PsoriaTrax 5% Coal Tar Medicated Shampoo 8oz

69%

31%

Therapeutic Efficacy

Active Ingredient Strength

Scent & Sensory Experience

Lather & Application

Scalp Comfort & Itch Relief

Value for Money

Bottle Size & Portability

Steroid-Free Formulation

Hair & Scalp Compatibility

Speed of Visible Results

Brand Specialization & Trust

Ease of Rinsing

Packaging & Dispensing

Overview

The PsoriaTrax 5% Coal Tar Medicated Shampoo 8oz is a therapeutic shampoo built around one straightforward goal: calming a scalp that won't cooperate. Coal tar has been used for decades to address psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and persistent dandruff, and at a 5% concentration, this formula sits at the stronger end of what you can buy without a prescription. It's steroid-free, which matters to anyone who's grown wary of hormonal treatments after prolonged use. The 8oz bottle is a reasonable size — not tiny, not oversized. Just know going in that this is a medicated scalp treatment, not a lush cosmetic shampoo. Expect function over fragrance.

Features & Benefits

What separates this coal tar shampoo from the lower-strength options lining most drugstore shelves is the concentration. At 5% coal tar, it punches near the top of the OTC range — most pharmacy formulas sit at 1% or 2%. The liquid consistency spreads evenly across the scalp, helping ensure the active ingredient actually reaches affected areas rather than clumping at the roots. Being steroid-free is a real practical advantage for people who rely on medicated shampoos over months or years. PsoriaTrax, manufactured by PDU Inc, focuses specifically on coal tar products, so this isn't a side item in a broad catalog — it reflects a dedicated therapeutic focus. The 8oz size travels well and lasts a reasonable stretch with consistent use.

Best For

This medicated scalp shampoo makes the most sense for people already deep in a battle with a stubborn scalp condition — not someone dealing with occasional flaking. If you've cycled through 1% coal tar options or standard anti-dandruff shampoos and hit a ceiling with results, stepping up to 5% is the logical next move. It's also a solid fit for adults who want to stay off steroids but still need something with real therapeutic weight. Hair type genuinely isn't a barrier here — the formula works across all hair textures. That said, people expecting their shampoo to double as a pleasant sensory experience will likely find this a poor fit. It's built for results, not ritual.

User Feedback

People who stick with the PsoriaTrax formula consistently report a noticeable reduction in flaking and scalp irritation after several weeks of regular use — though some note improvement takes longer than expected to arrive. The lather is thinner than a typical shampoo, which throws some users off at first, but most adjust once they accept this is a treatment product, not a cosmetic one. The coal tar scent is the most polarizing aspect — strong, unmistakably medicinal, and it lingers after rinsing. For some, that's a fair trade-off for real relief. For others, it's a dealbreaker. The 8oz bottle earns mixed remarks; heavier users find it disappears faster than they'd like, while those using it a few times weekly report solid longevity.

#Shampoos

#Shampoo & Conditioner

#Hair Care

#Beauty & Personal Care

Pros

At 5% coal tar, this is one of the stronger OTC options available without needing a prescription.
The steroid-free formula makes it a viable long-term option for people avoiding hormonal topical treatments.
Works across all hair types, so there is no compatibility guesswork involved.
The liquid consistency spreads evenly, helping the active ingredient reach affected areas of the scalp effectively.
PsoriaTrax specializes in coal tar products, giving the brand more credibility than generic pharmacy alternatives.
The 8oz bottle is compact enough to travel with and store easily.
Users managing chronic psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis report meaningful flaking reduction with consistent use.
Offers a credible step up in potency for buyers who have plateaued on weaker coal tar formulas.

Cons

The coal tar scent is strong and medicinal — it lingers after rinsing and is a genuine dealbreaker for scent-sensitive users.
Lather is noticeably thinner than a regular shampoo, which can feel unsatisfying during application.
Results require patience — improvement typically takes several weeks of consistent use, not a few washes.
The 8oz volume runs out faster than expected for users who shampoo frequently or use generous amounts.
Not appropriate for mild dandruff cases where a high-strength medicated formula is simply overkill.
Coal tar can stain light-colored towels and shower surfaces if not rinsed thoroughly.
Some users with color-treated hair report concerns about the formula affecting dye longevity over repeated use.
No built-in conditioning agents, so hair may feel dry or coarse after washing without a separate conditioner.

