1
Home/ Guides/ best body washes for psoriasis
9 Best Body Washes for Psoriasis Worth the Slot
Published 10/15/2026
Psoriasis makes the shower complicated. Some formulas sting on contact, others dry out already-irritated patches, and a few leave behind a film that makes skin feel worse by evening. Even antibacterial body washes and bacne body washes that work well for other concerns can feel harsh on psoriasis-prone skin. The right body wash can calm things down without stripping moisture, which matters when your skin barrier is already working overtime. This guide covers what ingredients tend to help, what to avoid, and how different textures feel on sensitive, flaky skin.
This is not medical advice. These shortlists are for shopping comfort and formula fit only. Talk with your doctor or dermatologist about diagnosis and treatment, especially if you have a diagnosed condition, an active flare, or symptoms that are getting worse.
Our top picks
Swipe →
2
Best coal tar alternative
TriDermaPsoriasis Control Body Wash - Gentle 2% Salicylic Acid Cleanser
$19.99
3
4
Best with scrubber brush
Terramed Just Think ComfortBody Wash Psoriasis Treatment For Skin Foaming Cleanser with Scrubber
$24.99
5
6
7
8
9
Compare the best
Use this table to compare active ingredients, formats, and what each wash does best. Some rely on salicylic acid to soften scales, others skip actives entirely for a gentle oatmeal approach, and a few include extras like antifungal agents or a scrubber brush.
| Pick | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Most people with psoriasis plaques | Anyone avoiding steroids and coal tar | Households needing backup bottles | Gentle daily exfoliation with a tool | Bumpy or keratosis-prone skin | Daily face and body cleansing | Irritated or acne-prone skin | Anyone wanting salicylic acid affordably | Fans of traditional coal tar alternatives |
| Key actives | Ceramides · Niacinamide · Salicylic acid | Aloe vera · Salicylic acid | - | - | Aloe vera · Ceramides · Salicylic acid | Salicylic acid | Vitamin E · Salicylic acid | Niacinamide · Salicylic acid | - |
| Texture | Body Wash | Body Wash | Body Wash | Body Wash | Body Wash | Body Wash | Body Wash | Body Wash | Body Wash |
| Skin fit | Psoriasis-prone scalp | Sensitive skin | - | Sensitive skin | Texture-focused skin | All skin types | Acne-prone skin | Sensitive skin | - |
|
Edyt score
Methodology: The Edyt Score reflects a comprehensive analysis of ingredient profiles, concentration levels, and formulation standards. It is an objective technical evaluation of the product's composition, separate from crowd-sourced user reviews. | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| Notes | Fragrance free · 8 oz | 16 oz | Two pack · Steroid free | Foaming · Scrubber included | Dual acid · 16 oz | Time release · Vegan | Calendula · Neem extract | Scented · 17 oz | Pine tar · Woodsy scent |
| $ / size | $16.99 | $19.99 | $24.99 | $24.99 | $34.99 | $16.88 | $15.99 | $9.97 | $18.99 |
| Shop | Buy on AmazonRead review | Buy on AmazonRead review | Buy on AmazonRead review | Buy on AmazonRead review | Buy on AmazonRead review | Buy on AmazonRead review | Buy on AmazonRead review | Buy on AmazonRead review | Buy on AmazonRead review |
Our picks, explained
Best overall
CeraVe Psoriasis Cleanser with Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid
A dermatologist-developed formula recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation.
This is the wash dermatologists actually recommend, and for good reason. It pairs 2% salicylic acid with lactic acid, niacinamide, urea, and three ceramides, so it exfoliates plaques while calming and hydrating at the same time. If you want one bottle that does everything without fragrance or fuss, start here.
Why it makes the list
- The ceramide-rich formula helps restore the skin barrier while treating plaques.
- It works as a face wash, hand soap, or body wash for head-to-toe versatility.
What to keep in mind
- The 8-ounce bottle is smaller than most competitors at this price.
Best coal tar alternative
TriDerma Psoriasis Control Body Wash - Gentle 2% Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Delivers 2% salicylic acid with aloe vera and no coal tar or steroids.
TriDerma gives you 2% salicylic acid in a larger 16-ounce bottle, with aloe vera gel as the soothing backbone. It skips cortisone, coal tar, and parabens entirely, which matters if you want effective daily cleansing without those ingredients. A solid pick when the CeraVe approach works but you need more product.
Why it makes the list
- The 16-ounce size lasts longer than the top pick at a similar price point.
- Paraben-free and dermatologist-tested for everyday use on sensitive skin.
What to keep in mind
- It lacks the ceramides and niacinamide found in the CeraVe formula.
Best value two-pack
Dermasolve Medicated Psoriasis Body Wash - 2-Pack (
A steroid-free two-pack made in the USA for multiple skin conditions.
You get two 8-ounce bottles here, which is nice if you keep one in each bathroom or want a spare ready. Dermasolve is steroid-free and uses what they call Ovasome Technology for relief from psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis. The copy is heavy on promises but light on ingredient specifics.
Why it makes the list
- Two bottles mean you can stock up or share with a family member.
- It addresses psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis in one formula.
What to keep in mind
- The ingredient list is vague compared to washes that disclose their actives.
Best with scrubber brush
Terramed Just Think Comfort Body Wash Psoriasis Treatment For Skin Foaming Cleanser with Scrubber
Includes a scrubber brush and a sulfate-free foaming formula in one kit.
This foaming cleanser comes with a scrubber brush included, so you can gently work the product into plaques without buying a separate tool. The formula skips sulfates, dyes, and parabens, and it is clinically proven to reduce redness, scaling, and itching. Good for people who prefer a non-drying foam over a traditional gel.
