What to Buy Skincare Products The 9 Best Lotions & Creams for Psoriasis of 2023 Our Top Picks protect and repair skin to help eliminate psoriasis plaques By Lindsay Modglin Lindsay Modglin Lindsay is a nurse-turned professional mental health and wellness writer. She uses her 9+ years of clinical healthcare and diverse medical background to write about mental health, chronic conditions, and medicine. health's editorial guidelines Updated on February 16, 2023 Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Susan Bard, MD, is a board-certified general and procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews How We Selected What to Know About Products for Psoriasis Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health / Brian Kopinski Upward of 7.5 million adults live with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that causes red and scaly patches on the body. Flakes and scales build up on the body, creating thick sections of skin that crack—and sometimes bleed. The most common areas affected by psoriasis are the elbows, scalp, lower back, face, palms of hands, soles of feet, and knees. "The exact cause of psoriasis in a person can be hard to identify, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic susceptibility and certain environmental exposures or triggers—such as infections, medications, other medical conditions, trauma, or other stressors on the body," explains Brandon Cometti, MD, founder of Roswell Skin Care in Roswell, New Mexico. "Once triggered, psoriasis involves over-activation of certain inflammatory pathways in the body that lead to the symptoms." Although psoriasis isn't curable, topical treatments can help break down the thick scales that often accompany it. Lotions, creams, and ointments with specific active ingredients—like salicylic acid and coal tar—can help soften and remove the extra cells. Applying these creams two to four times a day can help reduce symptoms of psoriasis and promote healing. To find the best lotions and creams to help treat psoriasis, we spoke to dermatologists and researched the most highly recommended products. We also had a board-certified dermatologist on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy. Our Top Picks Best Overall: CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Gold Bond Ultimate Psoriasis Relief Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best with SPF: Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Plaques: Psoriasis Honey Skin-Renewing Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Under Makeup: TriDerma Face and Body Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best for the Shower: Curél Hydratherapy Itch Defense Wet Skin Moisturizer at Amazon Jump to Review Best with Corticosteroids: Cortizone 10 Anti-Itch Lotion for Psoriasis at Amazon Jump to Review Best Natural: Roycederm Psoriasis Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best with Salicylic Acid: MG217 Medicated Psoriasis Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream Amazon View On Amazon View On CVS Why We Like It This fast-absorbing, non-greasy cream is formulated with essential ceramides and salicylic acid for complete hydration. It’s Worth Noting The alpha hydroxy acid in this cream may cause sun sensitivity. CeraVe products have been trusted for years, and its Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream is no exception. This deeply moisturizing cream packs a powerful punch with its combination of three essential ceramides—plus salicylic acid and niacinamide. And since it's non-comedogenic, you can use it without worrying about clogged pores. Ceramides are known for their ability to hydrate and maintain the skin’s natural barrier, while salicylic acid relieves scaling and discomfort. Niacinamide, an anti-inflammatory and skin-restoring ingredient, enhances this cream’s ability to reduce redness and itching associated with psoriasis. It's important to note this product also contains alpha hydroxy acid, which increases your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and reduce sun exposure while using this cream. Price at time of publication: $26 Product Details: Form: CreamScent: Fragrance-freeKey Ingredients: Ceramide 1, 3, and 6-11, 5% Urea, 2% salicylic acid, lactic acid, NiacinamideBody area: Arms, legs, body Best Budget Gold Bond Ultimate Psoriasis Relief Cream Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Walgreens Why We Like It This ultra-rich cream combines seven intensive moisturizers to deliver hydration. It’s Worth Noting It may initially cause a burning sensation during application. Gold Bond is a drugstore staple, and its Ultimate Multi-Symptom Psoriasis Relief Cream is a powerful, budget-friendly option. It contains seven intensive moisturizers, including aloe, shea butter, and jojoba