Coal Tar
A cosmetic ingredient used as anti-seborrheic, antimicrobial, denaturant in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Coal Tar is a thick liquid or semi-solid obtained as a by-product in the destructive distillation of bituminous coal
What does it do?
Coal Tar is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Anti-seborrheic
helps regulate excess sebum production on skin and scalp
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Antimicrobial
kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms
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Denaturant
makes ethanol in cosmetics unfit for drinking — required by regulation when alcohol is used
EU regulatory status
This ingredient is banned in the European Union.
Coal Tar is listed under Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 (entry 420), making it prohibited in cosmetic products placed on the EU market.
Frequently asked questions
What is Coal Tar?
Coal Tar is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Coal Tar is a thick liquid or semi-solid obtained as a by-product in the destructive distillation of bituminous coal
Is Coal Tar allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
No. Coal Tar is banned for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Annex II of Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Coal Tar do in cosmetic products?
Coal Tar is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: anti-seborrheic, antimicrobial, denaturant.
What is the CAS number of Coal Tar?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Coal Tar is 8007-45-2.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010