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Quick answer: Coal tar carries the heavier risk profile. Coal tar is banned in the EU and allowed in the US; Octocrylene is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Coal tar | Octocrylene |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Banned | Restricted |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | high | medium |
| Banned in | European Union | — |
| Restricted in | — | European Union |
| Category | cmr | uv filter |
| Where it hides | anti-dandruff shampoo, hair dye, psoriasis products | sunscreen, SPF lotion, lip balm |
Coal tar is a complex byproduct of coal processing used in dandruff and psoriasis products and dyes.
Octocrylene is an organic UV filter that stabilizes other filters.
Coal tar: A known human carcinogen. Restricted in the EU (banned in hair dye); permitted in US OTC products.
Octocrylene: Can degrade into benzophenone, a possible carcinogen and endocrine disruptor; the EU restricts its concentration.
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