Coal Tar Soap For Psoriasis: 7 Proven Picks To Try In 2026

Few skincare ingredients have a résumé like coal tar. It has been used on stubborn skin for well over a century. It smells like a freshly paved road. And it still turns up in the medicine cabinets of people who have tried everything glossier. If you’re searching for coal tar soap for psoriasis, you’ve probably spotted the problem already. The shelf runs from clearly labeled drugstore medicine to nostalgic bars with vague packaging, and nobody tells you which is which.

That’s the gap this guide fills. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, tar is one of two over-the-counter ingredients (the other is salicylic acid) that the FDA approves for psoriasis, and coal tar is the type most often used. It can help slow the rapid growth of skin cells and ease itching, scaling and inflammation.

Here’s the honest catch. A bar of soap is a rinse-off product, so it’s rarely the whole plan. That’s why this roundup covers three soaps, three shampoos and one leave-on ointment: the real-world coal tar skincare treatment toolkit.

Everything below comes from spec comparisons, label data and publicly available review themes, not from invented testing. Prices appear as ranges only, so check current price before you buy. And since medicated skincare regulations shape what’s on every label, we’ll decode those too.

Quick Comparison: Coal Tar Soap for Psoriasis and Medicated Alternatives

Read the table as a map, not a ranking. The three bars cover the body, the three shampoos cover the scalp, and the ointment handles spots a wash-off product can’t reach for long. If your psoriasis lives mostly on your elbows, shins or hands, start with Dermabon Coal Tar Soap. If it sits under your hairline, jump straight to the shampoos. Anyone with stubborn plaques that laugh at a quick lather should look hard at the MG217 2% Coal Tar Ointment.

💬 Just one click — help others make better buying decisions too!😊

Top 7 Coal Tar Soap for Psoriasis Picks: Expert Analysis

A quick note on the lineup. A pure “soap-only” list would leave out the products with the strongest regulatory footing and the clearest labels. So each entry below gets honest analysis built on specs, label information and the review themes I could verify. Where I couldn’t verify something, I say so.

1. Dermabon Coal Tar Soap — dedicated bar built around psoriasis

Dermabon Coal Tar Soap is the most purpose-built bar here, and its listings lean hard into psoriasis, eczema and seborrheic dermatitis. One Amazon listing for the 2.5 oz three-pack states coal tar at 2.13% as the active ingredient. Other listings for the brand say 2%, and bars appear in 2.5 oz, 3.175 oz and 90 g formats.

That small mismatch matters less than it sounds, because both numbers sit inside the 0.5%–5% window the FDA allows. Still, it’s a nudge to read the Drug Facts panel on the exact pack in your cart.

Based on the spec comparison, a roughly 2% bar is a mid-strength option. Because soap touches skin only as long as your shower does, it works best as a steady daily habit rather than a miracle. It suits people with scattered body plaques who want one simple step.

I couldn’t verify a trustworthy aggregate star rating during research. The listing showed a Best Sellers rank near #792 in Bath Soaps, which signals steady demand but isn’t proof of results. Skim recent verified reviews for notes on scent and dryness.

Pros:

• ✅ Active ingredient and percentage clearly stated
• ✅ Several bar sizes and multipacks available
• ✅ Label focused squarely on psoriasis use

Cons:

• ❌ Strong tar scent that lingers on towels
• ❌ Can dry skin without a moisturizer

Expect a budget-to-mid price, roughly in the $10–$25 range depending on pack size; check current price. Verdict: the safest bar to try first.

2. Soap Works Coal Tar Bar Soap — best bulk value for big households

Soap Works Coal Tar Bar Soap is the thrifty one, sold in 2-pack, 6-count and 12-count bundles. The brand pitches it as an old-fashioned recipe for dry, itchy skin. In the listing snippets I reviewed, I couldn’t see a stated coal tar percentage or a direct psoriasis-treatment claim.

Here’s what that means in practice. Until the packaging confirms a Drug Facts panel with a labeled coal tar concentration, treat this as a traditional tar-style cleansing bar rather than a verified psoriasis drug. That isn’t a knock. It’s simply a different job.

On the analysis side, the multipack pricing makes it appealing for a household where several people want a tar-scented bar by the sink and the gym bag. It also suits someone who uses a prescribed treatment and wants a gentle supportive wash around it. What the listing won’t tell you, but common sense suggests, is that a bar you can afford to use daily beats a premium bar you ration.

I couldn’t confirm an aggregate review pattern from reliable sources, so I won’t invent one. Check recent buyer comments for scent strength and skin feel.

