Ingredient
Coal Tar
Coal Tar is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, postpartum, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is known teratogen and absorbed into the body.
- Crude Coal Tar
- Pix Carbonis
- Coal Tar Solution
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 4 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Coal Tar and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Known teratogen
- Absorbed into the body
- Carcinogen concern
Coal tar is a complex mixture of hundreds of chemicals derived from coal processing, used medicinally to treat severe skin conditions like psoriasis. It contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that can be absorbed through the skin. According to ACOG and most dermatologists, coal tar should be avoided during pregnancy due to its carcinogenic properties and potential for systemic absorption. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity and developmental effects with PAH exposure. While human pregnancy data is limited, the presence of known carcinogens and uncertain safety profile makes coal tar use inadvisable during pregnancy. The AAD and most obstetricians recommend avoiding all coal tar products during pregnancy and using safer alternatives for skin conditions. If severe psoriasis requires treatment during pregnancy, dermatologists typically recommend other pregnancy-compatible options under medical supervision.
Coal Tar and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
- Carcinogen concern
Coal tar contains carcinogenic compounds that can be absorbed systemically through the skin. The complex mixture of PAHs and other chemicals raises concerns about transfer to breast milk and infant exposure. According to the AAD and pediatric dermatologists, coal tar should be avoided during breastfeeding due to the potential for chemical transfer to milk and the carcinogenic nature of its components. While specific breastfeeding transfer studies are limited, the systemic absorption of PAHs and their fat-soluble nature create theoretical risks of milk contamination and infant exposure to carcinogens. Medical professionals recommend postponing coal tar treatments until after weaning or using safer alternatives for skin conditions during breastfeeding. If treatment is medically necessary, it should only be used under strict dermatological supervision with careful consideration of application sites away from the breast area.
Coal Tar and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Carcinogen concern
- Irritant
- Increases sun sensitivity
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, coal tar can be used for severe skin conditions under medical supervision, though it remains a harsh ingredient with known carcinogenic properties. The skin may be more sensitive during the postpartum period due to hormonal changes. While there are no specific postpartum contraindications beyond breastfeeding, the general cancer risk and skin irritation concerns remain. Women should use coal tar products only as prescribed by a dermatologist for severe conditions like psoriasis when gentler alternatives have failed, always with sun protection due to photosensitivity.
Coal Tar and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Carcinogen concern
- Builds up in tissue
Women trying to conceive should avoid coal tar products as they would during pregnancy. The carcinogenic compounds can accumulate in body tissues, and it's advisable to discontinue use before conception to minimize any potential fetal exposure in early pregnancy. Most fertility specialists and dermatologists recommend stopping coal tar treatments at least 1-3 months before actively trying to conceive, similar to recommendations for other potentially harmful substances. Safer alternatives should be used for managing skin conditions during the preconception period.
Coal Tar and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Carcinogen concern
- Irritant
Coal tar has no specific hormonal effects relevant to PCOS, though women with PCOS may have existing skin sensitivity or conditions like seborrheic dermatitis that coal tar treats. However, the general health concerns about carcinogenicity apply equally. For women with PCOS experiencing scalp conditions or severe skin issues, coal tar can be effective but should be used cautiously due to its carcinogenic properties. The AAD recommends considering gentler alternatives first, especially for younger women who may use products long-term. If coal tar treatment is necessary for severe psoriasis or dandruff in PCOS patients, it should be prescribed by a dermatologist with appropriate monitoring and sun protection measures.
Coal Tar and general use
Caution Advised
- Carcinogen concern
- Irritant
- Increases sun sensitivity
Coal tar is an effective but harsh treatment for chronic skin conditions including psoriasis, eczema, and severe dandruff. While approved by the FDA for OTC use in specific concentrations, it contains known carcinogens and requires careful handling. According to the FDA and IARC, coal tar contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are carcinogenic. Long-term use has been associated with increased risk of skin cancer and other cancers. The ingredient also causes significant skin irritation, staining, and increases sun sensitivity dramatically. The FDA requires warning labels on coal tar products about cancer risk and sun exposure. While it can be effective for severe conditions under dermatological supervision, many healthcare providers recommend trying gentler alternatives first. Users must apply sunscreen diligently and limit sun exposure when using coal tar products.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Coal Tar, each one with its own page here.
Coal Tar is itself suggested as the safer option on these pages.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
One ingredient is the easy case.
A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.
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