Today we’re talking about kid-friendly skin tone markers for drawing on standard white paper or any imaginative children’s coloring book tuned to your kiddo’s particular interests.
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Best Multicultural Skin Tone Markers
For the reasons of (1) “skill”, (2) “price”, and (3) “safety” — water and ink based skin tone markers specifically designed for toddlers and children (ages 3 and up) are probably what you’re looking for.
We’ll show you some professional skin tone markers with alcohol or acrylic based ink too. But I’d only recommend them for kids if (1) your child intends to study and excel in art, (2) your prepared to spend a lot, (3) your child is at least 6 years old and already has the ability to draw elaborate creations using “Regular Old Children’s Markers”.
Remember we’re here to celebrate diversity. Let’s see those beautiful shades…
- (01) Crayola Ultra Clean Washable Multicultural Broad Line Markers (10 Count, 3+ Years)
- (02) Crayola Broad Line “Colors of The World” Kids Markers (24 Count, 3+ Years)
- (03) Colorations® Washable Multicultural Chubby Children’s Markers (35 Count, 3+ Years)
- (04) Crayola Fine Line “Colors of The World” Kids Markers (24 Count, 3+ Years)
- (05) COPIC “Ciao” Premium Portrait & Skin Tone Markers (6 Count, 6+ Years)
- (06) Winsor & Newton “Promarker Brush™” Skin Tone Marker Brush (6 Count, 6+ Years)
- (07) Arteza Skin Tone Alcohol Sketching Markers in Skin Color Tones (36 Count, 6+ Years)
- (08) Arrtx Dual Tip Marker + Pens Permanent Alcohol Based with Carry Case (36 Count, 6+ Years)
- NEW ARRIVAL Sargent Art “Color of My Friends” Washable Broad Conical Tip Markers for Kids (8 Count, 3+ Years)
- NEW ARRIVAL Giotto Turbo “Maxi Hydrocore” Water Based Skin Tone Color Children’s Eco Markers (6 Count, 3+ Years)
- NEW ARRIVAL Faber-Castell Brush Tip Skintones Kids Coloring Book Markers (6 Count, 3+ Years)
(01) Crayola Ultra Clean Washable Multicultural Broad Line Markers (10 Count, 3+ Years)
Crayola wins the number one spot without an inkling of doubt in my mind. They’re the single brand to bring skin tone kids art stuff is on our minds in the first place.
For toddlers and young kids 3+ years old / 36 months old, you’ll thank yourself later when you get the Ultra Washable kind. Or you could shop for some new wallpaper.
(02) Crayola Broad Line “Colors of The World” Kids Markers (24 Count, 3+ Years)
These are the “Non-Washable” version of Crayola’s broad line skin tone markers. Both use basic ingredients to make their dye — water and dye non-toxic for kids (no alcohol or acrylic like other artists’ colored markers).
Broader lines are easier for early artists to control, and the thick marker body is the best-in-class for practicing Pre-K fine motor skills through inclusive coloring book activities.
(03) Colorations® Washable Multicultural Chubby Children’s Markers (35 Count, 3+ Years)
Welcome to the party, Colorations brand — Just five color shades, compared to Crayola’s 10 — but call it a good first try from Colorations. I look forward to more!
I am truly glad you’re here. You see, in terms of children’s markers, Crayola was the first. Now that Colorations brand is around, I’m glad to say “Crayola is NOT the only maker of toddler-ready skin tone markers.
(Crayola’s not the only brand to make skin tone crayon on colored pencils for kids, but until Colorations brand came along, Crayola was the only brand making skin tone markers for kids.)
(04) Crayola Fine Line “Colors of The World” Kids Markers (24 Count, 3+ Years)
Finally, the only children’s fine point skin tone marker available for sale. Look far and wide — here’s your best option if you want to draw fine lines onto paper.
The recommended age is 3+ years, but if it were me I’d wait until 4 years. At 3 years old, while those hand and finger motor skills are still getting the hang of holding things steady at 3 years old — I still think the “Broad Line” with thicker body is a more toddler friendly type of marker.