Pros:

• ✅ Low cost per bar in multipacks
• ✅ Simple, traditional formula approach
• ✅ Easy to stock for the whole household

Cons:

• ❌ Coal tar concentration not visible in listings
• ❌ Less clearly targeted at psoriasis

Expect a budget price, roughly $8–$30 depending on count; prices may vary. Verdict: great for volume, but verify the label first.

3. Wright’s Coal Tar Traditional Soap — classic bar with a nostalgic following

Wright’s Coal Tar Traditional Soap shows up in 125 g bars and four-packs, and the name alone tells you what to expect: a heritage-style tar bar. The listings I reviewed didn’t display a Drug Facts panel, so I’d read the packaging carefully before treating it as an OTC psoriasis drug.

Why mention it at all? Because shoppers keep asking about it, and context helps. Traditional tar bars tend to be strongly scented and aimed at general skin care. Regulated psoriasis products, on the other hand, must name the coal tar source and concentration on the label. That distinction is a useful lens for every product in this article.

My take: this is for the person who loves the ritual and the smell, uses it as a general wash, and keeps a clinically labeled treatment in the toolkit for actual flares. If you want a measurable dose of coal tar, one of the clearly labeled bars or shampoos is the safer bet.

Review data I could verify was thin, so I’m leaving it out rather than guessing. When you shop, scan buyer comments for authenticity of the packaging, since multi-seller listings can vary.

Pros:

• ✅ Familiar traditional bar format
• ✅ Four-pack option for stocking up
• ✅ Handy size for travel and shared bathrooms

Cons:

• ❌ Psoriasis labeling not confirmed in listings
• ❌ Scent can overpower a small bathroom

Expect a budget range, roughly $8–$20; check current price. Verdict: a nostalgic cleanser, not my first pick for psoriasis.

4. MG217 Medicated Conditioning 3% Coal Tar Shampoo — recognized formula for stubborn scalp scale

MG217 Medicated Conditioning 3% Coal Tar Shampoo is the heavy hitter for the scalp. The Amazon listing shows an 8 fl oz bottle at 3% coal tar, which sits in the upper half of the FDA’s 0.5%–5% range. MG217 also sells a lower 0.5% shampoo-and-conditioner format. Coverage on MyPsoriasisTeam notes that the National Psoriasis Foundation gave its Seal of Recommendation to an MG217 medicated conditioning coal tar shampoo.

What does 3% mean for you? On paper, it’s a stronger exposure than a 0.5% formula. That makes it appealing for thick, stubborn scale, but it also raises the stakes for irritation, so patch testing matters. The conditioning angle helps with a classic tar-shampoo complaint: hair that feels like straw afterward.

An NPF seal is an endorsement, not a customer survey, so I won’t pretend it tells you how the shampoo feels or smells. I couldn’t verify a reliable review average either. Look at recent reviews for notes on scent and scalp comfort.

Pros:

• ✅ Higher 3% coal tar for stubborn scale
• ✅ Conditioning formula softens the tar-shampoo feel
• ✅ NPF seal reported for the MG217 shampoo line

Cons:

• ❌ Higher strength may irritate sensitive scalps
• ❌ Distinct tar odor, even when rinsed

Expect a mid-range price, roughly $10–$25 per bottle; prices may vary. Verdict: top pick for thick scalp plaques.

5. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Stubborn Itch — cooling menthol for relentless itch

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Stubborn Itch swaps raw muscle for finesse. The Drug Facts list coal tar at 0.5%, delivered as 2% Neutar solubilized coal tar extract. Menthol adds a cooling effect aimed at itch. It’s labeled for dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis, and the NPF seal coverage I found names this exact “Stubborn Itch” shampoo.

The spec translation: 0.5% is the bottom of the FDA window, so it’s a gentler dose, and menthol targets the symptom people say bothers them most. That makes it a sensible option for itch-led flares and anyone who suspects a stronger tar shampoo will irritate.

Reviewer sentiment on retail listings is mixed in a useful way. Some people report itch relief within a couple of uses, while one reviewer dislikes the added fragrance and wishes for an unscented version. A separate review blog notes the scent is stronger than other T/Gel variants and that the formula can dry out hair. Treat those as individual reports, not guarantees.

Pros:

• ✅ Menthol cools intense itch quickly
• ✅ Clear Drug Facts labeling at 0.5%
• ✅ NPF seal reported for this variant

Cons:

• ❌ Fragrance divides opinion
• ❌ May leave hair feeling dry

Expect a mid-range price, around $10–$25 depending on bottle size; check current price. Verdict: best pick when itch is the main villain.

