Thousands of products on the market aim to treat dandruff and other scalp conditions, but two of the most popular are T/Gel and T/Sal.
These products contain different active ingredients, so it is essential to understand how they work in order to determine which one is right for you.
In this article, we'll give you a rundown of Neutrogena T/Sal vs. T/Gel so you can make an educated decision between the two. Let's get right into it!
What Is T/Gel and How Does It Work?
T/Gel is a medicated shampoo by the mega-brand Neutrogena. It treats various scalp conditions, including dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
- Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo - Extra Strength: Controls redness, intense itching, and flaking of severe scalp conditions.
- It starts working after just one use for dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis
- Active ingredient: Coal Tar 1% (4% Neutar® Solubilized Coar Tar Extract)
- Directions: For best results, use at least twice a week or as directed by a doctor. Wet hair thoroughly. Massage shampoo into your scalp. Lather, leaving on your hair and scalp for a few minutes. Rinse and repeat.
T/Gel contains coal tar extract as the main ingredient, which helps to reduce the inflammation, itching, and flaking associated with the aforementioned scalp conditions.
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Coal tar has been used to treat skin conditions for centuries and is thought to work by slowing skin cell growth. The product also contains surfactants such as sodium laureth sulfate and Cocamidopropyl betaine for effective yet gentle cleansing.
Neutrogena sold T/Gel over the counter and online until April 2023.
Some people may experience side effects such as dryness, redness, or scalp irritation, but these are generally mild and resolve with continued use.
To get the most out of T/Gel, you'll use it at least 2 times per week, but you can use it more often if you'd like. It's gentle enough to use once a day.
What Is T/Sal and How Does It Work?
T/Sal, also by Neutrogena, is a shampoo formulated to treat scalp conditions like psoriasis, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis.
- Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo - Scalp Build-Up Control: Clears and helps prevent flakes and scalp build-up.
- It starts working after just one use for dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis
- Active ingredient: Salicylic Acid (3%)
- Directions: Use at least twice a week or as directed by a physician for best results. Wet hair thoroughly. Massage a liberal amount into the scalp. Leave lather on the scalp for several minutes. Rinse and repeat.
T/Sal contains salicylic acid as the main ingredient; it helps to break down skin cells to reduce the symptoms associated with the three conditions we just mentioned.
With regular use, users experience a reduction in scalp flakes and scales and an overall improvement in their scalp's health.
Salicylic acid lifts that buildup, but it doesn’t target the yeast that can drive dandruff. Shampoos built for that use a different active ingredient, such as ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione. In addition, T/Sal has gentle cleansers that help cleanse the hair and scalp without leaving it too dry.
For best results, T/Sal should be used at least 2 times per week or as directed by a doctor. But according to Neutrogena, the formula is gentle enough for daily use.
Customer Reviews for T/Gel and T/Sal
One of the best ways to determine if a particular product does what it's supposed to do is to look at reviews. Thankfully, many people have reviewed both T/Gel and T/Sal online - their comments will yield some insight into what to expect when using both products.
T/Gel Customer Reviews
T/Gel has an average online rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars with over 16,000 customer reviews. 75% of reviews were a perfect 5 out of 5. The vast majority of users report that the product was effective at treating their psoriasis, dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis.
In fact, many say it's the only product that has worked for them after trying several commercial and home remedies.
Negative reviews, which were very few and far between, stated that the product smelled bad, didn't arrive intact or wasn't effective.
The common theme among all the positive reviews is that T/Gel worked well but had a powerful smell. That smell comes with coal tar generally, so expect it from whichever coal tar shampoo you end up with.
T/Sal Customer Reviews
T/Sal has an average online rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars as well with over 2,000 customer reviews. Interestingly enough, 75% of those reviews were a perfect 5 out of 5.
As you can imagine, most customers were pleased with the product, stating that they've seen an improvement in their scalp's condition. Some even found that their hair was shinier and more resilient after using the shampoo.
But, as with all products, not everyone was happy. Unsatisfied customers stated that the shampoo made their scalp issues worse.
It's important to remember that everyone's hair is different, so your experience with the product may look a little different from the next person's.
On the whole, both actives have a long record of controlling these scalp conditions, though neither one cures them. Dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis are managed rather than healed, so the shampoo that works is the one you can keep using.
T/Gel vs. T/Sal: Which One Should You Use?
Now that you know the basics of each product, you might be wondering which one is right for you. The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the severity of your dandruff, your personal preferences, and any other skin conditions you might have.
Start here
T/Gel or T/Sal?
