The 9 Best Coal Tar Shampoos for Treating Dandruff And Psoriasis

The Best Coal Tar Shampoos

Below is a selection of our favorite and best-formulated coal tar shampoos we’ve yet reviewed.

DHS Fragrance Free Tar Shampoo

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis

DHS Coal Tar Shampoo is an expertly formulated shampoo containing 0.5% coal tar and is the gentlest coal tar shampoo we’ve yet reviewed

We can't recommend this product or this company highly enough.

Read the entire review

Scalp 18 Coal Tar Shampoo

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis

Hydrating shampoo formulas don’t come around often making Art Naturals Scalp 18 Coal Tar Shampoo a gem. Best for dry, itchy scalp symptoms. Can be used for mild dandruff. Plant-based, sustainable and cruelty-free – an all-round goodie.

Read the entire review

Capasal

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis

Capasal have taken the unique step of combining 1% Coal Tar with 0.5% Salicylic Acid and added coconut oil.

It's perhaps the most original and interesting shampoo formulation we've yet seen

While the shampoo is SLS, fragrance and paraben free there are still a few known contact allergens in there. Unfortunately it smells like a coal tar shampoo too.

That aside Capasal is an excellent shampoo for those who suffer mild to moderate scalp psoriasis.

Read the entire review

Alphosyl 2 in 1 Shampoo

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis

Alphosyl is an outstanding shampoo let down by the presence of both sulfates and parabens.

Given the wide variety of alternatives out there these days, this is very disappointing.

Read the entire review

Polytar Liquid

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis

Polytar is an absolute legend of the psoriasis community.

If you suffer from mild scalp Psoriasis then this stuff works for so many of you.

Bear in mind that it stinks like your grandad's pipe and will strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils.

Read the entire review

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo - Original Formula

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis

T/Gel is an age old classic for dandruff sufferers containing too many age old classic contact allergens for our liking.

Read the entire review

MG217

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis

If coal tar helps your psoriasis then MG217 will probably help you out. This benefit may well come with significant side effects though. Especially if you are normally sensitive to soaps or shampoos.

Use with caution.

Read the entire review

Psoriatrax Anti-Dandruff Tar Shampoo

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis

Psoriatrax Coal Tar Psoriasis Relief shampoo a 5% coal tar solution - the highest concentration deemed safe by the FDA.

Unfortunately, the wash, scent and formulation fall well short of the desired standard. It leaves the hair feeling dry, smelling of tar and 5 of the 12 ingredients are known contact allergens.

For those with sensitive skin, or if you're allergic to any of these ingredients, you will want to look elsewhere for a gentler shampoo.

In fact, unless you really need a 5% coal tar formulation - I would look elsewhere.

Read the entire review

Sebcur-T Medicated Shampoo

Designed to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasis

Most shampoos aimed at treating seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis are targeted at mild to moderate cases. Sebcur-T Medicated Shampoo is different. Sebcur-T Medicated Shampoo contains a very helpful concentration of 10% coal tar solution and 4% w/w salicylic acid.

This does come at a cost. Both coal tar and salicylic acid can irritate if used too frequently, and the supporting cast of ingredients (sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde releasers and fragrances) make this tough to recommend to anyone.

There are far gentler alternatives out there

Read the entire review

How we chose the winners

All our reviewers are experts in product formulation, haircare, qualified pharmacists or haircare experts.

They assess the formulation of the shampoo, deconstructing the shampoos to their constituent parts and describe the key ones in detail. In addition, they highlight the presence of any one of over 100 ingredients that can potentially itch, irritate and exasperate your condition.

Unlike most review sites, our reviewers personally try every shampoo they review and they also assess how the shampoo washes, how it smells and look at the price point in their market. These may be medicated shampoos, but that doesn’t mean we want to compromise on a little bit of luxury!

We applied these same principles when choosing our best coal tar shampoo.  For example, the winner is one of the gentlest dandruff shampoos we’ve reviewed.  It’s not perfect, but compared with the others it washed slightly better and the fact that it was fragrance-free gave it another edge.  That’s not to say it’s the best coal tar shampoo for you.  For example, Scalp 18 shampoo contains slightly more coal tar but is fragrance heavy.  They’re both outstanding shampoos, so we eventually chose the gentlest formulation.

Coal Tar Shampoos

What is coal tar?

Coal tar is a much loved, much-used treatment that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Despite its usage, there’s still an air of mystery with this ingredient. For example, it contains over 10,000 chemicals [8], of which only 50% have been identified [9].

