Table of Contents
- What Is The Difference Between Pine Tar Soap And Coal Tar Soap?
- How Do Pine Tar Soap And Coal Tar Soap Compare?
- Why Was Coal Tar Soap Banned?
- Conclusion
Are there differences between pine tar soap and coal tar soap? Yes!
Regarding specialty soaps, the terms “pine tar” and “coal tar” might sound quite similar, but they represent distinct ingredients with unique properties.
As the name suggests, pine tar is derived from the wood of pine trees by burning pine tree stumps to extract the sap. Pine tar has been used since ancient times.
Coal tar is a byproduct of bituminous coal obtained during the carbonization of coal. It’s a thick, dark liquid with a distinct odor.
As a soap maker, I have made soap with pine tar; I can tell you it is fantastic.
However, not all tar soaps are the same. In this blog post, I’ll delve into their origins, uses, and potential benefits.
Let’s Start!
What Is The Difference Between Pine Tar Soap And Coal Tar Soap?
Pine tar soap is made from pine tree resin, giving it a strong pine scent.
Pine tar soap is thought to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which can relieve itching, inflammation, and scaling caused by psoriasis and other skin conditions.
Pine tar soap is also said to moisturize and nourish the skin and improve blood circulation and skin tone.
Historically, pine tar has been used for its potential antiseptic and soothing properties. In soap, it’s valued for its earthy fragrance and skin-friendly attributes.
What is coal tar soap?
Coal tar soap is made from the byproduct of coal processing, which contains thousands of compounds, some of which are believed to be beneficial for skin health.
Doctors often recommend products containing coal tar to manage psoriasis, as it can help slow down the growth of skin cells, reduce inflammation, and remove scales.
Coal tar soap can also help with other skin problems, such as acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and lice. However, it has the most drawbacks.
How Do Pine Tar Soap And Coal Tar Soap Compare?
Pine and coal tar soap can effectively treat psoriasis and other skin conditions, but their ingredients, effectiveness, side effects, and availability differ.
Ingredients: Pine tar soap is made from natural ingredients, while coal tar soap is made from synthetic ingredients.
Pine tar and coal tar soap have been found to have antiproliferative and keratinization properties, which can help reduce the proliferation of skin cells that contribute to the buildup of psoriasis plaques, thereby reducing the severity of symptoms.
However, coal tar soap is carcinogenic/comedogenic, meaning it tends to cause cancer, and there are specific individuals sensitive to coal tar who may not be able to use it for treating their symptoms.
Pine tar is found to be a milder form of the group of tar woods. Pine tar was also known in ancient Greece.
In fact, the use of pine tar in medicine was first described by Hippocrates more than 2000 years ago.
Pine tar made in villages in Turkey according to traditional methods is still used today for medicinal purposes.
Commercial topical pine tar products have been manufactured worldwide for over a hundred years and are used for various skin ailments, including eczema and psoriasis.
It may also be present in deodorants, shampoos, toothpowder and disinfectants.
Effectiveness: Coal tar soap is generally considered more effective than pine tar soap in treating psoriasis, as it has more scientific evidence to support its use.
Coal tar soap can also be combined with other therapies, such as light therapy or topical steroids, to enhance its results.
However, research found pine tar soap to be more gentle and soothing for their skin, especially if they have sensitive or dry skin.
In addition, unlike coal tar, which has been shown to be phototoxic, wood tars, including pine tar, have not been reported to cause photosensitization.
When coal tar soap is used to treat these conditions, it is recommended to use the soap only as needed. Once the symptoms subside, the soap should be stopped.
In some cases, the soap causes acne and dandruff to worsen instead of making it get better. People with sure issues need to discontinue the use of coal tar soap if there is no improvement in the symptoms.
The amount of coal tar used in a product determines if it is safe to use. A 1% coal tar is what is considered to be safe to use and more effective.
Over-the-counter products contain 1% coal tar, making it safe for use; however, caution should be exercised when using it.
However, researchers have found no evidence suggesting that coal tar with a concentration of 0.5 and 5% causes cancer.
Side effects: Both pine tar soap and coal tar soap can cause some side effects, such as skin irritation, rash, dryness, or sensitivity to sunlight.
However, coal tar soap may have more severe side effects, such as staining clothes, hair, and bedding, causing a strong and unpleasant odor, and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Therefore, coal tar soap should be used cautiously and under medical supervision.
Availability: Pine tar soap is widely available over the counter and can be easily purchased online or in local stores. Ensure that the pine tar you buy is “Creosote-free” on the label.
Dermatologists generally consider pine tar soap to be safe and effective for use.
Still, you should always follow the advice of your doctor or dermatologist if you have questions about whether it is right for you.
Coal tar soap, however, is harder to find without a prescription, as the F.D.A. regulates it.
The panel also believes that the appropriate concentration of Coal Tar in cosmetic formulations should be at a level that does not have a biological effect on the user.
Coal tar soap is also more expensive than pine tar soap.
A person can consult a dermatologist for product recommendations if they wish to use coal tar.
Why Was Coal Tar Soap Banned?
Coal tar soap was banned in 2005 in some regions because there was evidence that coal tar could cause cancer.
This was based on various bits of information, but most convincingly by an increased incidence of cancer amongst people who worked with it.
Coal tar is a by-product of bituminous coal, which contains a tar-like substance called bitumen or asphalt.
Coal tar soap was used as an antiseptic soap for treating skin diseases, but it also had unpleasant side effects, such as skin irritation, sun sensitivity, and stains.
Coal tar soap is no longer available in certain regions, but its successor, Wright’s Traditional Soap, can still be bought in supermarkets and from chemists worldwide.
However, this soap does not contain coal tar, but a coal tar fragrance and tea tree oil, which has antibacterial properties. Tea tree oil is less likely to cause skin reactions than coal tar.
Conclusion
With the above explanation, you now understand the unique difference between pine tar and coal tar soap.
Even though pine tar still has some drawbacks, note that soap is a rinse-off and has minimal effect on people with sensitive skin.
Pine tar soap is one soap my clientele and I enjoy a lot: you also have the luxury of making pine tar soaps with swirls and lots of design.
Moreover, if you have questions about whether it is right for you, seek a doctor or dermatologist counsel.