Ratings

Our AI rating system analyzed verified global buyer reviews for the PsoriaTrax 5% Coal Tar Medicated Shampoo 8oz, actively filtering out incentivized, duplicate, and bot-generated feedback to surface what real users consistently experienced. The scores below reflect an honest synthesis of both enthusiastic praise and recurring frustrations — nothing has been softened or inflated. Where this medicated scalp shampoo genuinely delivers, it shows; where it falls short of expectations, that is reflected too.

Therapeutic Efficacy

83%

Users managing chronic scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis consistently report visible reductions in flaking and itching after two to four weeks of regular use. For people who had plateaued on weaker OTC formulas, stepping up to this coal tar shampoo often marked a turning point in their scalp-care routine.

Results are far from instant, and a meaningful share of buyers reported little to no improvement within their first two weeks, leading some to abandon it prematurely. A small subset found that even consistent long-term use only partially managed their symptoms, reinforcing that this is a management tool, not a cure.

Active Ingredient Strength

91%

At 5% coal tar, this medicated scalp shampoo sits near the ceiling of what is legally available over the counter, which is exactly the point for buyers who have exhausted lower-concentration alternatives. Users frequently cite this potency as the primary reason they chose it over pharmacy-shelf options sitting at 1% or 2%.

The same high concentration that makes it effective for serious conditions makes it overkill for mild dandruff or occasional scalp dryness. A handful of users with more sensitive scalps reported initial irritation or dryness when first introducing the formula into their routine.

Scent & Sensory Experience

34%

66%

Buyers who have used coal tar shampoos before generally arrive prepared for the smell and report no surprises. A few users noted that following up with a scented conditioner helped minimize the medicinal odor enough to make the routine bearable day-to-day.

The coal tar scent is the single most criticized aspect of this product across all feedback, and it is genuinely strong — noticeable in the shower, on wet hair, and often lingering after the hair dries. For scent-sensitive users or those sharing a bathroom, this is frequently a dealbreaker that no amount of efficacy can overcome.

Lather & Application

58%

42%

The liquid consistency allows for reasonably even distribution across the scalp, which matters when you are trying to get an active ingredient onto affected areas rather than just coating hair strands. Users who adjusted their expectations away from cosmetic shampoos generally found the application process straightforward.

The thin, low-lather experience catches many buyers off guard, particularly those switching from standard shampoos. Several users described feeling uncertain whether the product was actually doing anything during application, and the lack of satisfying foam made the routine feel incomplete to those accustomed to rich-lathering shampoos.

Scalp Comfort & Itch Relief

78%

22%

Among users whose primary complaint was persistent scalp itching, this coal tar shampoo earned particularly strong feedback — many described a noticeable calming of the itch within the first week, even before broader flaking reduction became visible. That relatively quick comfort signal kept many users committed to continuing use.

Itch relief was less consistent for users with more severe or widespread scalp conditions, and some noted that the relief lasted only a day or two between washes, requiring them to shampoo more frequently than they had planned. This affected how long each bottle lasted in practice.

Value for Money

67%

33%

Relative to prescription-strength treatments and dermatologist visits, buyers generally view this medicated scalp shampoo as a cost-effective front-line option. The specialized formulation at a mid-range price point feels justified to users for whom it delivers meaningful symptom relief.

Frequent users and those with longer hair find the 8oz bottle depletes quickly, which pushes the effective cost-per-use higher than the upfront price suggests. Buyers who see limited results are understandably more critical of the value proposition, given there is no guarantee of efficacy for every scalp type.

Bottle Size & Portability

62%

38%

The compact 8oz bottle fits easily in a gym bag, travel kit, or crowded shower shelf without taking up disproportionate space. Users who travel regularly appreciated being able to bring their medicated routine with them without packing a bulky container.

