Loading…
Quick answer: Coal tar carries the heavier risk profile. Coal tar is banned in the EU and allowed in the US; Methanol is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Coal tar | Methanol |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Banned | Restricted |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | high | high |
| Banned in | European Union | — |
| Restricted in | — | European Union |
| Category | cmr | cmr |
| Where it hides | anti-dandruff shampoo, hair dye, psoriasis products | hand sanitizer (contaminant), denatured alcohol products |
Coal tar is a complex byproduct of coal processing used in dandruff and psoriasis products and dyes.
Methanol (Methanol) is a toxic alcohol sometimes present as a denaturant or contaminant.
Coal tar: A known human carcinogen. Restricted in the EU (banned in hair dye); permitted in US OTC products.
Methanol: Acutely toxic causing blindness; the EU strictly limits it.
Scan a barcode and we'll flag both Coal tar and Methanol (plus 140+ other ingredients banned overseas).
Scan free →