Coal Tar vs. Salicylic Acid for Seborrheic Dermatitis (and Dandruff): Which One Should You Use?

If you’ve been dealing with stubborn flakes, itching, or irritated, oily skin—especially around your scalp, face, or chest—you’ve probably come across coal tar and salicylic acid. They’re both used to treat seborrheic dermatitis (and sometimes dandruff too), but they work in totally different ways.

So which one’s better for seborrheic dermatitis? What about dandruff? Can you use them together—or is that too much for your scalp to handle?

Let’s break it all down in plain language, so you can finally figure out what might actually work for you.

Quick Highlights

• Salicylic acid exfoliates the scalp, helping to loosen and wash away flakes.
• Coal tar slows down skin cell turnover and reduces oiliness and buildup.
• Salicylic acid is often used for milder cases like dandruff.
• Coal tar is usually stronger—better for more stubborn or oily seborrheic dermatitis.
• They can be used together, and some shampoos combine both.

Table of Contents

• So… what’s the difference between salicylic acid and coal tar?
• Which one works better for seborrheic dermatitis?
• And what about dandruff—should you pick one over the other?
• Can you use salicylic acid and coal tar together?
• Best shampoos to try (without searching for hours)
• Final thoughts: What’s right for your skin?

So… what’s the difference between salicylic acid and coal tar?

These two ingredients are often mentioned side by side, but they don’t actually do the same thing.

Salicylic acid is like a gentle exfoliator—it helps break down and loosen the flakes stuck to your skin, making them easier to wash away. It also helps regulate oil and reduce inflammation.

Coal tar, on the other hand, slows down how fast your skin cells grow and shed. It’s better for thick, greasy scales and more inflamed skin—but it’s also stronger, with more potential side effects.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to make it clearer:

Feature	Salicylic Acid	Coal Tar
Main Action	Exfoliates and loosens flakes	Slows skin cell turnover
Best For	Mild-to-moderate flaking and buildup	Thick, greasy scales and inflammation
Anti-inflammatory?	Yes	Yes
Antifungal?	No	Mild antifungal properties
Common Uses	Dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, acne	Seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis
Side Effects	Dryness, irritation with overuse	Odor, staining, sun sensitivity, potential irritation
Can Be Used Long-Term?	Usually, with breaks if irritation occurs	With caution—may require monitoring
Texture/Feel	Clear, often lightweight in shampoos	Dark, thick, can be messy

While both ingredients are approved for treating seborrheic dermatitis, the right one for you depends on your skin’s condition and your tolerance for side effects.

Which one works better for seborrheic dermatitis?

Here’s the thing: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but we do have some clues from clinical experience and published research.

If your seborrheic dermatitis is more inflammatory, with redness and thick, oily scales (especially on the scalp, face, or chest), coal tar may offer better relief. It helps slow down the overproduction of skin cells and reduces oiliness—two big factors in seborrheic flare-ups. It’s even been shown to have mild antifungal effects, which is important, since the condition is often linked to a yeast called Malassezia.

In fact, some studies have found coal tar to be as effective as antifungal treatments like ketoconazole in reducing symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. It’s also long been used for psoriasis, which shares some overlapping characteristics—scaling, redness, and inflammation.

On the other hand, salicylic acid shines when flakes are dry, stuck to the skin, or causing clogged pores. It’s a keratolytic, meaning it helps break apart and remove that dead skin layer. This makes it especially helpful for mild to moderate cases, or as a support ingredient to prep the skin for other treatments. It also has some anti-inflammatory properties, as noted in this clinical review, though it doesn’t directly target the yeast (Malassezia) linked to seborrheic dermatitis.

So, how do you choose?

• If your SD is mild and mostly flaky, salicylic acid is usually enough.
• If your SD is oily, crusty, and more inflamed, coal tar might work better.
• For some, a combination of both can be the most effective.

Just keep in mind: coal tar has more reported side effects—like skin irritation, photosensitivity, and in rare cases, concerns about long-term safety, though most evidence doesn’t link topical use to cancer in humans.

And what about dandruff—should you pick one over the other?

Dandruff is basically the lighter, flakier cousin of seborrheic dermatitis. It usually shows up as dry white flakes with little to no redness or irritation. And when it comes to dandruff, salicylic acid is generally the go-to.

Why? Because most cases of dandruff don’t need something as strong as coal tar. Salicylic acid helps lift off those flakes without being too harsh, and many dandruff shampoos use it at lower concentrations (usually 1–3%) to keep things gentle.

Coal tar, on the other hand, is more commonly used when dandruff becomes more persistent, oily, or is edging into seborrheic dermatitis territory. But for basic flakes? It’s often considered overkill—and comes with more baggage, like staining, smell, and sun sensitivity.

