Published 29 January 2026
Essential 8 Products That Help Soothe Psoriasis Skin
Psoriasis often brings daily discomfort: itching, sore patches, and visible flaking. There’s no cure, but a targeted topical routine can ease symptoms and improve how your skin feels. From medicated ointments to rich moisturizers and scalp-focused shampoos, the right combination can calm irritation and help prevent flares. Below are eight products selected for their evidence-based ingredients and practical benefit for managing psoriasis.
1. EMUAIDMAX First Aid Ointment
For quick relief from stubborn conditions such as psoriasis, EMUAIDMAX First Aid Ointment uses concentrated natural actives intended to reduce inflammation and ease itching, pain, and discomfort on contact. This all-natural ointment aims to speed repair, relieve symptoms, and support the skin’s barrier while helping control infection.
It’s suitable for use on many areas of the body and is often highlighted for helping psoriasis as well as eczema and certain fungal issues. Users commonly report noticeable reductions in itching and redness within days. A 0.5oz tube typically costs about $14–$22, and larger sizes are available.
2. CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream
Created with input from dermatologists, CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream is a go-to for treating psoriatic patches while rebuilding the skin’s protective barrier. It helps remove scales and dead skin, restore moisture, and reduce the chance of symptoms returning.
Its key actives include 2% salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation, plus niacinamide, urea, and glycerin to soothe and support barrier function. The National Psoriasis Foundation recognizes it as fragrance-free and allergy-tested, which makes it a solid option for sensitive skin. It typically falls in the $$ price tier (about $20).
3. MG217 Medicated Coal Tar Ointment
The MG217 Medicated Coal Tar Ointment is a well-established option for psoriasis and is endorsed by the National Psoriasis Foundation. The 2% coal tar formula helps slow the accelerated skin cell turnover that causes plaques and can reduce itching, flaking, and redness.
Many people notice rapid relief from itching and steady improvement over weeks, even with long-term psoriasis. Coal tar can have a distinctive odor, but for many users the symptom relief outweighs that drawback. It’s usually available in the $ price range (around $14).
4. Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream
Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream is recommended for hydrating and softening the thick, rough patches often seen with psoriasis. The rich formula includes ceramides, urea, and glycerin to restore the barrier and lock in moisture.
Users appreciate its thick but non-greasy feel and often report better skin texture within one to two weeks. While it’s not a targeted psoriasis drug, its intense moisturizing and barrier-repair benefits make it useful as part of a symptom-management routine. It commonly retails in the $$ price range (around $19).
5. Cortizone-10 Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Lotion for Psoriasis
To quickly ease severe itching from psoriasis, Cortizone-10 Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Lotion for Psoriasis contains 1% hydrocortisone. This mild steroid works fast to reduce itch and calm inflammation.
Users say the lotion delivers quick relief, soothes irritation, and can help with sleep by cutting itching. It absorbs without heavy rubbing and has been noted to lower redness and swelling. This is a budget-friendly choice, typically in the $ price bracket.
6. CeraVe Psoriasis Cleanser
Used alongside moisturizers, the CeraVe Psoriasis Cleanser is a medicated wash made to manage psoriasis on the face and body. It contains 2% salicylic acid to help with itching, scaling, redness, and flaking.
The formula also includes three essential ceramides, niacinamide, and urea to cleanse gently while calming and hydrating fragile skin and supporting the barrier. Many people see immediate, visible improvement; the cleanser has a light medicinal scent that fades quickly. It generally sits in the $$ price range.
7. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
For scalp psoriasis, Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is a common recommendation. It contains coal tar, an FDA-approved ingredient for psoriasis, which helps control scaling, flaking, and itching on the scalp.
Users often report noticeable reduction in flakes and itch after a few uses. Some find the scent strong, but its effectiveness for sensitive scalps makes it a popular pick. Price varies by size, typically in the $ to $$ range.
8. Gold Bond Multi-Symptom Psoriasis Relief Cream
Gold Bond Multi-Symptom Psoriasis Relief Cream takes a multitarget approach, combining 3% salicylic acid to reduce and control plaques with seven intensive moisturizers and ceramides to hydrate and soothe.
It’s formulated to tackle itching, redness, flaking, and scaling and is recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation as hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. It’s effective and often considered wallet-friendly, usually in the $ price range (around $15).
Key Takeaways
- Managing psoriasis typically means using a mix of ingredients such as salicylic acid, coal tar, hydrocortisone, and heavy moisturizers.
- Products endorsed by the National Psoriasis Foundation are often designed to be gentle and suitable for sensitive, psoriatic skin.
- Regular moisturizing plus targeted treatments can cut down on itching, scaling, and redness.
- Different actives address different problems: salicylic acid exfoliates, coal tar slows cell turnover, and hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and itch.
- Scalp psoriasis needs products made for the scalp—therapeutic shampoos are usually the most effective for flakes and itch there.
FAQ
What are the most important ingredients to look for in psoriasis products?
Prioritize actives like salicylic acid for removing scales and reducing plaque thickness, and coal tar to slow excess cell growth. Also look for emollients and humectants—ceramides, urea, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid—that hydrate and repair the skin barrier.
Can over-the-counter products effectively treat severe psoriasis?
OTC options can manage mild to moderate psoriasis well, easing itch, scaling, and dryness. For more severe disease, OTC items may help alongside prescription treatments or other therapies your healthcare provider recommends.
How often should I apply these products?
Frequency depends on the product and how bad the symptoms are. Always follow the product label or a dermatologist’s advice. Some creams are used once or twice daily; medicated shampoos often have specific directions.
The right combination of products can noticeably improve comfort and control symptoms. Try these options to see what fits your skin, and consult a dermatologist for a tailored plan if symptoms persist or worsen.