The 10 Best Body Washes for Psoriasis Care And Optimal Hygiene

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Apr 09, 2024
body washes for psoriasis
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Although there isn't a proper treatment for psoriasis, several body washes can help alleviate discomfort. With diverse prospects and pricing ranges, the best body washes for psoriasis are here to offer solace to your skin barrier, from drugstore brands to handmade creations.

It is a chronic autoimmune skin condition marked by the aforementioned symptoms. Hence, selecting the best body washes for psoriasis is crucial, as part of an effective strategy to alleviate these symptoms. Alongside potential vitamin D supplements, finding body cleansers and washes tailored to managing these symptoms is essential. An underlying medical condition, harsh weather, chemical irritants, hormonal shifts, and even worry are all prevalent causes of psoriasis. While they tend to occur and affect the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back, they may also concern your eyelids, lips, ears, skin folds, hands, feet, and nails. If you notice redness, dryness, itching, irritation, swelling, or burning and stinging sensations on the skin — as a result, you may require more than one sort of body cleanser.

Laying emphasis on the importance of body cleansers, Dr. Anna Chacon, a certified dermatologist, says, “Body cleansers are particularly important for psoriasis care because they assist in the removal of scales and can soothe the skin. Psoriasis is characterized by the rapid buildup of cells on the skin's surface, leading to scales and red patches. A body cleanser, particularly those containing ingredients like salicylic acid, can help to soften and remove these scales, reduce inflammation, and prevent dryness, which can alleviate some of the discomfort associated with psoriasis.”

Disclaimer: False promises and claims from body washes might cause allergic reactions and may aggravate the predicament more. Be skeptical of psoriasis body washes that claim to cure the illness. The best psoriasis body cleanser will help you feel clean while also moisturizing and soothing your itchy skin, but it will not cure psoriasis. Remember, that psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune illness, and hence, it is persistent. 

Lastly, remember that body cleansers meant for psoriasis skin should also provide additional advantages such as moisturization and nourishment. And if your skin’s sensitivity is interfering with your quality of life, you can put an end to it right now. Try one of the finest body washes for your disturbed skin and watch your problems melt away in a heartbeat.

The 10 Best Body Washes for Psoriasis

Purely Northwest's body wash is formulated with balanced pH ingredients like tea tree oil and menthol extracts which clean the dry skin problems in no time. It features aloe vera and sea kelp extracts which soothe any itching sensation on dry skin and keep it fresh with rosemary, camphor oil, and peppermint oil. All these handful key ingredients help knock foot and body odor out the window while cleansing and refreshing the body after exercise or any daily activity. This body wash also comes in handy for general rashes and chaffing making it an all-rounder product for every painful skin problem!

Pros
  • Ideal for sensitive skin
  • Refreshing scent
  • Lathers well
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
Cons
  • Hard to hold and dispense
  • Best for Dry Skin

    Sebamed Face & Body Wash

    Sebamed Face & Body Wash
  • Sebamed requires no introduction as it's a top brand in medical skincare, but let's talk about its lovely face and body wash. It’s made out of gentle active ingredients that clean delicate and troubled skin. The gentle body wash includes vitamins, allantoin, and the active moisturizing Pentavitin, which protects the skin from dryness(1). Besides, the company claims that it helps maintain a pH level of 5.5, which is necessary for healthy skin. When we trialed the product, we found the mint-colored body cleanser smelled exotic yet mild. Although the gel-based liquid wash has a thin water-like consistency, it lathers effectively.

    Pros
    • Perfect for all individuals
    • Lathers well
    • Climate-pledge friendly
    • Sulfate-free
    • Silicone-free
    Cons
    • Leaves tingle sensation
  • Best for Flaky Skin

    CeraVe Psoriasis Cleanser

    CeraVe Psoriasis Cleanser
  • Here's another exceptional skincare brand, CeraVe that also focuses on calming psoriasis symptoms, gently cleansing and exfoliating dry, bumpy skin. Mainly, the psoriasis body wash features vital ingredients like ceramides, urea, alpha-hydroxy acid (a.k.a AHA), niacinamide, and salicylic acid in a blend that can be used on the scalp too — an area prone to plaque formation in individuals with psoriasis. As a bonus, the National Psoriasis Foundation has also approved CeraVe Psoriasis Cleanser as an effective product, making it one of the best-medicated body washes for psoriasis and scaly skin.

