The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bonnie (Manlius, New York, Onondaga) on 01/20/2010
★★★★★
Ok, so I decided to rid myself of a very unattractive mole on the left side of my face, on my hairline. I brought my trusty bottle of acv to work (yes, work...I'm not so inclined to slap a piece of duct tape on my face to secure a stinky piece of acv soaked cotton while trying to sleep). Sitting cautiously behind my computer, so as not to pique the curiosity of my co-workers, I soaked a q-tip in the acv and applied it directly to the mole. I then sat and read Earth Clinc posts for ten minutes or so (hope the IT staff were on break). I started this self-inflicted facial hooplah three days ago and only did it once a day and today...it's gone! Of course, it looked like I had a science experiment growing on the side of my face for a couple days! It enlarged and turned blood red on day one, as if it were going to put up a fight (puh-LEEZE) and then it scabbed up and turned black the following day. As I read it it's last rites, it simply fell off! I swear I heard it whisper "I'll beee baaack" but ain't NO MOLE strong enough to withstand the power of pure, undiluted acv!
PS. Should you choose to do this at work, be prepared to answer the repeatedly asked question: WHAT'S THE HECK IS THAT SMELL?????
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Chris (Seattle, Washington) on 07/02/2008
★★★★★
Tried ACV on a mole, forearm area, that had been disturbed by some tattooing over it. It increased in size shortly afterwards leaving me bummed out and concerned as well. Used ACV on it for about the whole first day and a little on the second. Mole shrunk rather quickly leaving a black flat area. Applied lotion with aloe for a few days later and the scab came off exposing a small indentation where the underside of the mole had been. Luckily my tattoo was red so the discoloration somewhat matches it. Thanks for my newfound piece of mind.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anurag (Pune) on 12/17/2015
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hello, as I am also using Apple Cider Vinegar for my face moles, I have lot of moles on my face, so I read abt acv, right now m using Apple Cider Vinegar its effect is good but little slow, I started 2 week before, I started using on my 4 moles at a time, in 4 moles 1 mole is near to my eye so I think bcoz m applying avc on that mole I have swelling near to my eyes, even swelling is near to all moles but the mole which is near to eye that look very bad, now m not able to understand should I continue or stop bcoz I can see the result moles r reducing in size so plz help me, I am using Apple Cider Vinegar 4-5 times a day, and bcoz moles is near to eye so m not putting any bandage over it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kaya (England) on 05/15/2016
Hi, I'm currently doing the Apple Cider Vinegar method on an unraised black mole on my thigh (around 5cm wide)
I soak a cotton ball in Apple Cider Vinegar and stick it on with sticky tape and so far the mole has scabbed up but looks like its gone into the skin meaning that the vinegar has penetrated well under the mole and I'm scared there will be a big hole in my leg.
Has anyone else experienced anything similar? I'm still applying the Acv as the scab hasn't completely fallen off yet.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ben (Bremerton Wa ) on 05/17/2016
That "mole" sounds very similar to skin cancer to me. Please be sure to have a doctor check it. When the color is black like you mentioned then its possible to be a melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by B (Ohio) on 05/21/2016
I've been doing the ACV treatment for a giant mole I have. It's been checked by a doc he said it's fine. It's gross though, it's a half in long protruding out of my belly button! I've been using Apple Cider Vinegar every night 8 hours a night for two weeks. I don't really see much progress. It has a couple small scabs on it but the last one I did (quite small) pulled away from my skin in 3 days. I figured by 2 weeks in I would see some separation? Honestly in the morning it looks agitated and swollen but an hour later it just looks back to normal.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Fizzickschick (New Braunfels, Tx) on 11/28/2016
Ok here goes.... I noticed another bump on my face, right next to an area that started looking funny a couple years ago and now has a flat mole. I have lots of flat moles everywhere, always have. fair skinned. 41 years old female. certainly spent too much time "tanning" in the sun... im going to start using the ACV every day and see what happens. I guess you cant tell in my picture, but where the red area is (could almost be a pimple coming up but I know better! ) there is a faint dark spot like maybe a blackhead (but I know better! ) So this is definitely a "before" picture. already have ACV "with the mother" in my fridge.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Brea03 (Korea) on 11/11/2015
I've been using Apple Cider Vinegar for 4 days now. I got a mole under my nose just above my lips and got teased before. A little part of it is hard now and darker than it normally is. Is it scabbing now or what? I put Apple Cider Vinegar overnight.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Brainbuster (Indiana) on 07/01/2017
Yes, it's just a scab. Leave it alone.
