Quick answers
- What is Coal tar used for?
- The Drug Facts label of DHS Tar (Person and Covey) lists these uses: DHS Tar Shampoo helps prevent recurrence of scalp itching and flaking associated with Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff..
- Do I need a prescription for Coal tar?
- No. The products on this page are sold without a prescription (over the counter).
- Is a store brand the same as the name brand?
- Products listed together below have the same active ingredient, in the same amount and the same form, as registered with the FDA. Inactive ingredients (such as colors, flavors and fillers) and package sizes can differ. Compare the “Active ingredient” box on both packages, and ask a pharmacist if you are not sure.
- Has Coal tar been recalled?
- No recall linked to these products appears in the FDA enforcement reports we use.
Drug Facts label
Every over-the-counter medicine must carry a “Drug Facts” box in the same order, set by FDA rules. Below is the label of one product for each common strength and form, quoted word for word. Your own package can differ (for example, children’s products have other directions): always follow the label on your package.
DHS Tar · Person and Covey
Coal tar 5 mg/mL, shampoo (topical)
Active ingredient
Coal Tar 0.5%
Purpose
For the control of Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff
Uses
DHS Tar Shampoo helps prevent recurrence of scalp itching and flaking associated with Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff.
Warnings
For external use only.
Ask a doctor before use if
you have Psoriasis or Seborrheic Dermatitis that covers a large area of the body.
When using this product
Do not get into eyes. If contact occurs, rinse eyes thoroughly with water. Use caution in exposing skin to sunlight after applying this product. It may increase your tendency to sunburn for up to 24 hours after application.
Do not use
for prolonged periods without consulting a doctor.
Do not use
this product with other forms of Psoriasis therapy such as ultraviolet radiation or prescription drugs unless directed to do so by a doctor. In rare instances, discoloration of gray, blonde, tinted or bleached hair may occur.
Stop use and ask a doctor if
Condition worsens or does not improve after regular use.
Keep out of reach of children
If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Directions
Wet hair thoroughly; apply a liberal amount of DHS Tar Shampoo and massage into lather. Allow lather to remain on scalp for several minutes. Rinse hair well and repeat application. For best results use at least twice a week or as directed by a doctor.
Other information
Store away from excessive heat or cold.
Inactive ingredients
Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, PEG-8 Distearate, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid
Questions?
Questions? Please call 1 (800) 423-2341.
— FDA label of DHS Tar, Person and Covey, effective March 9, 2026. See the official label on DailyMed →
True Plus Real Therapeutic T PLUS EXTRA STRENGTH COAL TAR TAR DANDRUFF Anti-dandruff, anti-seborrheic dermatitis, anti-psoriasis · Garcoa, Inc.
Coal tar 10 mg/mL, shampoo (topical)
Active ingredient
Solubilized Coal Tar Extract 5.00% (Coal Tar, 1.00%)
Purpose
Anti-dandruff, anti-seborrheic dermatitis, anti-psoriasis
Uses
controls the symptom of: dandruff seborrheic dermatitis psoriasis
Warnings
For external use only. Ask a doctor before using this product if condition covers a large area of the body.
When using this product
avoid contact with the eyes. If contact occurs, rinse eyes thoroughly with water use caution in exposing skin to sunlight after applying this product. It may increase your tendency to sunburn for up to 24 hours after application. do not use for prolonged periods without consulting a doctor. do not use this product with other forms of psoriasis therapy such as ultraviolet radiation or prescription drugs unless directed to do so by a doctor.
Stop use and ask a doctor if
condition worsens or does not improve after regular use of this product as directed.
Keep out of reach of children
If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.
Directions
for best results use at least twice a week or as directed by a doctor wet hair thoroughly massage shampoo into the scalp lather, leave on hair and scalp for several minutes. rinse and repeat
Inactive ingredients
water, sodium laureth sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamide MEA, laureth-4, polysorbate 20, bis-hydroxyethyl dihydroxypropyl stearammonium chloride, PEG-120 methyl glucose dioleate, disodium EDTA, citric acid, phenoxyethanol, fragrance, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, red 40, blue 1, yellow 5, yellow 6, sodium chloride.
Questions?
1-866-567-8600
— FDA label of True Plus Real Therapeutic T PLUS EXTRA STRENGTH COAL TAR TAR DANDRUFF Anti-dandruff, anti-seborrheic dermatitis, anti-psoriasis, Garcoa, Inc., effective May 10, 2024. See the official label on DailyMed →
DHS tar gel · Person and Covey
Coal tar 0.5%, shampoo (topical)
Active ingredient
OTC - ACTIVE INGREDIENT SECTION Coal Tar
Purpose
Controls symptoms of Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff.
Uses
and use Helps prevent recurrence of scalp itching and flaking associated with Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff.
