Is Coal Tar safe during pregnancy?
Dandruff/psoriasis ingredient. Pregnancy data are limited; LactMed prefers other options while breastfeeding.
What the sources say
Coal tar is used in some dandruff and psoriasis shampoos. Psoriasis guidance reviews coal tar in pregnancy but strong human safety data are lacking, so ask your clinician. LactMed reports that coal tar on the mother's skin led to measurable absorption of a tar compound in the infant (likely by skin or mouth contact), so alternatives are preferred while breastfeeding; if used, treat the smallest area and keep the baby off treated skin.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
coal tar solution, crude coal tar, liquor carbonis detergens, neutrogena t/gel, pix carbonis
Sources
- NIH PubMed (peer-reviewed review): Psoriasis in those planning a family, pregnant or breast-feeding. The Australasian Psoriasis Collaboration (Australas J Dermatol, 2018)
- NIH LactMed: Coal Tar - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.