Heavy users and people with thick or long hair frequently flagged the 8oz volume as insufficient for more than a few weeks of consistent use, making reordering a recurring inconvenience. A larger bottle option would address one of the most common logistical complaints across user feedback.

Steroid-Free Formulation

88%

For users who had previously been prescribed topical steroid treatments and were looking for a sustainable long-term alternative, the steroid-free status of this formula was a meaningful factor in their purchase decision. It gave them confidence in using it consistently without worrying about the systemic concerns associated with prolonged steroid exposure.

A small number of users transitioning from steroid-based treatments noted that the symptom relief from this coal tar shampoo, while real, took longer to establish and felt less immediately powerful by comparison. Managing that expectation gap during the transition period was a challenge some were not prepared for.

Hair & Scalp Compatibility

74%

26%

The formula's compatibility across all hair types is a genuine practical advantage — users with fine hair, coarse curls, and everything in between reported no texture-specific issues with integration into their routines. This broad compatibility reduces the friction of recommending it across diverse buyer profiles.

Users with color-treated hair expressed some concern about repeated use affecting dye longevity, and a number noted their hair felt noticeably drier after washing, requiring a separate conditioner to restore manageability. Those with already-dry or brittle hair found the formula more stripping than expected.

Speed of Visible Results

61%

39%

Users who committed to a consistent two-to-three times per week schedule tended to report the most encouraging outcomes, with several noting visible scalp improvement by the end of their first bottle. That kind of tangible progress within a defined timeframe helps sustain motivation to continue.

A recurring frustration across reviews was how long it took before any visible change appeared, with slower responders reporting four to six weeks before noticing anything meaningful. In a category where people are often desperate for relief, that delay led to early abandonment and negative reviews from buyers who did not give it adequate time.

Brand Specialization & Trust

79%

21%

PsoriaTrax's focused positioning as a coal tar specialist rather than a broad personal care brand resonates with buyers who want to know the manufacturer is not dabbling in medicated formulas as a side product. This niche credibility contributes to higher initial trust among buyers researching the category carefully.

Brand awareness outside of dedicated psoriasis and dermatology communities is limited, which means many buyers encounter it for the first time without the reassurance of widespread mainstream recognition. Some expressed hesitation about committing to a higher-strength medicated product from a brand they had never heard of before.

Ease of Rinsing

69%

31%

The liquid formulation rinses out without excessive effort, and most users reported no heavy residue left on the scalp or hair after thorough rinsing. This is particularly relevant for users with thicker hair, where some medicated shampoos are known to cling and weigh hair down.

Despite rinsing cleanly from hair, the coal tar scent tends to persist even after thorough washing, which users often conflate with incomplete rinsing. Additionally, any contact with shower walls, tiles, or light-colored towels during rinsing requires prompt cleanup to avoid staining.

Packaging & Dispensing

55%

45%

The bottle design is functional and straightforward, with no overly complicated dispensing mechanism that could malfunction over time. Its slim profile means it does not tip over easily in a shower caddy, which is a minor but appreciated practical detail for daily users.

Several users noted the flip cap or squeeze opening made it easy to accidentally dispense more than needed, contributing to faster-than-expected depletion of the bottle. The lack of a pump mechanism — standard on many competing medicated shampoos — was flagged as a missed opportunity for better portion control.

Suitable for:

The PsoriaTrax 5% Coal Tar Medicated Shampoo 8oz is built for adults who are serious about managing a chronic scalp condition and have moved past the stage of trying gentle, cosmetic-first solutions. It makes the most sense for people living with scalp psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis who have already cycled through lower-strength 1% or 2% coal tar shampoos and found them underwhelming. If you've been reluctant to lean on steroid-based treatments long-term — whether due to sensitivity, personal preference, or a dermatologist's guidance — the steroid-free formulation here removes that concern entirely. It also suits people who want a specialized product from a brand focused on coal tar therapy rather than a generic store-brand afterthought. Hair type is genuinely not a limiting factor, so whether your hair is fine, coarse, curly, or straight, this medicated scalp shampoo can work into a regular scalp-care routine without compatibility concerns.