Why it makes the list
- The included brush helps with gentle exfoliation on psoriasis-prone areas.
- The non-drying foam leaves skin hydrated rather than tight or stripped.
What to keep in mind
- Foaming cleansers may feel less substantial than thicker gel formulas.
Best for rough texture
KERAPIL Salicylic Acid Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin
A dual-acid wash with ceramides designed to improve rough skin texture.
Kerapil leans into dual-acid exfoliation with both salicylic and lactic acid, plus ceramides, aloe, jojoba oil, and green tea to keep skin from drying out. It is designed for rough and bumpy skin specifically, so if your concern is texture as much as plaques, this one smooths things out over time with daily use.
Why it makes the list
- Salicylic and lactic acids together provide thorough surface exfoliation.
- Jojoba oil and ceramides help maintain moisture while acids do their work.
What to keep in mind
- At $35 for 16 ounces, it costs more than most options here.
Best time-release formula
Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash
Encapsulated salicylic acid releases gradually for gentler daily exfoliation.
Naturium uses encapsulated, time-released salicylic acid, which delivers gentler exfoliation over a longer period. You can use it on both face and body, and the formula suits all skin types without dryness or irritation. A good choice if standard salicylic washes feel too aggressive for everyday use.
Why it makes the list
- The time-release technology makes it gentle enough for sensitive skin.
- It doubles as a facial cleanser, so you only need one product.
What to keep in mind
- The gentle approach may feel less effective on thick, stubborn plaques.
Best botanical blend
Botanic Hearth Calendula & Salicylic Acid Body Wash –
Calendula and neem leaf add soothing botanicals to salicylic acid exfoliation.
Botanic Hearth combines salicylic acid with calendula, neem leaf extract, and vitamin E for a wash that exfoliates while calming irritation. The plant-based additions make it a good fit if your psoriasis overlaps with acne or general sensitivity. Sulfate and paraben free, and priced lower than most here.
Why it makes the list
- Calendula and neem are known for calming irritated or reactive skin.
- Vitamin E provides hydration so skin feels balanced after rinsing.
What to keep in mind
- It lacks the ceramides that help repair the skin barrier over time.
Best budget option
OLLY Body Wash Clear Mood + Skin with Salicylic Acid with
A large, affordable bottle with salicylic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin A.
OLLY packs salicylic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin A into a large 17-ounce bottle for under ten dollars. The Crisp Vetiver Pear scent is a departure from clinical fragrance-free washes, so this one suits people who want smoother skin without giving up a pleasant shower experience. The formula is dermatologist tested and gentle enough that skin feels nourished rather than stripped.
Why it makes the list
- At under ten dollars for 17 ounces, it offers strong value.
- Niacinamide and vitamin A add extra skin-smoothing benefits to the formula.
What to keep in mind
- The added fragrance may bother those with very sensitive or reactive skin.
Best pine tar wash
Packer's Pine Tar Body Wash for Men & Women
Over 150 years of pine tar tradition in a modern, sulfate-free body wash.
Packer's Pine has been making pine tar products since 1869, and this body wash delivers that classic woodsy scent in a mess-free liquid form. It soothes psoriasis, eczema, and general itchiness without parabens, sulfates, or harsh chemicals. If you grew up with pine tar soap and want the modern version, this is it.
Why it makes the list
- The subtle woodsy pine scent appeals to those who enjoy earthy fragrances.
- It lathers cleanly with no residue, unlike old-fashioned pine tar bars.
What to keep in mind
- The distinctive pine scent is polarizing and may not suit everyone.
How we made this list
We focused on body washes made for psoriasis plaques, not scalp shampoos or leave-on lotions. Each pick was evaluated for its active ingredients or gentleness claims and whether the fragrance load makes sense for daily shower use.
- Confirmed wash format. We only included rinse-off body washes designed for use on body plaques, leaving out shampoos and leave-on treatments.
- Evaluated plaque-minded actives. Each product was checked for ingredients like salicylic acid, coal tar, or soothing oatmeal blends that address scaling and irritation.
- Assessed gentleness claims. For washes without medicated actives, we looked at whether they offered calming botanicals and avoided common irritants.
- Considered fragrance load. Since these washes are meant for daily use on sensitive plaques, we noted which formulas keep fragrance minimal or skip it entirely.
FAQ
Who are psoriasis body washs for?
They are for anyone dealing with psoriasis plaques on their body who wants a cleanser that addresses scaling, itching, or irritation during their shower. Some people prefer medicated options with salicylic acid, like CeraVe Psoriasis Cleanser or TriDerma, while others want a gentler oatmeal-based wash like Healov or Ganskin. These washes can also work for family members with sensitive skin who need a mild formula.
How did Edyt Beauty pick these?
We looked specifically at rinse-off body washes that target psoriasis plaques. Each product was checked for plaque-minded actives like salicylic acid or soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal. We also considered gentleness claims and fragrance levels, since daily use on irritated skin calls for formulas that will not add more problems.
Should I use a psoriasis body wash or an acne body wash?
It depends on what your skin is dealing with. Psoriasis body washes focus on soothing flaky, inflamed patches with ingredients like colloidal oatmeal or coal tar, while an acne body wash typically uses stronger salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to clear clogged pores. If dryness is your main concern but budget matters, affordable body washes with gentle surfactants can still work well. For extra soothing power, an aloe body wash adds lightweight moisture without irritation.
Is this medical advice?
Edyt Beauty ranks over-the-counter products for comfort and formula fit only. This is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. See a clinician for flares, infection, or anything that does not improve.
This is general beauty guidance, not medical advice. Patch-test new products if you have sensitive skin or known allergies.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from links on this page. Prices and availability change.