Top 10 Must-Try Products for Psoriasis Relief

Explore ten well-regarded products that can help ease psoriasis symptoms, including creams, ointments, and cleansers backed by research and expert use.

Psoriasis often brings persistent problems like itching, flaking, and redness. There isn’t a single cure, but a range of topical treatments and dedicated skincare products can ease discomfort and help control flare-ups. This list gathers 10 recommended products, based on ingredient profiles, user reports, and professional recognition, to point you toward options that may bring real relief.

1. EMUAIDMAX First Aid Ointment

For people looking for a high-strength topical option, EMUAIDMAX First Aid Ointment is formulated to tackle stubborn skin conditions, including psoriasis. It aims to quickly lessen pain, itching, and inflammation, and includes antimicrobial components to address bacteria and fungi that can worsen damaged skin. The product uses a delivery system intended to drive its active ingredients deeper into the skin to support faster repair and reduce the chance of new flare-ups.

Notable ingredients include Argentum Metallicum (colloidal silver), Emu Oil, Bacillus Ferment, Tea Tree Oil, Phytosphingosine, Vitamin E, Ceramide 3, L-Lysine HCL, Allantoin, and Silver Citrate. The MAX formula increases the strength of certain components—twice the Bacillus Ferment, ten times the Tea Tree Oil, and fifty times the Vitamin E compared with the regular version—making it a stronger option for persistent issues. It excludes chemicals like artificial preservatives, lanolin, alcohol, parabens, steroids, and petrochemicals, which can make it more suitable for sensitive skin. Many users report symptom improvement within 24 hours.

2. CeraVe Psoriasis Skin Therapy Moisturizing Cream

CeraVe Psoriasis Skin Therapy Moisturizing Cream was developed with dermatologists to address psoriatic symptoms while replenishing and protecting the skin barrier. It helps remove scales, restore moisture, and reduce the chance of recurring symptoms.

The formula contains 2% salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation, plus niacinamide, urea, and glycerin to soothe and support barrier function. Ceramides help rebuild a healthy skin barrier. This fragrance-free, allergy-tested cream has earned the National Psoriasis Foundation’s Seal of Recognition, indicating it’s considered safe and effective for sensitive skin.

3. MG217 Medicated Coal Tar Ointment

MG217 Medicated Coal Tar Ointment is a long-standing choice for controlling psoriasis, especially for easing scaling, itching, and inflammation. Coal tar works by slowing excessive skin cell growth, and this ointment is supplemented with vitamins A, D, and E to provide extra nourishment.

It carries recognition from the National Psoriasis Foundation after review for safety and effectiveness. The ointment can be especially useful on tougher or less sensitive skin, though users should expect a noticeable odor and the potential to stain clothing.

4. Gold Bond Multi-Symptom Psoriasis Relief Cream

The Gold Bond Multi-Symptom Psoriasis Relief Cream is an economical option that still addresses core psoriasis complaints. It contains 3% salicylic acid—the maximum non-prescription strength—to help exfoliate thick plaques and reduce redness and flaking.

Alongside exfoliation, this cream includes seven intensive moisturizers and ceramides to rebuild the skin’s barrier and retain moisture. It’s dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free. Some users mention a thinner consistency or slight stickiness, but many praise its value and effectiveness at relieving symptoms.

5. Kenkoderm Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream

Kenkoderm Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream was created by dermatologists to tackle flaking, itching, scaling, and redness. It blends 2% salicylic acid with mild lactic acid to exfoliate and smooth affected areas.

This cream is vegan, dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and dye-free, making it a good pick for people who prefer simpler ingredient lists or have sensitive skin. It offers both exfoliation and hydration to improve the look and feel of psoriatic skin.

6. Psoriasis Honey Skin-Renewing Cream

Psoriasis Honey Skin-Renewing Cream aims to calm inflammation and reduce redness using natural components. It contains 1.8% salicylic acid to gently lift stubborn scales and reveal smoother skin beneath.

Ingredients like honey, aloe vera, beeswax, and grapeseed oil provide deep hydration and soothe irritated areas. This dermatologist-tested cream is also recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation. While some users note a greasier feel and a natural scent, many find it effective at reducing itching and tightness.

7. CeraVe Psoriasis Cleanser

CeraVe Psoriasis Cleanser is formulated to cleanse psoriatic skin without adding irritation. This gentle, soap-free wash contains 2% salicylic acid and lactic acid to help shed the outer layer of skin and soften scaly patches.

It also includes ceramides, glycerin, urea, and niacinamide to support the skin’s protective barrier, lock in moisture, and reduce inflammation. The National Psoriasis Foundation has given it a Seal of Recognition, and many dermatologists recommend it for its mild, non-irritating profile.

8. Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Moisturizing Body Lotion

For everyday hydration and relief from the very dry, itchy skin that often accompanies psoriasis, Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Moisturizing Body Lotion is a reliable option. It’s rich but absorbs quickly, and has clinically shown soothing benefits for itchy, dry skin with up to 48-hour moisturization.

The formula centers on colloidal oatmeal and vitamin E to reduce water loss and form a protective layer over the skin. Emollients like this are frequently the first recommendation from primary care providers for mild psoriasis, as they hydrate the skin, ease itching and scaling, and improve the performance of other topical treatments.

9. Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Cream

Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Cream is a fragrance-free moisturizer made to treat very dry, compromised skin, which can benefit people with psoriasis. It features ceramides and glycerin to deliver intense hydration and support barrier repair.

Regular use helps strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier, relieving dryness and discomfort. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and useful for ongoing maintenance to prevent the excessive dryness and flaking that often come with psoriasis.

10. MG217 Psoriasis 2% Coal Tar Medicated Shampoo

If scalp psoriasis is a concern, MG217 Psoriasis 2% Coal Tar Medicated Shampoo provides targeted help. Coal tar reduces scaling, itching, and inflammation on the scalp and slows the rapid skin cell turnover linked with psoriasis.

You can use this shampoo by itself or alongside other topical treatments; by softening scales it can make the scalp more receptive to medications. Like other coal tar products, it may have a strong scent and carry a risk of staining, but it has earned recognition from the National Psoriasis Foundation for managing scalp symptoms.

Key Takeaways

• Over-the-counter options with salicylic acid or coal tar can help remove scales and ease itching and inflammation.
• Moisturizers containing ceramides, urea, glycerin, or colloidal oatmeal are essential for hydrating and repairing the skin barrier.
• Many psoriasis-specific products are fragrance-free, paraben-free, and dermatologist-tested to reduce irritation risk.
• Combining different topical approaches often gives more complete symptom control than a single product alone.
• Products carrying the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition have been reviewed for safety and compatibility with psoriatic skin.

FAQ

What ingredients should I look for in psoriasis products?

Look for actives like salicylic acid to remove scales, coal tar to slow excess skin growth, and hydrocortisone for short-term inflammation and itching control. For ongoing care, include hydrators such as ceramides, urea, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or colloidal oatmeal to support and repair the skin barrier.

Can natural ingredients help with psoriasis?

Yes—ingredients like aloe vera, emu oil, tea tree oil, and colloidal oatmeal can reduce redness, itching, and scaling for some people. Still, check with your healthcare provider before relying only on natural remedies, since they can interact with other treatments or cause sensitivities in some people.

Finding the right mix of products for psoriasis usually takes some testing, but focusing on formulations that target your main symptoms and strengthen overall skin health can make a real difference. Talk with your dermatologist to build a treatment plan that fits your skin and lifestyle.