Warnings
AND PRECAUTIONS SECTION For external use only. Ask a physician before use if you have Psoriasis or Seborrheic Dermatitis that covers a large area of the body. Do not get into eyes. If contact occurs, rinse eyes thoroughly with water. Use caution in exposing skin to sunlight after applying this product. It may increase your tendency to sunburn for up to 24 hours after application.
Do not use
for prolonged periods without consulting a physician.
Do not use
this product with other forms of Psoriasis therapy such as ultraviolet radiation or prescription drugs, unless directed to do so by a physician. In rare instances, discoloration of gray, blond tinted or bleached hair may occur. Stop use and ask physician if condition worsens or does not improve after regular use. Store away from excessive heat or cold. Keep out of the reach of children Yes. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Directions
Wet hair thoroughly, apply a liberal amount of shampoo and massage into lather. Allow lather to remain on scalp for several minutes. Rinse hair well and repeat application. For best results use at least twice a week or as directed by a physician.
Inactive ingredients
SECTION Purified Water Triethanolamine Laurel Sulfite Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaint Sodium Chloride PEG-8 Distearate Hypromellose Citric Acid
— FDA label of DHS tar gel, Person and Covey, effective January 23, 2026. See the official label on DailyMed →
MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning · Wisconsin Pharmacal Company
Coal tar 3%, shampoo (topical)
Active ingredient
Coal Tar 3% (from Coal Tar Topical Solution, USP 20%)
Purpose
Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dandruff Treatment
Uses
For the temporary relief of these symptoms associated with psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff itching scaling flaking redness irritation of the scalp. Helps prevent recurrence.
Warnings
For external use only
Ask a doctor before use if
condition covers a large area of the body.
When using this product
avoid contact with the eyes. If contact occurs, rinse eyes thoroughly with water. use caution in exposing skin to sunlight. It may increase your tendency to sunburn for up to 24 hours after application. do not use with other forms of psoriasis therapy such as ultraviolet radiation or prescription drugs unless directed by a physician. do not use for prolonged periods without consulting a physician.
Stop use and ask a doctor if
condition worsens. condition does not improve after regular use of this product as directed.
Keep out of reach of children
If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Coal Tar, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Directions
shake well before using. wet hair then massage liberal amount of MG217 into the scalp and leave on for several minutes. Rinse thoroughly. for best results, use at least twice a week or as directed by a physician.
Other information
If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Coal Tar, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Inactive ingredients
Deionized Water, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauramidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Palmitic Betaine, Guar Hydroxypropyl-trimonium Chloride, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Phenoxyethanol, Methyl Paraben, n-Butyl Paraben, Ethyl Paraben, lsobutyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, Fragrance, FD&C Blue #1
Questions?
1-800-635-3696
— FDA label of MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning, Wisconsin Pharmacal Company, effective December 10, 2018. See the official label on DailyMed →
QC Anti Dandruff T Plus · Guangzhou Danting Bath&Body Care Industry Co. Ltd.
Coal tar 5 mg/mL, lotion/shampoo (topical)
Active ingredient
Coal tar 0.5% (2% solubilized coal tar extract)
Purpose
Antidandruff, Seborrhic dematitis, Psoriasis
Uses
Controls the symptoms of dandruf seborrheic dermatitis psoriasis
Warnings
For external use only
Do not use
for prolonged periods without consulting a doctor this product with other forms of psoriasis therapy such as ultraviolet radiation or prescription drugs unless directed to do so by a doctor
Ask a doctor before use if
you have a condition that covers a large area of the body
When using this product
avoid contact with the eyes. If contact occurs, rinse eyes thoroughly with water use caution in exposing skin to sunlight after applying this product. It may increase your tendency to sunburn for up to 24 hours after application
Stop use and ask a doctor if
condition worsens or does not improve after regular use of this product as directed
Keep out of reach of children
If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Directions
wet hair thoroughly massage shampoo into your scalp lather, leaving on your hair and scalp for a few minutes rinse and repeat for best results use at least twice a week or as directed by a doctor
Other information
store away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and freezing conditions
Inactive ingredients
Inactive ingedients water, sodium laureth sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, acrylates copolymer, cocamide DEA, sodium lauryl sulfate, alcohol, silicone quaternium-16, PEG-150 distearate, fragrance, trideceth-12, phenoxyethanol, sodium chloride, sodium benzoate, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, citric acid, glycerin, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, disodium EDTA, CI 19140, CI 17200, carbon black
Questions?
+1-800-935-2362 You may also report serious side effects to this phone number. Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM EST
— FDA label of QC Anti Dandruff T Plus, Guangzhou Danting Bath&Body Care Industry Co. Ltd., effective January 24, 2025. See the official label on DailyMed →
Dermabon Multi Symptom Psoriasis Control · Dermabon de Chihuahua, S.A. de C.V.
