Major Coal Tar Shampoo Shortage: Options for Scalp Psoriasis
Table of Contents
- Is There a Coal Tar Shampoo Shortage or Has It Been Discontinued?
- Understanding Scalp Psoriasis
- Importance of Coal Tar Shampoo
-
- Alternatives to Major Coal Tar Shampoo
- Tips for Managing the Coal Tar Shampoo Shortage (or Avoiding the Next One)
- Final Thoughts on the Coal Tar Shampoo Shortage
- Additional Resources
- Products Mentioned In This Blog Post
- About xeteor.com
- FAQs
The nationwide coal tar shampoo shortage has left many people scrambling for alternatives. Whether you rely on Neutrogena T/Gel or a trusted generic like Thera-Gel, finding effective treatment for scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or stubborn dandruff has become increasingly difficult. Coal tar shampoos have long been valued for their ability to reduce itching, flaking, and inflammation—but now they’re out of stock nearly everywhere. Confusion about discontinuations and product backorders has only added to the frustration. This blog explores what’s behind the shortage and what you can use instead to keep your symptoms under control.
Major Thera-Gel Shampoo Coal Tar - 8.5 oz | Neutrogena T-Gel (3 Pack)
$18.99
Major Thera-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo – Coal Tar 0.5% (8.5 fl oz, 3 Pack) | Compare to Neutrogena T/Gel® Effective Relief for Flaking, Itching, and Scalp...… read more
Is There a Coal Tar Shampoo Shortage or Has It Been Discontinued?
Yes—there was a widespread coal tar shampoo shortage throughout 2024. Both name-brand and generic options, including Neutrogena T/Gel and Major Thera-Gel, became hard to find, sparking concerns that they had been discontinued. Search terms like “T/Gel discontinued” and “coal tar alternative” surged as people scrambled for effective replacements.
Fortunately, we’re happy to report that Major Thera-Gel Coal Tar Shampoo is now back in stock. This trusted T/Gel alternative is available for immediate purchase—no prescription required.
Understanding Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes red, scaly, and itchy patches on the scalp. While it's not contagious, it can be uncomfortable, painful, and socially distressing. The symptoms often flare up due to triggers like stress, dry weather, or certain hair products. Fortunately, many people find relief through medicated shampoos and consistent scalp care routines.
Importance of Coal Tar Shampoo
Coal tar shampoos have been a cornerstone in treating scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis for decades. These shampoos work by slowing down rapid skin cell turnover and reducing inflammation, scaling, and itchiness. Major Thera-Gel, a generic equivalent to Neutrogena T/Gel, contains 2.5% solubilized coal tar extract and is widely trusted by dermatologists for both effectiveness and affordability.
While recent shortages caused frustration, coal tar shampoo remains one of the most reliable over-the-counter treatments available. Now that Major Thera-Gel is back, many people are returning to it as part of their long-term scalp care regimen.
Alternatives to Major Coal Tar Shampoo
If you're having trouble finding coal tar shampoo or want to try something new, there are several dermatologist-trusted alternatives that can help manage dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and scalp psoriasis. Whether you're avoiding coal tar or searching for a T/Gel substitute, the options below offer real relief.
| Product | Active Ingredients | Inactive Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Major Thera-Gel Coal Tar Shampoo | Solubilized Coal Tar Extract 2.5% (Coal Tar 0.5%) | Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamide MEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Laureth-4, Fragrance, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, DMDM Hydantoin, Caramel, Red 40 |
| Rugby Sebex Dandruff Shampoo | Colloidal Sulfur 2%, Salicylic Acid 2% | Disodium Cocamphodipropionate, Docusate Sodium, Fragrance, Hydrochloric Acid, Isopropyl Palmitate, Octoxynol-1, PEG 85 Lanolin, Purified Water, Quaternium-15, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate |
| Rugby Anti-Dandruff Shampoo | Selenium Sulfide 1% | Water, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamide MEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Fragrance, Menthol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Blue 1, Red 33 |
Major and Rugby Brand Alternatives
If you're familiar with Major Pharmaceuticals, you may also recognize the Rugby Laboratories brand. They’re the same company—Rugby is Major's widely distributed OTC label. For those who prefer the Major brand or need a Sebulex substitute, these two Rugby products offer excellent value:
- Rugby Sebex Medicated Dandruff Shampoo – 4 fl oz — Generic alternative to Sebulex with sulfur and salicylic acid
- Rugby Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Selenium Sulfide 1% – 7 fl oz — Generic alternative to Selsun Blue
Rugby Sebex Medicated Dandruff Shampoo - 4 fl oz | Sebulex
$6.45
Sebex Medicated Shampoo – 5 oz | Gentle OTC Dandruff Relief Searching for Sebulex shampoo? Sebex is your over-the-counter alternative—designed to relieve dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis,...… read more
1. Rugby Sebex Medicated Dandruff Shampoo (Sebulex Alternative)
Looking for a Sebulex alternative? Rugby Sebex Medicated Dandruff Shampoo offers powerful relief for dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and scalp psoriasis—without coal tar. It combines two proven ingredients that work together to exfoliate, soothe, and prevent scalp buildup.
