13 Best Soaps For Psoriasis And Skin Nourishment, As Per An Expert – 2024
Soothe your psoriasis-prone skin and retain its natural moisture with nourishing soaps.
Matthew has worked in the hair and beauty industry for over 27 years having managed salons, spas and esthetic clinics for brands like Toni & Guy and Aveda before starting his own chain of multi-award winning laser and skin clinics in central London.
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Psoriasis is a chronic condition that has no cure. You can treat its symptoms like inflammation, dry, itchy, scaly, and flaky skin through moisturization and other remedies. You can also use the best soaps for psoriasis to manage its symptoms. They are medicated soaps made with gentle ingredients that soothe your skin. Besides proper medical care, you must keep your skin moisturized and clean.
To help you out, we have listed the 13 best soaps for psoriasis that nourish, moisturize, and soothe the skin. These have also got a good number of reviews on various online platforms. Scroll down to check them out!
Note: Consult a dermatologist if you have chronic symptoms or persistent psoriasis.
In This Article
The 13 Best Soaps For Psoriasis That Nourish The Skin – 2024
1. Best Moisturizing:Aspen Kay Naturals Dead Sea Mud Soap Bar
The Aspen Kay Naturals Soap Bar is made with dead sea mud and activated charcoal that deeply cleanse the skin. The rich emollient soap removes impurities, dirt, grime, oil, and dead skin cells. It also contains unrefined shea butter, organic extra virgin olive oil, organic sunflower oil, palm oil, and castor oil along with a luxurious blend of essential oils. Activated charcoal helps pull out all the sludge, topical dirt, and bacteria without clogging the pores. It also deeply detoxifies the skin.
Dead sea mud is a powerhouse of 21 essential vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, sodium, and potassium that provide nutrients to your skin cells. The high concentration of salts in the soap can be used to treat psoriasis effectively. The magnesium in the soap improves skin functionality by making more elastic. Organic shea butter and olive oil deeply moisturize the skin and repair the natural skin barrier for a healthy, supple skin tone.
Key Ingredients: Activated charcoal and dead sea mud
Pros
- 100% compostable
- Plastic-free
- 100% vegan
- Suitable for all skin types
- Safe for men, women, and teens
- Gluten-free
- Eco-friendly
- Organic ingredients
- Deeply moisturizing
- Removes dead skin cells
- Absorbs excess oil, grime, impurities
- Detoxifies the skin
Cons
- Smells odd
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 2,675 rave reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Dermatologist-Recommended:basis Sensitive Skin Bar Soap
The basis Sensitive Skin Bar Soap contains natural, calming ingredients. These include chamomile and aloe vera extracts that soothe the irritated skin. Chamomile is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It helps eliminate acne breakouts, treats eczema and psoriasis symptoms, and eases skin rashes and scarring. It has skin-repairing, regenerating, and strengthening properties.
Aloe vera gel absorbs quickly and deeply nourishes the dry skin. The moisturizing properties of this cooling ingredient are a boon to chapped, dry skin. This fragrance-free natural cleansing bar is dermatologist-recommended and is suitable for use in your daily routine. Take a look at this video to learn more about the basis Sensitive Skin Bar Soap.
Key Ingredients: Chamomile extract and aloe vera
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist-recommended
- No harsh chemicals
- No dyes
- Naturally calming ingredients
- Can be used daily
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- None
Pro Tip3. Best Fragrance-Free:dermaharmony Zinc Therapy Soap
dermaharmony is among the best medicated soaps. It is made with 2% Zinc Pyrithione that is an ideal ingredient to soothe skin irritation, itching, and redness from dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. It helps reduce inflammation, fights against dry and itchy skin, and sloughs out all dead skin cells. The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal properties of zinc Pyrithione help treat the symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, and acne breakouts.
The soap also contains saponified palm and coconut oil, glycerin from vegetable oil, oatmeal, olive oil, and vitamin E that deeply nourish and rejuvenate the skin. The colloidal oatmeal helps ease the pain and itching associated with psoriasis. It treats inflammation, fades the appearance of redness, and is effective for people with sensitive skin. Olive oil and glycerin improve dry skin’s condition by strengthening its natural moisturizing barrier and restoring its radiance. Using this soap regularly is safe for both adults and children.
