Betula pendula tar oil

Betula pendula tar oil, also known as birch tar oil, is a natural distillate obtained through the dry distillation (pyrolysis) of the bark and wood of birch trees, primarily Betula pendula. Historically, it has been utilized for diverse applications, including as an adhesive, waterproofing agent, insect repellent, and a traditional folk remedy for various skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff. In contemporary use, it is valued in the perfumery industry for its distinctive smoky, leathery, and phenolic aroma, and in cosmetics for its purported antiseptic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin regenerative properties. Its composition is a complex mixture containing bioactive compounds such as phenols, lupeol, betulin, salicylic acid, and methyl salicylate. Due to potential toxicological concerns, its use is subject to strict regulation, and highly rectified fractions are often employed in formulations.

Other names

Birch tar oilBetula Alba Tarbirch wood tarrectified birch tar oilBetula alba oilOil of birchBetula pendula oilBirch tar oil, empyreumaticBirch tar oil, rectifiedBirth tar oil (Betula pendula Roth)Essential oil of birch woodOil White birchOils, birch-tarOils, white birchOleum rusciWhite birch oilBetula pendula Roth tar oilBetula verrucosa tar oilOleum betulae empyreumaticum rectificatum