Psoriasis is a stubborn skin condition that can be the root cause of extreme discomfort and stress. It is an auto-immune disease that can affect anyone and unfortunately, doesn't have a cure. But don't be disheartened! It can be managed and the severity can easily be reduced by adding the best lotions for psoriasis to your daily skincare routine. Based on our observations, these lotions hydrate your skin, and don't aggravate your condition. 

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition where there is a constant and rapid growth of skin cells than usual. One of the most common forms of this condition is plaque psoriasis where the skin cell build-up shows on the skin’s surface, causing the growth of red, scaly, rough, and often itchy patches. Commonly found on elbows, knees, and scalp, psoriasis patches can also show up on hands, arms, feet, legs, and even on eyelids, lips, and ears, depending on its severity. 

This thicker skin with scaly patches is not just a cosmetic eye sore but can also be uncomfortable and painful. According to Luigi Naldi MD, “Psoriasis is a chronic disorder that waxes and wanes over time” (1). Thanks to recent innovations, whether you have moderate psoriasis or severe psoriasis, you can manage the symptoms and flare-ups with the help of topical treatments.

Our research indicates that there are many over-the-counter lotions and creams for psoriasis available in the market today. But we will be focusing specifically on the lotions. They come infused with active ingredients like vitamin D and corticosteroids, which are clinically proven to be effective on symptoms of psoriasis (2).  Keep reading to know more about our handpicked recommendations and how you can find the ideal fit for your skin type, condition, and requirements.

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  Best for Dry Hands

  Gloves In A Bottle Hand Shielding Lotion

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One of the best products for psoriasis, Gloves In A Bottle acts as a protective bodyguard for your skin. As indicated by our tests, it provides instant relief for dry hands. This shielding lotion is true to its name and forms a protective barrier that traps moisture. The application lasts up to 4 hours and comes off naturally as you exfoliate your outer skin layers. The non-greasy formula of this psoriasis lotion makes it suitable for those with oily, and acne-prone skin. As the name suggests, the lotion creates invisible gloves to prevent dry skin and keeps away all the moisture-robbing ingredients.

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Best for Inflammation

Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Lotion for Psoriasis

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This anti-itch lotion for psoriasis by Cortizone-10 is ideal for those who are prone to severe itchiness. It almost instantly soothes irritated and inflamed skin. The long-lasting formula allows you to apply this once during the day and not worry about your skin post that. Whether it's a severe rash or a minor skin irritation, this fast-acting lotion protects your skin against it all. Suitable for children and adults, this lotion can be applied up to 3-4 times a day. Our team discovered through using this product that, after regular use, you will also notice a difference in your skin quality and texture.

3

Best for All Skin Types

Skin MD Shielding Lotion

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Get instant relief from itchy and irritated skin with Skin MD's shielding lotion. This psoriasis body lotion can be used on the face and body. The colorant-free formula doesn't clog the pores, letting your skin breathe. Enriched with skin-friendly ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, arnica, chamomile, and other botanical ingredients, this lotion shields your skin quite literally! Sans any fragrance, you can rest assured that it doesn't aggravate oily skin. After putting it to the test, we can say that its non-greasy formula makes it perfect to use during the day. 

4

Best Overall

Sebamed Repair Lotion for Extreme Dry Skin

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Approved by skincare enthusiasts and dermatologists, Sebamed's repair lotion is ideal for those struggling with itchy psoriasis. The 10% urea aids in combating rough, dry skin. It soothes the area, minimizes dryness, and restores your skin's natural barrier. This is the best moisturizer for psoriasis which can be used regularly, twice a day for instant results. Bid farewell to flakes, redness, and other skin irritations with this lotion that also reduces scaling. 'Just amazing, I'm ordering one more,' wrote a regular user of this magic elixir.

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Best for Itchy Skin

Gold Bond Intensive Relief Anti-Itch Lotion

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When in doubt, opt for Gold Bond's anti-itch lotion. This magic lotion instantly reduces itchiness, chapped skin, dry skin, and cracked skin. This doesn't just soothe psoriasis but also calms the irritation and inflammation caused by poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Moreover, it soothes eczema and sunburn. Sans any fragrance or steroid, this lotion is ideal for regular use. It is also infused with essential vitamins like vitamin E and B5. This is the best psoriasis lotion infused with aloe vera and based on our firsthand experience, it makes for an ideal AM application.

