We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Skin & Hair Products The 10 Best Psoriasis Lotions to Soothe Rashes, Patches and Other Symptoms We’ve included a variety of dermatologist-recommended products to help you keep your psoriasis at bay. By Daley Quinn Updated on April 26, 2024 Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Fact checked by Rich Scherr Print Verywell Health / Kristin Kempa Psoriasis lotions are over-the-counter formulas that have a variety of ingredients to help provide itch relief and treat and prevent psoriasis flare-ups. When purchasing a lotion to treat your psoriasis, you’ll want to look for exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid and urea to slough away the flakes, as well as hydrating ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane to moisturize your skin and prevent dryness. To pick out the best OTC psoriasis solutions, we interviewed three dermatologists to get their recommendations for the best products to soothe flare-ups. We gathered insights on what to look for when shopping for a product to use at home, what to avoid, and when it’s time to go to a dermatologist. The Different Types of Psoriasis Lotions Many lotions for psoriasis are designed to soften the skin while eliminating the buildup of dead skin cells, using exfoliants and keratolytics like salicylic acid and urea cream. According to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City, some creams and lotions work to reduce skin inflammation, while others help to moisturize the skin and minimize further irritation by helping to support and protect the skin barrier. Moisturizers: Moisturizers use ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter to nourish the skin and keep the skin soft and smooth. While psoriasis is not necessarily itchy, keeping the skin moisturized helps to minimize any itch.Exfoliants: Exfoliants may help to reduce the rough and flaky skin associated with psoriasis. Exfoliants may help to eliminate dead skin cells and soften and smooth skin with psoriasis, says Dr. Garshick.Coal Tar: Coal tar can help reduce the inflammation associated with psoriasis. Because it can be messy, it is often found in shampoo that you can easily rinse away for those with scalp psoriasis. Steroid Creams: Steroid creams help to reduce the inflammation and redness associated with psoriasis. However, Dr. Garshick says that it is important to note that while over-the-counter options may be considered, in-office prescription steroids tend to be stronger and more effective.Capsaicin: Capsaicin cream, commonly used for neuropathic pain or itch, can be used for discomfort related to burning or itching. According to Dr. Garshick, it is not commonly used to treat psoriasis. However, capsaicin may have some anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that Dr. Garshick says could be considered for someone who feels that it helps with any symptoms they are experiencing. Which Psoriasis Lotion Is Right For You? Particular types of products might be better suited to you depending on what type of psoriasis you deal with: Plaque psoriasis: For those with plaque psoriasis with localized thick, scaly plaques, using an exfoliating moisturizing cream can be helpful. Dr. Garshick says that applying a petrolatum-based ointment can also help provide a protective barrier to minimize further irritation to the skin. Guttate psoriasis: Since guttate psoriasis tends to be more widespread, it is better to opt for an exfoliating lotion as opposed to a cream, as a lotion will spread more easily over a larger body surface area. Scalp psoriasis: For those with scalp psoriasis, an exfoliating lotion can be used as a leave-in product for a few hours to soften the scales. Dr. Garshick says she likes to recommend keratolytics, which include salicylic acid, urea or lactic acids, to help soften the scales as these can help products penetrate more easily. Dry, itchy skin: Those experiencing dry, itchy skin should opt for a hydrating moisturizing cream or lotion. In some cases, it can help to use a cream containing anti-itch ingredients like menthol or pramoxine. Sensitive Skin: Those with sensitive skin should opt for a cream or lotion that is fragrance-free. Additionally, it is best to avoid harsh or abrasive scrubs or exfoliating products. Our Top Picks Best Overall: CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream at Amazon ($22) Jump to Review Best Budget: Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly at Amazon ($5) Jump to Review Best for Moisturizing: Avène XeraCalm A.D Cream at Amazon ($49) Jump to Review Best with Salicylic Acid: Gold Bond Ultimate Psoriasis Relief Cream at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream at Laroche-posay.us (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Itch Relief: Eucerin Itch Relief Lotion at Amazon ($13) Jump to Review Best for Eczema and Psoriasis: Marin Soothing Hydration Cream at Marinskincare.