    Pros
    • Calms inflamed skin
    • Leaves no residue
    • Unscented
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Hypoallergenic
    Cons
    • Thin consistency
  • Best for Dry Skin Patches

    La Roche Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Moisturizing Body & Face Wash

    La Roche Posay Lipikar Wash AP+ Moisturizing Body & Face Wash
  • The Lipikar Wash AP+ Moisturizing Body & Face Wash is ideal for dry and extra dry skin as it gives long-lasting, 24-hour hydration. What makes it so good is La Roche-Posay's patented prebiotic thermal water which contains minerals, trace elements, and a high concentration of selenium, a natural antioxidant. This foam wash includes niacinamide, shea butter, and glycerin that protects the skin from drying while leaving it clean, smooth, and instantly comforted (2). Not only that but this cleanser is also accepted by the National Eczema Association. It claims to also be suitable for patients undergoing chemotherapy, gently cleansing and helping moisturize sensitive skin. This skin-softening body wash can be your go-to if are looking for some instant skin moisturization!

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Dermatologist-tested
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Paraben-free
    • Pediatrician-tested
    Cons
    • Hard to dispense
  • Best Vegan

    Honeyskin Face & Body Wash

    Honeyskin Face & Body Wash
  • This face and body wash made with pH-balanced organic ingredients aims to gently exfoliate and remove all traces of dirt, oils, and impurities. The manuka honey-infused cleanser aims to provide long-lasting hydration while moisturizing the skin with the help of aloe vera extracts. The formula is fortified with orange oil, coconut oil, glycerin, and salicylic acid — a potent blend intended to prevent acne breakouts while fighting signs of skin aging. When we tried the product, the body wash caught us off-guard with citrus notes of orange and left the skin super soft. It's a must-have for sensitive skin and psoriasis flare

    Pros
    • Soothes inflamed skin
    • pH-balanced formula
    • Gluten-free
    • Cruelty-free
    • Ideal for all skin types
    Cons
    • Might give a tingling sensation
  • Best Non-greasy

    DermaSolve Psoriasis Body Wash

    DermaSolve Psoriasis Body Wash
  • This doctor-recommended body wash eradicates and manages the recurrence of psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff. The Ovasome Technology is made with whole eggs containing hyaluronic acid, retinol vitamin A, vitamins K, D, and B complex, omega-3, and zinc. This non-greasy solution with 3 percent salicylic acid has no additional fragrance (only the natural aroma of peppermint oil) and may be used anywhere on your body from head to toe. The product protects your natural barrier making your skin soft. Taking honest reviews into consideration, we believe it's one of the best body wash for both eczema and psoriasis skin.

    Pros
    • Reduces flare-ups
    • Contains active ingredient
    • Fragrance-free
    • Best for itchy and flaky skin
    • Easy to dispense
    Cons
    • Doesn't lather well
  • Best Unscented

    TriDerma Psoriasis Control Body Wash

    TriDerma Psoriasis Control Body Wash
  • TriDerma's Psoriasis Control body wash is yet another salicylic acid-based cleanser, that promotes skin restoration. Crafted with AP4 aloe vera complex and hydrating botanicals, our formula features the nourishing power of hemp seed oil and the clarifying benefits of salicylic acid. When combined, these ingredients work in harmony to address psoriasis plaques and scales by exfoliating dead skin cells, minimizing sebaceous follicle blockage, and enhancing the overall appearance and texture of your skin. One should consider this body wash for psoriasis-prone skin or any sensitive skin issue too!

