Sulfur
Topical Keratolytic
Reviews
3.1
2211 Reviews
Sulfur
Topical Keratolytic
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Sulfur
Topical Keratolytic
Side Effects
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Sulfur
Topical Keratolytic
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Due to its antimicrobial properties and ability to absorb skin oil and dry out the skin, sulfur has been used for thousands of years for various skin conditions, including acne. However, it is normally reserved for noninflammatory acne (whiteheads and blackheads), because it doesn't work as well as other over-the-counter medications for inflammatory acne (papules and pustules).
Sulfur
Topical Keratolytic
How to Get It
This is an over-the-counter treatment. Here are some places you can find it online.
Read All About Sulfur
Compare To Other Treatments
5
22.1%
4
24.2%
3
17%
2
16.1%
1
20.6%

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March 27, 2013
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Refining Mask)

Pros:

Lowers visibility of zits

Cons:

Sometimes dries out skin

I got this as a sample with the 3 step proactive. Great for overnight usage just on the red big zits, don't use it overnight on the whole face or it will promote dry skin.
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January 16, 2013
Product used: Mario Badescu (Drying Lotion)

Pros:

Absolutely Amazing!
Clears Whiteheads in 2 Nights
No redness or irritation
Non Drying

Cons:

Expensive but Effective

This product is a miracle in itself and I urge everyone to try it. It contains a pink sulfur and Liquid Alpha Hydroxy Acid for one powerful spot treatment. It's actually very gentle but powerful on acne. This combines with MB's other product lines that were recommended to me are the best treatments I have used and tried for 4 years.
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October 20, 2012
Product used: KAVI (Coral KAVI)

Pros:

Doesn't smell of sulfur
Bar lasts long
Lathers nicely
Rinses clean

Cons:

No decrease in oil production
Dries out the skin (nothing a lil moisturizer cant fix)
No decrease in acne

I really wish I could promote this product... I wanted it to be my miracle. When I first started it, my skin felt amazing. Soft, breakouts seemed to be somewhat under control, then as I got more into the bar, my face started breaking out terribly. First with papules (flesh colored bumps that stick around FOREVER.. and if you try to pop them/remove them they turn into big reg angry zits). I saw no reduction in oil production. The outter layers of the bar are mostly SA and the soap base, and the more you get to the center of the bar you can visually see all the little deposits of sulfur.. my guess is that maybe the sulfur is causing the breakouts for me.
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July 31, 2012
Product used: Murad (Acne Complex)

Pros:

-Not irritatting

Cons:

-Has purging stage which just destroys your face, causes many white heads

Murad acne complex for the first 2 weeks was absolute torture. It made my face look horrible. I had countless white heads all over my face. My face was aslso extremely flared and red. But after those 2 weeks my face started to clear. Im on my 3rd week and my face is clearing, the white heads are going away and the redness is fading away. If you are willing to go through the worst 2 weeks ever than this item is very good for you.
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July 29, 2012
Product used: KAVI (Coral KAVI)

Pros:

Mild Smell
Nice Lather

Cons:

Online Buying
Didn't Work!

I bought this for my teenage son because of the good reviews. He's been using it for 2 weeks and his acne continues to get worse every day - red and very inflamed. I thought it just might be the purging stage, but Kavi customer service said his skin should not be getting worse. It must just be too harsh for his combination skin. Very disappointing!
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July 14, 2012
Product used: Murad (Acne Complex)

Pros:

clearer skin in about a month

Cons:

burns first few days

I purchased my Murad kit at Sephora. I've had acne for about 13 years now. I'm African American with Light Skin. I've tried lots of OTC medications, Proactiv, Herbal Remedies, Antibiotics, Retin-A-Micro, and Differin Gel. Some of these products worked, but they took a really long time to work or they had side effects I didn't like. This kit has defiantly cleared my skin in the past month. I'm not completely clear, but I have noticed a big difference. I use the cleanser twice a day, and I use everything else in the kit three times a day. Plus I drink more water than I did in the past, and I take a multivitamin. I didn't notice a purging stage because my skin breaks out all the time. Just be patient and using less works best.
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April 12, 2012
Product used: KAVI (Coral KAVI)

Pros:

Fights cystic acne to a level never seen with any other treatment, including every prescription treatment known to medicine. It's easy to use - no extra steps - and it gets it done. I've also added the KAVI salicylic acid 15 to round out my regimen.

Cons:

If they stop making it, I'm SOL.

Doing my part here to let people know about what works. If you have acne that will not be treated, give this solution a try. I understand this is not a cure for everyone, but it was for me.
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April 3, 2012
Product used: Dermify (All-In-One Acne Solution)

Pros:

Natural and Organic
Pleasant smell (besides the sulfur)
Skin feels very clean afterwards

Cons:

Drying
Didn't work that well for me
Expensive
Reviews on Amazon and elsewhere may be untrue

I didn't see any change in my acne and I used the product instructions to the letter. In my experience, sulfur works for a while, then it stops being effective. The product smells nice, the sulfur smell didn't bother me too much. My skin felt really clean after I used it. But it just didn't help my acne, despite using it for several months. I have some Fuller's Earth, which is a main ingredient... I will just use that instead of repurchasing. WARNING: I ordered the product from Amazon and when it was delivered, there was a coupon that said if I left a 5 star review, I would get up to 75% off my next purchase. Extra points if I said that it shipped quickly, that it cleared my skin fast, etc. Take those reviews with a grain of salt, these people might be exaggerating to get a better deal.
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March 16, 2012
Product used: Nelsons (Pure & Clear Acne Treatment Gel)

Pros:

the mint smell and feel make the skin feel refreshed

Cons:

none

It has worked great and it is natural!
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February 23, 2012
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Refining Mask)

Pros:

Dries out your pimple very little

Cons:

Smell
Doesn't work very well

This mask is nothing compared to Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque, which I reccomend!! The refining mask is not very good at drying out pimples.
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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:

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