Active Ingredients:
- Colloidal Sulfur 2% – Exfoliates dead skin and helps reduce flakes
- Salicylic Acid 2% – Loosens scaly buildup and improves skin turnover
How They Work:
Colloidal Sulfur breaks down keratin—the protein in dead skin cells—helping to exfoliate and reduce visible flakes. It also has antimicrobial properties to fight fungus and bacteria that can worsen dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Salicylic Acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), helps loosen the bonds between dead skin cells. This boosts natural skin shedding and reduces the scaly buildup that causes itching, redness, and discomfort.
Used together, sulfur and salicylic acid provide a dual-action approach: sulfur breaks down the outer skin layers, while salicylic acid lifts them away—clearing flakes and restoring balance to your scalp.
Rugby Sebex is available for just $6.99 per bottle, or $4.99 each with bulk discounts, and ships free from xeteor.com.
2. Rugby Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Selenium Sulfide 1%) – Selsun Blue Alternative
If you’re looking for a coal tar–free solution for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, Rugby Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a powerful Selsun Blue alternative that delivers clinical-strength results at a better price. It contains 1% Selenium Sulfide, a proven active ingredient for reducing itching, flaking, and scalp irritation.
Active Ingredient:
- Selenium Sulfide 1% – Fights dandruff, fungal buildup, and inflammation
How It Works:
- Antifungal Action – Controls overgrowth of Malassezia, the yeast-like fungus linked to dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis
- Exfoliation Support – Breaks down keratin buildup and helps prevent flakes and scalp crusting
- Reduces Inflammation – Calms redness, itching, and irritation caused by inflamed skin
- Regulates Cell Turnover – Slows the overproduction of scalp skin cells to help maintain balance
Selenium sulfide offers a multi-targeted approach to dandruff relief—making it especially effective for people with recurring flare-ups, oily scalp, or mild fungal imbalance. It’s a great alternative if coal tar hasn’t worked for you or isn’t available.
Rugby Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is available for $7.99 per bottle, or $6.49 with multi-pack savings, and includes free shipping when you shop at xeteor.com.
Over-the-Counter Alternatives to Coal Tar Shampoo
If you're dealing with dandruff or scalp psoriasis and can’t access coal tar shampoo, several effective OTC alternatives are available. These formulas target similar symptoms like flaking, itching, inflammation, and fungal imbalance—just with different active ingredients.
| Ingredient | Best For | Example Product |
|---|---|---|
| Salicylic Acid | Scalp buildup, scaling, exfoliation | DHS Salicylic Acid Shampoo |
| Selenium Sulfide | Dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, fungus | Selsun Blue, Rugby Anti-Dandruff Shampoo |
| Ketoconazole | Fungal dandruff, stubborn flare-ups | Nizoral, Ketoconazole 1% Shampoo |
Each ingredient tackles dandruff and scalp irritation in a different way, and some people respond better to one than another. If coal tar isn’t an option—or hasn’t worked for you—these OTC options are worth considering.
When Prescription Medications May Help
For persistent or severe scalp psoriasis, prescription treatments may be required. These are usually recommended when OTC products no longer provide relief:
- Topical corticosteroids – Such as clobetasol or betamethasone, help reduce inflammation and itching
- Calcineurin inhibitors – Like tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, used off-label to reduce immune-driven skin activity
Always consult a dermatologist before starting prescription options—they can assess your condition and recommend safe long-term solutions.
Natural Remedies for Scalp Psoriasis
Some natural remedies can support traditional treatments, especially during flare-ups. While not a cure, they may offer temporary relief:
- Tea tree oil – Antifungal, may reduce itching (always dilute!)
- Aloe vera – Soothing and hydrating
- Coconut oil – Moisturizes dry or flaky scalp
Always patch-test natural products before applying them widely to the scalp, especially if you have sensitive or broken skin.
Lifestyle Tips for Managing Scalp Psoriasis
In addition to shampoo treatments, certain lifestyle changes can help minimize flare-ups and improve overall scalp health:
- Manage stress – Stress is a known trigger. Try yoga, meditation, or short daily walks.
- Watch your diet – Some people see improvements by reducing processed foods, alcohol, or sugar.
- Use gentle hair care – Avoid harsh shampoos, hot water, and aggressive styling tools.
Together, these adjustments can help strengthen your scalp’s resilience—even during product shortages or flare cycles.
Tips for Managing the Coal Tar Shampoo Shortage (or Avoiding the Next One)
Even though Major Thera-Gel is now back in stock, the 2024 shortage caught many by surprise. Whether you're still waiting for local availability or want to prepare for future disruptions, here are a few helpful tips:
- Conserve your supply: Use only as needed—some people alternate coal tar with other shampoos to stretch their usage.
- Buy in advance: Consider ordering a backup bottle if your scalp condition is chronic or recurring.
- Explore proven alternatives: Selenium sulfide and sulfur/salicylic acid shampoos can help manage symptoms during outages.
