Beauty · Carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants

Is Coal tar Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides

TL;DR: Coal tar is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).

INCI name Coal Tar. CAS 8007-45-2.

Is Coal tar banned in the EU?

EU status	Banned
US status	Allowed
Risk level	high
Where it shows up	anti-dandruff shampoo, hair dye, psoriasis products
CAS number	8007-45-2

Coal tar is a complex byproduct of coal processing used in dandruff and psoriasis products and dyes.

It is used for its preservative, coloring, UV-filtering, lightening or texture-enhancing properties.

A known human carcinogen. Restricted in the EU (banned in hair dye); permitted in US OTC products.

Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.

Is Coal tar banned in the EU?

Coal tar is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.

Is Coal tar in US cosmetics?

Yes — Coal tar can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.

What products contain Coal tar?

Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Coal tar automatically.

Are there safer alternatives to Coal tar?

Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Coal tar.

Is Coal tar in your bathroom cabinet?

Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Coal tar or other ingredients banned overseas.

Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.