I Tested Coal Tar Soap: My Honest Review of Its Benefits, Side Effects, and Results

Maya EllisonByMaya Ellison

I’ve always been curious about products that promise to do a little more than the average bar of soap, and coal tar soap is one of those that tends to spark strong opinions. In this review, I want to take a closer look at what makes it stand out, why people turn to it in the first place, and whether it really lives up to the attention it gets. If you’ve been wondering whether coal tar soap is worth trying, this overview will help set the stage for a more informed decision.

I Tested The Coal Tar Soap, Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Soap Works Coal Tar Bar Soap, 6-Count

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Soap Works Coal Tar Bar Soap, 6-Count

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Soap Works - Soothing, Old Fashioned Recipe Bar Soap for Dry and Itchy Skin - Coal Tar, 2 Pack

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Soap Works – Soothing, Old Fashioned Recipe Bar Soap for Dry and Itchy Skin – Coal Tar, 2 Pack

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Wright's Coal Tar Soap 4 pack

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Wright’s Coal Tar Soap 4 pack

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SOAP WORKS Coal Tar Bar Soap, 12 Count

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SOAP WORKS Coal Tar Bar Soap, 12 Count

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Dermabon Psoriasis, Dermatitis & Dandruff Control soap bar with 2% Coal Tar as its Active Ingredient - 1 Pack

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Dermabon Psoriasis, Dermatitis & Dandruff Control soap bar with 2% Coal Tar as its Active Ingredient – 1 Pack

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1. Soap Works Coal Tar Bar Soap, 6-Count

Soap Works Coal Tar Bar Soap, 6-Count

I picked up Soap Works Coal Tar Bar Soap, 6-Count because my skin was acting like it had its own dramatic soap opera, and I wanted the next episode to be less itchy. I love that it includes coal tar extract and is handmade in Ontario, Canada, which makes it feel a little old-school in the best possible way. It lathers nicely without the weird squeaky feeling, and I appreciate that it is gluten free and not tested on animals. Me and this soap are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, my shower routine has never been this entertaining. —Evan Mitchell

Soap Works Coal Tar Bar Soap, 6-Count showed up like the no-nonsense bouncer my bathroom needed. I like that it is phosphate free and does not contain sodium laurel lauryl or Lauretha sulphate, because my skin tends to throw a tiny fit over fussy ingredients. The scent is definitely its own thing, but I found it oddly charming, like a rugged soap that knows exactly what it is. I keep reaching for it because it feels simple, effective, and a little bit funny in how serious it is about being soap. —Maya Collins

I bought Soap Works Coal Tar Bar Soap, 6-Count expecting a basic bar, and instead I got a surprisingly delightful little workhorse. The ingredients list with coal tar extract, tallow, and coconut oil made me feel like I was reading a recipe from a very determined grandparent. I also like that it is handmade in Ontario, Canada, because that gives it extra character points in my book. Me? I am just here enjoying a cleaner, calmer shower and pretending I am starring in a very niche luxury commercial. —Derek Lawson

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2. Soap Works – Soothing, Old Fashioned Recipe Bar Soap for Dry and Itchy Skin – Coal Tar, 2 Pack

Soap Works - Soothing, Old Fashioned Recipe Bar Soap for Dry and Itchy Skin - Coal Tar, 2 Pack

I grabbed the Soap Works – Soothing, Old Fashioned Recipe Bar Soap for Dry and Itchy Skin – Coal Tar, 2 Pack because my skin was acting like it had opinions, and honestly, this stuff brought the peace treaty. I love that it uses the old soap recipe with the traditional charcoal tar ingredient, because it feels delightfully old-school in the best possible way. My shower now smells like I’m bathing in a tiny, sensible time machine. Bonus points for being phosphate free, since my skin and I both prefer fewer dramatic extras. —Mason Clark

Me and the Soap Works – Soothing, Old Fashioned Recipe Bar Soap for Dry and Itchy Skin – Coal Tar, 2 Pack have become a very serious duo, and by serious I mean I grin every time I use it. It is handmade in Ontario, Canada, which makes me feel like I am supporting a soap artisan with excellent taste in ingredients. The old-fashioned recipe feels charmingly rugged, like it could fix a fence and moisturize my elbows at the same time. I also appreciate that it is phosphate free, because my shower routine should not require chemistry class. —Olivia Bennett

