Published 29 January 2026
Top 9 Products to Reduce Psoriasis Flare-Ups
Psoriasis flare-ups bring redness, itching, and scaly patches that can be hard to live with. There isn’t a single cure, but many over-the-counter (OTC) products can reduce symptoms and make skin more comfortable. This roundup reviews top OTC choices, explains their main ingredients and benefits, and why they can help limit flare-ups.
1. EMUAIDMAX First Aid Ointment
EMUAIDMAX First Aid Ointment, available at emuaid.com, is promoted as a topical option for stubborn skin issues, including psoriasis. It’s formulated to reduce inflammation, ease itching and pain, and support faster skin repair, which may help lower the risk of future flare-ups. The homeopathic ointment contains a proprietary mix such as HPUS Argentum metallicum (colloidal silver), emu oil, Bacillus ferment, phytosphingosine, Vitamin E, and tea tree oil.
Emu oil, a principal ingredient, contains fatty acids like linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids that are thought to moisturize and calm inflammation. Small studies have found emu oil can reduce pro-inflammatory proteins; one trial reported drops in itching, scaling, and redness for people with psoriasis and eczema after 30 days. Many users report quick easing of itch and pain, though others note the product’s high price, variable results, occasional irritation, and a strong scent.
2. CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream
The CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream was developed with dermatologists to address common psoriatic symptoms. It hydrates and helps restore the skin’s protective barrier while working to remove scales and dead skin—an important step for managing plaques.
Active ingredients include 2% salicylic acid and lactic acid, both keratolytics that gently exfoliate and soften rough patches. The formula also contains ceramides, which help rebuild the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and soothe plaque psoriasis.
3. Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Shampoo + Conditioner
For scalp psoriasis, Dermarest Psoriasis Medicated Shampoo + Conditioner targets flakes and irritation. This fragrance-free product is recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation for its effectiveness. It’s made to soften and calm a dry, irritated scalp while helping remove and prevent scales and treating itch.
The active ingredient is 3% salicylic acid, which helps lift and shed dead skin cells and scales. The formula also includes a zinc complex for additional soothing. Users commonly praise its non-irritating relief for itch and a mild scent, making it a practical scalp option.
4. MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Multi-Symptom Cream with Coal Tar
MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Multi-Symptom Cream is a long-standing OTC treatment that uses coal tar as its main active ingredient. Coal tar is used to slow skin cell growth, which helps reduce itching, scaling, and inflammation.
This cream offers a robust approach to managing plaque psoriasis, helping normalize skin cell turnover. It can work well on widespread patches, though coal tar products may have a strong odor, can stain clothing, and can increase sun sensitivity.
5. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is often recommended for scalp psoriasis because it contains coal tar. The shampoo tackles scalp build-up, flaking, and itching linked to chronic scalp conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
Coal tar in the formula slows the rapid turnover of skin cells, helping reduce scales and scalp inflammation. Regular use as directed can bring noticeable symptom relief and support a healthier scalp.
6. Eucerin Skin Calming Cream
Eucerin Skin Calming Cream is built to soothe dry, itchy skin and can help people with psoriasis. It’s enriched with natural colloidal oatmeal, an ingredient known for calming and moisturizing irritated skin.
Along with colloidal oatmeal, the cream includes glycerin and other emollients that hydrate and protect the skin barrier. It provides long-lasting hydration, is fragrance-free and dye-free, and is suitable for sensitive skin flared by psoriasis.
7. Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream
Although marketed for eczema, Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream is often recommended for psoriasis because it’s gentle, moisturizing, and relieves itch. Colloidal oatmeal is a key ingredient for calming dry, itchy, and irritated skin.
Developed with dermatologists, this cream helps strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier and provides clinically proven soothing relief. It also contains ceramides to help restore the barrier and retain moisture—important for skin affected by psoriasis—and is generally fragrance-free and gentle.
8. Cortizone-10 Intensive-Healing Formula Hydrocortisone 1% Cream
Cortizone-10 Intensive-Healing Formula with 1% hydrocortisone is a common OTC choice for short-term relief of itching and inflammation during psoriasis flare-ups. Hydrocortisone is a mild corticosteroid that quickly lowers redness, swelling, and itch.
This cream is useful for small patches of psoriasis and can provide fast comfort. For more widespread or severe cases, a clinician may prescribe stronger corticosteroids, since long-term or excessive use of potent steroids can thin the skin.
9. Wild Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Cream
Wild Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Cream takes a natural, organic approach to symptom relief for both conditions. It’s praised for calming dry, itchy, irritated, and sensitive skin, and its formula emphasizes natural ingredients with aloe vera often listed first. The product avoids harsh chemicals and steroids.
Soothing components like Manuka honey and aloe vera are highlighted for their skin benefits. Users report fast itch relief and visible improvements in redness and blotchy patches. Despite mixed opinions about the packaging, many find the cream effective, non-greasy, and quick-absorbing.
Key Takeaways
- There are several effective over-the-counter products that can help control psoriasis symptoms.
- Common active ingredients include salicylic acid, coal tar, hydrocortisone, colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and natural extracts such as emu oil, Manuka honey, and aloe vera.
- Moisturizing is essential; heavier creams and ointments usually outperform lotions for the very dry skin often seen with psoriasis.
- For scalp psoriasis, medicated shampoos with salicylic acid or coal tar are often the best choice.
- Choose fragrance-free, dye-free, and alcohol-free options when possible to reduce the risk of irritation.
- Patch-test new products to check for irritation or allergic reactions before wider use.
FAQ
What ingredients should I look for in an over-the-counter psoriasis treatment?
Look for salicylic acid and coal tar, which are commonly used to loosen and remove scales and slow excess skin growth. Hydrocortisone helps with itch and inflammation, and moisturizers that contain ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, or petrolatum support hydration and barrier repair.
Can I use these products daily?
Moisturizers can usually be applied daily, often several times a day, to keep skin hydrated and reduce flare-ups. Medicated products like salicylic acid or hydrocortisone have specific directions and can cause irritation if overused. Follow product instructions or check with a dermatologist.
Picking the right products can make life with psoriasis more manageable. Understanding what each active ingredient does helps you choose treatments that fit your skin. Consult a dermatologist to create a care plan tailored to your needs and to ensure you use products safely and effectively.