That's what happens when it works.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mal (Arizona) on 06/10/2015
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I did a ton of searching before I even attempted this..
I decided if I made it through this I would do a review in hopes to help others.
I had a slightly raised mole on the side of my cheek and I hated it. I had gone to the Dr. And it was benign. I asked him to freeze it off and he said No he would have to surgically remove it and it would leave a scar and stitch marks.
I've had them froze off in the past by a Dr. who is way too old to practice so I know freezing them works well. So I was discouraged and aggravated that he wouldn't freeze it off. I had to look at this thing everyday!
It always worked for me In the past with no scarring. Maybe I should have listened to that Dr. Maybe I should have found a different Dr. Either way enough was enough.
I wanted something done. After I read many reviews I decided to try the apple cider vinegar.
It was either going to work or it was going to be the dumbest thing I have ever done.
Either way, could apple cider vinegar Really work? Was I prepared? How harsh could it be right? I have very light skin. I am the one that got a scar from a briar 2 months ago on my hand and it is still there. Reluctantly, I decided to try this.
Day 1. I put vaseline around the edge of the mole of my cheek. (to protect the skin around the area I wasn't treating) I soaked a cotton ball, squeezed out excess and cut to size of area.
I repeated a few times that day and slept in it for 8 hours.
Day 2. I repeated again during the day and then slept again over night with the cotton ball and vinegar
Day 3. I will not lie....I was freaking out. I told myself... I better not apply any more vinegar as it was stinging, the mole was turning black and I was worried. (even though I had read this was part of the process....were they right? I mean you can't believe everything you read on the internet. :)
This thing was big, black, red around my cheek. I drove my sister crazy having her check it to get her opinion. I kept taking photos. Just checking and I was going to be so ashamed if I had to go in to tell the Dr. How dumb I was so then I felt guilt!!!
I was stressed with worry and fear and thinking....what have I done?
I am old enough to know better.
Day 4. I seen a little improvement but still black and Oh my....embarrassing. I was in hiding In my house. slapped a band aid on if I had to leave. The mole was forming a tough scab.
Day 5. Finally seen the light of Day. It scabbed over and I know you're not suppose to help it along....but tht black troll mole had to go. So I carefully and I mean Carefully peeled it back a little to help the process. I didn't rip and tug the scab. It felt like a hard resin.
Well the big black mole is gone.
I have a pink spot in its place but....today really is the first day I consider the healing phase. I don't know what the outcome will be. I do feel that this will heal and it looks very clean straight across.
Would I recommend this or do it again? I am a chronic worrier and I don't like suspense. So for me? Probably Not. With that being said before even attempting this....get the mole checked. That is the number one most important thing. Get it checked!!!!
Talk to your Dr. Ask if it can be froze off.
I had a Dr. Cut on me on the back of my neck once to have a mole removed that was rubbing up against my shirt and now I have Frankenstein Stitches. Personally, I like the freezing method.
If you do decide to try the vinegar. Do so with care. Research, be prepared. Keep a sterile environment. Do not get It infected. stay out of the hot sun until it heals. Use vitamin E and Aloe vera Or coconut oil.
I am not recommending anyone do this. This review is based on my experience Only.
So now onto the healing phase.
Its bright pink. However, with what I dealt with earlier in the week this is just fine with me.
The area looks smooth, clean and like a bad zit that has been popped and irritated. Looks like a chemical burn. What ever you decide... good luck. This was an experience But I am too impatient not to know the unknown! Good luck!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mackenzie (California ) on 06/15/2015
I tried the apple cider vinegar before and it worked great. Today I decided to try it on another mole. It is not working at all and I'm extremely worried, the mole became flat, multiplied in size and became grey/black. Did this happen at all to you? Thank you
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lisa (Tx) on 04/22/2016
Just wondering if you burned your skin around mole...what did it look like? I did same thing same process as you I have a freckle on my nose..I dislike so much..I applied Vaseline around freckle its small..so kinda tough to only get on the freckle not the normal skin..