Coal tar 2.13%, soap (topical)
Active ingredient
Coal Tar / 2.13% Purposes Anti-Psoriasis / Anti-Dandruff
Purpose
Anti-Psoriasis / Anti-Dandruff
Uses
For the relief of psoriasis and dandruff
Warnings
For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse eyes thoroughly with water. If condition worsens or does not improve after regular use of this product as directed, consult a doctor. Use caution when exposing skin to sunlight after applying this product, it may increase your tendency to sunburn up to 24 hours after application.
Do not use
for prolonged periods without consulting a doctor. do not use this proudct with other forms of psoriasis therapy, such as ultraviolet radiation or prescription drugs, unless directed to do so by a doctor. If condition covers a large area of the body, consult your doctor before using this product.
Keep out of reach of children
Directions
Apply in affected areas, let it rest, and rinse.
Inactive ingredients
Borax, Ethyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Lanolin, Methylparaben, Sodium Hypoochlorite, Stearic Acid, Petrolatum Oil, Vitamin E, Soap base and Water.
— FDA label of Dermabon Multi Symptom Psoriasis Control, Dermabon de Chihuahua, S.A. de C.V., effective July 1, 2025. See the official label on DailyMed →
This page is not medical advice. Read the label on your package, and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure a medicine is right for you, for your child, or with your other medicines.
Same medicine, other brands
Each group lists the products that have exactly the same active ingredient, in the same amount and form, as registered with the FDA (NDC Directory). A store brand in the same group has the same medicine as the name brand; inactive ingredients, flavors and package sizes can differ. Each product links to its own official label.
Coal tar 5 mg/mL · shampoo (topical) · 12 products
Drug Facts for this strength and form ↑
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| amazon basics therapeutic tar anti-dandruff Anti-dandruff, anti-seborrheic dermatitis, anti-psoriasis | Amazon.Com Services LLC | DailyMed |
| DHS Tar | Person and Covey | DailyMed |
| Equate Therapeutic Dandruff Anti-dandruff, anti-seborrheic dermatitis, anti-psoriasis | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Equate Therapeutic Dandruff Original Strength Anti-dandruff, anti-seborrheic dermatitis, anti-psoriasis | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Family Wellness Therapeutic Tplus PLUS Dandruff Anti-dandruff, anti-seborrheic dermatitis, anti-psoriasis | Family Dollar Services Inc | DailyMed |
| Meijer T Plus Gel Coal Tar Anti-Dandruff | Meijer Distribution, Inc | DailyMed |
| meijer therapeutic t plus plus tar gel dandruff Anti-dandruff, anti-seborrheic dermatitis, anti-psoriasis | Meijer Distribution, Inc | DailyMed |
| Thera-Gel | Major Pharmaceuticals | DailyMed |
| therapeutic tar anti-dandruff Anti-dandruff, anti-seborrheic dermatitis, anti-psoriasis | Goodsense | DailyMed |
| TopCare Therapeutic Anti-Dandruff Anti-dandruff, anti-seborrheic dermatitis, anti-psoriasis | Topco Associates LLC | DailyMed |
| True plus Real Therapeutic T plus Plus Original Strength Tar Dandruff Anti-dandruff, anti-seborrheic dermatitis, anti-psoriasis | Garcoa, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Walgreens Original T-Gel Anti-dandruff, anti-seborrheic dermatitis, anti-psoriasis | Walgreen Company | DailyMed |
Coal tar 10 mg/mL · shampoo (topical) · 5 products
Drug Facts for this strength and form ↑
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| amazon basics therapeutic tar gel anti-dandruff Extra Strength Anti-dandruff, anti-seborrheic dermatitis, anti-psoriasis | Amazon.Com Services LLC | DailyMed |
| Equate Extra Strength Therapeutic Dandruff Anti-dandruff, anti-seborrheic dermatitis, anti-psoriasis | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Equate Therapeutic Dandruff Extra Strength Anti-dandruff, anti-seborrheic dermatitis, anti-psoriasis | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | DailyMed |
| True Plus Real Therapeutic T PLUS EXTRA STRENGTH COAL TAR TAR DANDRUFF Anti-dandruff, anti-seborrheic dermatitis, anti-psoriasis | Garcoa, Inc. | DailyMed |
| Walgreens Extra Strength T-Gel Anti-dandruff, anti-seborrheic dermatitis, anti-psoriasis | Walgreen Company | DailyMed |
Coal tar 0.5% · shampoo (topical) · 3 products
Coal tar 3% · shampoo (topical) · 2 products
Coal tar 5 mg/mL · lotion/shampoo (topical) · 2 products
Coal tar 2.13% · soap (topical) · 2 products
Drug Facts for this strength and form ↑
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Dermabon Multi Symptom Psoriasis Control | Dermabon de Chihuahua, S.A. de C.V. | DailyMed |