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Plaque Psoriasis: Cortizone 10 Anti-Itch Lotion for Psoriasis at Amazon ($9) Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream at Amazon ($14) Jump to Review Best Body Lotion: Skinfix Resurface+ KP + Psoriasis Smoothing Body Treatment at Sephora ($50) Jump to Review In This Article Expand The Different Types Which Is Right For You? Our Picks How We Selected Active Ingredients to Look For What to Avoid Our Experts FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream Amazon View On Amazon $22 View On Walmart $22 View On CVS Pros Formulated with ceramides to soften skin Contains salicylic acid for exfoliation Available at drugstores nationwide Cons Pump may break easily May have too sticky a consistency for some Why We Recommend It Every dermatologist we interviewed for this story recommended the CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream. Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, loves that this product is so affordable, comes in a pump jar for ease of use, and features three different ceramides to really seal in hydration. She’s also a fan of the keratolytics—like salicylic acid, lactic acid, and urea—in this formulation, which can help soften and exfoliate plaques. For bonus points: It also contains niacinamide, which is proven to support the moisture barrier, reduce inflammation, and can help brighten away the discoloration or any post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that a flare-up can leave behind, Dr. Yadav explains. You can find this pick at almost every drugstore nationwide, and it does a great job of thoroughly moisturizing skin while also treating psoriasis. Keep In Mind Some folks have noted that they’ve had a lot of issues with the pump on this pick; It seems to break easily. Key Specs Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, 2% salicylic acid, niacinamide, ceramides | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Body Area: Face and hand | National Psoriasis Foundation Recognized: Yes Best Budget Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly Target View On Amazon $5 View On Walmart $8 View On Target $3 Pros Contains only one ingredient Helps to prevent water loss Great for healing small wounds from psoriasis Cons Not the most hygienic since there’s no pump May leave oil stains on some surfaces Why We Recommend It An oldie but a goodie, Vaseline works well to treat psoriasis and moisturize your skin. Dr. Yadav frequently recommends Vaseline to her patients and uses it herself. She explains that Vaseline is an occlusive—meaning that, when applied to moisturized skin, it acts as a shield to prevent any water loss or evaporation, trapping nourishment in the skin to leave it soft and comfortable. Vaseline is also great for applying to any small wounds caused by the dry, cracking skin that psoriasis may cause in areas with skin folds, such as behind the ears, along the nostrils, and in belly creases, Dr. Yadav notes. You’d be hard-pressed not to find this pick at your local drugstore. It’s really affordable, will last you a while, and can be used on much of your body, including your lips or cuticles, whether or not those areas have psoriasis irritation. Keep In Mind One thing we don’t love about this pick is that the jar is pretty unhygienic—you’ll have to dip your fingers in and out of the jar to pick up the product. Key Specs Key Ingredients: Petrolatum | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Body Area: All over | National Psoriasis Foundation Recognized: No Best for Moisturizing Avène XeraCalm A.D Cream Amazon View On Amazon $49 View On Dermstore $34 Pros Helps to protect the skin barrier Reduces itching and redness Pump is easy to use Cons May not be as effective as other products Not as affordable as other products Why We Recommend It Avene is king when it comes to developing products for sensitive skin, and their XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream fits the bill. Dr. Yadav recommends this formula to her patients with psoriasis because it’s a very rich cream that contains no exfoliants but solely super-nourishing ingredients to support the skin barrier. Plus, it features the brand’s signature spring water and a postbiotic blend, which are proven to soothe and calm the skin and promote healthier skin barrier function, reducing itching. If you tend to get irritated by typical psoriasis-fighting ingredients, such as lactic or salicylic acid, this pick from Avene is an ideal, gentler option. The National Eczema Association approves it, and we appreciate that it comes in a pump bottle that’s particularly hygienic and easy to use. Keep In Mind Because this