perfect for tattooing, eyebrow shaping, lip lining, and other skin positioning needs, these markers are a must-have for anyone in the industry.

What We Like
Good for marking piercings
Comfortable to use
Includes measuring ruler
Thicker tip is effective
What We Don't Like
Thin tip stops working quickly
Ink may not wipe off easily
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the markers that surgeons use?

Surgeons typically use surgical site marking pens that contain gentian violet ink, which has antifungal properties. Other types of markers used are permanent ink markers and, rarely, ballpoint pens.

2. How long does surgical marker last on skin?

Surgical markers have long-lasting ink, but it is temporary and will be removed within 3-4 days. This allows for proper hygiene and prevents confusion during surgery. The invention of the sterile surgical pen dates back to the 1970s.

3. Is there a marker for skin?

Yes, there is a marker specifically designed for marking the skin. The Mini Traditional Ink Skin Marker in Fine Tip is a popular choice. It is filled with traditional skin marking ink (Gentian Violet) and is single-use, making it hygienic and cost-effective.

4. What kind of marker is safe on skin?

Sharpie Fine Point Markers are considered safe to use on the skin. However, it is recommended to avoid writing on the lips or near the eyes. Other variations of Sharpie markers, such as King Size Sharpie, Magnum Sharpie, and Touch-Up Sharpie, contain xylene, which can be neurotoxic and harmful to organs.

5. Does surgical marker wash off?

The inks used in surgical markers are usually alcohol-soluble and can be partially or completely washed off during skin preparation or if the patient takes a bath or shower after being marked but before surgery.

6. Why do they mark you before surgery?

Marking the surgical site before surgery helps prevent wrong-site surgery, which can have serious consequences for the patient. External markings serve as a visual reference for the surgical team and ensure that the correct procedure is performed on the correct area of the body.

7. What are the dangers of permanent marker on skin?

Permanent markers, like Sharpies, are generally non-toxic and safe to use on the skin. However, if the skin is broken, the chemicals in the marker can be absorbed into the bloodstream. It's important to note that some individuals may have allergic reactions to the ink.

Editor's Notes

During our medical skin marker research, we found 24 medical skin marker products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 28,437 customer reviews through our big data system to write the medical skin markers list. We found that most customers choose medical skin markers with an average price of $10.36.

The medical skin markers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of medical skin markers, including LabAider, McKesson, Viscot, Medline, ELEMENT TATTOO SUPPLY. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 191 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Brian Howie Avatar

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.