Topical Antibiotic / Topical Keratolytic
Efficacy
81%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
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.
Used Sodium Sulfacetamide / Sulfur? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
January 5, 2016
Okay, But Probably Not Great for Sensitive Skin
My dermatologist gave me this cleanser to help with my moderate acne; however, it was a bit too harsh for my skin and I couldn't use it for longer than a couple weeks at a time (using it only every night). Just irritated my skin and left it dry and flaky. Also didn't do a spectacular job of clearing blemishes, so not really worth it for me.
December 10, 2012
Product used: Rosula (Sodium Sulfacetamide (10%) and Sulfur (4%) Wash)
Cons:
Didn't clear face
Made skin extremely dry and flaky
Smells bad
Left behind a white, filmy residue
My derm gave me this to use for the month before I could get on accutane. It helped stop new lesions from forming, but did not clear my acne. It made my face really, really flaky, dry, and tight. It was only a short term med til I could get on the accutane, but I didn't like it much. I would recommend for short term use to those trying to hold acne at bay for similar reasons, but for severe acne long term use wouldn't help anything much. Also, smelt strongly of sulfur (a main ingredient) and left a white, chalky film on my face where I had applied it.
November 29, 2009
Pros:
well it reduces the size of whiteheads after they're formed.. and it doesn't clog pores
Cons:
isn't really effective for much of anything.. lol doesnt hurt doesn't help.
reduces the size of my whiteheads. reduces some redness. not very effective.
March 2, 2009
Product used: Rosula (Sodium Sulfacetamide (10%) and Sulfur (4%) Wash)
Pros:
Worked very well on my skin the first time i used it.
Cons:
dried out my skin. seems to have stopped working
It worked really well for a while. definitely worth a try.
February 18, 2009
Pros:
This cleanser helps remove oil from pores
Cons:
It stinks. It contains sulfur and smells like sulfur. Generic Prascion.
This product is an okay cleanser. I have been using it for a month. I think that it is a gradual exfolliate so every two weeks, it seems like it reveals a new layer of skin. I just really hate the smell of it so I use a scented moisturizer to mask the scent of sulfur. My derm has me using this cleanser twice a day. In the morning, I am to follow with a moisturizer and Aczone 5% and in the evening, I apply Tazorac cream topically. I've only noticed a slight improvement thusfar.
July 1, 2008
Product used: Rosula (Sodium Sulfacetamide (10%) and Sulfur (4%) Wash)
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.
December 4, 2007
Pros:
It works. Doesn't make skin greasy.
Cons:
If you do not have health insurance, this tube will cost about $260 retail. It's obscene what Upsher Smith charges for this product.
Get the generic. It works just as well. You put it on, leave it for 10 minutes, and clean it off with water. It works just as well, if not better, in my humble opinion.
April 17, 2007
Pros:
Helps clear up skin.
Cons:
Causes dryness (not excessive) and doesn't prevent breakouts from happening.
Helps keep skin under control when used with other products, but not a rapid solution.
December 28, 2006
I've used the cleanser for years and I only break out when I forget to use it. Leave it on for about 30 sec. and you can really feel it drying up your zits. Does leave your skin feeling tight but in a very clean sort of way. I can follow up with a moisturizure and not worry about my skin getting too oily. Works better at preventing new breakouts than anything (short of accutane) I've ever tried! The name brand doesn't smell quite so strongly of sulfur as the generic, I've noticed.
November 14, 2006
Pros:
well, it seemed to work
Cons:
but it doesnt seem to work enough
well, maybe is because iam using the topical cream and not he pads, but i thought it was going to work.i dont really know if it is doing anything, and if it is, its not doing enough.sigh...well, ill give it some more time and see if it works or ill just move on to the next treatment.
Pros:
Held acne at bay for awhile