Top 8 Products to Remove Common Warts

Find eight effective products for removing common warts, from expert picks to over-the-counter favorites, to help restore clearer, healthier skin.

Warts are common, benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Many people choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons or to stop spread to others. There are several over-the-counter and at-home options that can work well for these persistent lesions. This list highlights eight widely used products and approaches, summarizing their main benefits, key ingredients, and typical performance.

1. EMUAIDMAX First Aid Ointment

For those looking for a multiuse option, EMUAIDMAX First Aid Ointment is an extra-strength homeopathic topical packed with naturally sourced ingredients. It’s marketed to relieve symptoms of stubborn skin issues—such as warts, boils, eczema, fungal infections, and cold sores—by addressing pain, infection risk, and inflammation.

EMUAIDMAX uses a transdermal delivery approach intended to reach affected skin quickly; many users report visible improvement within about 48 hours. Its primary active ingredient is Argentum Metallicum (colloidal silver), used here as a topical antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial/antifungal agent. The formula also contains emu oil, tea tree oil, Bacillus Ferment (a probiotic), and phytosphingosine, which aim to support healing without harsh chemicals. It’s steroid-free and formulated without common irritants like parabens, fragrances, or dyes, so people with sensitive skin often tolerate it well. Some users note the price is higher than other options—a 2-ounce jar of EMUAIDMAX First Aid Ointment commonly runs about $63.90.

2. WartStick Maximum Strength Salicylic Acid Solid-Stick Wart Remover

WartStick is a popular over-the-counter option featuring a maximum-strength 40% salicylic acid formula—the strongest concentration available without a prescription. The solid-stick format offers a tidy, targeted application that avoids drips and lets you apply the treatment directly to common and plantar warts.

Salicylic acid gradually softens and exfoliates wart tissue so it peels away over time. Many users prefer the stick because it’s less painful than freezing and is easy to use consistently; several weeks of regular application are often needed for stubborn warts. The stick design also tends to last longer than some liquid treatments that can evaporate. WartStick typically costs around $15.00.

3. Compound W Fast Acting Wart Removal Gel (Salicylic Acid)

Compound W Fast Acting Wart Removal Gel is a salicylic acid product delivered in a gel form for wart treatment. Salicylic acid is a standard, effective OTC ingredient that works by removing infected skin in layers.

This gel is commonly recommended and scores well with many users. It’s intended for daily use and, over several weeks, helps dissolve wart tissue. Compound W sells this ingredient in several formats—liquids, gels, pads, and plasters—so you can pick the style that fits your routine. Prices for Compound W Fast Acting Wart Removal Gel usually fall between $7 and $13.

4. Dr. Scholl's Freeze Away Wart Remover

Dr. Scholl's Freeze Away Wart Remover is an at-home cryotherapy kit that freezes warts until they fall off. It uses a mix of dimethyl ether and propane to freeze the wart, which can lead to blistering and eventual shedding of the treated tissue.

Cryotherapy often works well for smaller warts, though it can be more painful than salicylic acid approaches and may be less effective on large or deep plantar warts. Multiple treatments are sometimes required, and some people follow up with salicylic acid after the skin heals to improve results. This is a common drugstore option for those who prefer freezing; prices are usually in the $10-$20 range.

5. Wartner Cryotherapy Wart Remover

Wartner Cryotherapy Wart Remover is another home freezing treatment that uses a different cooling agent to reach the wart’s core, aiming to remove warts and verrucas within about 10–14 days. Its method resembles the liquid nitrogen treatments used in clinics, freezing tissue down to around −57°C.

Many users find Wartner fast and effective for warts on hands and feet, and some report success on facial warts as well. It tends to work best on smaller lesions; thick plantar warts or very large growths can be harder to clear. Wartner is often pricier than basic OTC options, with typical costs around $20-$30.

6. Compound W One Step Wart Remover Pads (Salicylic Acid)

Compound W One Step Wart Remover Pads offer a handy, mess-free way to apply salicylic acid via a medicated bandage. The pad delivers continuous treatment while staying in place over the wart.

Users like the convenience of a pad that adheres and treats without daily handling; over time the wart softens, turns white, and peels away. These pads are a solid choice for warts that didn’t respond to other methods and are useful for a low-maintenance routine. A pack of 14 pads typically costs around $10-$15.

7. Duct Tape Occlusion Therapy

Duct tape occlusion therapy is a simple home method that involves covering the wart with duct tape. The idea is that the tape causes local irritation or suffocates the area, which may trigger an immune response against the HPV that causes the wart.

Study results are mixed: some older research reported success compared with freezing, while later studies produced conflicting outcomes. The usual approach is to apply a small piece of duct tape over the wart for several days, remove it, soak the area, gently rub off dead skin, and then reapply. It’s inexpensive and easy to try, but people with sensitive skin should watch for irritation.

8. Terrasil Wart Removal Ointment

Terrasil Wart Removal Ointment is a natural, homeopathic product that blends volcanic clay (bentonite) with zinc oxide and silver to dry out warts and support skin repair. The formula also includes Thuja Occidentalis, a homeopathic ingredient often used for skin growths.

Users commonly describe Terrasil as gentle and suitable for common, plantar, and some facial warts. It’s intended to soothe and help the skin heal as the wart resolves, though results vary and several weeks of regular application are usually required. Prices for Terrasil Wart Removal Ointment are generally in the $20 to $30 range.

Key Takeaways

• Salicylic acid is a well-supported, first-line choice for common warts and comes in gels, liquids, sticks, and medicated pads.
• Cryotherapy (freezing) can remove warts more quickly but often with more discomfort, and it works best on smaller lesions.
• EMUAIDMAX is a multi-purpose, homeopathic ointment that some people use for rapid symptom relief across various skin complaints, including warts.
• Duct tape occlusion is a low-cost home remedy with mixed scientific support but remains a commonly tried option.
• Most over-the-counter wart treatments require consistent application for several weeks to achieve full resolution.

FAQ

How long does it take for over-the-counter wart removers to work?

OTC wart treatments—especially salicylic acid products—usually take several weeks and often need daily application for 2 to 3 weeks; stubborn warts can take a few months to clear completely.

Can warts come back after removal?

Yes. Warts can recur because HPV can remain in the body after a wart is removed. Sticking with treatment and sometimes combining methods can lower the chance of recurrence.

Picking the right wart treatment depends on the wart’s type and location and on how quickly you want results versus how much discomfort you’ll tolerate. Options range from strong salicylic acid formulas to at-home freezing kits and healing ointments. Follow product directions closely and see a healthcare provider if a wart won’t respond to treatment, changes suddenly, or causes pain or bleeding. Review these options to decide which approach fits your situation.