Topical Keratolytic / Topical Keratolytic
Reviews
4.0
239 Reviews
Topical Keratolytic / Topical Keratolytic
Not Enough Data
Topical Keratolytic / Topical Keratolytic
Side Effects
Low-Medium
Topical Keratolytic / Topical Keratolytic
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Not often used because it smells bad, is opaque so it colors the skin when applied, and may rarely lead to severe side effects. Because of this, there haven’t been enough studies to show us whether it works or not, but it should help with mild-to-moderate acne.
Topical Keratolytic / Topical Keratolytic
How to Get It
This is an over-the-counter treatment. Here is a place you can find it online.
Read All About Resorcinol/Sulfur
Compare To Other Treatments
5
38.5%
4
39.7%
3
12.1%
2
6.3%
1
2.9%

Used Resorcinol/Sulfur? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
September 1, 2007

Pros:

OMG this has been the best OTC purchase for my acne ever!! Acne Gone!!!!! Now I only Spot them if I get any other pop ups.

Cons:

nothing,,,, I use it with confidence.

I use now neutrogena on the spot creme at night, after washing w/dove sensitive skin, then 4 dabs 1 on ea cheek forehead and chin, then blend all over.. Morning after same wash, apply if needed to areas of concern w/adult tinted clerasil. I've never had to be worried of any breakouts before major events,parties,interviews,ect... I was assured to always be cleared and flawless. The Best Confidence Remedy...Smile
August 10, 2008

Pros:

nothing

Cons:

f**ked up my face my face got red, swollen,and my skins peeling off i hate it !!!!!!!!!

sucks
January 14, 2008

Pros:

Doesn't dry my skin out like the benzoyl peroxide products do.

Cons:

Sulfur-based, so it smells like a bit like sulfur.

The tint works for me, but I'm a very fair Caucasian -- I suspect it would look weird on someone with darker skin.

Awesome.
December 19, 2007

Pros:

It works. This is the ONLY acne medication that I've found that COMPLETELY clears up my skin. (And I've tried every variation of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid treatment out there...)

Cons:

The smell. I don't mind it terribly, but my husband HATES it... It's got a potpourri scent with a hint of sulfer...

I'm definitely sticking with it, and keeping my fingers crossed that Clearasil will fix the scent...
September 26, 2008

Pros:

covers up acne well.

Cons:

Smells soooooo bad....really horrible!!!! I hate it!!

Can't even think about using it anymore because of the smell. It actually wakes me up sometimes at night.....they need to seriously fix this problem.
August 22, 2008

Pros:

Worked OK on my pimples

Cons:

It smelled really bad, dried up my skin and
it bleached my clothes

This product ruined some of my expensive clothes and it's not worth it. Find An Alternative
August 24, 2007

Pros:

It helps cover up acne while treating it. It's works reasonably well.

Cons:

The smell isn't bad at first but the scent it leaves on my pillow is intoxicating.

I like and would recommend it. Sometimes, it's really obvious it's on my face but overall, it's one of the few things that's been making a difference.
September 16, 2010

Pros:

Sulfur is great for acne and this was one of the only products I could find in the store with sulfur everything with sulfur is disappearing from shelves everywhere and I think its because it works

Cons:

its really drying

I mixed athlete foot cream with this and applyed it all over my face before I went to bed athlete foot cream because most acne is a fungas and if you put all over the face you kill the fungas and sulfur is and antifungal as well and the next day all my pimples were dried out
May 11, 2009

Pros:

works "ok"

Cons:

if your a guy and some one sees you with it on you will get called a fag because they think its makeup... pissin me off

use only at night around people or at home not school lol
May 2, 2009

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

Everything

doesn't work, used for 1 month

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.