T/Sal, because Neutrogena stopped making and selling its own T/Gel in the United States and Canada in April 2023. The company says any Neutrogena T/Gel you find online in those markets should be assumed expired, not legal to sell, or counterfeit, so don’t buy one and don’t use a bottle you already have. The rows below explain what each active ingredient does; they can’t tell you which scalp condition you have.
| Pick | When this applies | What to know | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| T/Sal | You have flaking, itching, or thick buildup that comes with dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis. | T/Sal contains 3% salicylic acid, which helps loosen and clear the crusty buildup and flakes so they rinse away. | Wet your hair, massage a liberal amount into your scalp, and leave the lather on for several minutes. Then rinse and repeat. The label says to use it at least twice a week, or as often as your doctor tells you. |
| T/Gel | You came here for T/Gel, or your doctor told you to use a coal tar shampoo. | Neutrogena’s T/Gel used coal tar to control the itching, flaking, and scaling that comes with dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Walgreens still makes its own T/Gel with the same active ingredient. | Don’t buy Neutrogena’s T/Gel from an online seller. Walgreens sells its own T/Gel Therapeutic Anti-Dandruff Shampoo in Original Strength (0.5% coal tar) and Extra Strength (1% coal tar). Ask a doctor or pharmacist which one fits your scalp, then follow that label. |
| Using both | You have thick buildup and ongoing itching, and you’re wondering whether to use both active ingredients. | Salicylic acid and coal tar work differently, but that doesn’t mean they should be combined or alternated without medical guidance. | Ask a doctor or pharmacist first. Don’t use them in the same wash unless a doctor or pharmacist tells you to. |
| See a doctor | Your scalp gets worse, or it doesn’t improve after regular use as directed. Or it turns painful, starts oozing, spreads, or comes with hair loss. | These shampoos control symptoms, and they work on more than one condition. That’s why a scalp that isn’t responding needs a diagnosis rather than a different shampoo. | Stop use and ask a doctor. Both labels also say to ask a doctor before you start if your condition covers a large area of your body. |
Coal tar can make treated skin more likely to sunburn for up to 24 hours after use, so cover your scalp or keep it out of direct sun. And because medicated shampoos can feel drying on curly hair, focus the lather on your scalp and condition the rest of your hair afterward.
When to Use T/Gel
Coal tar suits chronic dandruff that keeps returning without a lot of stubborn buildup on your scalp. Neutrogena’s T/Gel is no longer how you get it, though: the company stopped making and selling it in the United States and Canada in April 2023.
Coal tar brings most people relief from their dandruff symptoms, but it might take a few weeks of use before you see the full effect. Walgreens sells its own T/Gel with the same active ingredient, and a doctor or pharmacist can tell you which strength fits your scalp.
When to Use T/Sal
If you have caked-on, built-up dandruff that just won't quit, or you're looking for something to get rid of flakes quickly, T/Sal might be a better fit.
The salicylic acid will help to break down the flakes so they can easily be removed.
If you’re unsure which one to choose, start with T/Sal, because it’s the one still on shelves. Give it a few weeks before you judge it; salicylic acid needs repeat washes to clear buildup that has been settling for a while.
If the flaking keeps coming back after that, ask a doctor or pharmacist which coal tar shampoo fits your scalp.
T/Gel and T/Sal Differences at a Glance
Here we'll summarize the main differences between T/Gel and T/Sal so you can get a quick overview.
T/Gel:
- Features coal tar as the active ingredient
- Slows down how quickly your scalp makes new skin cells
- No longer made or sold by Neutrogena in the United States or Canada
T/Sal:
- Features salicylic acid as the active ingredient
- Focuses on eliminating buildup on the scalp
- Costs about $11 on average (at the time of this writing)
Similarities Between T/Gel and T/Sal
We trust that you've got the differences down. Let's turn our focus to the similarities between the two products.
- They both target dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
- Both were sold over the counter, and T/Sal still is.
- They both cleanse and invigorate the scalp.
- They're both from Neutrogena.
- Both products may be used to calm down psoriasis flare-ups or remedy seborrheic dermatitis.
To use either product, you'll apply it like you would any other shampoo. You'll want to apply it to your wet or damp hair, massage it in thoroughly, and then leave it on your scalp for a few minutes before rinsing.
As with any new product, it's always best to do a patch test first to make sure you don't have any reactions.
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So, there you have it - everything you need to know about T/Gel and T/Sal.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the critical differences between these two products and made it a little bit easier to choose the right medicated shampoo for you.
If ever you feel like your scalp is getting worse after starting treatment, be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible. When scalp conditions worsen, they can sometimes lead to hair loss.
But on the whole, both T/Gel and T/Sal are effective treatments for dandruff and other scalp conditions.
So whichever one you choose, you can rest assured knowing that your chances of seeing a significant improvement in your scalp's condition are pretty good. We wish you the best as you search for an effective scalp treatment!