product doesn’t contain any acids, it might not be as effective as other psoriasis creams on the market. However, it’s extremely moisturizing and certainly could treat or prevent a psoriasis flare-up. Key Specs Key Ingredients: I-Modulia, cer-omega, thermal spring water | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Body Area: All over | National Psoriasis Foundation Recognized: No Best with Salicylic Acid Gold Bond Ultimate Psoriasis Relief Cream Amazon View On Amazon $10 View On Walmart $10 View On Target $12 Pros Formulated specifically for psoriasis relief Quickly deals with itching Recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation Cons The salicylic acid may irritate sensitive skin Consistency may be too thick for some Why We Recommend It Salicylic acid is often used to help treat psoriasis. This pick from Gold Bond is a favorite of Michael I. Jacobs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. The formula’s 3% salicylic acid helps to fight and control the recurrence of psoriasis symptoms while hydrating the skin, says Dr. Jacobs. It’s also formulated with seven different intensive moisturizers to combat excessive dryness. This pick from Gold Bond does a great job of making skin feel less itchy and provides relief pretty quickly. It’s recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation and can be found at most drugstores nationwide. Keep In Mind Some folks might find that acids are too aggressive on their psoriasis. Be sure to test this out on a small patch of your psoriasis before applying it to a larger area on your body. Key Specs Key Ingredients: 3% salicylic acid, petrolatum | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Body Area: All over | National Psoriasis Foundation Recognized: Yes Best for Dry Skin La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream La Roche-Posay View On Laroche-posay.us View On Ulta $20 View On Target $20 Pros Perfect for very dry skin A little bit goes a long way Pump dispenser is easy to use Cons Consistency may be too thick for some May not work well for oily skin Why We Recommend It Thick, creamy, and incredibly moisturizing, this pick from La Roche-Posay is a perfect option for those with dry skin and psoriasis. Dr. Garshick likes to recommend this for drier skin types because it contains the La Roche-Posay thermal spring water, which is rich in minerals and antioxidants. It’s known to soothe inflamed skin, which can be especially helpful for those with psoriasis. It also contains ceramides, shea butter, glycerin, and niacinamide, which help to restore the protective barrier, says Dr. Garshick. We like this pick because it works well for both the face and body and a little goes a long way. The National Eczema Foundation accepts it and is fragrance-free, and won’t irritate skin in the slightest. Keep In Mind This pick is very, very thick, so if you prefer a lighter or more gel-like moisturizer, you’re not going to like this one. Key Specs Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramides, shea butter, thermal water | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Body Area: All over | National Psoriasis Foundation Recognized: No Best for Itch Relief Eucerin Itch Relief Lotion Amazon View On Amazon $13 View On Walmart $13 View On Riteaid.com $16 Pros Menthol helps to immediately calm itching Great for folks with sensitive skin Easy-to-use squeeze dispenser Cons Not as creamy as other products Has a cooling effect that not everyone enjoys Why We Recommend It There is a lot to like about this pick from Eucerin—especially for folks with itchy skin. The formula contains menthol, which offers a soothing and cooling effect and is also fragrance-free, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin. This pick contains ceramides, which help to support and strengthen the skin barrier, explains Dr. Garshick. She adds that, if someone with psoriasis is experiencing itchiness of the skin, it can be helpful to use a lotion, like this one, that reduces itching to minimize trauma to the skin, which can actually worsen psoriasis. Keep In Mind If you are sensitive to menthol on the skin, you might want to steer clear of this pick. Also, it has a pretty watery/thin formula and isn’t as creamy as some of the other picks on this list. Key Specs Key Ingredients: Menthol, ceramides | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Body Area: All over | National Psoriasis Foundation Recognized: No Best for Eczema and Psoriasis Marin Soothing Hydration Cream Marin View On Marinskincare.com Pros Formulation supports hydration and regeneration Great consistency Steroid-free Cons Not widely available Made with ingredients derived from shellfish Why We Recommend It This unique cream was formulated specifically for people with easily irritated skin who are prone to eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. In addition to hydrating humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, plus nourishing ingredients like shea, squalane, and coconut oil, it also contains glycoproteins derived from lobster, explains Dr. Yadav. She notes that glycoproteins are regenerative proteins that can hydrate and soothe dry, irritated skin as well as promote healthier skin function. You won’t find many other creams on the market that contain glycoproteins derived from lobster. You can use this on the face, hands, and body. And we like that it’s fragrance-free and has a medium consistency. Keep In Mind Unfortunately, this product is only sold on Marin’s website at the moment. Also, it’s a bit on the pricier side. Key Specs Key Ingredients: Marine glycoprotein, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, glycerin | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Body Area: All over | National Psoriasis Foundation Recognized: No Best for Plaque Psoriasis Cortizone 10 Anti-Itch Lotion for Psoriasis Amazon View On Amazon $9 View On Walmart $9 View On CVS $14 Pros Provides instant itch relief Contains seven moisturizers Available at drugstores nationwide Cons Works more like a spot treatment than a lotion Why We Recommend It Specially formulated for psoriasis sufferers, this moisturizer contains a plethora of ingredients that can help target plaque psoriasis. Dr. Jacobs likes that it’s formulated with 1% hydrocortisone to reduce inflammation and has seven different moisturizers to hydrate psoriasis-affected skin. Those ingredients make it uniquely suited to bring relief from itching due to psoriasis. We like that this pick calms itchiness immediately and helps reduce scaling from plaque psoriasis as well. It comes at a fair price and can be found at most drugstores nationwide. Keep In Mind This pick is more for use as a spot treatment than as an overall body or face moisturizer. Key Specs Key Ingredients: 1% hydrocortisone, glycerin, aloe vera | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Body Area: Affected areas | National Psoriasis Foundation Recognized: No Best for Sensitive Skin Vanicream Moisturizing Cream Target View On Amazon $14 View On Walmart $14 View On Walgreens $17 Pros Helps psoriasis heal quickly Is unlikely to irritate your skin Available at drugstores nationwide Cons Doesn’t contain any active ingredients Has a subtle and interesting smell Why We Recommend It For those with really sensitive skin, this bare-bones cream from Vanicream is for you. Dr. Garshick notes that those with sensitive skin and psoriasis still need to moisturize, and this moisturizing ointment is particularly low-risk for irritation because it’s free of dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, and drying ingredients like lanolin, and parabens. It can help to provide a protective barrier against external factors without triggering sensitive skin while helping the psoriasis heal. The National Eczema Association accepts this formula, and it is probably your best bet for a product that won’t irritate your skin at all. Keep In Mind This formula is very plain and gets the moisturizing job done, but it doesn’t have any active ingredients, like salicylic acid or glycolic acid, that might help those with psoriasis. Key Specs Key Ingredients: Petrolatum | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Body Area: All over | National Psoriasis Foundation Recognized: No Best Body Lotion Skinfix Resurface+ KP + Psoriasis Smoothing Body Treatment Skinfix View On Sephora $50 View On Skinfix.com Pros Exfoliating ingredients help reduce flakes and scales Supports the skin barrier Perfect for psoriasis flare-ups Cons May not be suitable to use on your face Significantly more expensive than other products Why We Recommend It Two dermatologists that we interviewed recommended the SkinFix Resurface+ KP + Psoriasis Smoothing Treatment Body Lotion for folks dealing with psoriasis. This moisturizing body lotion contains a combination of exfoliating acids, including salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid to help reduce the appearance of bumpiness, flaking, and scaling. Dr. Garshick explains that this SkinFix product also contains niacinamide and a patented BL3 complex, which contains lipids and peptides to support the skin barrier. The formulation is easy to apply and won’t leave the skin feeling greasy, she says. Best of all, you can use this product a few times per week to prevent buildup or during any psoriasis flare-ups. Keep In Mind This formula is probably too strong to use on the face, and we don’t love its high price tag. Key Specs Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Body Area: Hands and body | National Psoriasis Foundation Recognized: No How We Selected the Best Lotions for Psoriasis When selecting