    Pros
    • Unscented
    • Ideal for sensitive, irritated skin
    • Suitable for face and body
    • Natural ingredients
    • Lathers well
    Cons
    • Water-like consistency
  • Best Sulfate-free

    Packer's Pine Natural Pine Tar Body Wash

    Packer's Pine Natural Pine Tar Body Wash
  • Enjoy a rich, bubbly bath that won't dry out your skin with Packer's Pine body wash. This natural pine and coal tar body wash turns from a gel-like liquid into a foamy bliss that moisturizes the skin through and through. Apart from the nourishing ingredients, the crisp piney scent will refresh all your senses and repel mosquitoes and chiggers away. Its plant-based formulation is to die for — as say happy reviewers — which settle upon this product being a good body wash for psoriasis.

    Pros
    • Ideal for dry skin
    • Sulfate-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Creosote-free
    Cons
    • Not ideal for daily use
  • Best for Psoriasis Flare-Ups

    Shea Moisture African Black Soap Eczema Psoriasis Therapy Body Wash

    Shea Moisture African Black Soap Eczema Psoriasis Therapy Body Wash
  • Considered among the best soap-free body washes for psoriasis, Eczema Psoriasis Therapy Body Wash is a must for every skincare enthusiast seeking refuge from sensitive skin problems. It's created with certified organic shea butter, vitamin E, and aloe vera and includes a unique combination of sunflower seed, coconut, and palm oils to moisturize the skin as it cleanses. To deal with irritated and inflamed skin, the oat extracts help soothe and reduce inflammation in an instant. And if these benefits do not make you grab this lovely body wash, we are sure the moisturizing after-feel will change your mind!

    Pros
    • Cost-effective
    • Moisturizes skin
    • Ideal for eczema
    • Suitable for all genders
    Cons
    • The texture is a turn-off
  • Best Hypoallergenic

    Sphagnum Botanicals PsoriAid Body Wash

    Sphagnum Botanicals PsoriAid Body Wash
  • This mild yet efficacious body wash contains peat mud, a natural substance recognized for its relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects. With the help of bioactive ingredients like humic acids, fulvic acids, and olive oil, it helps soften the psoriasis plaques and flaky skin inside out without clogging the pores. After putting the body wash to the test, we discovered that the black liquid lathers into a rich white lather rich in bioactive ingredients that profoundly moisturize and nourish your skin. Altogether, this is a great budget saver as it eliminates the need for applying body creams and lotions after a shower, as the body cleanser leaves your skin super-hydrated.

    Pros
    • Ideal for daily use
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Affordable pricing
    • Hypoallergenic
    Cons
    • Doesn’t lather well on oily skin

    Now that we have discussed the best products for psoriasis care, we also must inform you on how to choose the best body wash for psoriasis among the vast selection.

    How to Choose A Body Wash for Psoriasis?

    Scroll down for some tips and tricks on how to choose the best body wash for psoriasis care.

    Texture: First of all, remember that your skin is delicate when dealing with psoriasis. So, do not opt for body wash exfoliators that include sharp or any beads in the formulation which could abrade or aggravate your skin even more. Opting for gel-based body washes is the best option as they lather up quickly and wash off as easily without clogging the pores. Extremely dry skin requires moisturizing qualities which creamy body washes do consider, hence be sure to add one to your cart if your skin needs some quick relief!

    Ingredients: Invest in products that include natural and essential oils to nourish and aromatize your body all in one without added fragrance. Coconut oil, lemon oil, soybean oil, sunflower seed oil, and shea butter are important ingredients for moisturizing and hydrating dry skin so do hold on to them. Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and retinol are ideal exfoliators you must have in your products to remove psoriasis scales and plaques which may ruin the overall appearance and feel of the skin. 