- Talk to your provider: A dermatologist may recommend prescription or custom-compounded solutions if OTC options run out again.
Final Thoughts on the Coal Tar Shampoo Shortage
The coal tar shampoo shortage was frustrating, especially for those who rely on T/Gel or its generics for psoriasis and dandruff relief. But with Major Thera-Gel now available again—and strong alternatives like Rugby Sebex and Rugby Selenium Sulfide on the market—most people can find effective symptom control without disruption.
By staying informed, maintaining a flexible scalp care routine, and being proactive with your supply, you can feel more in control—regardless of what the shelves look like.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Additional Resources
- National Psoriasis Foundation: https://www.psoriasis.org/
- American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840
Products Mentioned In This Blog Post
Major Thera-Gel Therapeutic Coal Tar Shampoo - 8.5 fl oz | Neutrogena T-Gel
$8.99
Major Thera-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo – 6 fl oz | Coal Tar Dandruff Shampoo Major Thera-Gel Shampoo offers relief for itchy, flaky scalps caused by dandruff,...… read more
Major Thera-Gel Shampoo Coal Tar - 8.5 oz | Neutrogena T-Gel (3 Pack)
$18.99
Major Thera-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo – Coal Tar 0.5% (8.5 fl oz, 3 Pack) | Compare to Neutrogena T/Gel® Effective Relief for Flaking, Itching, and Scalp...… read more
Major Thera-Gel Shampoo Coal Tar - 8.5 oz | Neutrogena T-Gel (12 Pack)
$49.92
Major Thera-Gel Coal Tar Shampoo – 12 Pack (8.5 oz bottles) | Compare to Neutrogena T/Gel® $49.92 for 12 bottles – Just $4.16 per bottle!...… read more
Rugby Sebex Medicated Dandruff Shampoo - 4 fl oz | Sebulex
$6.45
Sebex Medicated Shampoo – 5 oz | Gentle OTC Dandruff Relief Searching for Sebulex shampoo? Sebex is your over-the-counter alternative—designed to relieve dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis,...… read more
Rugby Sebex Medicated Dandruff Shampoo - 4 fl oz | Sebulex (2 Pack)
$11.48
Rugby Sebex Medicated Dandruff Shampoo – 4 fl oz (2 Pack) | Compare to Sebulex Fast Relief for Dandruff, Psoriasis & Seborrheic Dermatitis Rugby Sebex...… read more
Rugby Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Selenium Sulfide 1% - 7 fl oz | Selsun Blue
$8.99
Rugby Anti-Dandruff Shampoo – 7 fl oz | Compare to Selsun Blue® Same active ingredient as Selsun Blue® Original – Selenium Sulfide 1% Blue formula...… read more
Rugby Anti-Dandruff Shampoo - 7 fl oz | Selsun Blue (5 Pack)
$28.99
Rugby Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 1% – 7 fl oz | Selsun Blue Alternative (5 Pack) What’s in the Box? ? 5 bottles of Rugby Anti-Dandruff Shampoo...… read more
About xeteor.com
xeteor.com, founded in 2018 and based in Las Vegas, Nevada, is an online pharmacy focused on discount over-the-counter (OTC) generic medications and diabetic test strips. We source deals typically reserved for “big pharma” and make them accessible to everyday consumers at wholesale-level prices.
We’re proud to be the #1 authorized online reseller of Major® Pharmaceuticals and Rugby® Laboratories products, as ranked by Trustpilot. With over 8,000 five-star reviews across platforms like Amazon, eBay, Trustpilot, and Google, Xeteor.com is also recognized as a Google Top Quality Store.
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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or treatment.
FAQs
Is coal tar shampoo discontinued?
No, coal tar shampoo is not discontinued—but there was a major shortage throughout 2024. Brands like Neutrogena T/Gel and Major Thera-Gel were hard to find, leading many to believe they had been discontinued. As of now, Major Thera-Gel is back in stock and available.
What is the best alternative to coal tar shampoo?
If coal tar isn’t available or well-tolerated, alternatives include:
Selenium sulfide – antifungal and anti-inflammatory (e.g., Selsun Blue, Rugby Anti-Dandruff)
Salicylic acid + sulfur – exfoliates and clears buildup (e.g., Rugby Sebex)
Ketoconazole – tackles fungal dandruff and persistent symptoms (e.g., Nizoral)
Is Neutrogena T/Gel shampoo still being made?
Yes, Neutrogena T/Gel is still in production, but it's been affected by intermittent supply issues. Many people now rely on generics like Major Thera-Gel for consistent availability and similar results.
Is Sebulex shampoo discontinued?
Yes, Sebulex has been discontinued. The closest match is Rugby Sebex Medicated Dandruff Shampoo, which contains the same active ingredients: 2% sulfur and 2% salicylic acid.
Can I use dandruff shampoo every day?
It depends on the active ingredient. Coal tar shampoos are usually used 1–3 times per week. Selenium sulfide and salicylic acid products may be used more frequently, but daily use can cause dryness or irritation for some. Always follow label instructions or ask a healthcare provider.
