pediaPine tar (pine tar), obtained through dry distillation (pyrolysis) of wood from pines of the genus Pinus (especially Pinus palustris Mill., Pinus sylvestris L., and Pinus nigra J.F.Arnold), is a dark, viscous plant-derived tar. Pine tar has a documented history of use in traditional skincare and soap making spanning over 2,000 years; in Scandinavian countries, pine tar soap has been a traditional product for centuries. The scope of this monograph is clear: pine tar here is presented as a cosmetic ingredient; the information below conveys the chemical, historical, and cultural profile of the substance and carries no claim of treatment or cure.
This text is not a product promotion. This is a cosmetic ingredient monograph; it is neither a product nor a treatment recommendation.
Botanical Source and History
The genus Pinus, belonging to the Pinaceae (pine family), comprises coniferous trees widespread in the Northern Hemisphere. Pine tar is obtained by heating pine wood at high temperature in a low-oxygen environment (dry distillation / destructive distillation / pyrolysis). Its history traces back to Ancient Greece. In Northern Europe (Finland, Sweden, Norway), pine tar has been used for centuries both as a waterproofing agent in shipbuilding and in traditional skincare. In Finland, pine tar is part of the national cultural heritage — the word "terva" (tar) holds a special place in Finnish culture.
Production Method and Chemical Profile
Pyrolysis Process
In pine tar production, wood chips are heated in a closed kiln (retort) or in traditional earth furnaces (Finnish terva-haudat) at 400–500°C in a low-oxygen environment. During this process, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in the wood undergo thermal decomposition, creating a complex organic mixture.
Major Components
Pine tar is an extremely complex mixture and may contain over 10,000 compounds. Major groups include phenols (guaiacol, cresol, catechol — 15–30%), resin acids (abietic acid, pimaric acid — 5–15%), terpenes and terpenoids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH — in crude tar), and organic acids.
Rectified Pine Tar
As with juniper tar, pine tar used for cosmetic purposes is in rectified (redistilled) form. This process reduces heavy fractions and PAH content. The USP (United States Pharmacopeia) "Pix Pini" monograph defines quality standards for pine tar.
Position in Scientific Literature
Botanical and coal tars have long been studied in scientific and chemical literature; the review by Paghdal and Schwartz (2009) provides comprehensive evaluation of this literature. Medical uses cited in these studies — such as prescription and OTC topical pharmaceutical preparations — fall within the context of pharmaceutical products and are outside the scope of this cosmetic ingredient monograph. The aim here is to convey the chemical behavior, safety profile, and cultural continuity of pine tar use.
Mechanism of Action: AhR Pathway (Research)
Although the mechanism of action of tar on the skin remains incompletely understood, one investigated theory is activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway. AhR is a transcription factor that regulates keratinocyte differentiation; tar components are thought to influence AhR. This is a research question about the chemical behavior of the substance and does not constitute a product efficacy claim.
PAH Content and Safety Research
The most frequent safety question regarding tar-based substances concerns PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) content. In a large cohort study by Roelofzen and colleagues (J Invest Dermatol, 2010; ~13,200 individuals, long-term follow-up), no increase in general cancer risk was detected in individuals using topical tar-containing products. Plant-derived tars (pine, juniper, birch) generally contain lower PAH concentrations than coal tar; rectification further reduces this content. Nonetheless, caution is advised regarding crude tar and prolonged sun exposure (see below).
Finnish Terva Tradition
In Finland, pine tar ("terva") is part of the national cultural heritage. Pine tar produced through the traditional terva haudat (tar pits) method has been used both in shipbuilding for water sealing and in traditional soap making. In Finland, the scent of pine tar is synonymous with "forest fresh" and has a place in sauna culture.
Safety Profile
Rectified pine tar is generally considered safe at cosmetic concentrations (0.5–5%); the USP "Pix Pini" quality standard and cosmetic ingredient safety assessments support this profile. Points of attention: crude (non-rectified) tar carries higher PAH risk; phototoxicity potential exists (caution advised regarding sun exposure); strong odor may cause discomfort in some individuals; contact with eye area and mucous membranes should be avoided. Those with skin sensitivity or known skin irritation should consult a healthcare professional.
Pine Tar in Soap Making
Application Method and Proportion
Pine tar is added at the trace stage in cold-process soap making and is used at a ratio of 3–10%. Due to its viscous nature, it is recommended to gently warm it or dilute it with liquid oil before addition. It tends to accelerate trace — rapid working is required.
Properties Imparted to Soap
Pine tar imparts a deep brown color to the soap, a strong "resinous-piney-forest" aroma, and traditional tar soap character. Its aroma profile differs from juniper tar: pine tar is more "piney-resinous," while juniper tar is more "smoky" in character. In the Scandinavian soap-making tradition, pine tar soap is a classic product.
Differences from Juniper Tar
Both are members of the traditional plant-derived tar family. Pine tar is obtained from Pinus species, while juniper tar is derived from Juniperus oxycedrus. Their aroma profiles, color tones, and chemical compositions differ. In terms of quality standard, pine tar is defined by the USP "Pix Pini" monograph, while juniper tar is defined by the European Pharmacopeia monograph.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pine tar?
Pine tar is a dark plant-derived tar obtained through dry distillation (pyrolysis) of pine wood. It has been used in traditional skincare and soap making for centuries.
What does pine tar do in soap?
It imparts a deep brown color, a strong resinous-piney aroma, and traditional tar soap character to the soap. It is used at a ratio of 3–10%.
Is pine tar safe?
Rectified pine tar is generally considered safe at cosmetic concentrations (0.5–5%). In a large cohort study (Roelofzen 2010), no increase in general cancer risk was found in individuals using tar-containing topical products. Caution is advised regarding crude tar and prolonged sun exposure.
What is the difference between pine tar and juniper tar?
They are derived from different trees and have different aroma profiles. Pine tar is more "piney-resinous," while juniper tar is more "smoky" in character. Both are members of the traditional plant-derived tar family.
Chailea Products Containing This Ingredient
- Natural Pine Tar Soap 100 g
References
- Paghdal KV, Schwartz RA. Topical tar: back to the future. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2009; 61(2):294-302. PMID: 19185953. PubMed. (Dermatology literature; medical use is outside the scope of this cosmetic monograph.)
- Roelofzen JH, Aben KK, Oldenhof UT, et al. No increased risk of cancer after coal tar treatment in patients with psoriasis or eczema. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2010; 130(4):953-961. PMID: 20016499. PubMed.
- USP (United States Pharmacopeia). Pix Pini monograph.
- CIR / EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 — use of tar-based components in cosmetics.