That said, it’s such an important healthcare treatment that:

• It’s included on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines.
• It is one of only two ingredients approved by the USFDA for over the counter treatment of psoriasis
• NICE recommend it as a first-line treatment for psoriasis in the UK.

Board-certified dermatologist, Debra Jaliman MD, is a fan.  She explained to us, “coal tar can give you relief from itching and dry scalp. Coal tar extract helps with the winter dry scalp and it continues to work even hours after you have rinsed it off. It also helps those who have trouble with psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.”

How is coal tar made?

A ‘tar’ can be made from burning ‘organic’ (living) materials under high pressure. This forms a dark, sticky residue comprised mainly of hydrocarbons and related compounds. The first medicinal use of ‘pine tar’ was described by the Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates [11]. Coal tar has been applied to skin conditions for over 2,000 years, but the treatment was formally recognized in the 1600s. Since this time, tars obtained from coal, pine, beech, birch, and juniper have been used to treat scabies to sarcoidosis (with varying success) [12].

In the past 100 years, the use of tars has become more selective. A significant development in the 1920s was the highly effective combination of coal tar and ultraviolet therapy for psoriasis [13].

Despite historical use, a range of modern therapies often replace coal tar:

• Emollients
• Vitamin D preparations (e.g. calcipotriol)
• Dithranol / salicylic acid
• Corticosteroids
• Combination ‘psoralen’ and UVA-radiation (PUVA)
• Immunosuppressants

[Note: In Ancient Greece, ‘pine tar’ was called ‘asphalt’. Confusingly this is not the same as modern ‘asphalt’.]

But despite its age and the advent of much more focused modern medicines, coal tar is still an FDA-approved treatment for dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis and remains a tremendously popular and effective treatment.

What is in coal tar?

Coal tar doesn’t have a definitive composition. Every batch has a slightly different formulation, based on the type of coal, temperature, distillation, and many other factors. This is unlike most other modern medicines and seems contrary to evidence-based medicine; how can a product that can’t be replicated be reliably studied?

What we do know is that ‘crude coal tar’ contains over 10,000 compounds. This is then refined further into a solution to remove any harmful products, for example, ammonia derivatives. The resulting mixture is then formulated into creams, ointments, soaps, or shampoos (1-40% coal tar). At this stage other active ingredients can be added [14]:

• Calamine
• Coconut oil
• Dithranol / salicylic acid
• Sulfur
• Zinc oxide

What does coal tar do?

Much like the unknown composition of coal tar, we don’t really know how it works, just that it does.   As Dr. Jaliman explains, “coal tar causes the skin to shed dead cells from its top layer and slow down the growth of skin cells. This lessens the dryness of the scalp and helps with dandruff.”   Coal tar slows the growth of skin cells as it is keratolytic.

It’s for this reason that Radha Mikkilineni, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Sadick Dermatology, NYC, “usually reserves use of coal tar for recalcitrant cases.  But it acts by reducing the thickening of the scalp in a poorly understood manner whereby the keratinization and differentiation of the scalp skin (causing the plaques and scaling) is suppressed.”

In addition to being keratolytic, coal tar has proven anti-fungal [1] properties, antiseptic properties, and anti-inflammatory [2] properties.  It also seems to normalize keratin growth on the skin and reduce the formation of scales.

The huge number of compounds likely have synergistic effects, not all of which are well-studied [15]. Coal tar formulations have been shown to have effects listed in Table 1.

Table 1. List of possible mechanisms for coal tar in skin conditions.

What does coal tar smell like?

In a word, unpleasant.   More modern coal tar shampoos manage to alleviate a lot of the smell.  Shampoos like Capasal combine coal tar with coconut oil and have done an excellent job in masking the smell.   But there’s no getting away from it – it smells uniquely bad and the smell alone puts many off.

On the other hand, my grandmother swore by her coal tar soap.   Her logic being – anything that smelled that bad had to be good for you.  There’s nothing as strange as folk…

What is a coal tar shampoo made of?

Coal tar is added to shampoos in two forms; crude or in a solution.

Crude or raw coal tar is generally considered the most effective form of the substance. However, many shampoos these days use a coal tar extract. This refined form of coal tar is cleaner, doesn’t smell as bad, and is more practical for home use but symptom improvement may take longer.

Coal tar is often mixed with other active ingredients e.g. Salicylic Acid [14] to enhance the overall performance of the shampoo.

The FDA maintains that OTC products with coal tar concentrations between 0.5 percent and 5 percent are safe. This is crude coal tar – manufacturers will often have to add 5 times that amount of coal tar solution for it to be as effective as crude coal tar. Psoriatrax, for example, add 25% Coal Tar Solution and label that as equivalent to 5% Coal Tar.

It is worth noting that stronger isn’t necessarily better when it comes to a coal tar shampoo. Quite the opposite in fact. A recent study suggests that a 1% coal tar solution is more effective than a 5% solution when treating mild to moderate psoriasis [3].

How does coal tar help psoriasis?

Psoriasis.org explains that psoriasis is a condition of the immune system that can cause skin symptoms like itching, flaking, scaling and a rapid build-up of skin cells that creates raised plaques.

Much of the evidence for coal tar comes from the study of its effects on scalp psoriasis. Advocates say it helps can reduce inflammation and slow the growth of skin cells to restore the skin’s normal appearance while helping to reduce uncomfortable symptoms.   Coal tar applied to the scalp overnight may be particularly useful to remove thick plaques [16].

This isn’t to say it benefits everyone.  A UK NICE review in 2017 found that coal tar shampoos were only marginally more effective than placebo [17]. In modern scalp psoriasis treatment, coal tar shampoos are mostly reserved for maintenance therapy, with corticosteroids or vitamin D formulations first-line for acute flares.

Despite its age and the discovery of other active ingredients, coal tar remains extremely popular and effective for sufferers of mild to moderate scalp psoriasis. There are steroid treatments available on prescription but the popularity of coal tar never seems to wane. The effects of coal tar on psoriasis may even be enhanced when the substance is used in conjunction with ultraviolet light therapy.

How does coal tar help dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis?

Although the root cause of Seborrheic Dermatitis is still unknown, recent research [7] suggests seb derm is associated with a type of fungus called Malassezia furfur. Symptoms include itching, scaling, rash, and ring-shaped patches of dry, pink skin. The antifungal properties of coal tar are believed to be the primary reason that it reduces symptoms of the common skin condition. In a clinical study [1], coal tar demonstrated its ability to inhibit the growth of 52 Malassezia strains.

However, active ingredients such as Piroctone Olamine, Ketoconazole, and Selenium Sulfide tend to be more widely used in recent years.

That said, 4% coal tar shampoos have been shown to be equally as effective as ketoconazole 2% in a study of 274 participants [19]. Coal tar shampoos are also better tolerated, associated with less skin and eye irritation, dry skin, and itching.

How does coal tar help atopic dermatitis?

in the past 50 years, coal has been widely recommended to help with the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.   Very few clinical studies have evaluated the efficacy of coal tar in atopic dermatitis but the antipruritic (anti-itching) effects are the main reason for use.   The strong smell and clothes-staining properties make ‘crotamiton’ or ‘urea’ preferable first-line alternatives [20].

How to use a coal tar shampoo

To use a coal tar shampoo, you should always follow the guidance provided on the label.  The label should legally inform you how often to use the shampoo and how long you should leave the shampoo on your scalp.

For example, DHS recommends using their tar shampoo, “at least twice a week or as directed by a physician” for best results.  Whereas Psoriatrax recommends that you, “use daily until symptoms disappear. Usually 3-5 days.”

We asked Dr. Ben Barankin, a Toronto-based board-certified dermatologist at the Toronto Dermatology Centre, for his advice, and he told us, “For mild-moderate dandruff, I recommend daily shampooing, and ideally alternating 3 shampoos, each with active anti-dandruff ingredients.”

Dr. Matthew Zirwas, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Bexley Dermatology in Bexley, Ohio, recommended trying a shampoo for, “at least a month because if your old shampoo had ingredients that were causing a dandruff-like rash of their own, it will take 4-8 weeks for that ingredient to work its way out of your body after you start the new stuff.”

And if it doesn’t work, board-certified dermatologist Adam J. Friedman, MD, FAAD, assistant professor of dermatology and director of dermatologic research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine explains via the AAD, “For most people, dandruff does not require medical attention. However, sometimes the flaking and itching that appears like dandruff is actually a medical condition, such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infections of the scalp, or eczema. If you continue to have symptoms after using a dandruff shampoo, consult a board-certified dermatologist.”

By visiting a board-certified dermatologist, you can be properly diagnosed and be prescribed stronger medication than you can pick up at the pharmacy. As Dr. Ben Barankin says, “for moderate to severe cases of dandruff, a steroid shampoo or leave-in lotion can be prescribed. A prescription ciclopirox olamine lotion is often a nice option.”

