The 9 Best Lotions & Creams for Psoriasis to Repair, Protect and Relieve Itching

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 decrease inflammation, diminish redness, itching, and flaking, nourish the skin, 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
• Best Budget: Gold Bond Ultimate Psoriasis Relief Cream
• Best with SPF: Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 60
• Best for Plaques: Psoriasis Honey Skin-Renewing Cream
• Best for Under Makeup: TriDerma Psoriasis Control Face and Body Cream
• Best for the Shower: Curél Hydratherapy Itch Defense Wet Skin Moisturizer
• Best with Corticosteroids: Cortizone 10 Anti-Itch Lotion for Psoriasis
• Best Natural: Roycederm Seborrheic Dermatitis Cream Psoriasis Cream
• Best With Salicylic Acid: MG217 Medicated Moisturizing Psoriasis Cream

Ingredients that Help with Psoriasis

A variety of topical creams and ointments exist, and for more severe psoriasis, several systemic medications (pills and injections) can help treat the disease. 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. Other treatments may include prescription corticosteroids and retinoids.

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 Olivia Choi, MD, Ph.D., FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Dermatology at Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

Ingredients to Avoid When Treating Psoriasis

Dr. Choi advises that people with psoriasis avoid harsh or irritating products, such as those containing alcohol, sulfates, fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and parabens. These can all cause skin irritation, which is the last thing you want when treating psoriasis.

Some people may be more sensitive to ingredients than others. If you’re unsure how you’ll react to a certain product or ingredient, consider testing it on a small area of skin before using it.