oil, that help restore and maintain your skin's natural barrier. It also contains 3 percent salicylic acid to kick-start the skin's exfoliation of flaky patches. Recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation, the ceramides quickly lock in moisture to prevent further irritation and dryness. Finally, the cream contains essential vitamins to calm inflammation—leaving your skin soft and smooth. This fragrance and steroid-free formula is a top choice for those looking to soothe psoriasis flare-ups without breaking the bank. Price at time of publication: $12 Product Details: Form: CreamScent: Fragrance-freeKey Ingredients: Aloe, shea butter, jojoba oil, 3% salicylic acid, ceramidesBody Area: Arms, legs, body Best with SPF Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 60 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Walgreens Why We Like It This hydrating SPF 60 lotion protects your skin from sun damage and dryness. It’s Worth Noting This product is not specifically designed to treat psoriasis. UV rays are harmful to all skin types, so protecting your skin from the sun is critical to preventing damage. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Body Sunscreen Lotion does just that. It contains broad spectrum SPF 60 to defend your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays—all while locking in moisture to prevent dryness. What makes this lotion stand out is its unique prebiotic oat complex. Oats contain anti-inflammatory and skin-restoring properties that ease itching and restore balance to irritated skin. It goes on smoothly, is fast absorbing, and won’t leave behind a white or greasy residue. And since Aveeno products come dermatologist-recommended, you can trust it to keep your psoriasis symptoms in check. Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and every two hours for optimal coverage. Price at time of publication: $27 Product Details: Form: LotionScent: Fragrance-freeKey Ingredients: Broad spectrum SPF 60, prebiotic oat, avobenzone 3%, homosalate 13.5%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%Body Area: Arms, legs, body Best for Plaques Psoriasis Honey Skin-Renewing Cream Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It The blend of moisturizing ingredients and natural honey helps minimize plaque formation. It’s Worth Noting This product contains several oils which create a greasy residue. The Skin-Renewing Cream from Psoriasis Honey helps soothe irritation and heal stubborn plaque psoriasis—a benefit of the active ingredient, salicylic acid. It’s made with a unique blend of natural ingredients like honey, aloe vera, grapeseed oil, and beeswax that help hydrate and nourish your skin without harsh chemicals or fragrances. Honey is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory that soothes itching, while aloe vera relieves skin irritation and helps reduce redness. Grapeseed oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants to nourish your skin and promote healing. Its powerful moisturizing properties help restore the skin’s natural barrier to prevent further dryness and flaking. Though the cream has a tacky feel, the thick formula penetrates deep while protecting the outer skin layer from further damage. Price at time of publication: $32 Product Details: Form: CreamScent: Fragrance-freeKey Ingredients: Honey, aloe vera, grapeseed oil, beeswaxBody Area: Arms, legs, body Best for Under Makeup TriDerma Psoriasis Control Face and Body Cream Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It Its non-greasy formula won't interfere with makeup. It’s Worth Noting This product is naturally off-white, so it may leave a slight tinge when applied to darker skin tones. Another salicylic acid-based psoriasis cream, TriDerma Psoriasis Control, encourages the repair of damaged skin. Its unique blend of natural ingredients like oat protein, vitamins B and E, and urea visibly softens the skin. Inflammation-reducing aloe vera and beeswax target psoriasis plaques and scales to reveal healthier-looking skin. Unlike many other creams, TriDerma Psoriasis Control is designed for psoriasis on the face and body, whereas many are solely for the body. We appreciate the non-greasy, lightweight formula that won’t leave behind a heavy residue. However, it's naturally an off-white to gray color—free from synthetic dyes—so it may cause a slight tinge when applied to darker skin tones. Price at time of publication: $14 Product Details: Form: CreamScent: Fragrance-freeKey Ingredients: Salicylic acid, oat protein, vitamins B and E, urea, aloe vera, beeswaxBody Area: Face, arms, legs, body Best for the Shower Curél Hydratherapy Itch Defense Wet Skin Moisturizer Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It You can towel dry immediately after application. It’s Worth