10 Best Psoriasis Creams, Ointments, Lotions, and Shampoos

Psoriasis is a common skin condition. Outbreaks appear as red, violet, brown, or gray scaly plaques that itch and flake. Treatment for psoriasis typically starts with topical medications. These are creams or ointments you apply directly to affected skin. If topicals alone don’t work, systemic or whole-body treatments may be needed. These can include pills, injections, or even light therapy. It’s common to need more than one type of treatment at the same time.

Topical medications for psoriasis are available by prescription and over the counter (OTC). They can be used alone or in combination with systemic treatments. Not only do creams and ointments help improve symptoms of psoriasis, but they can also lower the amount of systemic treatment needed. 

Here’s a list of 10 creams and other topical treatments that work best for psoriasis.

1. Corticosteroid creams

Prescription-strength topical steroids are the most effective topical treatment for psoriasis. They help reduce inflammation, prevent cells from overgrowing, and thin out psoriasis plaques. Dermatologists may prescribe them alone or alongside other treatments. They come in different forms, strengths, and potencies. Prescription-strength topical steroids are stronger and generally work better than OTC hydrocortisone products.

Common topical steroids prescribed for psoriasis include:

• Clobetasol 0.05% (cream, ointment, shampoo, solution, or foam)

• Triamcinolone 0.1% (cream or ointment)

• Hydrocortisone 2.5% (cream)

It’s important to note that topical steroids can stop working for psoriasis if you overuse them. They can also cause side effects, like:

• Thin skin

• Bruising

• Stretch marks

• Broken blood vessels

• Worsening acne and rosacea

• Skin discoloration

To lower the risk of side effects and keep your treatment working its best, it’s best to use topical steroids in rotation with other prescription medications, like those listed here. 

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2. Tazarotene

Tazarotene (Tazorac) is a cream and gel made from vitamin A and is FDA-approved to treat psoriasis. It works by thinning out psoriasis plaques. The main side effect is skin irritation. You can minimize this by using it with a topical steroid — either at the same time (spaced out so each medication can absorb) or on rotation. 

Tazarotene cream and gel is stronger than the OTC retinoids, which don’t usually work for psoriasis. It can cause birth irregularities, so avoid it if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. You also shouldn’t use tazarotene gel on more than 20% of your body at once. 

Tazarotene is also available in a combination lotion called Duobrii. This is a brand-only product that combines tazarotene with the steroid halobetasol. Duobrii is usually used once a day and is only approved to treat adults. 

3. Vitamin D analogues

Vitamin D analogues come from the same vitamin your body makes when exposed to sunlight. They help by regulating the immune system in your skin and by preventing the overgrowth of psoriasis plaques. In the U.S., the available options include calcitriol (Vectical) and calcipotriene (Dovonex, Sorilux). 

You shouldn’t apply vitamin D analogues to more than 30% of your body at once. Too much can cause hormonal imbalances. The most common side effect of these medications is skin irritation at and around the treatment area. 

Vitamin D analogues work best when used with topical steroids. Dermatologists often recommend rotating vitamin D-based topicals with topical steroids to reduce side effects from both medications.

4. Combination steroid and vitamin D analogue creams

Some products combine a topical steroid (betametasone) with a vitamin D analogue (calcipotriene):

• Taclonex (betamethasone / calcipotriene) suspension

• Enstilar (betamethasone / calcipotriene) foam

• Wynzora (betamethasone / calcipotriene) cream

Betamethasone / calcipotriene is also available as a generic in ointment and suspension forms.

These combination products work together to get better results for psoriasis than either medication alone. They can also make psoriasis treatment easier by reducing the number of applications you need to get results. 

5. Calcineurin inhibitors

Pimecrolimus and tacrolimus are calcineurin inhibitors. These treat psoriasis by reducing inflammation. Both pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic) are FDA-approved, but only for eczema. They’re used off-label for psoriasis in areas with thinner skin, like on your face, genitals, or in body folds. They can also be rotated with topical steroids to reduce the risk of steroid side effects in sensitive areas. 

Although both medications carry a boxed warning about a theoretical risk of cancer if used long-term, studies haven’t shown that either medication causes cancer. 

6. Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors

Zoryve (roflumilast) is a more recently approved cream for treating psoriasis. It’s the first topical medication in its class of treatments for psoriasis. Zoryve works by blocking a molecule called phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4), which is involved in communication between cells. 

