8 Best Creams for Psoriasis Available Over the Counter in 2026

Developed with dermatologists and recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation, the CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream is our top pick for sensitive skin. Its combination of gentle, yet effective ingredients makes it ideal for targeting psoriasis while still soothing and preserving the skin’s natural barrier.

This cream contains 2% salicylic acid, which offers gentle exfoliation and helps soften flaky, thick psoriasis patches. Combined with calming and barrier-supportive actives, like niacinamide, urea, and glycerin, this cream hits the sweet spot of effectiveness without irritating sensitive skin.

If you use this product regularly, make sure you are also protecting your skin from the sun by applying sunscreen, wearing layers, or seeking shade when outdoors. Still, despite these drawbacks, CeraVe’s Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream is a great choice for a fragrance-free cream that targets psoriasis symptoms while also soothing sensitive skin.

“For plaque psoriasis, the most typical kind [of psoriasis], thick creams containing salicylic acid or coal tar are most effective,” Johnson said. “They peel off dead skin and decrease redness.”

One of the main advantages of MG217 is its ability to provide lasting relief without a prescription. It’s also recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation, reinforcing its credibility and effectiveness. The addition of conditioning ingredients like vitamins A, D3, and E offers extra nourishment for irritated skin.

However, this product isn’t without drawbacks. The coal tar has a strong, medicinal odor that some users find off-putting, and the thick, greasy consistency can stain clothing or bedding.

Overall, MG217 Medicated Coal Tar Ointment is a highly effective option for people with moderate to severe psoriasis who need targeted relief. While it may not be the most cosmetically elegant product, its therapeutic benefits often outweigh the inconvenience for those dealing with chronic flare-ups.

Of all the creams I tested, the Psoriasis Honey Skin‑Renewing Cream made the most noticeable difference in calming inflammation and reducing the redness of my psoriasis. This cream’s 1.8% salicylic acid formula gently exfoliates and helps lift stubborn scales, while nourishing ingredients like honey, aloe vera, beeswax, and grapeseed oil deeply hydrate and soothe irritated, inflamed skin.

Though effective, this cream does have a greasy, sticky texture that can leave residue. For that reason, I opted to use this cream at night and not during the day under form-fitting clothes. The natural formula also comes with an unpleasant smell that might bother some people who are sensitive to scents. I also noticed that the cream separated in the jar after sitting for a while, and I needed to stir it before application.

Despite these drawbacks, this cream offered mild exfoliation, hydration, and noticeable relief from itching and tightness that made a big difference in the appearance of my psoriasis. I also appreciated that it’s made with naturally derived ingredients, which felt gentler on my sensitive skin compared to harsher medicated formulas. For anyone looking for a more holistic, moisture-rich option to manage their flare-ups, this cream is well worth considering, especially as part of a nighttime skincare routine.

But, texture aside, the MG217 Sal-Acid Multi-Symptom Moisturizing Cream is a soothing and effective OTC choice to help manage psoriasis symptoms, recommended by dermatologists and recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation.

TriDerma Psoriasis Control Cream is a standout topical treatment designed for both the face and body, offering a powerful yet gentle approach to managing psoriasis symptoms. Its maximum strength 3% salicylic acid effectively softens and removes psoriasis scales while ingredients like urea and colloidal oatmeal reduce dryness and soothe skin. 

Like all products containing salicylic acid, this cream can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure, so it is imperative to wear sunscreen when using this product. In our research of online reviews, some buyers also point out that this cream can leave behind a white, grayish hue, especially on darker skin. However, as far as a cream goes, buyers also appreciate its lightweight and fast-absorbing formula, making it a comfortable option for daytime use and wearing under clothes. 

Combining maximum-strength salicylic acid with hydrating botanicals and a nongreasy finish, TriDerma Psoriasis Control Cream is uniquely suited for treating psoriasis everywhere, even on the face. Its effective plaque reduction, skin barrier support, and gentle formulation make it one of the best OTC options for comprehensive, head‑to‑toe relief.

This silky cream melted into my skin without leaving a greasy residue. From the very first application, it made my skin feel deeply moisturized, smooth, and nourished.

This gentle, barrier-boosting moisturizer is packed with soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients that target dryness, flaking, and irritation. Panthenol, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid draw moisture deep into the skin, relieving tightness and itch. Meanwhile, squalane and jojoba oil mimic natural skin oils, locking in hydration without clogging pores or feeling greasy. The addition of stabilized vitamins C and E offers antioxidant protection, which can help minimize environmental triggers that lead to flare-ups.

However, with the luxurious feel of this cream comes a hefty price tag. At $68 for 3.14 ounces of product, C’est la Cream is the most expensive cream I tried, which could be a barrier for people looking for more low-cost options. I was also surprised to find that the consistency of this cream is pretty thin, making it seem more like lotion than cream. For that reason, it may not be the best fit for someone with very dry skin needing a heavier moisturizer.

That said, this is still a soothing and effective cream that helped reduce the redness and dryness of my psoriasis. If you’re looking for a splurgy skin care product that will also target psoriasis, Violette_FR’s C’est la Cream is a great choice.

Of all the products we researched, Gold Bond’s Multi-Symptom Psoriasis Relief Cream gives the biggest bang for your buck. This budget-friendly cream features 3% salicylic acid, the highest nonprescription concentration, which gently exfoliates thick, scaly plaques and helps reduce redness and flaking.

In our research of online reviews, buyers praise this cream’s nongreasy, fast-absorbing texture. However, some buyers also found the consistency pretty watery for a cream, and others felt that the cream left behind a sticky residue.

Despite these drawbacks, this cream scores high for value and efficacy. At around $9 to $13 for a 4-ounce tube, it undercuts many prescription alternatives while offering similar symptom relief. If you're seeking a cost‑effective, steroid‑free moisturizer with strong exfoliating power and barrier support, Gold Bond offers one of the best value options available.

Of all the products I tested, Kenkoderm’s Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream offered the best vegan formula with the most visible results. This cream contains only plant-based or synthetically sourced components with no animal fats, lanolin, honey, beeswax, silk proteins, or dairy derivatives.

The cream’s combination of 2% salicylic acid with shea butter, urea, and meadowfoam seed offers gentle exfoliation and intense hydration to tackle both scaling and dry, inflamed skin. I didn’t notice a difference in my psoriasis with the first few uses, but after a couple weeks of using this cream regularly, I began to see reduced redness and less irritation in the areas I was targeting.

The texture of this cream is very thick, heavy, and paste-like, especially when layering under clothes or in humid climates. I mostly used this cream at night because I found it too heavy during the day. It would be a good fit for someone living in a colder climate or who is experiencing a flare-up of very dry, cracked skin that needs intense hydration. The mild chemical or medicinal smell (likely from the cream’s active ingredients) also may bother some users with sensitive noses.

But despite these drawbacks, this steroid-free vegan formula tackles psoriasis symptoms head-on and works to soften tough, scaly patches while supporting the natural skin barrier. While the consistency may not appeal to everyone, I found meaningful relief from itching, flaking, and plaque buildup after regular use. For those seeking a clean, plant-based solution without steroids or fragrance, Kenkoderm remains a strong and reliable option.