Coal Tar.
Also known as: coal tar solution, crude coal tar, coal tar extract, pix carbonis, liquor carbonis detergens
A thick, dark liquid derived from the processing of coal. Used in some hair dyes, anti-dandruff shampoos, and psoriasis treatments. Coal tar is a known human carcinogen containing hundreds of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
By the numbers.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid.
Risk by usage.
How risk shifts depending on how often you use products with Coal Tar.
Short-term medicated use under doctor supervision may be acceptable for severe psoriasis.
Daily topical application of a known carcinogen is strongly discouraged. Seek safer dermatological alternatives.
Unacceptable risk. Cumulative PAH exposure from repeated application poses serious cancer risk.
What the research says.
Classified as a known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1). Contains numerous PAHs linked to skin, lung, and bladder cancers.
IARC Monographs — Coal-tar pitches, Group 1 carcinogen
Increases photosensitivity, making skin more vulnerable to UV-induced damage and skin cancer.
Causes skin irritation, folliculitis, and allergic reactions. Long-term topical use is associated with skin cancer in occupational studies.
British Journal of Dermatology — occupational skin cancer from coal tar exposure
Global status.
How coal tar is regulated in cosmetics around the world.
100% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
Hair dye exemption with caution label; anti-dandruff use regulated as OTC drug.
Details
Coal tar banned under Annex II (entry 518); coal tar dyes regulated separately.
Details
Banned under retained Annex II.
Details
Permitted only in specific hair dye products with warnings.
Details
Coal tar colors regulated under strict positive list.
Details
Coal tar banned as cosmetic ingredient.
Details
Higher concentrations scheduled as medicine.
Details
Banned per Safety Technical Standards.
Details
Banned as cosmetic ingredient per ANVISA.
Details
Permitted in anti-dandruff products at limited concentrations.
Details
Banned under ASEAN Cosmetic Directive, aligned with EU.
The reason brands include it.
Has anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties that help treat psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Also used as a base for hair dye pigments.
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Better alternatives exist. Brands choose coal tar because it’s cheap and effective, but safer options like salicylic acid (for dandruff/psoriasis), zinc pyrithione, tea tree oil deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Coal Tar in product types.
Click a category to see every product containing coal tar.
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What to use instead.
What Numbrrrz uses instead
Numbrrrz never uses coal tar or coal tar-derived ingredients. Our lip balms rely exclusively on Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Beeswax, and Vitamin E for nourishment and protection.