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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; Thioglycolic acid is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Coal tar | Thioglycolic acid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | perms, hair relaxers, depilatories |
Coal tar is a complex byproduct of coal processing used in dandruff and psoriasis products and dyes.
Thioglycolic acid (Thioglycolic Acid) is a reducing agent in perms and hair removers.
Coal tar: A known human carcinogen. Restricted in the EU (banned in hair dye); permitted in US OTC products.
Thioglycolic acid: A corrosive sensitizer; the EU strictly limits its concentration.
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