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Best for Daily Use

Psoriasis Honey Body Lotion

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Get maximum relief from Psoriasis with this honey-infused body lotion. This lotion for psoriasis is made with sodium hyaluronate and glycerin. This combo of ingredients helps lock in moisture and provides adequate water content to the skin which helps revive the skin barrier. This lotion is one of the best treatment options as it controls psoriasis symptoms and provides instant relief. It reduces redness and any discomfort that comes with psoriasis. The cream is infused with olive oil and aloe vera juice that provides maximum hydration for itchy skin, dry, and flakey skin. Moreover, this lotion also provides relief from eczema and other skin conditions. This lightweight formula is suitable for daily use.

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Best for Instant Results

Salve Plaintar Coal Tar Body & Scalp Lotion

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Say goodbye to dryness and itching with Plaintar Coal Tar Leave On lotion. This is one of the best lotions for psoriasis, given how easy it is to apply. It soothes the itchy psoriasis as well as the skin around it. A huge plus point is that it can be used on the body and scalp. And you will be happy to know that we have found from using this product that it guarantees and actually offers instant results. The coal tar slows down the growth of abnormal skin cells and minimizes flakiness and inflammation. Soothe troubled skin with this lotion that you can apply and leave overnight to provide essential moisture to the skin.

Choosing the best lotion for psoriasis is no rocket science, yet it may feel extremely overwhelming and daunting. This skin condition is quite troublesome, your experience of finding the right treatment doesn’t have to be like that. That’s why we are here with our comprehensive guide on how to choose the ideal lotion for psoriasis. We have listed some important factors below, which you must carefully consider to make an informed choice:

Skin Type

Normally, psoriasis is marked with thick, scaly, dry, and itchy patches, however, this skin condition doesn’t discriminate between the various skin types. That’s why you must consider your skin type, whether you have normal, oily, dry, or sensitive skin type. It will help you narrow down the choices and ensure that you will pick a lotion for psoriasis that is tailored to your skin needs.

Consult a Dermatologist

Psoriasis is a serious skin condition and you must not go about experimenting with different over-the-counter products on your own. It is best to consult a board-certified dermatologist and receive personalized psoriasis treatments that are apt for your individual skin concerns and particular stage of psoriasis. It will help you avoid further skin damage and irritation. Moreover, consulting a dermatologist will prevent you from buying products that are marketed using false health claims.

Avoid Allergens

Read the product label carefully and make sure it doesn’t contain any ingredient that may cause allergies or skin irritation. It is always advised to do a patch test at least 24 to 48 hours before you go all in with the application of the lotion.  

Targeted Ingredients

Look for moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, urea, shea butter, vitamin E, vitamin C, allantoin, panthenol, petroleum jelly, avocado oil, and fatty acids, to name a few. They not only moisturize the itchy scaly skin but also help calm down psoriasis flare-ups. You must also look for ingredients that specifically target and help treat psoriasis-affected skin like salicylic acid, lactic acid, coal tar, aloe vera, oatmeal extract, and zinc pyrithione. Each ingredient has a different function and benefit. For instance, a salicylic acid cream is a must-have for people with psoriasis as it helps soften scaly skin and lifts off the flaky patches of skin with regular use.

Percentage of Actives

Usually, 2 percent of salicylic acid is considered adequate for psoriasis skin. Similarly, 5 percent of lactic acid in a topical cream or lotion is considered enough for moisturizing and some exfoliating benefits. These ingredients remove dead skin cells and help get rid of scaly and itchy skin.

Formula and Texture

Lotions for psoriasis typically come in gel and cream-based formulas. Pick the one that is ideal for your skin type and needs. For instance, dry skin types must opt for thick textures with a creamy and nourishing formula, whereas oily skin types must opt for a lightweight gel-based formula. Always opt for hypoallergenic and allergy-tested formulas to prevent any adverse reaction to your skin.

Budget

Set a budget based on how much you are willing to spend on a psoriasis lotion. Only purchase from reputed brands and product manufacturers. Compare the price at time on various platforms to get the best deal.  

Customer Reviews

Read customer reviews and feedback on various online platforms and psoriasis-specific blogs to gain valuable insights into the real-life efficacy and performance of the lotion of your choice.  

Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by redness, inflammation, and dry itchy patches over the skin. Even though it doesn't have a cure, it can be managed with the help of the best lotions for psoriasis. These lotions are specifically formulated to soothe and calm the symptoms of this auto-immune disease. They come in a lot handy to combat all the possible flare-ups that might be triggered due to stress, infections, weather conditions, and exposure to smoke, among others. They usually have hypoallergenic formulas and don’t cause any further irritation to the skin. With ingredients like ceramides, urea, and essential fatty acids, they promise to make your life easier and your psoriasis more manageable. Take your pick from our recommendations and follow our detailed buying guide to find the ideal match for your skin type and condition. And always listen to your dermatologist!