Effective relief requires targeted active ingredients that slow the rapid cell turnover driving those plaques, while also restoring the skin’s damaged moisture barrier. Choosing the wrong cream can worsen irritation or simply waste time on a condition that needs a specific medicinal approach.
I’m Mohammad — the founder and writer behind ProteinJug. I’ve spent years analyzing dermatological ingredient profiles and cross-referencing clinical trial data with real-world user feedback to separate the genuinely effective formulas from the over-hyped moisturizers.
Across this guide, you will find five distinct formulations tested by users managing plaque psoriasis, scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and eczema overlap. Whether you need a coal tar ointment for stubborn plaques or a gentle colloidal oatmeal cream for sensitive skin, the right choice starts with understanding your specific flare-up pattern. This is your complete walkthrough of the best psoriasis cream options available today.
How To Choose The Best Psoriasis Cream
Psoriasis is not a simple dry-skin issue — it is an autoimmune response that accelerates skin cell production. A cream must either slow that overgrowth (via a medicinal active) or support the barrier while other treatments work. Choosing incorrectly usually means buying an expensive moisturizer that does nothing for the plaques themselves.
Active Ingredients — Coal Tar vs. Colloidal Oatmeal vs. Ceramides
Coal tar remains the gold-standard OTC active for slowing the rapid cell turnover that creates thick, silvery plaques. It is greasy, has a distinct smell, and works best overnight under occlusion. Colloidal oatmeal (1%–2%) soothes itching and inflammation but does not stop cell overgrowth — it is a supporting player, not a primary treatment. Ceramides and hyaluronic acid rebuild the damaged barrier, which is essential alongside medicated therapy but insufficient on its own for active plaques.
Texture, Grease Level, and Application Site
A thick ointment base like petrolatum or lanolin holds coal tar against the skin longer, driving deeper penetration into plaques. However, that same greasiness makes it unsuitable for the scalp, face, or daytime wear. Cream-based formulas with lighter textures work better for visible areas and daytime use, but they often lack the occlusive power needed to soften thick plaques. Match the vehicle to the body site.
Fragrance, Dyes, and Sensitive Skin Adjuvants
Psoriatic skin is already inflamed — adding fragrance, parabens, or sulfates is a guaranteed way to trigger a flare. Every product on this list is fragrance-free, but confirm the label for “hypoallergenic” and “non-comedogenic” if you plan to use it on the face or intertriginous areas. The National Eczema Association seal is a reliable shortcut for verifying gentle formulations.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MG217 Coal Tar Ointment | Medicated Ointment | Stubborn plaque softening | 2% Coal Tar | Amazon |
| Aquaphor Healing Ointment | Occlusive Ointment | Barrier repair & cracked skin | 41% Petrolatum | Amazon |
| O’Keeffe’s Eczema Relief Body Cream | Colloidal Oatmeal Cream | Itch relief & sensitive skin | 2% Colloidal Oatmeal | Amazon |
| CeraVe Moisturizing Cream | Barrier Support Cream | Daily moisture & maintenance | 3 Essential Ceramides | Amazon |
| oely Antifungal Scalp Psoriasis Shampoo | Medicated Shampoo | Scalp psoriasis & seborrheic dermatitis | 1% Ketoconazole | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. MG217 Psoriasis Treatment, Medicated Conditioning 2% Coal Tar Ointment
MG217 is the only product on this list carrying the full 2% coal tar concentration — the FDA-recognized OTC active proven to slow the keratinocyte hyperproliferation that creates psoriatic plaques. Users report visible flaking reduction within hours and flattening of raised patches by day two, which aligns with coal tar’s mechanism of suppressing DNA synthesis in overactive skin cells. The thick, Vaseline-like ointment vehicle keeps the active occluded against the plaque overnight, driving deeper penetration than a cream could achieve.
The trade-off is real: coal tar smells like road construction, and the grease stains sheets unless you wear cotton gloves or socks over the application. Several users noted that the ointment is too heavy for the scalp or face — it belongs on elbows, knees, trunk, and other glabrous areas where a thick layer can sit undisturbed. The 4-ounce jar lasts several weeks of nightly spot-treatment, making it a budget-friendly medicinal workhorse despite the sensory drawbacks.
For anyone living with thick, stubborn plaques that do not respond to moisturizers alone, MG217 delivers the fastest plaque-flattening results in this guide. It is not a maintenance cream — it is the tactical strike against active flare-ups that restores the skin surface enough for barrier repair products to take over.
Why it’s great
- Clinically proven 2% coal tar slows cell turnover
- Visible plaque flattening in 1-2 days
- Thick ointment base provides deep occlusion
Good to know
- Strong industrial odor
- Greasy and stains sheets — apply only at night
- Not suitable for scalp or face
2. Aquaphor Healing Ointment, Advanced Therapy 14 oz
Aquaphor is not a medicated psoriasis treatment — it contains no coal tar, no salicylic acid, and no corticosteroids. Instead, it is the gold-standard occlusive dressing that seals moisture into skin that has been stripped raw by plaques or cracked from dryness. The 41% petrolatum base creates a semi-permeable film that allows oxygen to reach the wound while preventing transepidermal water loss, which is exactly what compromised psoriatic skin needs between flare-ups.
Users recovering from cryotherapy, dealing with deep cracks on fingers and heels, or managing surgical incisions on psoriatic skin consistently report faster healing and less scarring when Aquaphor is applied nightly under cotton gloves or socks. The texture is undeniably thick and greasy — it remains on the surface rather than absorbing, which is by design. It works as an overnight mask, not a daytime lotion. The 14-ounce value jar is economical for full-body use, especially during winter when psoriatic plaques exacerbate surface cracking.
