Sulfur, a naturally occurring element, has been used medicinally for centuries for its antimicrobial properties.¹ And today, you can find it in countless products formulated to help fight acne. So how does it actually work?

Our experts are here to help you understand the science behind sulfur's acne-fighting abilities, and how you can safely incorporate it into your skincare routine. By understanding the ABCs of sulfur, you'll be better equipped to combat your breakouts and achieve clearer and healthier skin. Let's dive in!

How is sulfur used in skincare?

Sulfur is widely used in skincare and is often combined with other active ingredients. Many over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription acne treatments have sulfur as a main ingredient; you can find it in a range of products, from soaps to lotions. 

Research shows that sulfur has antifungal and antibacterial properties—so it can help keep your pores clean and fight bacteria, leading to clearer and healthier skin.² For this reason, this element is well-suited for treating acne-prone skin.

Sulfur can be used to treat many skin conditions, including acne vulgaris, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and even warts. It’s especially beneficial when used in combination with other active ingredients such as sodium sulfacetamide or salicylic acid.³

Sulfur for acne treatment

Sulfur can help treat acne because of its antibacterial properties.⁴ Here’s how it works!

Fighting bacteria

It has been shown that when sulfur is combined with sodium sulfacetamide, it stops the growth of acne-causing bacteria, such as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes).⁵ Additionally, research shows that sulfur is an effective treatment option for controlling acne vulgaris caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.⁶

Keratolytic effects 

Sulfur has been shown to have keratolytic effects, which means it can help loosen scales and skin flakes. However, like many acne treatments, it's important to strike a balance when using sulfur, as dryness and itching may occur.⁷ 

While sulfur-based treatments can be useful on their own, sulfur is often combined with other topical agents to enhance its effectiveness when treating acne and other skin conditions.⁸ Before trying any new skincare products, make sure you consult with a dermatology provider to get personalized skin advice that is best for your skin.

Who should use sulfur?

Sulfur has been used for centuries to treat different skin conditions.⁹ Sulfur is typically well tolerated, but for some it can be drying. If you experience dryness or irritation, it may be better to try alternative ingredients to fight acne.

It’s essential to consult your dermatologist or healthcare provider before incorporating sulfur into your skincare routine, as they will give you personalized advice based on your skin type and acne severity. If you have any concerns about a potential reaction to sulfur, you can conduct a patch test first and follow the recommended usage instructions before you start using sulfur-based products.

Are there any side effects of using sulfur?

Aside from dryness and itching, side effects are rare with topical use of sulfur.¹⁰ However, if you’re noticing a bad reaction after starting your sulfur-based products, contact your dermatologist and consider other options.

Alternatives to sulfur

Sulfur isn't the only effective acne-fighting ingredient out there. Some of the most common ones include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids.¹¹

Here’s a closer look at how they help combat your acne:

Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is a potent antimicrobial agent that can kill acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and help to clear blocked pores.¹²

Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into your pores, exfoliates dead skin cells,¹³ and dissolves excess sebum, which may help prevent acne formation.¹⁴ Using skincare products that contain salicylic acid can help combat your acne.

Retinoids: Retinoids are a group of vitamin A derivatives, such as tretinoin and adapalene, that can help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and promote cell turnover, resulting in smoother skin and reduced acne.¹⁵

Sulfur-based treatment recommendations

If you’re looking to add sulfur to your routine, consider these expert-approved products.

1. Mario Badescu Drying Mask

The Mario Badescu Drying Mask is a powerful, yet gentle, product, specifically formulated to target acne-prone and oily skin. This unique mask combines the acne-fighting power of sulfur with the purifying effects of natural minerals, such as kaolin clay and zinc oxide, which work together to draw out impurities and control excess oil.

2. Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment

The Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment is a fast-acting, targeted solution for those looking to banish blemishes and achieve a clearer complexion. This powerful formula harnesses the acne-fighting properties of sulfur and salicylic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells effectively and unclog pores.

3. Honest Get Clarity Foaming Acne Cleanser

Honest's Get Clarity Foaming Acne Cleanser is a gentle yet effective skincare solution designed to combat breakouts and promote a clearer complexion. This refreshing cleanser features salicylic acid and sulfur, which penetrate deep into pores to help fight acne.

Take the guesswork out of skincare

If you’re searching for a solution designed to target your specific skin concerns, we're excited to introduce you to Curology's personalized prescription formulas. 

By combining expert dermatological advice with customized treatment, we offer a targeted approach to conquer acne (or rosacea and signs of aging!). To get started, simply complete a skin quiz and share photos of your skin. Our licensed providers will then analyze your skin type, concerns, and medical history to prescribe a personalized formula specifically for your concerns.

Your formula will combine powerful active ingredients like tretinoin, niacinamide, azelaic acid, and more, depending on your individual needs. This ensures that you receive a product formulated to address your specific concerns, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution.

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Start your skin quiz

Take the first step towards healthier, clearer skin and join the countless others who have already discovered the benefits of our customized approach to acne treatment. Start your 30-day trial* today!

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1. Decker, A. and Graber, E.M. Over-the-counter Acne Treatments. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. (May 2012).

2. Gupta, A.K. and Nicol, K. The use of sulfur in dermatology. J Drugs Dermatol. (July-August 2004).

3. Gupta, A.K. and Nicol, K. The use of sulfur in dermatology. J Drugs Dermatol. Ibid.

4. Keri, J. and Shiman, M. An update on the management of acne vulgaris. Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. (2009, June 17).

5. Gupta, A.K. and Nicol, K. The use of sulfur in dermatology. J Drugs Dermatol. Ibid.

6. Hashem, N.M., et al. Antimicrobial activities encountered by sulfur nanoparticles combating Staphylococcal species harboring sccmecA recovered from acne vulgaris. AIMS Microbiology. (2021, November 30).

7. Gupta, A.K. and Nicol, K. The use of sulfur in dermatology. J Drugs Dermatol. Ibid.

8. Gupta, A.K. and Nicol, K. The use of sulfur in dermatology. J Drugs Dermatol. Ibid.

9. Keri, J. and Shiman, M. An update on the management of acne vulgaris. Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. Ibid.

10. Liu, H., et al. Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. (2020, May 1).

11. Kraft, J. and Freiman, A. Management of acne. CMAJ. (2011, April 19).

12. Matin, T. and Goodman, M.B. Benzoyl Peroxide. StatPearls. (2022, October 10).

13. Liu, H., et al. Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Ibid.

14. Lu, J., et al. Salicylic acid treats acne vulgaris by suppressing AMPK/SREBP1 pathway in sebocytes. Exp Dermatol. (July 2019).

15. Leyden, J., et al. Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). (September 2017).

Laura Phelan is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Curology. She earned her Masters of Science in Nursing at Benedictine University and went on to get her post-master’s certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner at the University of Cincinnati.

*Cancel anytime. Subject to consultation. Results may vary.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Laura Phelan, NP-C