What are the risks of using coal tar shampoo?

Although most people do not experience significant side effects, the WHO state that coal tar shampoos may cause skin irritation and on rare occasions allergic sensitization is possible. They also recommend that a coal tar shampoo should not be applied to inflamed, broken or infected skin.

Because coal tar can increase sensitivity to sunlight, skin treated with coal tar products should be protected from ultraviolet rays to avoid irritation and sunburn. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you protect your scalp from the sun by wearing a hat when outdoors and seeking shade whenever possible if you use coal tar shampoo.

Longer-term use of coal tar can cause dry skin, burning sensations or rashes, and photosensitivity. If used as a shampoo, the texture or color of hair may be altered although this is usually reversed once stopped [21].

Can coal tar cause cancer?

There have been a number of coal tar controversies in recent decades.

Coal tar contains as many as 10,000 different chemicals, but only about half of these have actually been identified. Many people have expressed concern over the unknown components that could be potential carcinogens or cancer-causing substances.

In the 1990s, studies appeared apparently linking coal tar exposure to cancer in animals [4]. A number of countries including the EU, China, and Taiwan banned the use of coal tar in cosmetics as a result of these findings.

Polytar, one of the most popular coal tar shampoos at that time, was completely withdrawn. Coal tar shampoos started to disappear from the shelves.

However, four important studies appeared to suggest there is no or low risk:

• Maughan, et al. (1980) [12a]
  • 25-year follow-up study of 426 participants; combination coal tar and UV therapy; no significantly increased risk of skin cancer
• Pittelkow, et al. (1981) [13a]
  • 25-year follow-up study of 280 participants; combination coal tar and UV therapy; no significantly increased risk of skin cancer
• Jones, et al. (1985) [14a]
  • Observational study of 719 participants; many coal tar formulations; no significantly increased risk of cancer
• Fiala, et al. (2006) [15a]
  • Observational study of 23 participants; combination coal tar and UV therapy; short-term increase in genotoxic exposure although unclear clinical relevance

The more recent studies prompted the EU to overturn its own ruling. The FDA maintains that there is no scientific evidence that the tar in OTC products is carcinogenic.   In addition, an article in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology in 2009 attempted to set the record straight by stating that there was ‘no cancer danger using coal tar to treat skin’.

Despite its 75-year history of documented use without any clear evidence of increased cancer risk in low doses, some skepticism remains. Formulations containing more than five percent crude coal tar are listed as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization. California still insists that coal tars treatments are labeled, Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer.

Some of the controversies may be related to the questionable safety of using coal tar in the production of sealant products [10] and in other industrial settings; these problems are not relevant to the use of weak coal tar solutions in shampoo formulations.

Coal tar concentrations between 0.5 and 5 percent are considered effective and safe.  Manufacturers will often have to add 5 times that amount of coal tar solution for it to be as effective as crude coal tar.  Psoriatrax, for example, adds 25% Coal Tar Solution and labels that as equivalent to 5% Coal Tar.

It is worth noting that stronger isn’t necessarily better when it comes to coal tar.  Quite the opposite in fact.  A recent study suggests that a 1% coal tar solution is more effective than a 5% solution when treating mild to moderate psoriasis [16].

Can I use a coal tar shampoo when pregnant?

NICE recommend that coal tar should be avoided completely in the first trimester.   The FDA echoes this and urges caution is using in the second or third trimester.   The reason is that, although data is very limited, coal tar has been associated with spontaneous abortions, congenital disorders, and teratogenicity in animal studies.

Can I use a coal tar shampoo when breastfeeding?

Alternate treatments are preferred due of the potential toxicity of coal tar to the breastfed infant. Coal tar applied topically to maternal skin can result in pyrene absorption by the infant, probably by skin-to-skin or skin-to-mouth contact with the mother.[26]

Where can I buy a coal tar shampoo?

The great news is that coal tar is available OTC in the USA, EU, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.  The FDA maintains that coal tar concentrations between 0.5 to 5 percent are safe to use in an OTC shampoo.   This means you can pop into your local pharmacist and buy a range of shampoos.   Or you can purchase the shampoos via this site and help fund us!

You can also be prescribed a coal tar shampoo.  Don’t expect anything stronger, however, as this list from NICE shows, all of the recommended treatments are available OTC.

Unfortunately, we are currently seeing shortages of coal tar treatments, and finding a regular supply of your favorite shampoo is easier said than done.