Coal tar is T-Gel’s active ingredient.  This particular version of T-Gel is called “Extra Strength”  because it contains twice as much of coal tar than Neutrogena’s other T-Gel, “Original.”  Extra strength T-Gel contains 1% refined coal tar (4% Neutar) and Original T-Gel has 0.5% coal tar (2% Neutar).

Neutar is Neutrogena’s new and improved variation of coal tar.  Coal tar by itself, which is extracted from coal, has been used for decades to treat psoriasis.  Neutar is a derivative of coal tar, with a whole less the stifling smell and dark color.

Notice the dark brown color of the T-Gel pictured above (this is the actual color of the shampoo).  This color results from the thick, tar-like quality of coal tar.  Original T-Gel has more of a brownish-orange color.

Whether or not you should use Extra Strength or Original T-Gel depends on your psoriasis (or seborrheic dermatitis, or the like).  Start with Original if you’ve never used it before.  Ideally you should to consult with your dermatologist to get authoritative answers about how to treat your psoriasis since every case is unique.

When you first use T-Gel you will notice right away what a deep, penetrating effect coal tar has on your scalp.  In my case, the itchiness that had plagued me for so long went away immediately.  For mild cases of psoriasis such as mine, T-Gel (Extra Strength for me) keeps the burning itchiness at bay for about 24 hours.

T-Gel (especially Extra Strength) is a one of the most effective psoriasis shampoos I have ever used.  Neutrogena did a great job minimizing the smell (which can follow you around all day if you don’t rinse well enough) all the while making the shampoo as concentrated and effective as possible.

I have used Extra Strength T-Gel alternately with T-Sal to drive back the symptoms of psoriasis for years, right up until recently, when I discovered another variation of T-Gel — Stubborn Itch Control — which works better still.

Related: What is Coal Tar?