6. DHS Tar Shampoo — clarifying formula for buildup control

DHS Tar Shampoo from Person & Covey is positioned as a clarifying coal tar scalp treatment. Its listing advertises 1.8% coal tar, a therapeutic formula and removal of residue. That puts it right in the middle of the FDA range, between the gentle 0.5% options and the 3% heavyweight.

Here’s the practical read. A clarifying shampoo is designed to strip buildup, which is handy if styling products and flaking have turned your scalp into a layered situation. The trade-off is that clarifying formulas can feel drying, so many people pair them with a conditioner on the lengths and ends.

Think of it as the rotation player: use it as a periodic deep clean alongside a gentler maintenance shampoo rather than as an everyday default. I couldn’t verify a trustworthy aggregate review picture, so check recent buyer comments on scent and hair feel before committing.

Pros:

• ✅ Mid-range 1.8% coal tar concentration
• ✅ Clarifying action tackles stubborn residue
• ✅ Established brand with clear labeling

Cons:

• ❌ Clarifying formula may dry hair
• ❌ Tar scent lingers after washing

Expect a mid-to-upper budget range, roughly $12–$25; prices may vary. Verdict: strong supporting shampoo for buildup-prone scalps.

7. MG217 2% Coal Tar Ointment — leave-on power for stubborn plaques

MG217 2% Coal Tar Ointment earns its place because soaps and shampoos wash away fast. The 4 oz jar contains 2% coal tar in a petrolatum-based ointment enriched with vitamins A, D3 and E. The listing says the brand is recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Why does this matter for a soap-focused article? Contact time. An ointment sits on the plaque for hours, which is where its extra muscle comes from. The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance notes that cleaner tar extracts are more practical at home than crude tar, though less effective and slower to work.

The downside is mess. Ointments stain pajamas and sheets, and that tar smell goes to bed with you. It’s best for small, stubborn patches, applied at night, rather than for all-over coverage.

I couldn’t verify a reliable aggregate rating, so I won’t quote one. Leave-on tar products also carry extra label warnings, so read them closely.

Pros:

• ✅ Longer skin contact than any wash-off bar
• ✅ Moisturizing petrolatum base
• ✅ Clear 2% coal tar labeling

Cons:

• ❌ Greasy feel and fabric staining
• ❌ Not practical for large body areas

Expect a mid-range price, roughly $10–$25 for a 4 oz jar; check current price. Verdict: the best sidekick to any tar bar.

What Is Coal Tar Soap for Psoriasis?

Coal tar soap for psoriasis is a medicated cleansing bar that contains coal tar, an FDA-recognized active ingredient, to help slow rapid skin-cell turnover and ease the itching, scaling and redness of psoriasis. It’s washed on and rinsed off, which makes it gentler and less messy than leave-on tar ointments.

The history helps explain the appeal. Coal tar is a dark, thick liquid made when coal is processed, and dermatologists have reached for it for generations. The exact mechanism isn’t well understood, which is a fair thing to know before you buy anything with big promises on the box. What we do know is that tar has anti-inflammatory and anti-scaling properties and that clinicians have long used it on psoriasis.

Soap adds a convenience layer. You already wash your skin, so a medicated bar slots into an existing habit without a new step. That’s the main selling point, and it’s also the main limitation: contact time is short. Think of a bar as the steady drip of a gentle routine, not a firehose.

How to Choose Coal Tar Soap for Psoriasis

Picking from a crowded shelf feels harder than it should. Work through these six steps and the field narrows fast.

1. Read the Drug Facts panel first. A real OTC psoriasis product names the coal tar and its percentage. Vague “tar-scented” packaging doesn’t qualify.
2. Match strength to sensitivity. The FDA window is 0.5%–5%. Lower is gentler, higher is more intense, and sensitive skin usually deserves the lower end first.
3. Check the body area. Bars suit the torso, arms and legs. Scalps want shampoo, and stubborn spots may want ointment.
4. Weigh scent tolerance. Tar smells strong, and added fragrance can make it stronger. Be honest about what your household will put up with.
5. Think about skin dryness. Medicated washes can strip skin, so budget for a good moisturizer.
6. Compare cost per use. A multipack that you’ll actually use every day often beats a pricey single bar.

Answer those six questions and your shortlist usually drops to one or two products.

Medicated Psoriasis Soap: Features That Matter (and Those That Don’t)

Marketing around any medicated psoriasis soap loves big adjectives. Here’s how to separate signal from noise.

Features that matter. First, a stated coal tar percentage. Without it, you can’t compare products or judge strength. Second, the coal tar source and concentration being named, which FDA labeling rules require for drug products. Third, a moisturizing base such as glycerin or oils, which helps offset dryness. And fourth, bar size and count, which determine cost per wash.

