Emollients for Psoriasis: Which Type Works Best and How to Use Them
Emollients — moisturisers designed specifically to support the skin barrier rather than just add surface hydration — are among the most consistently recommended daily treatments for psoriasis. They don't treat the underlying immune condition driving psoriasis, but they address the surface consequences of it in ways that significantly improve daily comfort and the skin's tolerance of everything else you apply.
Understanding which type of emollient works best for psoriasis specifically, and how to apply it correctly, makes consistent use considerably more effective than the vague "moisturise regularly" advice that most people receive.
Emollients for Psoriasis: Do They Actually Help Dry Skin?
Psoriasis often causes skin to become:
Dry
Thickened
Scaly
Irritated
Uncomfortable
That’s why emollients are commonly recommended as part of psoriasis skincare routines.
But what exactly are emollients?
And can they actually improve psoriasis symptoms?
The reality is that emollients don’t “cure” psoriasis, but they may help support the skin barrier, reduce dryness, and improve overall skin comfort.
For many people, consistent moisturising becomes one of the most important parts of managing flare-prone skin.
What Are Emollients?
Emollients are moisturising treatments designed to soften and protect the skin.
Emollients work mainly by:
Reducing water loss from the skin
Supporting hydration
Helping soften rough skin
Creating a protective barrier over the skin surface
They come in different forms, including:
Creams
Ointments
Lotions
Balms
Emollients mainly support the skin barrier rather than directly treating the underlying causes of psoriasis.
Why emollients matter specifically for psoriasis
Psoriasis affects the skin barrier in a way that's distinct from simply dry skin. The accelerated keratinocyte turnover of psoriasis produces structurally abnormal scale — the cells haven't completed their normal differentiation cycle, so the lipid composition of the stratum corneum is altered. Ceramides, the primary barrier lipids, are reduced and disorganised in psoriatic skin compared to normal skin. This is why psoriatic skin loses moisture more rapidly and is more permeable to irritants than normal skin — even in areas that don't have visible plaques.
Emollients address this by replacing some of the missing surface barrier function — reducing transepidermal water loss, softening scale to make it less visible and more comfortable, and protecting compromised skin from environmental irritants. When used consistently and generously, they reduce itch, reduce scale severity, and make the skin surface more resilient to whatever triggers it encounters.
They also improve the effectiveness of topical treatments applied on top. Softened, hydrated skin absorbs calcipotriol, betamethasone, and other prescribed topicals more efficiently than dry, scaled skin.
Potential Benefits of Emollients for Psoriasis
Results vary between individuals, but many people find emollients help improve overall skin comfort.
Possible benefits may include:
Softer-feeling skin
Reduced dryness
Less flaking or scaling
Improved skin comfort
Reduced tightness
Some people also find moisturised skin feels:
Less itchy
Less reactive
Easier to manage during flare-ups
Consistent moisturising may help psoriasis-prone skin feel calmer overall.
The difference between emollient types — and which suits psoriasis best
The three main categories differ in their mechanism and therefore their appropriate use:
Ointments — the most occlusive format. Petroleum-based (white soft paraffin, liquid paraffin) with little or no water. They sit on the skin surface and physically prevent moisture loss through a strong, durable occlusive film. For thick, dry, stable psoriasis plaques they are the most effective format. Downside: greasy texture, stains fabric, impractical for daytime use. The fire risk from paraffin-based ointments impregnating fabric is covered in the paraffin eczema article and applies equally here — avoid naked flames.
Creams — an emulsion of oil and water, lighter than ointments and more practical for daytime use and larger body surface areas. Less occlusive than ointments but significantly more tolerable. Many people use a cream during the day and an ointment on specific plaques overnight.
Lotions and gels — the lightest formats, primarily water-based. More comfortable on hairy areas like the scalp and legs, and less effective as barrier protection than creams or ointments. Appropriate for mild dryness or areas where texture is a practical barrier to compliance.
For psoriasis specifically, the evidence supports heavier, more occlusive preparations being more effective at reducing transepidermal water loss. An ointment or thick cream applied generously provides measurably better results than a light lotion applied sparingly. The clinical recommendation of approximately 500g of emollient per week for an adult with significant psoriasis reflects how much is needed to be genuinely effective — most people apply far less.
Why Consistency Often Matters More Than “Miracle” Products
Many people constantly switch between:
Trendy creams
Viral skincare products
Expensive treatments
But with psoriasis-prone skin, consistency is often more important than constantly changing routines.
Regular moisturising may help:
Support the skin barrier
Reduce irritation
Minimise excessive dryness
Long-term habits are often more important than chasing quick fixes.
Products worth considering
Doublebase Emollient Body Cream
a paraffin-based cream providing strong occlusive properties in a more spreadable format than ointment. Fragrance-free, preservative-minimal, and well-tolerated on sensitive psoriasis-prone skin. Available in large sizes suitable for generous daily use across significant body surface area. A practical everyday option that balances efficacy with tolerability.
Oilatum Emollient Cream
a lighter emollient cream suitable for use on drier but less severely scaled skin. Particularly appropriate for people whose psoriasis is mild to moderate and who need a comfortable daily moisturiser rather than intensive barrier repair. Also useful as a soap substitute in the bath or shower — rinsing off rather than cleansing with soap, which strips natural oils.
Healpsorin Emollient Balm
a balm specifically formulated for psoriasis-prone skin, combining emollient properties with skin-soothing ingredients. A more targeted product than standard white soft paraffin preparations. Worth trialling for people who find standard emollients insufficient and want a psoriasis-specific formulation with additional soothing properties.
Can Emollients Cure Psoriasis?