Not suitable for:

Anyone expecting a pleasant, fragrant shower experience should look elsewhere — this coal tar shampoo carries a strong, medicinal smell that is inherent to the active ingredient and does not wash away quickly. People with mild or occasional dandruff would likely find the 5% coal tar concentration more aggressive than their situation warrants, and a basic anti-dandruff shampoo would serve them better and cost less. The PsoriaTrax 5% Coal Tar Medicated Shampoo 8oz is also not the right fit for anyone hoping for quick, dramatic results within a wash or two — coal tar works through consistent use over time, and impatient buyers tend to abandon it before seeing meaningful change. Those who shampoo daily in large amounts may find the 8oz bottle depletes faster than expected, making it a less economical option for heavy users. Finally, this is not intended for children, and anyone with particularly sensitive skin or open scalp wounds should consult a healthcare provider before starting any high-concentration coal tar regimen.

Specifications

Active Ingredient: Contains 5% coal tar, a clinically recognized compound used to relieve itching, flaking, and scaling associated with psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
Volume: Each bottle contains 8 oz (approximately 236ml) of medicated liquid shampoo.
Item Form: Formulated as a liquid shampoo designed for direct scalp application during washing.
Hair Compatibility: Suitable for all hair types, including fine, coarse, curly, straight, and chemically treated hair.
Steroid Content: The formula is entirely steroid-free, making it appropriate for adults seeking non-hormonal long-term scalp treatment.
Age Range: Intended for adult use only; not formulated or recommended for children.
Brand: Produced under the PsoriaTrax brand, which specializes in coal tar-based therapeutic personal care products.
Manufacturer: Manufactured by PDU Inc, the parent company responsible for the PsoriaTrax product line.
Dimensions: The bottle measures 8 x 2 x 8 inches and weighs approximately 9 ounces when full.
UPC: The product UPC is 860010872901, identifying this specific 8oz variant of the PsoriaTrax coal tar shampoo.
Product Category: Classified under medicated hair shampoo within the Beauty and Personal Care category.
Target Conditions: Formulated to address symptoms of scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and persistent dandruff through regular use.
Application Method: Applied directly to wet hair and scalp, massaged in, and left on for a few minutes before thorough rinsing.
Scent Profile: Carries the characteristic medicinal scent inherent to coal tar, which is noticeable both during and after use.
Lather Type: Produces a lighter, thinner lather compared to standard cosmetic shampoos, which is typical for high-concentration medicated formulas.
OTC Status: Available over the counter without a prescription, positioned at the stronger end of the legally available OTC coal tar concentration range.

Related Reviews

Stopitt Medicated Shampoo 8oz + Anti-dandruff Hair and Scalp Treatment 4oz

83%

Effectiveness for Dandruff Relief

Suitability for Sensitive Scalp

Non-Greasy Formula

Relief from Itching

Ease of Use and Application

pHat 5.5 Body Cream & Moisturizer for Dry Skin (8oz)

88%

Hydration & Moisture Effectiveness

Suitability for Sensitive Skin

Texture & Absorption

Soothing & Redness Relief

Ingredient Quality (Organic)

pHat 5.5 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Conditioner Set 16oz