    Speaking of ingredients suitable for psoriasis care, our contributor Dr. Chacon says, “With the guidance of a dermatologist, one should look for exfoliators that have gentle textures and are made with skin-friendly ingredients. These can include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid, or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid. These ingredients can help to gently remove dead skin cells without causing damage. Dermatologists often advise against using exfoliators with harsh textures, like nut shells, as they can cause micro-tears in the skin which can lead to irritation and potential infection.”

    Avoid: When selecting the ideal body wash, be sure to avoid harsh chemicals, harsh surfactants, and allergens that may worsen the skin condition even more. Opting for mild formulas instead of skin-drying formulas which include skin-irritants like perfume, parabens, sulfates, and dyes.

    Contributor: Dermatologist-approved: A small reminder, Before you purchase any of these body washes on a whim, we request you to get advice and input from a certified dermatologist to avoid worsening the skin condition. 

    Reviews: Many mention that though psoriasis isn't curable at most, it is easier to control with the above-mentioned products. Consumers around the globe mention that the best way they felt relief from the constant scrat hing and aching pain was to hydrate their dry skin with moisturizing formulas. Not only that but most of them consider it a bonus that opting for these body washes helped them budget down their expenditure on appropriate skin care as well as better results throughout the body.

    Tips to Follow while asking A Shower If You Have Psoriasis:

    • When taking a bath, remember not to linger around your tub or shower for too long. And try taking a bath with lukewarm to cold water, to avoid drying the skin with hot water. 
    • Always invest in bath oils, bath salts, coal tar, and oats, when added to your bathtub or shower, can bring relief to your skin and make it plumper and rich in feel and look.
    • To keep moisture retention in the skin, avoid taking repeated baths as it can affect the skin layer making it prone to deteriorating the psoriasis condition.
    • Stay clear of alcohol-based body washes, which include colorants, dyes, and sodium hydroxide, which could damage the skin and make it extremely dry.
    • Avoid using any scrubs or exfoliators that can tear the skin layer and make the skin even more delicate.

    Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam

    Conclusion

    Psoriasis causes skin cells to multiply quicker than your body requires. As a result, excess cells accumulate on your skin, forming thick, scaly areas known as skin plaques that can itch and burn. Keep in mind, that most body washes are crafted with glycerin and moisturizing elements, hence making them a suitable choice for psoriasis. Also, stay clear of alcohol-based and chemical-based washes that may inflame or irritate the skin more. We have selected the best body washes for psoriasis based on formulation, texture, smell, ingredients, and how one’s skin can react to the particular product. Be sure to check them all out to know which one suits your skin best and how you can tackle psoriasis issues without a doubt!

    FAQ's

    Can body wash completely cure psoriasis?
    No, body washes can not completely cure psoriasis, Please head to a dermatologist for better guidance.
    How often should I use a body wash for psoriasis?
    We recommend taking just one shower a day to keep the natural pH level of the skin intact not to wash off the natural oils of the skin.
    Does drinking lots of water help psoriasis?
    Yes, hydrating your body is the best way to keep psoriasis flare-ups under control. Keeping your body hydrated is the ideal way to keep dry skin problems at bay.
    Is soaking in Epsom salt good for psoriasis?
    Yes, soaking yourself in lukewarm water with Epsom salt is absolutely good for psoriasis and extremely dry skin as it can melt away the scales or flaky skin present.
    What is the root cause of psoriasis?
    The exact root cause of psoriasis remains unclear, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic predisposition and immune system dysfunction, leading to abnormal skin cell growth and inflammation.
    Does psoriasis mean a weak immune system?
    No, Psoriasis does not necessarily mean a weak immune system. It is associated with immune system dysfunction, specifically an overactive immune response, rather than a weakened one. This dysfunction leads to inflammation and skin cell overproduction, contributing to psoriasis symptoms.
    What should you not put on psoriasis-tainted skin?
    We advise avoiding harsh or irritating substances like alcohol-based products, fragrances, and abrasive exfoliants on psoriasis-affected skin. Additionally, steer clear of hot water and tight clothing, which can worsen symptoms. Always consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.

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    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More