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Flaky, red, and itchy patches that flare up no matter what you try — eczema and psoriasis are stubborn conditions by nature, and truckloads of lotions often do nothing. The ingredient that frequently does is coal tar, a decades-old active that calms inflammation and slows the skin-cell overproduction behind plaques. The challenge is picking a cream that works fast, smells half-decent, and doesn’t break the bank — because not all coal tar treatments are created equal.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
These are the three coal tar creams buyers rely on most when their skin needs serious help. Here are your options for the best coal tar cream for eczema that actually deliver on the promise of clearer, calmer skin.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Coal Tar Cream for Eczema
Coal tar slows the rapid skin-cell growth that causes scaly, itchy patches. But not every cream delivers that action the same way. Here is what to look for when choosing.
Stick with 2% coal tar
The active ingredient in all three picks below is 2% coal tar — the strength that is most common in over-the-counter eczema and psoriasis treatments. Lower concentrations are often too weak for stubborn plaques. Higher concentrations require a prescription and can irritate sensitive skin.
Pick the right texture for the spot
Thick ointments hold moisture well and work great on knees, elbows, and body patches. Gels like the Salve Cosalic are designed for the scalp and hairline — they don’t drip or weigh hair down. Creams fall in between: substantial enough to seal moisture in, but spreadable across larger areas like arms or legs.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Active Strength | Texture | Size | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Blaine’s RevitaDERM★ Best Overall | Eczema-prone body and face | 2% Coal Tar | Cream | 4 oz (Pack of 3) | Amazon |
| Salve Cosalic Gel | Scalp and hairline patches | Coal Tar & Essential Oils | Gel | 3.38 fl oz | Amazon |
| MG217 Ointment | Burst speed on stubborn plaques | 2% Coal Tar | Ointment | 3.8 oz | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Dr. Blaine’s RevitaDERM Psoriasis Treatment 4 oz (Pack of 3)
Our pick — over 4★ from 100+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The three-pack that covers your whole flare-up cycle — from face to elbows.
Buyers describe this cream as genuine relief after prescription steroids failed. The active 2% coal tar slows the rapid skin-cell growth behind eczema plaques. what separates it is the 4-ounce tube size — three tubes per pack so you keep a spare in the gym bag, at the nightstand, and in the medicine cabinet. The manufacturer says you see improvement in days, and the reviews back it up. One owner reported that itchy, dried skin on the forehead and eyelids cleared within a week after a prescription had done nothing.
Three tubes weigh in at 1.57 pounds total, so this is a premium package upfront — but the per-ounce cost is lower. Buyers report the coal tar smell is present, but one owner solved it by adding a few drops of perfume and stirring. The most-discussed highlight is the wide coverage: an owner with undiagnosed eczema on both arms said this was the only cream that ever made their skin feel normal again.
The catch is the fragrance — coal tar smells medicinal and tarry, and this formula is no exception. If the odor truly bothers you, the MG217 ointment gives a faster plaque-flattening result at a lower entry price, though only in a single 3.8-ounce jar.
What Wins People Over
- Three full 4-ounce tubes mean you never run out mid-treatment
- Effective on tough areas like the eyelids and forehead where prescription steroids failed
- Travel-size bottle included for on-the-go use — easy to toss in a bag
The Honest Trade-Off
- Coal tar smell is strong, though some buyers mask it with perfume drops
- Heavier initial cost than single-jar options if you just need a trial
Best for: Anyone fighting eczema across multiple body spots who wants a three-pack backup so they never run dry between flare-ups.
Think twice if: You are extremely sensitive to smell and want just one jar to test before committing to a trio — start with the single MG217 jar instead.
2. Salve Cosalic Gel (100 ml / 3.38 fl oz) with Coal Tar & Essential Oils
A gel that stays put on the scalp without dripping down your neck.
Most eczema creams are thick, greasy ointments or heavy creams that slide right off your hairline. The Salve Cosalic Gel solves that with a concentrated gel formula that you dab directly onto flakes, rough patches, and dry spots behind the ears or along the part line. The texture is the defining difference here — it allows targeted application on the scalp without running or dripping, so you can keep it on as a leave-in treatment without staining your pillow.
This is an impressive steroid alternative for the price. One owner came to this after their prescription steroid cream ran out and was reluctant to pay for another doctor visit — they reported the Cosalic worked just as well. The gel also absorbs quickly and is non-greasy, unlike the MG217 ointment which owners describe as Vaseline-like and messy. A buyer using it for dry skin between the toes found the pump dispenser efficient and the formula effective early on.