Noting Some users have reported issues with the pump bottle breaking. Showering can be an uncomfortable experience for those living with psoriasis, as the hot water can exacerbate dryness and itching. Curél Hydra Therapy is a unique body moisturizer you apply to clean, wet skin directly in the shower. When the lotion contacts water, it instantly becomes a rich cream that penetrates open pores to hydrate quickly. This product comprises ceramides to restore and strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier. In addition to its moisturizing benefits, Curél Hydra Therapy also soothes itching and relieves tightness from dryness. It contains vitamin E and oatmeal extract to protect and nourish your skin. Apply the lotion to wet skin and towel dry—no rinsing required. Price at time of publication: $13 Product details: Form: LotionScent: Fragrance-freeKey Ingredients: Ceramides, Vitamin E, oatmeal extractBody Area: Arms, legs, body Best with Corticosteroids Cortizone 10 Anti-Itch Lotion for Psoriasis Amazon View On Amazon View On CVS View On Walmart Why We Like It The added moisturizers prevent dryness associated with topical steroids. It’s Worth Noting May cause skin irritation in some people. Corticosteroids are an effective psoriasis treatment, but they come with some downsides—dryness and irritation. Cortizone 10 Anti-Itch Psoriasis Lotion helps to counteract those effects by including seven intensive moisturizers. The lotion also contains a maximum-strength dose of topical hydrocortisone (1 percent) to reduce the swelling, redness, and irritation associated with psoriasis—without harsh side effects. This product is fast-acting, so you can expect it to begin working within minutes. Plus, it's designed to be used up to four times daily for maximum relief. However, it may cause skin irritation in some, so make sure to test it on a small patch of skin first. Price at time of publication: $9 Product Details: Form: LotionScent: Fragrance-freeKey Ingredients: Topical hydrocortisone (1%), 7 intensive moisturizersBody Area: Arms, legs, body Best Natural Roycederm Seborrheic Dermatitis Cream Psoriasis Cream Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It This product is free from additives and synthetic ingredients. It’s Worth Noting A burning sensation may occur for up to 15 minutes after application. With over eight herbs and extracts, Roycederm Seborrheic Dermatitis & Psoriasis Cream is a 100 percent natural, non-steroidal solution to psoriasis. As an intensive scalp treatment, it's designed to reduce redness, itching, and flaking associated with scalp psoriasis. Best of all, it's free of synthetic fragrances and dyes that often trigger irritation. This psoriasis cream contains a blend of herbage extractors, which work on flakes and dandruff buildup. Within days of use, it helps mitigate discomfort and replenish the scalp's moisture barrier. Plus, it's safe to use on other body parts, such as the elbows and knees, where psoriasis is often present. Price at time of publication: $28 Product Details: Form: CreamScent: Herbal scentKey Ingredients: Artemisia Extract, Sophora Flavescens, Cnidium Monnieri (L.) Cuss., Kochia scoparia, Dictamni Cortex, Smilax Glabra Roxb, Solidago DecurrensBody Area: Scalp, neck, ears, arms, legs, body Best with Salicylic Acid MG217 Medicated Moisturizing Psoriasis Cream Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Walgreens Why We Like It Salicylic acid helps reduce redness, flaking, and itching. It’s Worth Noting The cream is on the thinner side. MG217 Medicated Moisturizing Psoriasis Cream offers the best of both worlds with its potent combination of salicylic acid and coal tar. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, both ingredients are FDA-approved for treating psoriasis. While salicylic acid helps shed dead skin, coal tar slows the growth of diseased cells that form plaques on the skin—a double whammy for those looking for relief. This psoriasis cream absorbs quickly to lock in moisture, soothe inflammation, and reduce redness. However, the makers also sell other psoriasis products that complement the cream—such as scalp shampoo, conditioner, and ointment. We appreciate the added moisturizers, like avocado oil and aloe, that round out this non-greasy powerhouse of a product. Price at time of publication: $10 Product Details: Form: CreamScent: Fragrance-freeKey Ingredients: Salicylic acid (1.8%), coal tar extract, avocado oil, aloe vera, shea butter, provitamin B5Body Area: Arms, legs, body How We Selected To determine our top picks, we took into consideration key ingredients, user reviews, price points, and accessibility. We also spoke with board-certified dermatologists to learn more about the science behind psoriasis treatment. When possible, we prioritized products suitable for