Living with psoriasis has taught me that not all skincare products are created equal. Over the years, I’ve tried everything from medicated ointments to natural remedies in the hopes of easing the itch, calming the redness, and preventing flare-ups. Through trial and error, I discovered that something as simple as a bar of soap can make a meaningful difference – if it’s the right one.
What I look for in a good soap is pretty straightforward: it needs to be gentle, moisturizing, and free of irritating chemicals. Ideally, it should also help soothe the discomfort that comes with psoriasis. In this post, I’m sharing my top five soaps that have stood out in my daily routine. Whether you deal with plaques, flaking, or general redness, these options might just help your skin feel calmer, softer, and more manageable.
1. Kenkoderm Psoriasis Dead Sea Mud Soap
Kenkoderm was one of the first brands I found that felt like it truly understood what psoriatic skin needs. This soap contains Dead Sea Mud, Shea Butter, and Argan Oil – a combination that gently exfoliates while delivering moisture to irritated skin. I especially like that it’s fragrance-free, making it ideal when my skin feels extra sensitive.
The bar lathers well, doesn’t leave behind a residue, and after regular use, I noticed a reduction in itching and some softening of scaly patches. One thing to keep in mind is that while it helps maintain smoother skin, it isn’t a miracle cure on its own. I usually follow up with a moisturizer for best results. Also, the soap itself is a rich dark brown due to the mud, so I make sure to store it on a soap saver to avoid staining my tub.
Overall, it’s a straightforward, dermatologist-developed product that I return to often because of how well it fits into my daily routine without triggering irritation.
2. Dermabon Psoriasis & Dandruff Control Soap
Dermabon takes a more medicinal approach with 2% coal tar as its active ingredient, which is known to help slow skin cell growth and reduce inflammation. While the word “coal tar” might sound intense, it has a long-standing track record in managing psoriasis symptoms. I gave this one a try during a more stubborn flare-up, and I found it helpful for calming down thick, scaly areas – especially on my elbows and knees.
That said, this soap doesn’t lather like a typical bar, and it requires a few minutes of sitting on the skin to work effectively. It also has a distinctive medicinal smell that some people might find off-putting. Personally, I didn’t mind it because of the results I saw, but it’s not the most pleasant-smelling option on this list.
I wouldn’t recommend using it on broken skin or overly sensitive areas, and definitely avoid sun exposure right after use – coal tar can increase photosensitivity. Still, if you’re dealing with thicker plaques or persistent scaling, Dermabon might be worth the extra steps.
3. Marie Originals Eczema & Psoriasis Soap
This one caught my eye because of its homeopathic ingredients and all-natural promise. With Noni fruit, European clay, and organic oat flour, it brings together a mix of soothing and gently exfoliating ingredients. It has a slightly gritty texture that feels more like a scrub, but in a gentle way.
I appreciated the earthy, natural scent and how the soap didn’t dry out my skin. On days when my skin feels particularly raw or inflamed, I use this soap to calm things down. It lathers richly, and I typically let it sit for a couple of minutes before rinsing for added relief.
One thing to note: it does leave a bit of dark residue on washcloths or soap dishes, and some may find the exfoliating texture a little harsh depending on how sensitive their skin is. For me, it works best as a soothing maintenance option, especially when I need to reduce itching without turning to medicated products.
4. MG217 Psoriasis Dead Sea Exfoliating Bar Soap
What drew me to MG217 was its dual-action formula combining Dead Sea Mud and Salt, designed to cleanse, exfoliate, and soothe all in one. This bar is textured, with one side smoother and the other slightly coarse for exfoliation. It also includes Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, and Glycerin, making it feel hydrating even though it scrubs away flaky skin.
The soap creates a rich lather and has a mild floral scent from Rose Geranium Oil, which is pleasant but might not be suitable for ultra-sensitive skin due to the presence of Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). While I personally didn’t experience irritation, I’d suggest caution if you’re highly reactive to sulfates.
It worked well for me as a daily body wash, especially to smooth out scaling without over-drying. I did notice that the exfoliating side of the bar tends to wear down faster, so I make sure to store it properly. For anyone looking for a non-medicated but active option, this bar provides a good balance of exfoliation and soothing properties.
5. Natrulo Eczema & Psoriasis Soap
Natrulo’s soap is probably the gentlest one I’ve tried. It’s made with calendula-infused olive oil (steeped for three months), ground oats, and cocoa butter, all of which contribute to its calming, moisturizing feel. I tend to use this when my skin is especially dry or flaky, as it never causes a sting or dryness.
It has a very mild, almost undetectable scent, which I appreciate when I need a break from stronger-smelling products. The texture is smooth but with a hint of exfoliation from the oats. It’s not the kind of soap that will drastically reduce plaques overnight, but it excels in daily comfort and hydration.
This bar has become my go-to for daily use, especially during winter months when my skin tends to act up. I also like that it’s affordable, handmade in the USA, and completely free from parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.
Concluding Thoughts
Finding the right soap for psoriasis isn’t just about what works on paper – it’s about how your skin feels after each use. For me, these five soaps have consistently delivered comfort, reduced itching, and helped keep redness at bay without causing further irritation.
Each soap on this list has its own strengths. Kenkoderm is my everyday gentle pick, Dermabon is the tough fighter for stubborn flare-ups, Marie Originals offers natural relief with a bit of grit, MG217 balances exfoliation and hydration, and Natrulo is my daily soft touch.
If you’re managing psoriasis, I hope this list gives you a solid starting point. As always, it’s best to patch test a new product first and consult your dermatologist if you have questions about how a product might interact with your treatment plan.
Gentle care matters. Sometimes, the simplest products can make the biggest difference.