| Dermabon Psoriasis and Dandruff | Belleza Natural Ohnbrand, S.A. de C.V. | — |
Coal tar 5.39 g/250 mL · shampoo (topical) · 1 product
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Coal Tar | Nopsor USA Distribution Co., Inc. | DailyMed |
Coal tar 0.018 g/mL · shampoo (topical) · 1 product
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Denorex Severe Itch | Neoteric Cosmetics, Inc. | DailyMed |
Coal tar 1.39% · ointment (topical) · 1 product
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Coal Tar | Nopsor USA Distribution Co., Inc. | DailyMed |
Coal tar 0.5% · cream (topical) · 1 product
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Dermatology Psoriasis Cream | G.M.J Natural Products, Inc. | DailyMed |
Coal tar 2 mg/100 mL · ointment (topical) · 1 product
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| RevitaDERM PSORIASIS | Blaine Labs Inc. | DailyMed |
Coal tar 62.5 mg/mL · shampoo (topical) · 1 product
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Pete and Pedro Control Anti Itch Dandruff | Pete and Pedro LLC | DailyMed |
Coal tar 5 mg/mL · liquid (topical) · 1 product
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Medicasp Anti-Dandruff | Genomma Lab USA | DailyMed |
Coal tar 2% · lotion/shampoo (topical) · 1 product
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Psoriasin In-Shower Treatment | Kobayashi Healthcare International, Inc. | DailyMed |
Coal tar 2% · ointment (topical) · 1 product
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Psoriasin Deep Moisturizing | Kobayashi Healthcare International, Inc. | DailyMed |
Coal tar 3% · ointment (topical) · 1 product
| Brand or product name | Company on the label | Label |
|---|---|---|
| MG217 Psoriasis Medicated multi-symptom | Wisconsin Pharmacal Company | DailyMed |
What pharmacies pay (NADAC)
The National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) is the average price U.S. retail pharmacies paid to buy one unit of a medicine (one tablet, one mL or one gram), from a monthly survey of pharmacy invoices by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). State Medicaid programs use it to pay pharmacies.
This is not the price you pay. What you pay depends on your insurance (copay or coinsurance), your pharmacy and any discounts, and pharmacies also charge for filling a prescription. Ask your pharmacist or your health plan what your price will be.
| Strength and form | Generic or brand | Pharmacies pay |
|---|---|---|
| coal tar 0.5% shampoo | Brand: DHS tar gel | $0.0411 per mL |
| coal tar 0.5% shampoo | Brand: Dhs Tar | $0.0411 per mL |
| coal tar 5 mg/mL shampoo | Generic | $0.0087 per mL |
NADAC list of November 4, 2026; these prices took effect on October 21, 2026. Shown only where a package’s NDC code matches the NADAC list exactly, and only for that exact strength and form: nothing is averaged across strengths. Strengths and forms not listed here have no NADAC price.
Source: NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) 2026, data.medicaid.gov (CMS) →
Companies that sell this medicine
The company named on the package (maker or distributor), as listed in the FDA NDC Directory, with its number of over-the-counter products of this medicine.
- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.4 products
- Wisconsin Pharmacal Company3 products
- Person and Covey3 products
- Garcoa, Inc.2 products
- Amazon.Com Services LLC2 products
- Nopsor USA Distribution Co., Inc.2 products
- Meijer Distribution, Inc2 products
- Kobayashi Healthcare International, Inc.2 products
- Walgreen Company2 products
- Neoteric Cosmetics, Inc.1 product
- Major Pharmaceuticals1 product
- Chain Drug Marketing Association, Inc.1 product
- RoyceDerm LLC1 product
- G.M.J Natural Products, Inc.1 product
- Blaine Labs Inc.1 product
- Pete and Pedro LLC1 product
- Genomma Lab USA1 product
- Topco Associates LLC1 product
- Belleza Natural Ohnbrand, S.A. de C.V.1 product
- Goodsense1 product
- Family Dollar Services Inc1 product
- Dermabon de Chihuahua, S.A. de C.V.1 product
- Guangzhou Danting Bath&Body Care Industry Co. Ltd.1 product
Recalls
No recall linked to these products (by their NDC code or label) appears in the FDA enforcement reports.
Sources
- Drug labeling (SPL, openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
- NDC Directory (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
- Drug recall enforcement reports (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 27, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
- FDA rule for the Drug Facts label (21 CFR 201.66)
Only medicines marketed under FDA rules for nonprescription drugs (an FDA monograph or an FDA approval) are listed. Homeopathic products are not listed: the FDA does not evaluate them for safety or effectiveness.