Tar Based Shampoo for Psoriasis Australia: What to Know Before You Choose
If you're managing scalp psoriasis and looking at medicated shampoo options, tar based shampoo for psoriasis in Australia is one of the most established choices available. It's been used in scalp care routines for decades and remains a commonly recommended option for people dealing with persistent flaking, buildup, and scalp discomfort. This guide covers what tar based shampoos are, who they suit, and what to be aware of before adding one to your routine.
If you're comparing different options across the full range of medicated shampoos, see our full guide to the best shampoo for psoriasis in Australia.
What Is a Tar Based Shampoo?
Tar based shampoos contain coal tar — a byproduct of coal processing that has been used in dermatology for over a century. Coal tar is included in shampoo formulas at varying concentrations and is the active ingredient responsible for the shampoo's effect on the scalp.
In scalp care, coal tar is understood to work by slowing the rate at which skin cells are produced and shed. In psoriasis, the skin cell cycle is significantly accelerated — producing the buildup of cells that leads to visible scaling and flaking. By moderating this cycle, coal tar may help reduce the rate of scale formation and support a calmer scalp surface over time.
Coal tar shampoos are available over the counter in Australia in varying concentrations. Higher concentration formulas are typically used for more significant buildup, while lower concentration options suit milder symptoms or more sensitive scalps.
Why Tar Based Shampoos Are Commonly Used for Psoriasis
Tar based shampoo for psoriasis in Australia has remained in consistent use because it addresses several of the most common scalp psoriasis symptoms at once.
Flaking and visible scale. Coal tar may help reduce the visible buildup of skin cells on the scalp — one of the most noticeable and disruptive aspects of scalp psoriasis. With consistent use, many people find that flaking reduces and the scalp surface becomes more manageable.
Scalp discomfort and itching. The itching associated with scalp psoriasis is often driven by inflammation and buildup at the follicle level. Coal tar's effect on the skin cell cycle may help reduce the underlying conditions that drive scalp discomfort over time.
Thick scale buildup. For people with heavier scaling — where scale has accumulated in layers rather than as light surface flaking — coal tar shampoos are commonly used as a first-line approach given their established history in managing this specific presentation.
Ongoing scalp maintenance. Beyond active flare periods, coal tar shampoos are used by many people as part of a regular maintenance routine to keep the scalp in a more stable, manageable condition between flare-ups.
For a clinical overview of coal tar and how it's used in scalp psoriasis management, DermNet provides a reliable reference.
Who Might Consider a Tar Based Shampoo?
Tar based shampoos tend to suit people dealing with specific scalp presentations rather than all scalp psoriasis sufferers equally.
Persistent scalp flaking that hasn't responded adequately to standard or gentle shampoos. If flaking continues despite switching to a gentler formula, a coal tar shampoo is a logical next step.
Thick or layered scale buildup. For people where scale has built up significantly — particularly around the hairline and crown — coal tar's keratolytic properties make it more effective than gentler active ingredients at breaking down and lifting heavier deposits.
Oilier scalp types. Coal tar can be drying on already dry scalps. People with naturally oilier scalps tend to tolerate it better and benefit more from its deeper cleansing action.
People who have found zinc or salicylic acid shampoos insufficient. If gentler medicated options haven't produced adequate improvement, a tar based formula represents a step up in active ingredient strength without moving to prescription treatment.
Things to Be Aware Of Before Using Tar Based Shampoo
A few practical considerations before starting a tar based shampoo routine:
Smell. Coal tar has a distinctive, strong odour that some people find unpleasant. This is one of the most common reasons people switch away from tar shampoos despite their effectiveness. Some formulas are better than others in managing the odour — it's worth trialling before committing to regular use.
Potential for dryness. Coal tar can be drying on already dry or sensitive scalps. If your scalp is prone to dryness rather than oiliness, a zinc pyrithione formula may be better tolerated for regular use.
Sun sensitivity. Coal tar can increase the skin's sensitivity to UV light. In Australia's high UV environment this is worth being aware of — avoid prolonged direct sun exposure to the scalp shortly after using a coal tar shampoo.
Patch testing. As with any new medicated product, a patch test before full use is advisable — apply a small amount to the inner wrist or elbow, wait 24 hours, and check for any reaction before using on the scalp.
Frequency of use. Tar based shampoos are typically used two to three times per week rather than daily. Using them more frequently than directed can increase dryness and irritation without producing better results.
Recommended Tar Based Shampoo Options in Australia
Our psoriasis and eczema shampoo collection includes several tar based options suited to different scalp types and psoriasis presentations.
Our coal tar psoriasis shampoo is one of the most commonly chosen tar based options for scalp psoriasis in Australia. It's formulated for scalp conditions involving significant flaking, buildup, and irritation and is designed for use two to three times per week as part of a consistent scalp care routine.
For a different tar-based formulation, our DHS Tar Shampoo offers an alternative option for those looking for a tar based formula with a slightly different base formulation — worth considering if you've tried one tar shampoo and want to compare.
For those whose scalp is sensitive enough that a standard coal tar formula feels too strong, our Dermasolve gentle scalp relief shampoo provides a gentler medicated option that suits scalps requiring a milder active ingredient approach.
Tar Based vs Other Shampoo Options
Tar based shampoos are one of several medicated categories available for scalp psoriasis. Understanding how they compare helps you choose the most appropriate option for your scalp type and symptom severity.
Zinc Pyrithione Shampoos
Zinc pyrithione is antibacterial and antifungal — it addresses the microbial environment of the scalp rather than the skin cell cycle directly. It's gentler than coal tar and better suited to sensitive or dry scalps, or those where fungal activity is a suspected driver. Our zinc flake-free shampoo is the gentler alternative for those who find tar formulas too drying or strong.
Salicylic Acid Shampoos
Salicylic acid works as a keratolytic — breaking down the bonds between skin cells to help lift and remove scale buildup. It's often combined with other active ingredients rather than used alone and can be drying with overuse. It suits people whose primary concern is heavy scale rather than ongoing maintenance.
Gentle Daily Shampoos
Fragrance-free, sulfate-free gentle formulas suit people whose scalp psoriasis is mild or who need a daily-use option between medicated washes. They don't contain active ingredients targeting the skin cell cycle or microbial activity but reduce irritation from harsh cleansing agents — a relevant foundation even for people using medicated formulas on alternate days.
When to Seek Medical Advice
At-home shampoo routines manage mild to moderate scalp psoriasis effectively for many people. A few signs that suggest professional assessment is worth seeking: symptoms spreading rapidly despite a consistent routine, significant hair loss in affected areas, or no meaningful improvement after six to eight weeks of consistent appropriate use.
For more detailed medical guidance on scalp psoriasis and commonly used ingredients, Healthdirect Australia provides a reliable overview alongside any products or routines you're exploring.
Final Thoughts
Tar based shampoo for psoriasis in Australia remains one of the most established and commonly used options for managing scalp flaking, buildup, and discomfort. It suits oilier scalp types and more significant scaling presentations particularly well — and used consistently two to three times per week as part of a broader scalp care routine, it produces meaningful improvement for many people over several weeks of regular use.
If you're unsure which formula suits your scalp type, our shampoo collection covers the full range of tar, zinc, and gentle options with product details to help you choose.