At only 3.38 fluid ounces, this is the smallest bottle of the three. You pay less upfront, but heavy users may go through it fast. Also, the coal tar smell is still present — owners recommend storing it in the refrigerator to cut the odor.
Where it excels: The gel texture is a sneaky advantage — you get the coal tar power without the greasy mess that makes ointments impractical for daytime use on visible areas like the scalp or hairline.
Who it falls short for: If your eczema is on large body surfaces like arms, back, or legs, a cream or ointment covers more area per dollop than this precision gel.
Best for: Scalp and hairline eczema or psoriasis where you need a leave-on formula that won’t drip onto your face or collar.
skip it if: You are covering wide body patches — the 3.38 oz bottle runs out fast, and a cream or ointment stretches much further over larger areas.
3. MG217 Psoriasis Treatment, Medicated Conditioning 2% Coal Tar Multi-Symptom Ointment, 3.8 Ounce
The fastest-acting coal tar ointment buyers trust for overnight plaque flattening.
If you want visible results in hours rather than days, the MG217 ointment is the one. The 2% coal tar formula slows cell overgrowth and relieves itching, flaking, redness, and dryness. Buyers consistently report that scaliness is gone in hours, the skin flattens in two days, and redness fades by day three. As some owners put it, you will smell like road construction but you will look fabulous — the trade-off is real, but the speed is what makes this a go-to.
Effectiveness and psoriasis relief are the most-discussed aspects across the reviews. The ointment moisturizes deeply and restores the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The downside is the texture: it has a Vaseline-like consistency that owners find too greasy for the scalp and messy for daytime use. It also stains sheets if you apply it before bed. One owner who found it ineffective switched to a thicker alternative, but the overwhelming consensus is that the pros outweigh the cons for flare-ups on knees, elbows, and body plaques.
At 3.8 ounces, this is a single jar — less volume than the Dr. Blaine’s three-pack, which gives you 12 ounces total. So while the MG217 costs less upfront, you get less cream per dollar. For the rare skin reaction, a small group report skin irritation or staining, so test a tiny patch first.
The Speed Advantage
- Scaliness gone in hours; flat skin in 2 days; redness fading by day 3 — concrete results reported
- Designed to fight itching, flaking, redness, dryness, and seborrheic dermatitis all at once
- Healing ointment retains natural moisture, so skin stays hydrated longer
The Daily Reality
- Smells strong — owners compare it to road construction and motor oil; not a daytime social choice
- Greasiness and staining: Vaseline-like consistency gets on clothes and sheets, so nighttime use requires a towel
- Too thick for scalp use — better on elbows, knees, and body plaques
Reach for this when: A stubborn patch needs to flatten fast — the overnight-to-two-day timeline is faster than the Dr. Blaine’s cream, making this the best “emergency” option.
Keep in mind: The mess and smell mean this is a nighttime-only product for most people; if you need a daytime-friendly option, the Dr. Blaine’s cream or the Salve gel are more convenient.
Understanding the Specs
2% Coal Tar: The Standard Strength
Cream vs Gel vs Ointment: Which Texture for Which Spot
Ointments like the MG217 are the thickest — they seal moisture in and work fast on tough body plaques, but they are greasy and stain clothes. Creams like Dr. Blaine’s RevitaDERM are lighter and spreadable across larger areas like arms, legs, and even the face (as owners confirm for eyelids and forehead). Gels like the Salve Cosalic are the driest and most precise — they stay on the scalp without dripping, making them the only option for hairline and hard-to-reach spots.
FAQ
Can I use coal tar cream on my face for eczema?
How long does coal tar cream take to work on eczema patches?
Does coal tar cream smell as bad as people say?
What is the difference between coal tar for psoriasis and coal tar for eczema?
Can I use a coal tar cream on my scalp?
Will coal tar stain my skin or clothes?
Can I use coal tar cream with a steroid cream?
How much cream should I apply per use?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the best coal tar cream for eczema winner is the Dr. Blaine’s RevitaDERM because the three-pack protects you from running out mid-treatment and the cream texture is versatile enough for both body and face use. If your primary battle is on the scalp and hairline with no dripping, grab the Salve Cosalic Gel. And for a stubborn plaque that needs flattening in hours rather than days, the MG217 Ointment is the one to reach for — just be ready for the road-construction smell.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.