Can I use this tar soap on my face?

Tar soap is a regular toilet soap that can be used on the face as well as the body, but tar-based cleansers may feel too intensive for very dry, reactive or delicate skin, especially on the face. If you want to try it on your face, do a small patch test first, for example on the jawline or behind the ear, and use it only a few times a week rather than twice a day.

The most important rules are:

• avoid the eye area completely; the lather can sting if it gets into the eyes;
• rinse thoroughly after washing;
• do not leave the lather sitting on the face for a long time; this is a wash-off bar, not a mask;
• if the skin reacts with redness, flaking or a burning sensation, stop using it on the face.

People with naturally dry or sensitive facial skin may be better off using a gentler facial cleanser and saving this type of soap for hands or body. If you have a diagnosed skin condition, a specialist can recommend a cleanser that suits your individual needs.