So after applying Vaseline I applied Apple Cider Vinegar to the freckle and I kinda tried to poke at it a little it bleed a little.. I applied more acv..I noticed a white ring around freckle..and redness around freckle..day 2 today.. I woke up horrified that it's red and that there's a white ring around freckle so I stopped applying acv...and all day I have only been applying aloe vera...
with your experience did you also see the white ring..and redness and did it go away and how long did it take to turn back to normal...for it to look not red or no white ring..does the white ring go away?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lisa (Niagara Falls) on 03/18/2015
★★★★★
I used Vitamin E Oil around the Mole, apple cider Vinegar only applied to the Pea sized black Mole and to the bandaid, only applying it with a Q-tip to the area where the bandaid will be touching the mole. In about a week it was scabbed over and gone. I only had a wee bit of burning on the mole and found out that I'm allergic to the tape on the bandaids. Pretty much all healed up know with a minimal scar, which I am sure will also be gone by summer.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tara (Manchester) on 03/22/2015
Hi, I have two raised moles on my cheek/chin area and I've heard good things about using Apple Cider Vinegar on moles to remove them but I've also heard about them getting infected, how easy is it for the moles to get infected when using Apple Cider Vinegar and should I do it?, thanks x
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 02/19/2015
Jerry, I would finish up the healing with green clay.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jerry (India) on 02/19/2015
Tryed putting the vinegar again last night and it was stinging so I guess the mole is still there. But I still am not sure. Please suggest should I be doing this or should I stop? I have a wedding to attend in the next week, I dont want this on my face, PLEASE HELP!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rebecca (Melbourne, Australia) on 01/04/2015
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
So I removed a flat black mole between my eyebrows three years ago with apple cider vinegar, and it didn't come back till last month. Do moles usually take that long to come back? I keep scratching the new one off (it kind of just looks like a very very light tiny freckle now but I'm scared it's going to grow to be huge again) so I don't know if it'll grow to be the same size or bigger than the old one, but it looks like it's only on the surface, which is strange. But every time I scratch it off, it comes back a few weeks later. Is this normal? Please help!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Trey (Los Angeles, California) on 12/11/2014
Hi, I have multiple moles on my face. They are all flat and their sizes range from a grain of salt to a dot made from a generic fine-tipped sharpie.
I have decided to use apple cider vinegar to remove them and I just want to know some tips to quicken the process and/or reduce the side-effects. Also I was not able to find any posts about people removing FLAT moles successfully - all I found were for raised ones.
Thanks
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mr. Ree (Usa) on 12/12/2014
Dab a cue-tip in the apple cider vinegar and then dab it on a few moles before you go to bed...It will remove them in less than a month...I would just work with a few at a time...You may also dab the moles another convenient time of the day for you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rach (New Mexico, US) on 01/17/2015
Did you ever get that outer area healed up ? I am going through the sane thing and I'm really worried... The scab came off today and I have the crater but the outer layer is raised slightly and brownish red
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jerry (India) on 02/19/2015
Hi, I think even I am experiencing the same thing. Can you tell did it come out totally or what happened?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jerry (India) on 02/24/2015
Hey, I have the same situation. Could you tell me what happened to yours? What did you do? Plzzzzzz help!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Fornickels (Long Island City, Ny) on 11/12/2014
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar for Moles:
I did this for a small clear mole on the bridge of my nose. Worked perfectly with no burning, but I used vaseline around it. I'm trying it now with a larger, skin toned mole in the crease of my nose. This one is taking longer, on day two and still not crusting up. It's starting to get a little dry but that's it. Since this one is larger and clearly has a root, I think it will take longer.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sarah (Salt Lake City, Utah) on 10/08/2014