Key Ingredients: 2% Zinc Pyrithione
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- MPG-free
- PEG-free
- Cruelty-free
- Safe for both adults and children
- No artificial colors
- Fragrance-free
- Contains natural oils
- 100% vegan
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 4,163 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
4. Best Oil-Free:Vanicream Z-Bar
The Vanicream Z-Bar contains maximum OTC strength 2% Zinc Pyrithione that helps relieve skin itching, redness, and flaking. Zinc Pyrithione is a clinically-proven formula that has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial properties that provide relief from dry, itchy, and flaky skin. It also reduces the symptoms of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It is a non-comedogenic, oil-free, and pH-balanced formula that also controls excess sebum formation and acne-breakouts
Key Ingredients: 2% Zinc Pyrithione
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- pH-balanced
- Oil-free
- No harmful chemicals
- Sulfate-free
- Phosphate-free
- Gluten-free
- Dermatologically-tested
- Can be used daily
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- None
5. Best Long-Lasting Moisturization:Tom’s Of Marine Natural Beauty Bar
The Tom’s of Marine Natural Beauty Bar is formulated with organic botanical extracts like virgin coconut oil, Rainforest Alliance Certified palm oil, raw shea butter, and Moroccan argan oil. These ingredients maintain the skin’s natural moisturizing barrier. The virgin coconut oil helps reduce skin inflammation, keeps skin moisturized, and heals wounds. The medium-chain fatty acids in the coconut oil help provide relief from acne breakouts and protect the skin from harmful bacteria.
The raw shea butter and Moroccan argan oil are rich in fatty acids that provide a protective shield. They also soften the dry patches and restore skin shine. The natural, refreshing formula is gentle on the skin and helps wash away unwanted germs and bacteria.
Key Ingredients: Virgin coconut oil
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- No chemicals
- Gentle on the skin
- 100% vegan
- Long-lasting moisturization
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Expensive
6. Best Exfoliating:SheaMoisture African Black Soap
The SheaMoisture African Black Soap is infused with rich organic ingredients that protect and soothe the psoriasis-prone skin. It is a natural antibacterial and touted as a solution for breakouts, hyperpigmentation, and stretch marks. It has gentle exfoliating and healing properties that remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture.
The hydrating shea butter absorbs excess oil, dirt, grime, and balances sebum formation. This gentle soap leaves you with nourished and hydrated skin. The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of tea tree oil relieve acne breakouts, heal redness and irritation, and keep the skin rejuvenated. The refreshing blend of natural ingredients with soothing aloe, lemon balm, and Gotu kola extracts protect the skin and help in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. Go through this video to better understand the SheaMoisture African Black Soap and the reviewer’s experience.
Key Ingredients: African Black soap, shea butter, and tea tree oil
Pros
- Antibacterial
- Exfoliates skin
- Reduces acne breakouts
Cons
- None
Caution7. Best For Cracked Hands:Southern Natural Lavender Goat Milk Soap Bar
The Southern Natural Lavender Goat Milk Soap Bar is a boon to dry, dehydrated skin. The signature ingredient in the soap bar is goat milk. It contains natural fat that protects the skin’s natural moisturizing barrier. It has a perfect pH suitable for the skin and leaves you with a healthy glow. The olive and coconut oils soothe dry, irritated skin. The lavender essential oil in the soap bar leaves a rejuvenating fragrance that lasts long.
Key Ingredients: Goat milk, coconut oil, olive oil, and lavender essential oil
Pros
- Treats cracked hands
- Safe for daily use
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin
8. Best For All Skin Types:Psoriasis Honey Gentle Oatmeal and Salt Soap
Get the soft and smooth skin of your dreams with the Psoriasis Honey Gentle Oatmeal and Salt Soap. This cleansing bar provides relief from cracked, dry, and itchy skin. It keeps your skin hydrated and removes stress from your body with its invigorating scent. The low-lather formula ensures that no natural oils are stripped off while effectively nourishing your skin.
Key Ingredients: Oatmeal, honey, grapeseed oil, and coconut oil
Pros
- Non-drying
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Phthalate-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
9. Best Handmade:MG217 Psoriasis Dead Sea Mud Bar Soap
The MG217 Psoriasis Dead Sea Mud Bar Soap is infused with essential oils, aloe vera, and vitamin E that heal, nourish, and protect the skin from psoriasis symptoms. This cleansing soap bar is handmade in Israel and has dead sea salts and dead sea mud. Dead Sea Mud is a gentle exfoliator that deeply cleanses and buffs away dead skin cells and impurities for a healthier glow. Dead sea salt gently nourishes, cleanses, and conditions psoriatic skin. Aloe vera and vitamin E moisturize and restore skin radiance and protect it from further damage. The elixir blend of essential oils produces a rich lather and leaves your skin beautifully scented.
