COAL TAR
Commonly Found In
Overview
Coal tar is a complex mixture of thousands of hydrocarbons and heterocyclic compounds produced by the high-temperature carbonization of coal. As an OTC drug ingredient in the US (0.5β5%), it has longstanding clinical evidence indicating it may help reduce scaling, itching, and inflammation associated with dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. The EU prohibits it in cosmetics (Annex II/420) due to its IARC Group 1 carcinogen classification for whole coal tar; the US FDA permits it only as an OTC drug active, not as a general cosmetic ingredient.
Also known as: Coal Tar, Carbo Animalis, Pix Carbonis, Coal Tar Solution USP
Key Benefits
Clinical evidence indicates coal tar may help reduce scalp scaling, itching, and seborrheic inflammation; studies suggest it may help slow the accelerated skin cell turnover associated with psoriasis through anti-proliferative mechanisms.
Supporting Research
- β’ Van Scott & Yu (1974) β coal tar anti-proliferative effect on psoriatic epidermis
- β’ FDA OTC Dandruff Drug Products Final Monograph (21 CFR 358) β 0.5β5% as recognized safe and effective for dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis/psoriasis
Skin Compatibility Ratings
Comedogenic Rating
Not applicable as a cosmetic ingredient; banned in EU/UK cosmetics.
Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II
Irritancy Rating
Can cause folliculitis, photosensitization, and contact irritation; stronger concentrations have higher irritancy potential
Source: FDA OTC Drug Monograph; published case reports
Typical Use Concentration
Range
0.5β5% (US OTC drug)
Optimal
1β2% for shampoo formulations
US FDA OTC monograph specifies 0.5β5% for dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis/psoriasis. Banned as cosmetic ingredient in EU/UK.
Works Well With / Avoid
Works Well With
Use With Caution
Coal tar increases photosensitivity; advise avoiding sun exposure after use. Not for use near eyes or on broken skin.
Commonly Found In
Global Regulation Summary
Overview of current status across major international markets.
Detailed Regional Status
| Region | Status | Max Conc. | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πͺπΊ EU | Banned | - | - | Official β |
| πΊπΈ USA | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π―π΅ Japan | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π°π· Korea | Unknown | - | - | Official β |
| π¬π§ UK | Banned | - | Follows EU regulations (II/420) | Official β |
π Why Regulations Differ
The EU banned coal tar in cosmetics (Annex II/420) citing its IARC Group 1 carcinogen classification and complex, poorly characterized composition. The US maintains it as a permitted OTC drug active at 0.5β5% under an established monograph, distinguishing drug from cosmetic use. Japan restricts it but permits specific quasi-drug applications.
Regulation Analysis
Regional Agreement
Banned in EU, UK but allowed in USA, Japan.
Category Comparison
There are 13 ingredients in the ANTI-SEBORRHEIC category. 100% are banned in at least one major market.
Strictness Ranking
πΏ Natural Sources
Not found in nature as such. Coal tar is a byproduct of heating coal in the absence of air (destructive distillation) during coke production or coal gasification.
π How It's Made
Produced as a thick, dark liquid during the high-temperature carbonization of coal at 900-1200Β°C. The crude tar is then distilled to separate it into various fractions used in different industries.
π Uses in Cosmetics
Used in cosmetic products primarily for anti-seborrheic, antimicrobial, denaturant.
π¬ Other Applications
Used in road paving (tar macadam), roofing materials, waterproofing, and as a source for synthetic dyes, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. Medically used in treatments for psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff.
π‘ Fun Facts
- β’ Coal tar was the original source for many early synthetic dyes β the entire synthetic dye industry began when William Perkin accidentally made purple dye (mauveine) from coal tar in 1856
- β’ Despite being banned in EU cosmetics, coal tar shampoos are still sold as over-the-counter treatments for dandruff and psoriasis in many countries
- β’ Coal tar contains over 10,000 different chemical compounds, many of which are still being studied
Related Skin Concerns
Data Sources
- β’ EU CosIng database (Annex II/420)
- β’ FDA 21 CFR 358 β OTC Dandruff Drug Products
- β’ IARC Monographs Vol. 92 β Coal Tar Group 1
- β’ FDA OTC Monograph for Dandruff/Seborrheic Dermatitis/Psoriasis
Last data verification: 2026-04-16
Related Ingredients
FORMALDEHYDE
PHENOL
CANNABIS SATIVA EXTRACT
CHLOROPHENE
RADIUM ORE POWDER
AMMONIUM HYDROXIDE
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is COAL TAR banned in the EU but allowed in the US?
The EU follows a precautionary principle, banning COAL TAR under II/420 due to potential safety concerns. The US FDA has not found sufficient evidence to prohibit its use, allowing it under different safety assessment standards. This reflects differing regulatory philosophies between the two regions.
Why is COAL TAR banned in the EU but allowed in Japan?
The EU prohibits COAL TAR (II/420) based on their strict safety criteria. Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has evaluated the ingredient and permits its use, potentially with different safety data or usage conditions.
What is COAL TAR used for in cosmetics?
COAL TAR is primarily used for anti-seborrheic in cosmetic products. It also serves as antimicrobial, denaturant. The ingredient is commonly found in various cosmetic and personal care products.
Which countries regulate COAL TAR?
COAL TAR is banned in EU, UK. The ingredient is freely allowed in JP, US.
Are there alternatives to COAL TAR?
Due to regulatory restrictions on COAL TAR, cosmetic manufacturers often use alternative ingredients with similar functions. For anti-seborrheic, alternatives may include other approved ingredients in the same category. Consult product labels for specific formulations, and look for products compliant with your region's regulations.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive for accuracy based on official government databases, cosmetic regulations change frequently. Always consult with a qualified professional or refer to the latest official regulatory documents for compliance. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided here.