77%

Scalp Irritation Relief

Ingredient Cleanliness

Fragrance-Free Experience

Lather & Wash Feel

Dandruff & Flake Reduction

pHat 5.5 Seborrheic & Atopic Dermatitis Face Wash 8oz

89%

Effectiveness for Skin Conditions

Skin Compatibility/Sensitivity

Hydration and Moisturization

Fragrance-Free Formula

Texture and Feel

VIRTUE De-Brassing Shampoo 8oz

85%

Effectiveness in Neutralizing Brassiness

Gentleness on Hair and Scalp

Color Preservation

Fragrance

Texture and Feel After Use

Kenra Volume Shampoo 33.8oz

86%

Volume Boost

Gentle on Color-Treated Hair

Lightweight Feel

Fragrance

Ease of Use

DermaChange Hair Growth Shampoo 8oz

85%

Effectiveness in Hair Growth

Sulfate-Free Formula

Hydration & Moisture

Scalp Sensitivity & Irritation

Scent & Fragrance

ECZEMA HONEY Nourishing Shampoo 8oz

88%

Effectiveness for Dry Scalp

Moisturizing & Hydration

Gentleness for Sensitive Skin

Scent & Fragrance

Value for Money

Modern Mammals Magic Mud Co-Wash 8oz

79%

Cleansing Effectiveness

Scalp Health Impact

Hair Texture & Volume

Ease of Use

Lather & Rinse Experience

BELLISSO Keratin Shampoo and Conditioner Set, 8oz

86%

Effectiveness at Reducing Frizz

Hydration & Moisture Retention

Hair Strengthening & Damage Repair

Suitability for Dry & Color-Treated Hair

Fragrance Quality & Appeal

FAQ

Most people use this coal tar shampoo two to three times per week rather than daily. Consistency matters more than frequency — regular use over several weeks is typically where people start noticing a meaningful reduction in flaking and scalp irritation. If you are unsure what schedule suits your condition, a dermatologist can give you a more tailored recommendation.

Honestly, yes — coal tar has a strong, distinctly medicinal odor, and the PsoriaTrax 5% Coal Tar Medicated Shampoo 8oz is no exception. It is not a pleasant shower fragrance by any stretch. Some users follow it with a scented conditioner to soften the smell, but the scent can linger on the hair even after rinsing. If you are highly sensitive to strong odors, that is worth factoring into your decision before buying.

The formula is listed as compatible with all hair types, but coal tar at higher concentrations can potentially affect color-treated hair over time with repeated use. If your hair is dyed, it is worth doing a small patch test or spacing out uses to see how your color holds up before committing to a regular routine.

That depends almost entirely on how often you use it and how much you apply. For someone using the medicated scalp shampoo two to three times per week with a moderate amount per wash, an 8oz bottle typically lasts four to six weeks. Heavier users or people with longer, thicker hair will go through it faster.

Coal tar has a long history of use as an OTC treatment and is generally considered safe for ongoing use under normal conditions. Being steroid-free removes one common concern about long-term topical use. That said, if you plan to use it continuously for several months or more, checking in with a dermatologist is a sensible precaution, especially if you notice any unusual scalp reactions.

This coal tar shampoo is effective for both. Coal tar works by slowing down the rapid skin cell turnover that drives flaking, which is relevant whether you are dealing with dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis. That said, if your dandruff is mild and infrequent, a 5% concentration is likely more than you need — a basic zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide shampoo might be a more proportionate solution.

Yes, and for many people it is a good idea. The formula does not contain conditioning agents, so hair can feel dry or rough after rinsing, particularly with repeated use. Applying a standard rinse-out conditioner after shampooing helps restore moisture and manageability without interfering with the medicated benefits.

Coal tar can stain light-colored fabrics and surfaces if not rinsed away thoroughly. Using a darker towel for your hair after washing is a practical habit worth adopting. Rinsing the shower floor and any surfaces that came into contact with the shampoo promptly will also help avoid residue buildup.

Most over-the-counter coal tar shampoos found at drugstores sit at 1% or 2% concentration. The PsoriaTrax formula at 5% represents a significant step up in potency within the OTC range. It is not a prescription-strength product, but it is meaningfully stronger than what most pharmacy shelves carry, which is exactly why people graduate to it after hitting a ceiling with weaker options.

It can be, but jumping straight to a 5% concentration without having tried lower-strength options first is a bigger step than many people realize. If your condition is moderate to severe and over-the-counter options have failed you, this medicated scalp shampoo is a reasonable next move. If you are newer to coal tar treatments, starting with a 1% or 2% formula to gauge your scalp's tolerance is generally the more cautious approach.