Cosmetic Use of Birch Tar

Cosmetic Use of Birch Tar Alongside vegetable oils, essential oils and herbal extracts, natural and organic cosmetics might also contain quite unusual natural ingredients such as birch tar. It is a substance obtained from the bark of the birch tree. Birch tar is renowned for its antiseptic properties, it has been used as an antiseptic agent for decades. But what is the cosmetic use of birch tar?

Birch tar is a compound of aromatic hydrocarbons, resins, phenols (creosol, xylenol, cresol, guaiacol), and a number of other biologically active substances. It is derived from the dry distillation of the bark of the birch tree. Birch tar has a characteristic specific smell and black colour with a blueish-green or greenish-blue tint.

Birch tar and preparations based on it have long been used in both traditional and official medicine as an effective treatment for some skin conditions, such as scabies, eczema, psoriasis, trophic ulcers, fungal infections, and others. It is one of the components of Vishnevsky liniment, a topical medication used to treat burns, wounds, skin ulcers and suppurations. Birch tar has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and restorative properties, that’s why it can be used to take care of problem skin prone to acne.

As a cosmetic ingredient, birch tar can be found in skincare products for oily, combination and problem skin. It helps to eliminate acne, relieves inflammation, unclogs and tightens pores, produces a matte effect, helps to regulate sebum secretion, stimulates skin cell metabolism and skin regeneration. Besides, birch tar has pronounced healing properties and thus effectively prevents acne scars.

Birch tar is also added to hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners and masks. It helps to combat dandruff, excessive hair loss and oily scalp. Thanks to hair care products with birch tar, hair becomes stronger, tamer and shiner.

In some countries, pharmacies sell pure birch tar that can be used as an ingredient in home-made cosmetics. However, making DIY cosmetics with birch tar isn’t easy. If you put too much tar, it might damage your skin or hair. That’s why we recommend that you use mass-produced cosmetics with birch tar. Luckily, many natural and organic beauty brands offer such products.

One of the most popular personal care products formulated with birch tar is tar soap. It’s quite an unusual product because of its specific colour and smell. That’s why many people are weary of even trying it. But we assure you that the result is worth it! Many trustworthy natural and organic cosmetic brands offer high-quality birch tar soap, including YAKA, Home Doctor, Flora Secret, and Ambra (Lviv Private Soap Factory). Their tar soaps are additionally enriched with other natural ingredients such as herbal extracts, vegetable oils, essential oils, and even purified sulphur. These ingredients complement and enhance the effect of birch tar.

Birch tar shampoo is another popular product formulated with birch tar. When used as a shampoo ingredient, birch tar helps to cleanse the hair and scalp more effectively, removes dirt and excess sebum, eliminates dandruff, and strengthens hair roots. If you’re looking for an effective yet affordable shampoo with birch tar, check out Anti-Dandruff Black Shampoo by Granny Agafia’s Recipes. Alongside birch tar, it contains a blend of 17 herbal extracts obtained from wild-harvested Siberian plants. By the way, Granny Agafia’s Recipes also produces Natural Siberian Black Soap (branded as Agafia’s Herbs). This soap is designed for use in a steam rook, but you can also use it for daily skin and hair care. The product is formulated with birth tar and a blend of extracts and oils obtained from 37 medicinal herbs. It is suitable for all skin and hair types and can be used as a shower gel and/or shampoo.

Birch tar can be found in other cosmetic products such as cleansing and matte face masks, facial cleansers, shower gels, hair conditioners and masks, body lotions, etc. Of course, the tar content is strictly controlled so that the products produce the desired effect without causing side effects such as irritation or dehydration.