Topical Antibiotic / Topical Keratolytic
Reviews
4.0
150 Reviews
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Keratolytic
Efficacy
81%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Keratolytic
Side Effects
Low-Medium
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Keratolytic
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Not often used because it smells bad, colors the skin when applied, and can (rarely) lead to severe side effects. Limited evidence shows that it does significantly clear mild-to-moderate acne, but we need more research to know for sure how well it works.
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Keratolytic
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Sodium Sulfacetamide / Sulfur
Compare To Other Treatments
5
38%
4
37.3%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
2%

Used Sodium Sulfacetamide / Sulfur? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
July 12, 2008

Pros:

Excellent! I had horrible acne only on my forehead and this soap has cleared up my skin in about one week. Almost all whiteheads are gone. I no longer have cystic acne, etc. It is truly great.

Cons:

Smells horrible, but you get use to it overtime.

Thankfully I have insurance and it pays a good portion of the price. However, if I didn't I would still get this product. I use this in conjunction with Differin (just on the forehead area) and use La Roche-Posay's Rosaliac moisturizer, which eliminates all the red in my face. Great combo for those who have moderate acne.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 1, 2008

Pros:

It works well! I am very happy with the results! I have tried many different things and this "stinky" cream works.

Cons:

It smells strong and it is hard to get rid of the smell in clothes and bed sheets. It is true it was expensive even with insurance but my pharmacist found a generic brand which i only paid 7.00 for!! Continued below!!

So, my advice, is talk to different pharmacies and find one that will allow the substitution.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 14, 2008

Pros:

Foams up really well(soak your face), Fairly quick to heal acne

Cons:

Smell

I think this is one of the best products i have used.it took about 2 weeks for my moderatly severe acne to,for the most, part clear up.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 13, 2008

Pros:

Product has not only cleared up my acne, but has cleared up the scarring that I've had on my face for years. It only took about 2 weeks to make a noticeable difference.

Cons:

In the beginning of the treatment my face was extremely dry and flaky. I have to keep using it for it to be effective.

This product is highly effective if used consistently and the generic version is very affordable ($10 for a 2-3 month supply). I've been able to toss my makeup because I'm getting so many compliments on my own skin.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 10, 2008

Pros:

I have never use anything like this before you begin to see results in just matter of days...My skin was an even tone and i received compliments on my skin

Cons:

Depending on your insurance this product can be expensive...I noticed the price increase twice while using the product...

This is the BEST PRODUCT to resolve skin problems...I just requested another refill on my prescription...I use it twice daily once on the morning and evening oafter my workouts...Three during the week I will actually apply a light facial mask and sleep...the final results will speak volumes
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 3, 2008

Pros:

It works very well when nothing has work for me in years. I don't have really bad acne but I had tried every product out there perscription pills etc

Cons:

I haven't found any cons I use it every morning

This product worked the best for me out of several and I wouldn't give it up for anything. I am now pregnant and using it less because it hasn't been studied on pregancy yet but I plan to use it again once this is over. I'm also getting married and I couldn't do it without this product.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 20, 2008

Pros:

Works really well and isn't as harsh as many products.

Cons:

Slightly hard to rub in cream

Definitely recommend. I was using Retin A products which are so drying. This is such an improvement.
May 17, 2008

Pros:

I have used this product for ~5 years and it's the best stuff going. It consistently keeps my face clear. I consider PMS a different story, but even then, my face doesn't break out THAT badly.

Cons:

It is expensive, even with insurance. I do wish some long-term studies could be done to ensure that there are no other ancillary health impacts from using this for a long time.

I recommend it because it really works. My only issue is the unknown regarding any potential long-term health impacts.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
April 13, 2008

Pros:

very soapy, seems to cleanse well

Cons:

drys out skin
smells strongly of sulphur
expensive

I don't really think this product does anything except to cleanse the skin. It is pretty good at removing makeup and preparing the skin for medication, but be careful, if you scrub too hard you will produce major drying!! It never did anything for my acne. I have mild acne and it was simply used to prepare my skin for Differin (also never worked that well and I seemed to grow immune after a little while). Smells horrible! You end up smelling sulfur all day and night once you wash with it. It costs a lot, even with insurance. I think over the counter cleansers are just as good so long as they don't contain any ingredients that are known to be irriating and cause acne (I have researched this long and hard and there are A LOT even if a product claims to be "Oil-Free" or "Non-Comedogenic." Not worth the price to simply cleanse/remove makeup and drying overall. Would not purchase again
April 12, 2008

Pros:

It's 100% effective. When I first started going to the dermatologist for my acne, she prescribed several products. This is the only one I have to use now to upkeep my clear skin. With my insurance, I pay $10 for a 12oz bottle that lasts 10 weeks.

Cons:

It drys the skin a little but all that I needed was a pea-sized amount of an over-the-counter face cream to combat that.

It works and I would recommend it to anyone! I started using it three months ago after years of acne and I haven't had a breakout in at least 6 weeks...not one pimple!

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.