A clinical article on treatment approaches notes that for dandruff, keratolytic agents like salicylic acid are effective at loosening scale and are well tolerated for long-term use.

Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

• Light, dry flakes = salicylic acid
• Greasy, itchy buildup = coal tar or a combination treatment

If salicylic acid alone doesn’t do the trick after a few weeks, it might be time to step things up—or consider that what you thought was dandruff might actually be early-stage seborrheic dermatitis.

Can you use salicylic acid and coal tar together?

Yes, you absolutely can. And in some cases, it might even work better.

Salicylic acid and coal tar don’t cancel each other out. In fact, they target different parts of the problem. Salicylic acid helps loosen and clear away built-up flakes, which can actually make it easier for coal tar to absorb and do its job—slowing down skin cell production and reducing oiliness and inflammation.

Some shampoos are even formulated with both, and dermatologists sometimes recommend alternating them if you’re using separate products. That said, it’s always a good idea to:

• Start slow, especially if you have sensitive skin
• Use only a few times per week unless advised otherwise
• Follow with a hydrating, non-irritating conditioner or scalp serum

There’s no strong clinical warning against combining the two in topical use, and they’re both considered keratolytics—meaning they help shed excess skin. However, overuse can lead to dryness or irritation, so more isn’t always better.

If you’re unsure, start with a combined shampoo once or twice a week and monitor how your scalp reacts.

Some research also supports using salicylic acid in combination therapies, as it can improve the absorption of other active ingredients, making the pairing even more effective for conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.

Best shampoos to try (without searching for hours)

If you’re looking for gentler, more natural solutions for seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff, the good news is: they exist. Below are a few standout options—starting with cleaner formulations—whether you’re after salicylic acid, coal tar, or a combination of both.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I may get a small commission if you purchase a product after clicking on a link. This does not cost you anything. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Natural or Cleaner-Formulated Options

These are shampoos that either rely on botanical ingredients or use active treatments in a cleaner, less irritating base.

• Kamedis Dandruff Therapy Shampoo
  With 1% zinc pyrithione and salicylic acid, plus soapberry for gentle cleansing. No steroids, SLS, or parabens.
  Best for: Mild to moderate seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, especially for sensitive scalps seeking a cleaner formula.
• Derma E Scalp Relief Shampoo
  Contains salicylic acid, tea tree oil, menthol, aloe vera, and a soothing herbal blend. Vegan, sulfate-free, and cruelty-free.
  Best for: Flaky, itchy scalps needing daily relief with an all-natural formula.
• Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo
  With 2.2% salicylic acid and 2.4% sulfur in a botanical base of rosemary, olive, and jojoba oils. Free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and petrolatum.
  Best for: Flaky, irritated scalps sensitive to coal tar or harsher synthetic ingredients.

Coal Tar-Based (as clean as possible)

For more severe or oily seborrheic dermatitis, these coal tar shampoos are on the cleaner end of what’s available:

• RoyceDerm Coal Tar Dandruff Shampoo
• Formulated with 2% coal tar extract, this shampoo also includes tea tree oil, peppermint, and fleeceflower root to soothe the scalp. It’s free from parabens and synthetic fragrances, offering a more natural alternative for those seeking coal tar treatments.
• Best for: Individuals with seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis looking for a coal tar shampoo with added botanical ingredients.
• Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo (Original Formula)
  0.5% coal tar; not fully “clean,” but one of the milder mass-market options without parabens or formaldehyde donors.
  Best for: Persistent scalp SD and flare-ups.

Combination Shampoos (Coal Tar + Salicylic Acid)

There aren’t many shampoos that combine both coal tar and salicylic acid, and most of the ones that do aren’t the cleanest in terms of formulation. If you prefer more natural options, you might consider alternating a salicylic acid shampoo with a coal tar one—or even mixing a small amount of each and using them together.

Here are a few options if you want a dual-action shampoo:

Carel Anti Dandruff Shampoo
Includes both coal tar and salicylic acid in a lighter formulation. Better suited for regular use if your scalp tolerates it well.

Cosalic Shampoo
Contains 5% coal tar and 3% salicylic acid. Strong, targeted formula for dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis.

Select Plus Natural Coal Tar Shampoo
Combines coal tar and salicylic acid. A more accessible option with a basic, functional formula.

Final thoughts: What’s right for your skin?

Your skin doesn’t need perfect—it just needs the right support. Whether that’s a gentler, exfoliating formula or something more targeted like coal tar, the best approach is the one your skin can stick with.

Listen to how your scalp responds, keep it simple, and don’t be afraid to adjust as you go.