Pine Tar Soap: Nature’s Original Remedy for Skin That Works Hard
Share
In a world full of skincare gimmicks and "all-natural" claims that don't hold up, Pine Tar Soap is the real deal. This centuries-old remedy has been trusted by outdoorsmen, mechanics, farmers, and warriors of the wilderness for everything from eczema to psoriasis, itchy skin, and rashes — and for good reason.
Let's break it all down. No fluff, no filler. Just the facts.
🔬 What Is Pine Tar?
Pine tar is a sticky substance made through the carbonization of pine wood — a high-heat, low-oxygen process that concentrates its natural resins and compounds.
Used since ancient times for everything from sealing Viking ships to treating skin conditions in Scandinavian medicine, pine tar's power lies in its natural antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-itch properties.
🔎 What the Science Says: Evidence for Skin Conditions
Here's why pine tar isn't just folklore — it's backed by credible dermatological sources and real historical medical use.
✅ 1. Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Itch Benefits
A 2017 study in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment concluded that pine tar is effective in reducing itching and inflammation in patients with eczema and seborrheic dermatitis.
"Pine tar products were found to significantly reduce pruritus (itching) and scaling in patients over a 4-week period."
✅ 2. Recognized in Psoriasis Treatment
The National Psoriasis Foundation lists pine tar as a recognized traditional therapy, noting its ability to slow skin cell growth, reduce itching, and ease plaque thickness.
It's especially valued for being non-steroidal — offering real relief without the long-term side effects of topical steroids.
National Psoriasis Foundation — Tar Treatments →
✅ 3. Antimicrobial Properties
Pine tar contains phenols and terpenes with antibacterial and antifungal effects, which help manage:
- Skin infections
- Athlete's foot
- Razor burn
- Folliculitis
A 2005 study reinforced the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of pine tar, especially against gram-positive bacteria commonly found in skin flare-ups. PubMed Abstract →
💪 What Pine Tar Soap Is Good For
Our bar isn't some mass-produced gimmick. It's cold-processed, handmade in small batches in St. Louis, and loaded with activated charcoal, kaolin clay, and a punch of real pine tar — the same stuff trusted for generations.
| Problem | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Eczema | Soothes itching, calms inflammation, and restores the skin barrier |
| Psoriasis | Slows cell turnover, softens scales, and reduces redness |
| Rough, cracked hands | Deep cleans without stripping natural oils |
| Body acne & back breakouts | Antimicrobial action clears pores |
| Underarm rashes or jock itch | Naturally disinfects and relieves irritation |
| Post-workout showers | Cuts through sweat and grime without over-drying |
This is the bar for men who sweat, work, and play hard — and need their skin to keep up.
🧼 How to Use Pine Tar Soap
1. Lather It Up Right
Pine tar bars have a natural smoky scent and a deep brown hue. Wet the bar, work into a thick lather in your hands or on a washcloth, and apply generously.
2. Let It Sit
For problem areas like eczema patches, let the lather sit for 30–60 seconds. This allows the pine tar to penetrate and do its job.
3. Use Daily — Or As Needed
Use it head to toe, or rotate it in when your skin needs a reset. Some use it every shower. Others reach for it during flare-ups. Both work.
🏆 Why Wild Timber Pine Tar Is Different
There are pine tar soaps. And then there's ours.
We don't water it down with detergents or reach for synthetic fragrance. Every bar is:
- 100% natural — No sulfates, parabens, or petroleum-based junk
- Cold process — made the old way, not the fast way. Cold process preserves the natural glycerin that commercial manufacturers extract and sell separately. It stays in our bar.
- Hand-poured in St. Louis — small batches, made by hand, by people who actually use it
- Built with grit — activated charcoal and kaolin clay pull dirt and toxins from pores while the pine tar goes to work on inflammation, itch, and bacteria
- No synthetic fragrance — ever. Not in this bar, not in any of our bars
This bar isn't for the dainty. It's bold, smoky, and unapologetically rugged — like nature itself.
🪓 Ready to Try It?
Whether you're battling eczema, psoriasis, rough skin, or just want to clean up without chemicals — Pine Tar Soap has earned its place on the shelf.
Nature made it. We refined it. Your skin's about to thank you.
Shop Wild Timber Pine Tar Soap →