A quick look at the best CeraVe products for psoriasis
- Best for itch relief: Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream
- Best face wash for psoriasis: Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
- Best for exfoliation: Renewing SA Cleanser
- Best moisturizer: Healing Ointment
- Best body wash: Psoriasis Cleanser
- Best sunscreen for psoriasis: Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen
CeraVe and psoriasis
CeraVe, a brand known for creating gentle skin care products, offers a few psoriasis-specific items, and others that are psoriasis-safe.- Many contain trusted itch-relief ingredients like pramoxine hydrochloride.
- Moisturizing ingredients like shea butter are also present in CeraVe formulas.
- Ceramides are used in CeraVe products. They help repair the skin’s natural lipid barrier, which is typically doesn’t function properly in people with eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
- Salicylic acid, a keratolytic,
can help slough off dry skin from psoriasis plaques, reducing itching. It’s the active ingredient in CeraVe SA Cleanser.
How we chose CeraVe products
Skin care products you use can make a huge difference in managing your psoriasis. When choosing which CeraVe products are best for those with psoriasis, we looked at endorsements from dermatologists and experts, the inclusion of ingredients with proven itch-reducing and skin moisturizing capabilities, and consumer reviews.Price guide
Most CeraVe products are quite affordable for most people, and they can be found at major drugstores.
However, some can be a bit pricey to pay for at once, especially items that come in larger containers like the Renewing SA Cleanser and specialty products like the Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen.
That said, sometimes a single tube of sunscreen can last a whole summer — or multiple summers — depending how much you get outside.
The prices of the products in this article are broken down, per the following key:
$ = under $1 per ounce $$ = $1–$2 per ounce $$$ = over $2 per ounce
Best CeraVe products for psoriasis
In general, most CeraVe products are safe for psoriasis. However, CeraVe does make a handful of products that contain ingredients that are clinically proven to help address some of the symptoms of psoriasis on the skin. They’re labeled as such. You can also look for products bearing the Seal of Recognition from the National Psoriasis Foundation. Those with psoriasis should avoid skin care products with fragrances, sulfates, or alcohols like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. People with psoriasis should also avoid most OTC anti-itch products, like calamine, Benadryl cream (and generic versions), and hydrocortisone. These can cause further irritation or dry out the skin even more. The ingredient lists for products we recommended in this roundup do not include fragrances, sulfates, or alcohols.Best for itch relief
Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream
- Price: $$
- Fragrance: no
- Key ingredients: pramoxine hydrochloride, niacinamide
Pros
- In addition to expert moisturizing ingredients, this product contains an anti-itch ingredient to calm skin irritation.
- Users with psoriasis say it provides significant relief from itching.
- It lives up to its promise of lasting 8 hours.
Cons
- It is expensive compared to similar products.
- Some reviews say the itch relief isn’t strong enough.
Best face wash for psoriasis
Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
- Price: $
- Fragrance: no
- Key ingredients: ceramides, amino acids, hyaluronic acid
Pros
- While prices vary, the product is generally affordable when broken down per ounce.
- The formula also helps remove makeup.
- It’s designed to help maintain the skin’s natural moisture.
Cons
- Some users report it irritates sensitive skin.
- Some reviews say it feels more “nondrying” than “hydrating.”
Best for exfoliation
Renewing SA Cleanser
- Price: $$
- Fragrance: no
- Key ingredients: salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
Pros
- It does not leave skin feeling “tight” as other salicylic acid (SA) products can.
- SA can also help control oil.
- Many users find it’s gentler on their skin than most salicylic acid cleansers.
Cons
- The SA in this product can dry out skin.
Best moisturizer for psoriasis
Healing Ointment
- Price: $$
- Fragrance: no
- Key ingredients: petrolatum, hyaluronic acid
Pros
- It has a slightly lighter formula than other petrolatum-based ointments.
- The ceramides and hyaluronic acid give skin added moisture.
- A little goes a long way, making it a good bang for your buck.
Cons
- Some users find regular petroleum jelly is just as effective.
- The texture may feel greasy at first as it sinks into the skin.
Best body wash for psoriasis
Psoriasis Cleanser
- Price: $$
- Fragrance: no
- Key ingredients: ceramides, urea, alpha-hydroxy acid, niacinamide, salicylic acid
Pros
- This product is specifically formulated to treat and calm psoriasis symptoms.
- CeraVe Psoriasis Cleanser is officially recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation as an effective product.
- It can be used on the scalp, a place where people with psoriasis may be prone to developing plaques.
Cons
- The product consistency is thin, making it hard to apply evenly.
- The product is unscented, but reviewers say it has a strong chemical smell, which is often attributable to urea or lactic acid.
Best sunscreen for psoriasis
Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen
- Price: $$$
- Fragrance: no
- Key ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
Pros
- This is a noncomedogenic sunscreen, meaning it will not block pores.
- CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen is reef-safe, so it does not contain ingredients that cause damage to coral reefs.
- The facial version has a “universal tint,” which may help reduce the white cast sunscreens sometimes leave.
Cons
- On a per ounce basis, this is the most expensive item on our list.
- Reviewers say the regular sunscreen leaves a white cast on darker skin tones.
How the best CeraVe products for psoriasis compare
Product | Price per ounce | Product type | Key ingredients |
---|---|---|---|
Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream | $$ | lotion | pramoxine hydrochloride |
Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser | $ | gentle face wash | hyaluronic acid |
Renewing SA Cleanser | $$ | face/body wash | salicylic acid |
Healing Ointment | $$ | ointment | petrolatum |
Psoriasis Cleanser | $$ | face/body wash with mild chemical exfoliation | salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid |
Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen | $$$ | sunscreen | titanium and zinc oxide |