Try These 7 Coal Tar Shampoos: Proven Remedy For Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis, & Dandruff

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Coal tar shampoos have been a trusted remedy for decades in treating various scalp conditions, such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and stubborn dandruff. Coal tar shampoo is a great option for treating dermatitis and maintaining a healthy scalp. Your scalp will look and feel much better, as bonus coal tar shampoos can help treat and prevent head lice.

It can help with scaling or hardening on the scalp and clear away excess dead skins cells all while soothing your itchy scalp. There are lot of different beauty products with coal tar as its active ingredient available on the market such as shampoos, soaps, ointments and creams.

Benefits of Coal Tar Shampoo

Coal tar shampoo is a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo formulated with coal tar, a by-product of coal processing. It’s an FDA-approved ingredient for providing relief in different scalp conditions like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, inflammation of scalp, irritated scalp or others. 

1. Treats Psoriasis: Coal tar helps manage psoriasis by reducing scaling and itchiness, providing relief from discomfort. For more details, you can check out the study conducted to determine the effects of using coal tar to treat Psoriasis.
2. Combats Seborrheic Dermatitis: It reduces the redness, irritation, and flaky skin caused by seborrheic dermatitis.
3. Controls Dandruff: Regular use can help minimize dandruff, and soothe your itchy scalp.
4. Slows Down Skin Cell Growth: Its unique action on skin cells helps manage excessive shedding.
5. Long-Lasting Results: Many users report relief that lasts even after they’ve stopped using the shampoo.

Do check out the study and the study conducted on benefits of coal tar shampoos on oily hair and dry hair and its effectiveness on treating scalp conditions.

Top 7 Coal Tar Shampoo To Soothe Your Itchy Scalp

Here are some top coal tar shampoos you can consider for your scalp care routine:

 

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

 

This is the one that we recommend the most as it is a less extreme option that’s suitable for everyday use.

Active ingredients include solubilized coal tar extract (0.5%). Generally speaking higher % of coal tar there is the stronger it will be, so this option may not be as effective as the others on this list. However, a lower % does not necessarily make it a worse product. It’s very effective on dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Pros

• Contains 0.5% coal tar.
• Effective for psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff.
• Known for its long-lasting relief.
• If you are confused in between Neutrogena’s Tgel or Tsal for your psoriasis or dermatits, then don’t forget to read T Sal vs T Gel: Which Shampoo Is Right For You?

Last update on 2025-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

PURA D’OR Anti-Hair Thinning Maximum Defense Shampoo

If you are dealing with stubborn dandruff along with thinning hair then this is the one we recommend.

This anti-hair thinning shampoo combines (0.5%) coal tar with over 19 herbal active ingredients to promote scalp health and reduce hair thinning. The blend of science and nature makes it a transformative solution for achieving thicker, fuller-looking hair. Free from sulfates, parabens, and harmful chemicals, it’s safe for sensitive scalps and color-treated hair.

Pros

• Combines 0.5% coal tar with a 19+ herbal DHT-blocking formula for effective results.
• Promotes thicker, fuller-looking hair.
• Hydrates and rejuvenates dry, irritated scalps for improved comfort and health.
• Free of sulfates, parabens, gluten, and harmful chemicals.
• Vegan, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and manufactured using renewable energy.
• Suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair.

Last update on 2025-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

CLARK’s Full Spectrum Dandruff Shampoo

Powered by coal tar, salicylic acid, and sulfur, this shampoo is one of the most effective solutions for stubborn dandruff. This triple-action approach ensures relief from itching, redness, and persistent dandruff while promoting long-term scalp health. Designed to tackle the root cause of dandruff, it controls scalp fungus while soothing inflammation and reducing flaking. However, it comes with a strong medicinal scent

Pros

• Exceptionally powerful formula to treat even severe dandruff.
• Controls scalp fungus, addressing the root cause of dandruff.
• Shampoo with salicylic acid effectively stops flaking and scaling.
• Coal tar and sulfur reduce inflammation and itching while targeting fungus.
• Works quickly to provide noticeable results.

Last update on 2025-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2025-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2025-01-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Over To You

As we have established that using coal tar shampoo can be useful especially for people with persistent dandruff that doesn’t respond to regular shampoos, diagnosed scalp psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis or dealing with itchy, flaky, or inflamed scalps.

But before you start using any coal tar shampoo keep some things in mind:

As coal tar can stick around for over 24 hours, it also goes without saying that you should consult your doctor before trying any product such as this. Do not use this product if you are sensitive to light and try avoid prolonged sun exposure. As your skin will be more prone to sunburns. Be wary that some way experience skin irritation and allergic reactions. Please call your doctor if you experience any rashes, skin irritation, blisters or skin peelings. Use with caution and follow your doctors instructions.

So in conclusion, coal tar shampoo is effective at what it does. However, it is only advised to use in case of psoriasis, dermatitis or other scalp conditions on your doctor’s advice. Have you tried coal tar shampoos? Share your experience in the comments below.

Have a lovely day!