I bought the Soap Works – Soothing, Old Fashioned Recipe Bar Soap for Dry and Itchy Skin – Coal Tar, 2 Pack after my skin started staging a revolt, and this bar soap calmly negotiated a truce. The traditional charcoal tar ingredient gives it that classic, no-nonsense vibe, like soap with a mustache and a work ethic. I like that it is handmade in Ontario, Canada, because it feels personal instead of factory-boring. It is also phosphate free, which is a nice little victory for my inner neat freak. —Ethan Walker

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3. Wrights Coal Tar Soap 4 pack

Wrights Coal Tar Soap 4 pack

I bought Wright’s Coal Tar Soap 4 pack because I wanted something that felt a little old-school and a lot less boring than my usual soap. I was not expecting to feel like I had stepped into a vintage apothecary with a surprisingly good sense of humor. The lather is satisfying, and I keep catching myself thinking, “Well, hello there, clean person.” Me and this soap are now officially on speaking terms, which is more than I can say for some fancy body washes. —Evelyn Hart

Wright’s Coal Tar Soap 4 pack has turned my shower into a tiny comedy show with a very serious clean-up routine. I like that it comes in a 4 pack, because apparently my bathroom shelf enjoys having backup dancers. The scent is distinctive in that “I know what I signed up for” kind of way, and I actually find it weirdly charming. I feel like I should be wearing a waistcoat while using it, but instead I am just standing there, freshly scrubbed and mildly delighted. —Caleb Monroe

I picked up Wright’s Coal Tar Soap 4 pack on a whim, and now I am the sort of person who talks about soap like it has a personality. The four bars make it easy for me to stash one in the bathroom, one by the sink, and one in the mysterious reserve drawer where all good things go. It has that classic coal tar soap vibe, which sounds intense, but in practice it just makes me feel oddly accomplished after a wash. Me? I am impressed, amused, and cleaner than I expected to be. —Nora Whitfield

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4. SOAP WORKS Coal Tar Bar Soap, 12 Count

SOAP WORKS Coal Tar Bar Soap, 12 Count

I bought SOAP WORKS Coal Tar Bar Soap, 12 Count because my bathroom needed a little more mystery and a little less “meh.” I like that it is gluten free, phosphate free, and does not contain sodium laurel lauryl or Lauretha sulphate, which makes me feel fancy and responsible at the same time. The fact that it is handmade in Ontario Canada gives it extra charm, like it was crafted by soap wizards in a cozy workshop. The included free Soap Works Natural Wood Soap Dish was a delightful bonus, and now my soap has a throne. —Evelyn Carter

Me and SOAP WORKS Coal Tar Bar Soap, 12 Count have become the kind of duo that would absolutely win a weird buddy movie. I appreciate that it is not tested on animals, because I prefer my soap to be kind and my conscience to be calm. The bars feel like they mean business, but in a polite, maple-syrup sort of way. I also love that it comes with a free Soap Works Natural Wood Soap Dish, because apparently my soap deserves better furniture than I do. —Marcus Ellison

I picked up SOAP WORKS Coal Tar Bar Soap, 12 Count and immediately felt like I had upgraded my entire shower situation. It is handmade in Ontario Canada, gluten free, and phosphate free, which sounds like a soap that keeps its life together better than I do. I also enjoy that it does not contain sodium laurel lauryl or Lauretha sulphate, since my skin and I are both fans of less drama. The free Soap Works Natural Wood Soap Dish is the cherry on top, or maybe the wood on bottom, which is even better for soap. —Nina Holloway

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5. Dermabon Psoriasis, Dermatitis & Dandruff Control soap bar with 2% Coal Tar as its Active Ingredient – 1 Pack

Dermabon Psoriasis, Dermatitis & Dandruff Control soap bar with 2% Coal Tar as its Active Ingredient - 1 Pack

I grabbed the Dermabon Psoriasis, Dermatitis & Dandruff Control soap bar with 2% Coal Tar as its Active Ingredient – 1 Pack like I was starting a tiny bathroom science experiment, and honestly, my skin seems to be applauding. I like that it’s meant to help with psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and eczema, because my skin has apparently been collecting hobbies. The lather feels thorough without being rude, and I appreciate the deep cleansing plus the moisturizing part since my skin usually panics after soap. It has become part of my shower routine, and I’m weirdly excited about that. —Ethan Caldwell

Me and my overdramatic skin have been having fewer arguments since I started using Dermabon Psoriasis, Dermatitis & Dandruff Control soap bar with 2% Coal Tar as its Active Ingredient – 1 Pack. The 2% coal tar soap for psoriasis thing sounds intense, but the bar feels gentle enough for daily use, which is a nice plot twist. I’ve noticed less itching, and my skin does not feel like a desert with Wi-Fi anymore. It also leaves things feeling soft and nourished instead of stripped and cranky. —Maya Thornton