By blocking PDE4, Zoryve alters your immune system and reduces inflammation. It’s used once a day and can be used by people as young as 6 years old. Because it’s steroid-free, Zoryve can be used in sensitive areas like your face. 

7. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists

Vtama (tapinarof) is an FDA-approved cream for treating psoriasis in adults. It’s used once a day to lower inflammation and help normalize the skin barrier. Because it doesn’t contain any steroids, it can also be used on sensitive areas like your face. Some people who improve with Vtama will notice that their skin stays clear for a long period of time without needing more medication. 

8. Over-the-counter psoriasis creams

There are several useful psoriasis products available OTC. But for most people with psoriasis, these are used along with prescription medications. 

Here are some active ingredients to look for when shopping for OTC psoriasis treatments: 

• Hydrocortisone: This is a milder steroid that comes in cream and ointment forms (like Cortizone-10).

• Urea: It helps soften and remove psoriasis scales. Examples include Eucerin Urea Enriched Roughness Relief Cream and CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream.

• Camphor and/or menthol: While these don’t treat psoriasis, they can help with itch. Examples include Eucerin Itch Relief Intense Calming Lotion and Sarna Anti-Itch Lotion.

• Salicylic acid and coal tar creams: Salicylic acid removes scales, and coal tar can help slow down the growth of psoriasis plaques. Read more about these below. 

The National Psoriasis Foundation has a registry of OTC products it deems safe for people with psoriasis.

9. Moisturizing creams

Keeping your skin hydrated is a very important part of psoriasis treatment. Overdrying can make flaking and itching worse and lead to cracking, fissuring, and flares. 

Here are some tips to keep your skin moisturized and minimize irritation: 

• Take short showers, no longer than 10 minutes, using warm (not hot) water.

• Use a gentle body wash.

• Avoid scrubbing, which can aggravate psoriasis. 

• After your shower, pat your skin dry, apply any prescription topicals to active psoriasis plaques, and then apply moisturizer all over.

When choosing a moisturizer, look for something that’s fragrance-free. For very dry skin, a cream- or ointment-based formula works best. If you have a lot of scaling and flaking, a medicated moisturizer that contains salicylic acid (like MG217 Sal-Acid Multi-Symptom Moisturizing Cream or CeraVe Psoriasis Cream) can help exfoliate as it hydrates.

10. Medicated shampoos

For people with scalp psoriasis, the right shampoo can help manage symptoms, especially when used with prescription topical steroids. The two main types of OTC medicated shampoos include coal tar and salicylic acid:

• Coal tar shampoo: This helps calm inflammation, itching, and scaling, and helps slow the growth of psoriasis plaques. A common product is DHS Coal Tar Shampoo. To use it, lather into your scalp for 2-3 minutes, then rinse. Coal tar shampoo has a potent smell and can dry out your hair. A good strategy is to use it only on your scalp and wash the rest of your hair with your regular shampoo. 

• Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid shampoo works by removing scale. It makes your skin softer and helps other medications penetrate your skin so they work better. Like coal tar, it can dry out your hair and is best used only on your scalp. A common product is Neutrogena T/Sal.

Alternative psoriasis treatments

For some people, alternative treatments can provide some symptom relief as well. But these treatments haven’t been proven to work and haven’t been evaluated by the FDA. Some can cause side effects, even if they’re labeled as “natural.” It’s best to test them on a small patch of skin first to make sure you don’t have a reaction. 

If you’re considering alternative topical treatments, look for creams or ointments that contain these ingredients: 

• Aloe vera

• Jojoba

• Capsaicin 

• Apple cider vinegar

• Tea tree oil

• Turmeric

• Oat extracts

• Indigo naturalis 

Tips when using psoriasis creams and treatment

When used correctly, topical psoriasis creams and treatments can provide relief and help manage the condition. Here are some tips to help you get the most from your psoriasis treatment:

• Always consult a dermatologist. It’s best to have an individualized treatment plan to make sure you have the proper medication to treat your symptoms.

• Carefully follow usage instructions. You should always use the medication as directed to get the best results.

• Protect your skin from sun exposure. Some treatments can thin your skin, making it more sensitive to the effects of the sun. Protecting your skin can help prevent sun damage.

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Written by:

Maryann Mikhail, MD

Maryann Mikhail, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and medical writer based in South Florida. She is the founder of Waverly DermSpa in Fort Lauderdale and holds a voluntary faculty position at the Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami MIller School of Medicine.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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