T/Gel Is Gone. Here's What to Know — and What to Do Next.

What Happened to T/Gel

Neutrogena T/Gel was one of the most widely used coal tar shampoos in the world for decades. For many psoriasis patients — particularly those with scalp involvement — it was a first-line OTC option that actually worked.

The discontinuation unfolded in stages. A coal tar benzene contamination lawsuit was filed in the US in March 2024, alleging that T/Gel products contained harmful levels of benzene not disclosed on the label.¹ In January 2025, a federal court dismissed the case — ruling that FDA regulations governing OTC coal tar products preempted the state law claims, and that the FDA already accounts for trace benzene in coal tar formulations.¹ Despite the dismissal, production had already ceased.

In April 2025, the Psoriasis Association confirmed that Neutrogena informed them T/Gel was discontinued in the UK and Ireland, citing only "commercial factors" as the reason.² No official explanation has been given for the US discontinuation, but it follows the same pattern.

Coal Tar Itself Is Not the Problem

It's important to separate the discontinuation of T/Gel from the status of coal tar as a treatment. They are not the same thing.

Coal tar remains FDA-approved as a safe and effective active ingredient for psoriasis at concentrations between 0.5% and 5%. The AAD includes coal tar in its psoriasis treatment guidelines.³ The benzene lawsuit that preceded T/Gel's discontinuation was dismissed — the court found no valid basis for the claims under FDA regulations. The FDA has not issued any safety warning about coal tar products.

T/Gel was discontinued for commercial and litigation-related reasons specific to Neutrogena and its parent company. The ingredient it was built around is still available, still effective, and still recommended by dermatologists for appropriate psoriasis cases.

What T/Gel Actually Did — and What to Look for in a Replacement

Understanding exactly what T/Gel was helps clarify what you need from a replacement. It was not a comprehensive psoriasis system — it was a single-product, rinse-off shampoo for scalp use.

If T/Gel managed your scalp psoriasis effectively, what you were responding to was the coal tar — specifically its ability to slow skin cell turnover and reduce the scaling and itching associated with psoriasis plaques. Any coal tar product with a comparable concentration and a similar rinse-off shampoo format can deliver the same mechanism. The brand name is irrelevant; the active ingredient is what matters.

If T/Gel only partially managed your symptoms — or if you have psoriasis on both your scalp and body — a replacement that adds salicylic acid, a longer contact time, or a two-step system may actually serve you better than T/Gel did.

Coal Tar Alternatives Worth Considering

These are the two most relevant alternatives for psoriasis patients who used T/Gel. We've included Nopsor honestly — including where MG217 has advantages over it.

Important: Coal Tar and Sun Sensitivity

This applies to any coal tar product, not just T/Gel alternatives — but it's worth stating clearly if you're new to coal tar or switching products. Coal tar makes skin significantly more sensitive to ultraviolet light for at least 24 hours after application.³ This means:

• Apply coal tar products in the evening, not the morning
• Wash off any leave-on product thoroughly before going outdoors
• Use sunscreen on treated areas when sun exposure is unavoidable
• Avoid tanning beds entirely while using coal tar products

This is standard guidance for all coal tar use — not a concern specific to any product. If you followed these precautions with T/Gel, the same apply to whatever you switch to.