Sulfur is An Age-Old Treatment for Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, Rosacea, and More

Although we typically hear about the ingredient regarding breakouts, as it turns out, sulfur can address a myriad of other skin concerns. To fill us in on all the skin benefits of sulfur and how it works, we turned to board-certified dermatologists Jessie Cheung, MD, of Cheung Aesthetics and Wellness, and Sejal Shah, MD, of Smarter Skin Dermatology. Find out what the experts think you should know about the naturally occurring element.

Sulfur

Type of Ingredient: Exfoliant

Main benefits: Kills bacteria, reduces sebum, and sloughs away dead skin.

Who should use it: Sulfur can be used to treat those with mild-to-moderate acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema.

How often can you use it: According to Shah, it can be used on a daily basis, and some skin types can tolerate some formulations (such as a wash) even twice a day.

Works well with: Sodium sulfacetamide. "There are newer formulations of topical sulfur lotions that are combined with sodium sulfacetamide, creating a more gentle and less stinky product," Cheung says.

Don't use with: Cheung says to avoid combining sulfur with other topicals that dry out the skin or exfoliate (such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid) to prevent the skin from becoming too dry or inflamed.

What Is Sulfur?

Simply put, sulfur is a natural element that is an essential component for all living cells. As Cheung explains it, sulfur is common in rocks and minerals and essential for plant growth, and it's also found throughout our body in amino acids, vitamins, and our skin and hair. It's known for its yellow color and its strong smell (but you already knew that). Sulfur has been used throughout history for medical purposes (fun fact: It's also used in wine-making), but when it comes to skincare, you'll commonly find it in acne spot treatments, masks, and soaps.

"Sulfur-based products tend to work best for mild-to-moderate acne, primarily whiteheads, blackheads, and papules," Shah says. "It typically isn't as effective for more moderate-to-severe acne, especially as monotherapy." While it does have similar effects to benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, Shah says that typically sulfur is better tolerated than those two treatments.

Side Effects of Sulfur

Sulfur can be drying and may irritate sensitive skin, so Shah suggests those people use caution when trying products containing sulfur. With that said, she adds that it tends to be gentler than some other acne medications, which usually makes it a good choice for people with sensitive skin (confusing, we know.) For this reason, it's always smart to consult your dermatologist for guidance in selecting the best topical for you.

The Best Products With Sulfur

Both Shah and Cheung recommend prescription products to their patients (Ovace Wash Cleansing Gel and Avar Cream are two of Cheung's favorites), but below are a few favorite formulas you can find over the counter.

When you think of a sulfur acne treatment, a glass vial like this might come to mind. Made with 10% sulfur (the highest level permitted), this drying lotion recommended by Shah is the perfect nighttime treatment for your blackheads, whiteheads, or papules. To use, simply dip your Q-tip in the solution and dab it over the area.

Formulated with 3% sulfur, aloe vera, and antioxidants, this acne lotion soothes the skin as it exfoliates and treats existing breakouts and blackheads and is a favorite product of Shah's.

Learn more

If you love a creamy cleanser, Shah suggests this cult-favorite formula by Kate Somerville. The 3% sulfur tackles the oil and breakouts while the honey and rice-bran extract are meant to soothe the skin.

If masks are more your thing, try this formula from Sunday Riley, which comes highly recommended by Shah. Together, the 10% sulfur, niacinamide, and zinc PCA ingredients work to minimize redness, reduce oil, and clear up your acne breakouts.

If you've tried all the latest-and-greatest products and haven't found a great option, go with an old favorite—and we mean old. This bar soap from Grandpa Soap Co., one of Shah's favorites, targets acne and inflammation and removes excess oil with 3% sulfur.

Sulfur can help treat a variety of skin issues including rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and scabies. When in doubt, though, it's always best to consult with your dermatologist.

Sulfur can be drying, so it's recommended to use a sulfur soap every other day and see how your skin reacts.

Using active products in combination with each other could be a recipe for skin irritation. Avoid using sulfur products if retinol is part of your skincare routine.

Draelos ZD. The multifunctionality of 10% sodium sulfacetamide, 5% sulfur emollient foam in the treatment of inflammatory facial dermatoses. J Drugs Dermatol. 2010;9(3): 234-236.

Read more on: skin