Key Ingredients: Dead sea mud and dead sea salt
Pros
- Lifts away dead skin cells
- Repairs and regenerates new cells
- Handmade
- Recognized by National Psoriasis Foundation
- Long-lasting effect
- Refreshing aroma
Cons
- None
10. Best Color-Free:Kenkoderm Dead Sea Mud Therapeutic Bar Soap
The Kenkoderm Dead Sea Soap is formulated by a dermatologist as a complete nutrient regime to psoriatic skin. Dead sea mud contains essential minerals that rejuvenate skin and restore its radiance to relieve psoriasis flares. The other key ingredients in the soap are shea butter, argan oil, and vitamin E that soothe and moisturize the skin. Argan oil is rich in antioxidants that protect the skin from oxidative damage. The soap bar is fragrance-free and color-free.
Key Ingredients: Dead sea mud, shea butter, argan oil, and vitamin E
Pros
- Reduces inflammation
- Soothing and calming
- Fragrance-free
- Color-free
Cons
- None
11. Best Hypoallergenic:True Earth Essentials Sensitive Skin Soap
The True Earth Essentials Sensitive Skin Soap is formulated with the essence of natural ingredients that comfort and condition sensitive skin. It contains palm oil, coconut oil, olive fruit oil, and the elixir blend of rosemary and lavender essential oils. The invigorating blend of natural oils deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin and helps improve psoriatic symptoms. The soap does not dry the skin out.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, palm oil, and olive oil
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Petrolatum-free
- No alcohol
- Free from synthetic dyes
- Fragrance-free
- Sulfate-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-toxic
- 100% vegan
- Gluten-free
- Biodegradable
- Refreshing aroma
- Value for money
Cons
- None
12. Best For Relieving Itching:Soap Works Coal Tar Bar Soap
The Soap Works Coal Tar Bar Soap is made with pure coal tar extract to treat itching and provide relief from psoriasis and eczema. Coal tar is keratolytic and sheds dead cells from the top skin layer. It helps decrease scaling and drying and offers relief from itchiness and redness. Though an old-fashioned recipe bar, it is one of the most effective and affordable solutions for dry, flaky skin, itch relief, and redness reduction.
Key Ingredients: Coal tar
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Phosphate-free
- Handmade
- No chemicals
Cons
- None
13. Best Organic:MediViz Eczema Body Wash Soap Therapy
The MediViz Eczema Body Wash Soap Therapy is made with premium-grade natural ingredients like organic olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and hand-milled oats to relieve dry, itchy, and psoriatic-sensitive skin. Oatmeal is a mild exfoliator that buffs away dead skin cells, and reduces inflammation and redness. This topical treatment also soaks up the excess oil to prevent acne breakouts. The saponins in oatmeal cleanse the skin by unclogging the pores.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil, and oatmeal
Pros
- 100% organic
- Cruelty-free
- Reduces skin inflammation
Cons
- None
These are the 13 best soaps for psoriasis that you can buy online. In the following sections, we have briefly discussed psoriasis and its causes.
What Is Psoriasis? What Causes It?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that causes red, itchy, and scaly patches commonly on hands, elbow, knees, and the trunk. Over 2 to 4% of the Western population is affected by psoriasis (1).
The exact cause of this chronic skin condition is still unknown. However, any immune abnormality that leads to the production of excess skin cells is one of the most recognized causes of psoriasis. A psoriasis outbreak can be triggered by a strep infection, skin damage, or even emotional stress (2).
Let us take a look at the different types of psoriasis that need attention.
- Psoriasis Plaques: This is the most common type of psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis manifests itself as raised, red patches covered with a whitish build-up of dead skin cells that result in scales. These patches usually appear on the knees, elbows, scalp, lower back, palms, and the soles of the feet.
- Guttate Psoriasis: Guttate psoriasis is the second most common form of psoriasis that often starts in childhood or early adulthood. It is characterized by multiple small red spots all over the body, most commonly occurring on the trunk and limbs.
- Inverse Psoriasis: Intertriginous psoriasis, commonly known as inverse psoriasis, appears as lesions under the folds of the skin. These are commonly found in the groins, armpits, under the breasts, and in other skin folds. The lesions appear red, and often smooth and shiny.