Features that don’t. Words like “natural,” “pure” and “dermatologist-style” mean little without a Drug Facts panel behind them. A cute scent name doesn’t change the chemistry either. Bonus botanicals sprinkled on the label can sound soothing, but they don’t replace the active ingredient doing the heavy lifting.

Here’s what the spec sheet won’t tell you: the format shapes results more than the brand. A rinse-off bar spends only moments on your skin, so even a well-made medicated psoriasis soap works best when it’s part of a bigger plan. Pair it with a moisturizer and, where appropriate, a leave-on treatment recommended by your clinician. That combination, not the fanciest wrapper, is what moves the needle.

Coal Tar Skincare Treatment: Soap vs Shampoo vs Ointment

Not every coal tar skincare treatment is built for the same job. The table below compares the three formats this article covers.

The pattern is simple: the longer a product stays on, the more power and the more mess. The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance describes coal tar as a long-standing treatment mostly used for short-term scalp psoriasis. It also says milder tar extracts can be used on the face and skin folds, though irritation, contact allergy and sterile folliculitis can occur.

For most people, the practical answer is layering. A bar handles daily cleansing, a shampoo handles the scalp, and an ointment targets the spots that refuse to quit.

Scalp Psoriasis and Coal Tar Shampoo: What to Expect

Scalp psoriasis deserves its own spotlight because it’s so common. A 2021 review summarized by Medical News Today says around 80% of psoriasis cases involve the scalp, and that coal tar can be an effective treatment there. If you’re hunting for coal tar soap for psoriasis but your trouble spot is under your hair, a coal tar shampoo is usually the better tool.

Why? Shampoo is formulated to spread through hair and reach the scalp, and it’s easier to leave on for the contact time the label recommends. A bar of soap in hair is a recipe for tangles and unevenness.

Your three shampoo options map neatly to different scalp personalities. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Stubborn Itch suits the itch-driven scalp. MG217 Medicated Conditioning 3% Coal Tar Shampoo suits thick scale. DHS Tar Shampoo suits buildup-prone, product-heavy scalps. Because the National Psoriasis Foundation lists tar preparations as a second-line option, either alone or with a low-potency steroid in some cases, it’s worth discussing the full scalp plan with your dermatologist.

Two real-world cautions. Tar can make hair feel dry, so condition the lengths. And scalp skin can be touchy, so start with a lower strength if you’ve never used tar before.

How to Use Coal Tar Soap for Psoriasis: A Practical Guide

Amazon listings won’t teach you technique, so here’s the part they skip. This is general guidance; always follow your product’s label and your clinician’s advice.

Step 1: Patch test. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends testing a tar product on a small area first and watching for irritation before using it more widely.

Step 2: Wet, lather, linger. Use lukewarm water, lather the bar between your hands, and apply to affected areas. Follow the label’s contact-time instructions before rinsing. Very hot water can inflame psoriasis, so keep it comfortable.

Step 3: Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Rubbing with a towel can irritate plaques. Pat instead.

Step 4: Moisturize within minutes. Locking in moisture while skin is still slightly damp helps offset the drying effect of medicated washes.

Step 5: Respect the sun. Tar can stay active on the skin for at least 24 hours, so the National Psoriasis Foundation advises limiting time outdoors because of an increased sunburn risk.

First-30-day mistakes to avoid: overscrubbing, skipping moisturizer, mixing multiple strong treatments without advice, and abandoning the routine after a week. Tar-based products can take time, so give a new routine a fair trial unless irritation appears. If your skin turns red, burns or breaks out, stop and talk to a professional.

Real-World Scenarios: Which Product Fits Which Person?

Specs only matter if they map to a life. Here are three sample profiles, with reasoning.

The budget-conscious family. Four people, one shared bathroom, one tight budget. A multipack such as Soap Works Coal Tar Bar Soap keeps cost per wash low. The catch is verifying the label for coal tar details, so read the packaging on arrival. Add a basic fragrance-free moisturizer and you’ve got a sensible baseline.

The office worker with elbow and shin plaques. Dry skin, mild scaling, daily showers. Dermabon Coal Tar Soap gives a clearly labeled roughly 2% daily wash, and the MG217 2% Coal Tar Ointment can handle a few stubborn patches at night. Wash with the bar in the morning, treat the stubborn spots before bed, and keep dark pajamas on rotation.

The student with an itchy, flaky scalp. The itch is the real enemy. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Stubborn Itch brings cooling menthol and a gentler 0.5% dose. If thick scale builds up despite that, a periodic DHS Tar Shampoo wash can help clear residue.

