Tar — known in Central European folk medicine as dziegieć — is one of the oldest topical remedies still in active use today. Long before modern dermatology, it was a standard treatment for skin diseases, wound care, and scalp conditions in households across Europe. Its revival in natural cosmetics is not nostalgia: tar contains genuinely active compounds that address some of the most stubborn skin and scalp problems, and it remains one of the few traditional remedies that modern research continues to support.
What Is Tar and How Is It Produced?
Tar is produced by dry distillation — a process in which organic material (wood, bark, coal, or peat) is heated to temperatures of up to 1,000°C in the complete absence of oxygen. The resulting gases are condensed to yield a thick, dark, viscous substance with a distinctive smoky odour. The final product varies significantly depending on the source material, which is why different types of tar have meaningfully different properties and applications.
Types of Tar and What Each Is Used For
Birch tar (dziegieć brzozowy) is extracted from birch bark and is the most widely used variety in natural skincare. Its combination of bactericidal, fungicidal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties makes it particularly effective for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (AZS/eczema), psoriasis, and infected wounds. It is the go-to choice for scalp treatments and is found in specialist shampoos and soaps designed for problem skin.
Juniper tar (dziegieć jałowcowy) has a targeted effect on the digestive and urinary tracts, making it relevant as a traditional remedy for internal inflammations in these systems. Topically, its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties are well suited to acne-prone and psoriatic skin — it helps reduce bacterial load on the surface while calming visible inflammation.
Pine tar (dziegieć sosnowy) is the preferred option for conditions characterised by intense itching. It reduces the itch-scratch cycle effectively and supports the healing of slow-healing or chronic wounds. Its soothing and antimicrobial profile makes it a reliable choice for eczema and dermatitis when birch tar is not available.
Coal tar (dziegieć węglowy) is the most pharmacologically studied of the group and has a long history in dermatological medicine. It is predominantly used in hair and scalp products — shampoos and treatments — where its ability to regulate sebum production, reduce cell turnover, and control dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis is well documented. It also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties relevant to scalp conditions.
[tip:If you are new to tar-based products, start with a shampoo or soap rather than a concentrated extract. These formulations are pre-diluted to safe concentrations and designed for regular use without specialist guidance.]Tar for Scalp and Hair
The scalp applications of tar are among its most clinically supported uses. Tar-based shampoos help address dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and excessive sebum production — conditions that over-the-counter products often fail to resolve adequately. Birch, pine, and coal tar varieties are all effective in this context. Regular use can visibly reduce flaking, calm scalp irritation, and gradually improve the overall condition and appearance of the hair.
Tar soaps can also be used on the scalp as an occasional deeper treatment, left on for a few minutes before rinsing. Our soap collection includes tar soap options from trusted natural producers.
Tar for Skin Conditions: Psoriasis, Eczema, and Acne
For inflammatory and proliferative skin conditions, tar works through several complementary mechanisms. It slows the abnormally rapid cell turnover characteristic of psoriasis, reduces inflammation, relieves itching, and provides antiseptic protection that helps prevent secondary infection — a significant risk with broken or compromised skin. These combined actions explain why tar has remained in clinical dermatology protocols for decades even as newer treatments have emerged.
For acne, the antibacterial and sebum-regulating properties of birch, juniper, and coal tar reduce the bacterial colonisation of pores and calm the inflammation that drives breakouts. Tar soaps used as part of a regular cleansing routine can meaningfully reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts over time. For comprehensive skin condition support, explore our body cosmetics collection, which includes products from brands formulated specifically for reactive and problem skin.
[products: cztery-szpaki-tar-soap-for-people-with-skin-problems-110-g, cztery-szpaki-cube-shampoo-tar-75-g, cztery-szpaki-tar-liquid-soap-500-ml, hermz-healpsorin-organic-soap-100-g, hermz-healpsorin-shampoo-for-psoriasis-500-ml, hermz-healpsorin-psoriasis-and-eczema-cream-50-ml, hermz-healpsorin-face-and-body-wash-gel-500-ml]How to Use Tar Safely and Effectively
Ready-made cosmetic products — soaps, shampoos, creams — are the most practical and safest way to use tar. They are formulated at concentrations that are effective without being irritating, and do not require any preparation on your part. If you use a concentrated tar extract, always dilute it in a cosmetic oil or honey before applying to the skin, and restrict application to the affected area only.
There is one important precaution: tar is photosensitising. Areas of skin treated with tar should be protected from direct sunlight and UV exposure during the treatment period. Avoid prolonged sun exposure or sunbathing while using tar-based products on exposed skin. Treatment courses longer than six weeks should be discussed with a dermatologist.
[warning:Tar is not recommended during pregnancy — some of its constituent compounds may affect fetal development. It should also be avoided by people with bone marrow conditions. Always purchase tar products from reputable sources and check the ingredient list for purity. If you experience any adverse skin reaction, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.] [note:All Medpak orders ship from within the EU — no customs fees, no long wait times. Fast, reliable delivery across Europe.]