So I need help. I have had this mole under my arm for 15 years, it is about the size of a pencil eraser that is located in my armpit and I found the idea about ACV. So I have been soaking a cotton ball and putting it on the mole and it has been about two weeks. However it only becomes white on parts of it and when I take the ACV off it just got back to normal. I have not "roughed it up", because now everytime I put on the ACV it stings for awhile. What am I doing wrong? Do I need to try and rough it up? It is hard with the position of the mole. Any suggestions?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ally (Japan) on 12/06/2014
Hey Anon! Thank you so much for your post! I am so sorry to bother you, but I recently tried this method to remove a small (3mm) flesh colored mole above my lip. I scratched up the mole with a sterilized needle, applied Vaseline around the site, then applied a q-tip dipped in Bragg's ACV to the mole. The mole instantly shriveled up and turned into a scab. I was so excited to see it literally dissolve before my eyes. Several days later, the scab came off and much to my dismay I have been left with a small crater (still continuing to scab) and red, raised skin/inflammed around the crater. I am so nervous that I have destroyed my face forever! Did you experience irritated/raised inflammed skin around your crater? How long did it take the crater to fill in? What does your scar look like now? Thank you so much for all of your help!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Larry (Fairfax, Va) on 01/04/2015
Danny, To remove moles, did you dab ACV undiluted or diluted with water? Also, was it an organic, virgin ACV, with the "mother, " as they say? Thanks, Larry
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Danny999 (Montreal, Canada) on 01/07/2015
The brand I used is Allen's Pure Apple Cider Vinegar.
so I guess it's pure Apple Cider Vinegar lol. Works well but hoping the healing process can move quicker
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jerry (India) on 02/19/2015
As you said that it came out in pieces. Does that mean the top part dried up and came off, then the lower part and so on?
As I am doing the same for one on my face, it's quite big too, so just the top part dried up and came off and the lower part became kind of light in color but is only dried up from the middle. So did it happen like this with you?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Chris (Uk) on 06/19/2014
I started using the ACV treatment method to a fairly large mole on my face after reading all the positive things about it, plus I have nothing to lose if it doesn't. My mole is raised and near the corner of my mouth. It's about the size of the end of a cotton bud (Q tip) so fairly large and extremely annoying. I'm now on day 3 and it has black patches on it, some that's heading towards black and some that still needs working on, it does now seem to have shrunk a little bit which was starting to worry me as it had been swollen. I'm currently doing the over night cotton ball taped to it with breathable surgical tape and working a cotton bud around 3 times during the day so it can air, I believe the air is actually helping. I also use vaseline right around the skin which is protecting it so far. Has anyone else experienced this with their mole? I'm guessing that it's not turned entirely black as the mole isn't able to be constantly covered during the night due to the shape. Does it need to go all black?
I shall carry on as it's feeling very crisp. The look of it doesn't worry me to much as I have had this sucker for 36 years so am used to people looking. I think my expectations have lengthened regarding how long it will take too so I'm not feeling so worried about its progress.....at least it is progressing! :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bamagal74 (Centreville, Alabama) on 06/04/2014
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I started using ACV to rid my face of a mole 3 days ago. I did use Vaseline around the area but I was very aggressive with the treatment since I'm going out of town next week. I kept a cotton ball soaked in ACV for pretty much a night and most of the next day. I really wanted this gone within 10 days, or at least gone enough that make up could cover. I have some pretty bad burns around where the mole was. The 'mole' is now very, very small and dark black so I think it worked on that, but my poor face around it :( I put aloe on it last night and I do believe it's helped. Is there anything else I can do to possibly speed up the healing of the burn? I think I'm more concerned about that getting better by next week than what's left of my mole. I do have sensitive skin I suppose...darn fair skin that comes with the red hair!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ashley (Akron, Ohio ) on 12/24/2013
I need help A.S.A.P. So this is my second day using avc and my mole is super black and the skin around it is really red. The mole flattened out and became black but hasn't scabbed over yet. Should I be patient for the scabbing over? because I haven't seen any yet! And I'm afraid to use more because of the burning around my mole! PLEASE HELP! I'm afraid I ruined my face :''''(
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vanessa (Los Angeles, Ca) on 11/01/2013