None of these replace medical advice, and persistent or widespread psoriasis deserves a dermatologist’s input. But matching the format to the person is half the battle.

Common Problems With Coal Tar Products (and Fixes)

Even the right product can annoy you. Here are the usual complaints and practical fixes.

“It smells too strong.” Tar scent is part of the package. Rinse thoroughly, wash towels often, and consider a lighter-scented formula, though added fragrance can bother some users.

“My skin feels dry and tight.” Medicated washes can strip moisture. Moisturize right after drying, and ask your clinician about the right frequency.

“It stains my towels and sheets.” This is a feature of tar, especially ointments. Keep dedicated dark towels and bedding for treatment nights.

“My hair feels like straw.” Condition the lengths, not the scalp, and rotate shampoos if a clarifying formula is too much.

“Nothing seems to be happening.” Cleaner tar extracts work more slowly than crude tar, according to the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance. Give it time, keep your routine consistent, and check in with a clinician if you’re not improving.

“My skin is irritated.” Stop using the product. Irritation, contact allergy and sterile folliculitis are all recognized possibilities with tar, so persistent redness or pus-filled spots deserve a professional look.

Medicated Skincare Regulations: What the Label Must Tell You

Medicated skincare regulations sound dry, but they’re your best shopping tool. In the United States, over-the-counter dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis products fall under an FDA monograph (M032, formerly 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H). Under the eCFR text of 21 CFR Part 358, coal tar is an allowed active ingredient for psoriasis at 0.5% to 5%. When a coal tar solution, derivative or fraction is the source, the label must identify the source and the final coal tar concentration.

That’s why a clear percentage on the box is a green flag. The regulation also covers warnings. For products used for psoriasis, the labeling includes advice not to use the product alongside other psoriasis therapies such as ultraviolet radiation or prescription drugs unless a doctor directs it. Leave-on products like creams and ointments carry their own additional warnings.

There’s a state-level wrinkle too. The National Psoriasis Foundation notes California requires cancer warnings on OTC coal tar shampoos, lotions and creams above 0.5% coal tar. The FDA, meanwhile, maintains that OTC products at 0.5% to 5% are safe and effective for psoriasis, and the NPF says there’s no scientific evidence that the tar in OTC products is carcinogenic.

My practical read of the medicated skincare regulations: a product claiming to treat psoriasis should show a Drug Facts panel. If it doesn’t, you’re probably looking at a traditional cleansing bar.

Long-Term Cost and Value: Which Coal Tar Routine Pays Off?

Price tags mislead because pack sizes differ. A better lens is cost per use, plus how consistently you’ll actually use the thing.

Looking at the table, the value story splits in two. Bars win on cost per wash, while shampoos and ointments earn their price by treating spots a bar can’t. A common overlooked cost is the “supporting cast”: moisturizer, extra towels and conditioner.

For total cost of ownership, a lean routine often works best. Use one clearly labeled bar for the body, one shampoo matched to your scalp, and one ointment kept for flare-ups. That’s three products doing three distinct jobs, rather than a cabinet full of overlapping tubes.

FAQ

Conclusion

So, what’s the verdict on coal tar soap for psoriasis? It’s a legitimate, time-tested tool with real limits. A rinse-off bar can be a useful daily habit, but it works best as part of a team: a clearly labeled bar like Dermabon Coal Tar Soap for the body, a shampoo such as Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Stubborn Itch or MG217 Medicated Conditioning 3% Coal Tar Shampoo for the scalp, and the MG217 2% Coal Tar Ointment for stubborn plaques.

If budget rules the day, Soap Works Coal Tar Bar Soap and Wright’s Coal Tar Traditional Soap are worth a look, as long as you read the packaging first. And if you need a periodic reset for buildup, DHS Tar Shampoo has a clear role.

Remember the big lessons. Read the Drug Facts panel, favor products that state their coal tar percentage, respect sun sensitivity, and moisturize like it’s your job. Let medicated skincare regulations work for you: a clear label is a good sign. And if your psoriasis is widespread, painful or not improving, loop in a dermatologist.

✨ Ready to build your routine?

🧴 Compare the picks above, check current prices and availability, and choose the product that fits your skin, your schedule and your tolerance for tar scent. Your calmer, more comfortable skin starts with one smart choice!

Recommended for You

• Eczema Bar Soap For Babies And Toddlers: 7 Best Gentle Picks 2026
• Psoriasis Bar Soap For Flare-Ups: 7 Best Gentle Picks 2026
• Oatmeal Soap Reviews For Eczema: 7 Best Soothing Bars 2026

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase products through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

✨ Found this helpful? Share it with your friends! 💬🤗