Dealing with psoriasis has often meant cycling through a variety of treatments, always in search of something that soothes my skin without causing new problems. That’s what drew me to the MG217 Psoriasis Dead Sea Exfoliating Bar Soap. Its promise to harness the natural healing elements of Dead Sea minerals sounded appealing. After weeks of daily use, I’m ready to share a genuine look at how it performed for me — the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
Packaging
When I first got the soap, the packaging struck me as simple and functional. It’s enclosed in a sturdy cardboard box that has a clearly medical, no-frills design. Key terms like “Psoriasis,” “Dead Sea Mud,” and “Dead Sea Salt” are front and center, making it obvious who the soap is intended for. I appreciated that the box listed all essential information, including ingredients, usage directions, manufacturer details (Wisconsin Pharmacal), and warnings. The fact that it’s handmade in Israel also stood out to me. One thing I did wish for was a small window to see the soap inside before opening, but I quickly got used to the opaque packaging. Inside, the soap’s dual-colored, dual-textured look — dark mud on one side, light salt on the other — was both interesting and practical.
Ingredients
The ingredients were a big part of why I chose this soap. It contains a blend of natural elements like Dead Sea Salt, Dead Sea Mud, Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, and Rose Geranium Oil, balanced with synthetic components like Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Glycerin. I loved the presence of moisturizers like glycerin and vitamin E, though I was cautious about Sodium Laureth Sulfate, known to irritate sensitive skin. Since the soap isn’t explicitly labeled hypoallergenic and contains potential irritants, I made sure to patch test it first — thankfully, I didn’t experience any adverse reactions. Also, it’s worth noting that this bar is different from MG217’s medicated products containing coal tar or salicylic acid; it takes a gentler, mineral-based approach instead.
Scent
The scent was a pleasant surprise. It has a mild to moderate floral fragrance, mainly from the Rose Geranium Oil, with subtle mineral undertones from the Dead Sea minerals. It’s a natural, fresh smell that’s not overpowering and fades fairly quickly after rinsing — a huge plus for someone like me who prefers lighter scents. It’s neutral enough that it felt suitable for both men and women, and I found it comforting to use year-round, regardless of the season.
Lather and Application
When it comes to lather, this soap sudsed up really well, much better than I had expected for a psoriasis care product. It quickly forms a rich, smooth lather that felt gentle and soothing. Applying it was straightforward: wet skin, lather the soap onto the affected areas, cleanse gently, and rinse thoroughly. I loved the dual-texture feature — the smooth mud side was perfect for everyday cleansing, while the salt side offered gentle exfoliation when I needed it. The soap also had a smooth manner during application, which made it very easy to work with. It rinsed cleanly, leaving no sticky or filmy residue behind.
Effectiveness
This is where the MG217 Dead Sea Soap really shined. It cleansed my skin thoroughly without feeling too harsh. The exfoliating salt helped lift away dead skin cells, and the moisturizing elements left my skin feeling softer and calmer. Although it doesn’t replace medicated treatments, it fit beautifully into my routine — particularly on days when my skin needed a gentle reset. Over time, I noticed a visible reduction in scaling, flakiness, and itching, especially when I used it consistently every day. On a personal note, I even noticed my skin texture becoming smoother after about three weeks of use. That said, if you have open lesions, be prepared for a mild sting from the salt.
Size and Lifespan
The soap comes in a 3.2 oz (90.7 g) bar, which feels substantial in the hand. I found it relatively durable, but as many users have noted, the salt side dissolves faster than the mud side. For me, the uneven wear wasn’t a huge issue, but I learned quickly to store the soap on a well-draining dish to extend its life. With daily use, it lasted just under a month. I didn’t experience any staining issues on my soap dish or towels, which was another little bonus.
Brand Reputation
MG217 is part of Wisconsin Pharmacal Company, which has a strong reputation for creating over-the-counter solutions for chronic skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Their focus on dermatological care made me feel reassured about trying their products. Plus, the fact that their Dead Sea line is recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation really built my confidence. While the brand isn’t very vocal about ethical sourcing or being cruelty-free, the transparency around ingredients and clear labeling helped me trust them.
Price and Value
At around $6 to $7 per bar, the MG217 soap feels very reasonably priced for a specialty product using genuine Dead Sea minerals. Yes, it costs more than a basic drugstore soap, but given its targeted benefits, I think it’s good value for money. For those who use it consistently, buying multi-packs online can bring the price down a little further. In my experience, the improvement in my skin was worth every penny.
Availability
Availability was never a problem for me. I primarily ordered it online, where it’s readily available on Amazon, Walmart.com, and even some smaller health-focused retailers. While a few larger drugstores stock MG217 products, I noticed their medicated options (like coal tar soaps) are more common than the Dead Sea variety. If you prefer buying in-store, it’s probably best to call ahead. Online shopping was definitely the most convenient route for me, and I liked having the option to buy multi-packs.
- Gentle yet effective exfoliation with Dead Sea minerals.
- Mild, pleasant, natural fragrance.
- Smooth, rich lather with no residue.
- Handmade in Israel with authentic ingredients.
- Recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation.
- Salt side can wear down faster than mud side.
- Presence of Sodium Laureth Sulfate may irritate sensitive skin.
- No explicit hypoallergenic or cruelty-free certification.
- Mild stinging possible on open lesions.
Overall Rating
Taking everything into account, I would give the MG217 Psoriasis Dead Sea Exfoliating Bar Soap a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s a thoughtfully crafted product that fits beautifully into a gentle daily care routine for psoriatic skin. While it’s not a miracle cure, it definitely contributes to healthier, calmer-feeling skin and serves as a great complement to more aggressive treatments. If you’re looking for a natural-feeling, non-medicated option to support your psoriasis care, this soap is absolutely worth considering. I’m genuinely happy I gave it a try — and it has earned a permanent spot in my bathroom.