No — emollients are not considered a cure for psoriasis.
They mainly help support:
Hydration
Skin comfort
Barrier protection
Psoriasis is usually influenced by multiple factors including:
Immune activity
Stress
Sleep quality
Lifestyle habits
Environmental triggers
This is why moisturisers alone may not completely prevent flare-ups.
Emollients may help support symptoms without addressing every underlying factor linked to psoriasis.
How to apply emollients effectively for psoriasis
Apply immediately after bathing. The two to three minute post-bath window is well-established in dermatology — the skin retains surface moisture after bathing, and emollient applied while the skin is still slightly damp seals this hydration in rather than simply sitting on dry skin. Missing this window significantly reduces the benefit.
Apply in the direction of hair growth. This reduces follicular irritation and the small risk of folliculitis (infected hair follicles) from rubbing occlusive preparations against the follicle opening.
Apply generously. Thin application provides thin protection. The 500g weekly clinical guideline exists because adequate emollient dosing is one of the most consistently undertreated aspects of psoriasis management. A thin smear of cream costs a fraction of what a proper occlusive application does — both in product and in benefit.
Don't rub vigorously. Friction on psoriasis plaques increases the risk of Koebner phenomenon — new plaque formation at sites of skin trauma. Pat or smooth emollient on gently rather than rubbing it in.
Apply before topical treatments, not after. Emollient first softens scale and prepares the skin to absorb topical treatments. Applying calcipotriol or betamethasone on top of dry, unhydrated scale reduces their penetration and effectiveness.
What to avoid in emollients for psoriasis
Fragranced products. Fragrance is the most common contact allergen in skincare. Psoriasis-prone skin is more permeable than intact skin — fragrance compounds penetrate more readily and trigger contact reactions more easily. Fragrance-free is non-negotiable for regular emollient use.
Products containing sodium lauryl sulphate. SLS is a detergent used as an emulsifier in some creams — it is also a barrier-disrupting irritant, as established by the aqueous cream story in the paraffin eczema article. Check ingredient lists for SLS particularly in cheaper or older-formulation emollient products.
Very thin formulations. Light body lotions and moisturisers formulated for normal skin have insufficient occlusive properties for psoriasis-affected skin. They may feel comfortable but don't provide meaningful barrier protection.
Supplement Support for Psoriasis-Prone Skin
Emollients address the surface dimension of psoriasis. The systemic immune dysregulation, nutritional deficiencies, and inflammatory burden driving the condition require internal support alongside excellent topical care.
Drought's Skin Support Formula provides 14 nutrients including vitamin D, zinc, vitamin C, and magnesium — addressing the internal nutritional foundations that emollient use, however diligent, cannot reach. Made in the UK, suitable for vegetarians, designed for consistent long-term daily use.
FAQ
What are emollients used for in psoriasis?
Emollients are mainly used to help moisturise and support dry, psoriasis-prone skin.
Can emollients reduce psoriasis scaling?
Yes — consistent generous emollient use softens and reduces scale, makes plaques less visible, and improves comfort. They don't prevent new scale from forming but significantly improve its management.
What’s the difference between a cream and an ointment?
Ointments are more occlusive and more effective for thick, dry plaques. Creams are more tolerable for daytime use and larger areas. Many people use both — cream for daytime, ointment overnight on specific plaques.
Should you use emollients every day for psoriasis?
Many people use emollients daily to help maintain hydration and support the skin barrier.
What is the best emollient for psoriasis?
Heavier, fragrance-free preparations — thick creams or ointments — provide the most effective barrier support. Doublebase and Cetraben are among the most consistently recommended. The best emollient is the one applied consistently and generously.
When should I apply emollient for psoriasis?
Immediately after bathing, within two to three minutes of patting dry, while the skin retains surface moisture. This is the most effective time window for barrier support.
Can fragranced moisturisers irritate psoriasis?
Yes — some fragranced products may irritate sensitive or psoriasis-prone skin.
How much emollient should I use for psoriasis?
Clinical guidance suggests approximately 500g per week for an adult with significant psoriasis affecting a significant body area. Most people use far less than is therapeutically effective.
Can emollients make psoriasis worse?
Generally not, if fragrance-free and free from SLS. Fragranced products can cause contact reactions. Paraffin-based emollients on fabric create a fire risk — avoid naked flames.
Summary
Emollients are essential daily psoriasis management — not because they treat the condition but because they reduce its surface consequences significantly and make everything else more effective. Heavier, more occlusive preparations (ointments and thick creams) are more effective than lighter lotions for significant psoriasis. Applying generously, immediately after bathing, in the direction of hair growth and without friction captures most of the benefit. Fragrance-free is non-negotiable. And consistent, generous daily use — around 500g weekly for significant body involvement — matters far more than choosing the "best" product and applying it sparingly.
In Short
Emollients are moisturising products designed to support the skin barrier
They may help reduce dryness, scaling, and discomfort linked to psoriasis
Consistent use is often more important than expensive products
Some products can irritate sensitive skin if heavily fragranced
Emollient manages psoriasis at the surface — vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3 address the Th17 immune dysregulation and nutritional deficiencies driving the barrier dysfunction that makes emollient necessary. Drought's Skin Support Formula provides all three alongside 11 other nutrients, supporting the internal foundations that determine how effective your emollient routine is. Made in the UK, suitable for vegetarians, designed for consistent long-term daily use.
Start your skin support journey →
Written by the Drought Skin team — specialists in natural support for psoriasis, eczema and acne
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. We earn a very small commission from each purchase made through these links. There is no additional cost to you. All products featured have been specifically selected as products we personally use and love. For further information, please see our disclaimer page.
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