(05) COPIC “Ciao” Premium Portrait & Skin Tone Markers (6 Count, 6+ Years)
COPIC is the first “Professional Artist Grade Marker” we’ll look at today. COPIC is a Japanese brand whose skin tone marker set boasts non-toxic ink (safe for children and adults).
But these markers are NOT specifically designed for children. Copic markers are alcohol-based.
The markers look gorgeous and lay down on paper even better. They’re the ideal type of marker for the serious sketch artist. Therefore, if your kiddo’s serious about art — yes, I’d consider COPIC brand (and other professional skin colored markers) after the age of 6 years old.
(06) Winsor & Newton “Promarker Brush™” Skin Tone Alcohol-Based Marker Brush (6 Count, 6+ Years)
Double-sided with Winsor & Newton brand’s signature Promarker Brush™ tip, plus a broad graphic marker tip that’s versatile enough for both fine and broad lines.
The ink is alcohol-based, so the same age recommendation applied here. 6 years and up, but only necessary when your child is especially interested in the skill and trade of visual art.
(07) Arteza Skin Tone Alcohol Sketching Markers in Skin Color Tones (36 Count, 6+ Years)
Now we see when you enter the world of “Artist’s Sketch Markers” the granularity of flesh tone shades. Add to the excellent variety of color the dual tip marker design.
Use the big end (chisel tip) for complex strokes fusing tones together. Use the small end for dots, specks, and fine details. (Another alcohol-based ink.)
(08) Arrtx Dual Tip Marker + Pens Permanent Alcohol Based with Carry Case (36 Count, 6+ Years)
This carrying case is a big deal indeed. That tabletop angle makes switching colors a sinch — marker slides out, marker slides in.
Dual-tip, alcohol-based, a real tutti-frutti variety of skin tones for artists to explore.
Are skin tone markers safe for kids?
As of 2022, Crayola is the most trusted brand offering child-safe skin tone kids markers. The problem when shopping for child safe markers is LIMITED SELECTION.
Beyond the Crayola brand “World of Colors” kids’ skin tone art supplies product line, it’s slim pickings. It’s tough to decipher which markers are safe for kids coloring and drawing.
Icky chemicals? Not my child! Skin tone markers make for the most worldly lessons and activities, but if they’re not safe for kids it’s a no go. When it comes to art, play, eat, sleep things I give my child (or the group of kids I’m responsible for)… It just needs to be non-toxic and safety-tested.
What age are skin tone markers for?
Standard children’s broad point markers are a good fit for ages 3+, and children’s fine point markers are a good fit for ages 5+.
How old is your bundle of love? To be honest my friends — between 18 and 36 months / 1.5 and 3 years, skin tone crayons are the best artistic medium (in my meager opinion). Markers come in close second at 3+ years for broad point, washable, non-toxic (see Crayola brand). Colored pencils in third at 4+ years for select thick, chunky types.
By age 6, children are ready to safely create art using any of the three most popular art mediums — skin tone crayons, markers, and colored pencils.
Are acrylic and alcohol skin tone markers safe for kids?
For young children under age 6, do not use acrylic or alcohol skin tone markers.
For older children age 6 and up… Watch out for acrylic- or alcohol-based “Factory Brand” skin tone markers which are 100% fine for adults, but say they are for kids. You as a parent have to decide whether or not you want your breathing pores youngin’ to be exposed to some of the fumes and harsh chemical qualities of acrylic and alcohol markers.
Think SHARPIE type smells and permeance.
I’d never use acrylic or alcohol markers before the early elementary years, around age 6 if you are an “Experienced Art Person” to provide proper guidance.
Is a “Skin Tone Marker” safe for human skin?
Child-safe skin tone markers (Crayola brand for example) are intended for drawing on PAPER. If children get specks or streaks of marker on their hands (check box for “WASHABLE”), it’s no big deal. Just wash off with water (plus soap if needed).
Skin tone markers are NOT for drawing on human skin. Markers to draw on skin (a.k.a. “Kids Tattoo Markers”) come in bright colors intended for Halloween, role play, or face-painting type activities.