- Pustular Psoriasis: Pustular psoriasis is rare. It is characterized by pustules or blisters of noninfectious pus. It could be the most traumatizing of all forms of psoriasis. Pustular psoriasis is usually found in adults and could be predominant in certain areas of the body, such as the hands and feet.
- Other forms of psoriasis include psoriatic arthritis, palmoplantar psoriasis, and scalp psoriasis.
In addition to topical treatments, certain other practices can also help treat the condition. Make use of any of the below-mentioned tips as soon as you notice the symptoms of psoriasis. We have discussed them below.
Tips For Managing Psoriasis And Reducing Symptoms
- People with psoriasis may find bathing difficult. But it is important to keep the body clean. Using lukewarm water to soothe irritated skin can help.
- Run your clothes through the rinse cycle twice to get rid of the soap and fabric softener residue.
- Moisturization after a bath or at regular intervals is mandatory to keep skin hydrated and nourished.
You can go through the buying guide to understand what you need to look for before buying a soap for treating psoriasis.
Choosing The Right Soap For Psoriasis – A Buying Guide
- It is important to pick the right clinically-verified ingredients to soothe irritated skin. Aloe vera, shea butter, olive oil, and glycerin offer a protective shield and improve the skin’s natural hydration barrier.
- A gentle exfoliator like oatmeal, salicylic acid, and dead sea salt help buff away dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin and detoxify it.
- The cleansing bar should contain natural ingredients with healing properties and be suitable for sensitive skin.
- The soap must be free from parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. It is also advised to perform a patch test before choosing a soap for psoriasis as a few people experience skin irritation or allergic reactions.
- Pick the ones with good number of positive reviews for effective results.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In Soaps For Psoriasis
Replace your regular body wash with a good-quality soap to soothe itchy, scaly skin. It contains potent ingredients that moisturize, calm, and strengthen your skin. Check out the infographic below to know more about the key ingredients found in soaps for psoriasis.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Psoriasis is a skin condition that needs to be handled with care. People who suffer from psoriasis should have their own skincare products that are made to treat the condition. If psoriasis isn’t taken care of, the condition might become increasingly painful in the future. You can control psoriasis symptoms by using soap bars that remove impurities and dead skin cells. For instance, you can try the Aspen Kay Naturals Dead Sea Mud Soap Bar, which repairs the skin’s natural barrier for a supple texture, the Vanicream Z-Bar, which offers an oil-free formula to treat dry and flaky skin, and the dermaharmony Zinc Therapy Soap which works wonders in soothing inflammation and restoring skin’s natural radiance. These soaps make the skin more elastic and improve its functionality. However, you should avoid soaps that do not detoxify the skin and smell rather odd. So, read the reviews before choosing your ideal soap that will work amazingly for your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cure psoriasis completely?
Mild psoriasis may be cured with a regular cleaning regime. But chronic cases could be difficult to be reversed. Check with a dermatologist and start taking action right away.
Is psoriasis contagious?
No, psoriasis is not contagious. It does not spread by touch. It is a genetic or autoimmune response.
How to remove scales caused by psoriasis?
Do not scrape the scales or scratch the affected area. Use a gentle exfoliator to remove them.
What vitamins are suitable for treating psoriasis?
Vitamins D and E offer relief from the condition.
What is the best soap to use for psoriasis?
The Aspen Kay Naturals Dead Sea Mud Soap Bar is the best product for scaly, itchy skin conditions like psoriasis. It deeply cleanses your skin while removing oil, dirt, grime, and dead skin cells.
What ingredients should I use, and which ones should I avoid for psoriasis?
If you have psoriasis, look for soaps with activated charcoal, dead sea mud, chamomile extract, or aloe vera. However, avoid alcohol and sulfates as they can trigger the condition.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, is our resident certified skin care coach with all the answers to your skin concerns like psoriasis. She studied and researched many products, browsing through umpteen forums, to bring you the best soaps to manage psoriasis and keep your skin from flaking, inflammation, dryness, itching, and scaling. These products were selected based on the ingredients added, exfoliating properties, skin-friendliness, and more.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Di Meglio, Paola et al. “Psoriasis.” Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicinevol. 4,8 a015354. 1 Aug. 2014.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4109580/ - Rendon, Adriana, and Knut Schäkel. “Psoriasis Pathogenesis and Treatment.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 20,6 1475. 23 Mar. 2019.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6471628/
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