Use Aquaphor as the second step in a two-layer system: apply a medicated ointment like MG217 first, then seal everything with Aquaphor to maximize penetration and prevent the active from rubbing off on bedding. On non-flare days, it serves as the best standalone barrier repair for psoriatic skin that tends to crack and fissure.
Why it’s great
- Creates a protective barrier for deep healing
- Clinically proven for wound recovery and crack repair
- Large 14 oz jar offers excellent value for body use
Good to know
- Not a medicated psoriasis treatment — only barrier support
- Very greasy; not suitable for daytime wear without occlusion
- Does not address the underlying cell overgrowth
3. O’Keeffe’s Skin Repair Eczema Relief Body Cream, 7 oz
O’Keeffe’s targets the itch-dominated presentation of psoriasis — the kind where scratching breaks the skin surface, leading to secondary infection and Koebner phenomenon (new plaques forming at injury sites). The 2% colloidal oatmeal active is FDA-recognized as a skin protectant that forms a physical barrier while its beta-glucan content calms localized inflammation. Users with hand eczema and psoriatic overlap report near-immediate cessation of itch after the first application, with visible redness reduction within 24 hours.
The texture is noticeably lighter than coal tar ointments — a creamy, non-greasy formulation that absorbs in under a minute, making it practical for daytime use on hands, arms, and visible areas. The 7-ounce tube is steroid-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic, earning the National Eczema Association seal. A small subset of users noted that while the cream soothes itch effectively, it did not provide the full 48-hour moisture retention claimed on the label — reapplication every 8-12 hours is realistic during active flares.
This is the right choice for anyone who needs a daily itch reliever rather than a heavy-duty plaque flattener. Pair it with a coal tar ointment at night and apply O’Keeffe’s during the day to keep the scratch reflex under control without looking like you are wearing grease.
Why it’s great
- 2% colloidal oatmeal stops itch quickly
- Non-greasy, absorbs fast for daytime wear
- NEA accepted; safe for diabetic and sensitive skin
Good to know
- Moisture retention may not last the full 48 hours
- Not a primary treatment for thick plaques
- Some users report slight burn on cracked skin during first application
4. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, 19 oz
CeraVe is the dermatologist-developed baseline moisturizer that restores the lipid barrier psoriatic skin desperately needs between active flare treatments. The three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) mimic the natural lipids found in healthy skin, which are deficient in psoriatic lesions. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the stratum corneum, and the MVE delivery system releases hydration gradually over 24 hours. This is not a treatment for active plaques — it is the foundational barrier support that makes medicated treatments more effective.
The texture is a rich cream that absorbs fully within 60 seconds, leaving no greasy residue — a huge advantage for face and neck application where ointments are impractical. Users on Accutane or other drying systemic therapies report that CeraVe prevents the peeling and cracking that often accompanies those drugs. The 19-ounce tub is exceptionally durable; a single jar can last 3-4 months of twice-daily full-body application, making the per-use cost negligible.
Use CeraVe as your daily moisturizer during remission phases. During active flares, layer it under coal tar ointment at night — the ceramides help the skin barrier tolerate the medicinal active without additional irritation.
Why it’s great
- Three essential ceramides rebuild the damaged barrier
- Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, NEA accepted
- Massive 19 oz tub; exceptional cost-per-use value
Good to know
- No active ingredients for plaque reduction
- Thick texture may feel heavy on face for some skin types
- Not a standalone treatment during flare-ups
5. oely Antifungal Psoriasis Shampoo for Scalp & Seborrheic Dermatitis, 10.1 oz
Scalp psoriasis presents a unique challenge: body creams and ointments cannot reach the skin through hair, and coal tar products that work on the arms or legs are too messy for the scalp. Oely solves this with a 1% ketoconazole antifungal shampoo that targets the Malassezia yeast often implicated in seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis overlap. While ketoconazole does not directly slow psoriatic cell overgrowth, it reduces the inflammatory trigger that worsens scalp plaques — users report that itching stops after the first wash and flaking drops significantly within a week.
The formula is sulfate-free and paraben-free, which matters immensely for scalp skin that is already inflamed — sulfates strip the barrier and provoke more shedding. Users with fine, thin hair report that the shampoo leaves hair feeling clean and smooth without the greasy residue common with coal tar shampoos. The mild scent is a deliberate departure from the motor-oil smell of coal tar alternatives. A few users noted that it does lather well even without sulfates, which is a practical advantage for those who prefer a satisfying wash experience.
This is not a replacement for a full-body cream — it is a targeted scalp solution for those whose psoriasis primarily manifests on the scalp line, behind the ears, or on the nape of the neck. Use it twice per week alongside your body cream routine to keep the scalp clear without drying out the hair.
Why it’s great
- 1% ketoconazole targets Malassezia-driven scalp inflammation
- Itch relief reported after single use
- Sulfate-free; does not strip hair or irritate scalp
Good to know
- Not a treatment for body plaques — scalp only
- Antifungal, not a direct anti-proliferative for psoriasis
- Requires consistent twice-weekly use for maintenance
FAQ
Can I use coal tar ointment on my face or scalp?
How long does it take for a psoriasis cream to flatten a plaque?
Do I need a prescription cream or is OTC enough?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best psoriasis cream winner is the MG217 Coal Tar Ointment because it delivers the fastest plaque-flattening results through the strongest OTC active concentration available in a thick, occlusive base. If you want soothing itch relief during daytime without greasiness, grab the O’Keeffe’s Eczema Relief Cream. And for scalp-specific psoriasis where body creams cannot reach, nothing beats the oely Antifungal Shampoo.