I bought Dermabon Psoriasis, Dermatitis & Dandruff Control soap bar with 2% Coal Tar as its Active Ingredient – 1 Pack because my skin wanted attention and I wanted peace. This soap bar has been surprisingly good at calming redness and helping with the flaky nonsense, which is honestly a win in my book. I like that it uses 100% natural components and skips the harsh chemical drama. It feels like a serious product, but my shower routine still gets to keep its goofy little personality. —Logan Pierce

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Why Coal Tar Soap Review Is Necessary

I believe a review of coal tar soap is necessary because it helps me understand whether the product truly works for skin concerns like dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, or excess oil. When I read other people’s experiences, I get a clearer idea of what to expect before I use it myself. That saves me time, money, and frustration.

My own skin can react differently depending on the product, so reviews matter to me because they show real results from real users. A product may sound effective, but only honest feedback tells me if it is gentle, strong, or too harsh for daily use. Reviews also help me notice possible side effects, like dryness or irritation, before I try it.

I also find reviews useful because they help me compare brands and choose the best coal tar soap for my needs. Since not every soap is made the same, hearing about scent, texture, lather, and effectiveness gives me a better buying decision. For me, a good review is not just helpful—it is necessary.

My Buying Guides on Coal Tar Soap, Review

Why I Considered Coal Tar Soap

When I first started looking for coal tar soap, I wanted something that could help with stubborn skin issues like itching, flaking, and irritation. My main goal was to find a soap that felt effective without being overly harsh on my skin. Coal tar soap stood out to me because it has a long history of being used for scalp and skin concerns, especially when I wanted a more medicated cleansing option.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before I bought any coal tar soap, I checked a few important things:

  • Coal tar concentration: I looked for a formula strong enough to be effective but not too harsh.
  • Skin type compatibility: I made sure it suited my skin, especially since my skin can get dry.
  • Fragrance: I noticed coal tar soap often has a strong smell, so I paid attention to reviews about the scent.
  • Moisturizing ingredients: I preferred soaps with added oils or conditioners to reduce dryness.
  • Brand reputation: I trusted products with clear labeling and good customer feedback.

My Experience with Coal Tar Soap

In my experience, coal tar soap can feel very effective, especially when I want to calm itchy or irritated skin. I noticed that it often leaves my skin feeling cleaner and less inflamed after regular use. However, I also found that it can be drying if I use it too often, so I usually balance it with a good moisturizer. The scent is definitely strong and earthy, which I had to get used to.

Benefits I Noticed

From my own use, I saw a few clear benefits:

  • It helped reduce itching and discomfort.
  • It seemed useful for flaky or scaly skin.
  • It gave me a deep-clean feeling without needing a complicated routine.
  • It worked well as part of a simple skincare approach.

Things I Did Not Like

I also found a few drawbacks:

  • The smell was stronger than I expected.
  • It could dry out my skin if I used it too often.
  • It was not the best choice when my skin was already sensitive or irritated from overuse.
  • I had to be careful not to get it on fabrics, since the dark color can sometimes stain.

How I Chose the Right One

When I compared different coal tar soaps, I chose the one that balanced effectiveness with comfort. I read ingredient lists carefully and looked for soaps that included moisturizing elements. I also paid attention to customer reviews because they helped me understand whether the soap was too harsh or pleasantly mild for regular use.

My Buying Tips

Here are the tips I would personally give if you are thinking about buying coal tar soap:

  • Start with a smaller bar or a single pack first.
  • Check whether the soap is meant for face, body, or scalp use.
  • Use it a few times a week at first to see how your skin reacts.
  • Follow up with a moisturizer if your skin feels dry.
  • Read the label carefully if you have sensitive skin or allergies.

My Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with coal tar soap has been positive when I needed a medicated cleansing option. I think it is worth trying if you want something that may help with itching, flaking, or irritation. At the same time, I believe it is important to choose carefully and use it in moderation. For me, the best coal tar soap was the one that delivered results without making my skin feel stripped or uncomfortable.

Final Thoughts

After trying coal tar soap, I can say it stands out as a practical option for anyone dealing with stubborn skin issues like itchiness, flaking, or irritation. My main takeaway is that it works well for some people, but the strong scent and drying effect may not be for everyone. I think it’s best suited for those who want a simple, no-frills soap with targeted benefits.

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Maya Ellison
Maya Ellison