Hi everyone I recently saw a video of a woman removing a raised mole on her face using acv! I've been looking remove a mole on my bottom that's about 2 inches big and dark nasty looking I've been really insecure about this mole for 24 yrs!!! So I started the remedy on the 28th of October and now I'm on my 5th day and it really hurts and its red all around but it seems to be working the dark pigment seems to be falling off but today I put Vaseline on the mole since it was a bit irritated. Is that ok? Or should I put something esle?? help!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tropic (Australia) on 11/02/2013
I would not put vaseline on it as vaseline is made from petrolatum (petroleum jelly). Maybe put on some olive oil, coconut oil, vitamin e oil.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vanessa (Los Angeles, Ca) on 11/05/2013
Hi everyone!! So I've been doing the Apple Cider Vinegar remedy for a week now and I had let it rest for 2 days or so. So yesturday I decided to apply the Apple Cider Vinegar again on my mole whitch had shrunk already by an inch but I still had the bottom layer left so last night I slept with it and today in the morning I up it on again for like 2 hours and now it's yellowish! ?!! Is that normal? I got a bit scared so I just put vasaline on it and covered it with a bandage does anyone experienced anything like this is so please give me some advice!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kathryn (Jupiter Fl) on 11/08/2013
Vanessa,
I am thrilled to hear about someone else using the ACV on a larger mole. Mine is about the size of a nickle, raised, and on by face by the hairline. I've had it forever and when I went to a dermatologist for removal, he said it was not cancerous, that he had to check all my skin since I have generations of skin cancer in the family, and then he said he wouldn't remove it. I needed to make a second appointment and pay cash since insurance would not cover the removal. Needless to say, I didn't go back. So, tonight I am trying the ACV. Was going to try the iodine until I read all the positive ACV results. Will let you know how it goes if I can find my way back to this site. :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tasha (Uk) on 10/18/2013
★★★★★
Hey I have been using ACV on 2 moles on my face and today is day 5! I have been using a qtip and dipping it into ACV then putting it on my moles until it hurts. Now both the moles have scabed up and one is actually half coming off my face? I really want to pick it off but I know if I do it will scar what do you recommend and shall I continue using ACV or shall I let them heal up on there own now??
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Chris (London) on 09/23/2013
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Well having read these apple cider vinegar for moles posts, I decided to take some moles off my back and face. The one on my back came off with no scar and completely removed the mole. The one on my face has left me with a large red scar the same size as the mole, it is ever so slightly raised and I have tried, coconut oil, silicone gel, and a few others to try and get rid of it, could anyone give me any advice on getting rid of it. I think we should be wary telling people the ACV way because it can scar, as I am living proof and I am a guy who is now having to wear makeup to save myself any discomfort :(
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Skymama65 (Brattleboro, Vermont) on 09/23/2013
Scars are always red at first, then fade to pale. if you can't wait for the scar to heal, there are otc cream medications that work exceptionallly well.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kathryn (Jupiter, Fl) on 11/08/2013
Check out the pharmacy. They now make a gel-like dressing that is supposed to minimize scars. I think it has collegen or something in it and is supposed to be good for new scars.
Although this is difficult on your face, try to minimize sun exposure. Getting a sunburn on a scar or on the healing area can cause it to keloid, which is to raise and become hard. This happened to me about a year after I had some surgery where they removed skin from my arm. Thought it was all healed, sat out in the sun and got a tan, but the doner site burned and turned keloid on me.
You can also massage it with an oil to slowly, over time, break down the scaring, to make it flatter. About 50 years ago they recommended cocoa butter, but probably any oil will work.
The redness will be there for a while, but will eventually fade.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Angela (London, Uk) on 01/16/2014
Hi Chris, has the scar disappeared? I used ACV on a mole on my face and have a horrible scar that's causing me more anxiety than the original mole. If so, what did you use?
I'm using aloe vera gel as the scar is a bit sore - looks like an open wound, and needs to heal over. I'm thinking of using turmeric powder mixed with yoghurt after it has healed. I have olive skin, and would appreciate any advice to make this scar go away.
Angela :-(