sensitive skin—avoiding synthetic fragrances and dyes, as these ingredients can further irritate psoriasis-prone skin. We also spoke to skin care experts to discuss what to look for when selecting psoriasis lotions. Experts we spoke to included: Brandon Cometti, MD, founder of Roswell Skin Care in Roswell, New Mexico Olivia Choi, MD, Ph.D., FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Dermatology at Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson Products with salicylic acid and coal tar, two ingredients approved by the FDA to treat psoriasis, were given priority during the selection process. We also looked for products rich in moisturizers, such as avocado oil, aloe vera, and shea butter. Finally, we sought out products that include vitamins and antioxidants to help protect the skin from environmental damage. What to Know About Products for Psoriasis When to Use Products for Psoriasis Using over-the-counter topical treatments should only be done in conjunction with your dermatologist's treatment plan. OTCs, such as salicylic acid-based products, can help reduce inflammation and redness associated with psoriasis—but clearing the skin lesions may take some time. "Psoriasis is more than a skin condition. It’s a chronic, intermittently relapsing immune-mediated disease that can impact a person’s overall well-being," says Olivia Choi, MD, PhD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Dermatology at Janssen. According to Dr. Choi, "psoriasis treatments aim to decrease inflammation." Treatment may include prescription corticosteroids, retinoids, and salicylic acid. "Because different types of psoriasis may appear on any location of the body and the disease can vary in severity from person to person, individuals should see a dermatologist who is an expert in psoriasis to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan," explains Dr. Choi. What Ingredients Help with Psoriasis Psoriasis can be challenging to treat, and the best course of action depends on the severity. "The good news about psoriasis is there are many treatment options available," says Dr. Cometti. "A variety of topical creams and ointments exist, and for more severe psoriasis, several systemic medications (pills and injections) can help treat the disease." What Ingredients Should You Avoid When Treating Psoriasis Most psoriasis treatments help diminish redness, itching, and flaking while nourishing the skin. However, it's important to know which ingredients can help treat your condition and which should be avoided. "In general, you should avoid products with a lot of fragrances or products that are thinner/runnier and have a lot of alcohol-based ingredients," explains Dr. Cometti. "These can sometimes dry or irritate the skin more." Also, avoid products with lotions or creams containing dyes, preservatives, and parabens. These can all cause skin irritation, which is the last thing you want when treating psoriasis. Your Questions, Answered What is the best lotion to use for psoriasis? The best lotion to use for psoriasis will depend on your individual needs. Look for products that contain ingredients such as salicylic acid and coal tar. Additionally, Dr. Choi and Dr. Cometti recommend avoiding products with fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and parabens. "People with psoriasis should try to avoid harsh or irritating products, such as those containing alcohol or sulfates," advises Dr. Choi. "Some people may be more sensitive to ingredients than others. If you’re not sure how you’ll react to a certain product or ingredient, consider testing it on a small area of skin before using it.” Is it good to put lotion on psoriasis? Some lotions can help soothe psoriasis symptoms, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. However, trial and error may be required to find the right formula for your skin. Speak to your dermatologist before trying a new lotion or applying it over large areas of affected skin. Who We Are As a nurse and public health professional, Lindsay Modglin is an experienced journalist who covers the rapidly evolving health and medical field. Her byline has been featured in global publications like Forbes, Insider, Verywell, and more. She enjoys researching and writing about the latest health, wellness, and medical technology developments. Her goal is to help readers make actionable and informed decisions about the products and services they use to improve their lives. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 1 Source Health.com 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. Armstrong AW, Mehta MD, Schupp CW, Gondo GC, Bell SJ, Griffiths CEM. Psoriasis prevalence in adults in the United States. JAMA Dermatol. 2021 Aug 1;157(8):940-946. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.2007