the best lotions for psoriasis, we spoke with three board-certified dermatologists about what ingredients and types of creams are most helpful when trying to treat this skin condition and relieve itch. We reviewed dozens of products for their active ingredients (such as salicylic acid, hydrocortisone, and urea) and prioritized creams that included hydrating ingredients (such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane) to push moisture into the skin and provide relief from symptoms. We looked closely at and avoided products that had harsh additives such as fragrance (though there are a few on our list). Finally, we aimed to incorporate a variety of products that address different psoriasis needs, such as best budget, best for plaque psoriasis, best for eczema and psoriasis, and more. Active Ingredients to Look For Salicylic acid: This exfoliant can help loosen up the dead skin/plaques caused by psoriasis and leave skin smoother and less rough. Dr. Yadav recommends looking for a product that also includes nourishing ingredients like ceramides, as salicylic acid can be drying. Coal Tar: Coal tar has anti-scaling and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for improving plaques and reducing the itching associated with psoriasis. It's frequently found in shampoos.Hydrocortisone: This ingredient reduces inflammation, which can improve itching and irritation. “These ointments are often used for treating widespread patches as well as more sensitive areas like skin folds, which can be prone to cracking (such as behind the ears and around the nostrils),” says Dr. Yadav. Note: It's best to talk to your provider about using hydrocortisone, as extended use can thin the skin and have the opposite of the desired effect.Urea: In addition to being a keratolytic agent, urea has skin barrier-strengthening benefits. It promotes more moisturized skin while sloughing off dead cells, which can be very useful in treating the dry skin associated with psoriasis.Moisturizing properties (or hydrating ingredients): Psoriatic skin is often very dry, which exacerbates discomfort and can trigger flares. Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin push moisture into the skin, and emollients such as ceramides and squalane seal it in and support skin barrier function. This will help reduce itching, scaling, and leave skin softer and more comfortable. What to Avoid You’ll want to avoid anything stripping or irritating to the skin. According to Dr. Yadav, alcohol is especially important to avoid. She also adds that you should avoid fragrances and essential oils as they can be irritating. Our Experts We interviewed three dermatologists to get their recommendations on the best lotions for psoriasis, as well as get their insights on what to look for (and what to avoid) when shopping for psoriasis lotions. Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology Frequently Asked Questions Can lotions cure psoriasis? According to Dr. Yadav, lotions cannot cure psoriasis—they can only help manage it. Topical treatments can help alleviate symptoms in mild cases, but those with more advanced cases of psoriasis will likely need more powerful treatment than anything that can be provided over the counter. When should I expect to see results from using a lotion for psoriasis? Some people may see improvement right away, especially if the skin is extremely dry, but you'll see the most improvement with consistent use. If you have moderate to severe psoriasis, you'll see better results if you pair the use of your lotion with more powerful treatments. Are there any risks or side effects from using a psoriasis lotion? The most common side effects from using the lotion consist of skin irritation and a burning sensation, warns Dr. Jacobs. He advises that, if you experience certain side effects, it might be the specific lotion you are using and you may see your doctor to switch to a different formulation. Why Trust Verywell Health Daley Quinn is a freelance journalist, specializing in beauty and health, who has contributed to numerous publications, such as Elle, Real Simple, Allure, The Cut, WWD, and more. She also writes for her blog, The Daley Dose. She used thorough editor insights, as well as recommendations from dermatologists, to determine the best lotions for psoriasis on the market. 2 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. UK National Health Service. Psoriasis treatment. De Almeida CV, Antiga E, Lulli M. Oral and topical probiotics and postbiotics in skincare and dermatological therapy: a concise review. Microorganisms. 2023;11(6):1420. doi:10.3390/microorganisms11061420 By Daley Quinn Quinn is a freelance health and lifestyle journalist based in New York City. She was a former beauty editor at Family Circle. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit