Topical Keratolytic
Reviews
3.1
2211 Reviews
Topical Keratolytic
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Topical Keratolytic
Side Effects
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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).
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%

Used Sulfur? Rate It:

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January 17, 2010

Pros:

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING

Cons:

It made my acne way worse than what it was...it was mild before now it is severe. It was way too harsh on my skin and made my have terrible acne that actually caused pain to my face. The products smelled horrific and took forever to go through the process. I understand that acne medicine is supposed to make your skin as Murad would phrase it "purge" but there is a fine line between small breakouts and causing SEVERE ACNE.

Bottom line is that this is my first blog and the only reason I went as far as to create an account and take time writing a blog is because I am very disgusted in this product. I have used everything as expensive as Proactiv with the mask included to as cheap of products as ones you could buy at a local store. I am so mad that I spent my valuable money on such a waste as Murad. I am very upset with myself and whatever genius invented it (sarcasm). Really the reason I am writing this is because I wish I would have read a blog similar to this before purchasing such an expensive piece of garbage. If you have money to spend and do not care if it is a waste or not buy it and have acne, But if you are like me and work hard for every dollar you make and unfortunately have acne spend your money more wisely. I am very frustrated with myself for falling for such bogus products such as Murad. I just hope whoever reads this has way more sense than I did and trusts what I am saying and saves themselves 60 dollars and some terrible acne. They do come with a return policy though, oh but it does not cover the expensive shipping and handling that you already paid or the cost to send the stuff back, how convenient for them.
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September 4, 2012

Pros:

Dries out pimples {even the nasty cystic ones} and fades scars

Cons:

None

This is pretty good stuff. It really needs to be used according to package directions. You must stick a Q-Tip in it to dip directly through the solution. Do not double dip lol and do not shake it up. The watery part of the solution should be sitting at the top and the thicker portion should be sitting at the bottom. But on a more serious note, I had a pimple that ended up popping and spreading into a few more pimples and it was just raised above the skin - quite embarrassing. I needed it to dry up because it was just ugly and my husband notices everything - and so do I so it was just too much not to find a solution asap. So, I picked this up at Rite Aid after reading all of the reviews online. I believed that most of the reviews say that its pretty good stuff. I came home and washed my face and put the Bye Bye Blemish on and within a few hours, that nasty situation had been reduced by a very big percent - respectfully. I am so excited about what I've seen so far that I needed to review it asap. I have never seen anything work so quickly.
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February 27, 2011

Pros:

This product has completely changed my life. Makes my skin clear smooth and not red.

Cons:

It is a little pricey but really worth it.

I tried this product after reading some reviews and even though not many were positive I still was willing to try anything. I have had acne since 7th grade. I have tried literally everything for my skin so I thought why not. I have been using this product only 6 days and my skin is almost completely clear! :)) I have never felt more confident. The exfoliating gel does burn a bit at first but its nothing that isn't tolerable. All I know is now that I have clear skin I have one less thing to worry about. Thank You Murad!!
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September 30, 2013
Great spot treatment

Pros:

Dries out pimples--not your skin

This stuff works. No, it's not a miracle cure. Let's be realistic. It's a spot treatment. I've used this before by applying it to all of my active acne before bed and I've always noticed a dramatic improvement by morning. I even apply a very thin layer to my t-zone to help combat oiliness. I found this at my grocery store. For the price, you simply can't go wrong.
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February 27, 2012
Sulfur Ointment Update!

Pros:

Easy To apply
Clears acne
Rinses off clean

Cons:

Have to leave on for 10 mins
Smears onto other stuff when you try to do other things
Lips look dry and ashy while actively using product (don't know why; I don't apply it to my lips) but it doesn't last

!!!BE AWARE!!! This product formula has changed recently and now contains fragrance. If you are allergic to fragrance or at least sensitive, use caution! The same company makes a sulfur powder, so if you wanna try mixing it with stuff and using that to have the sulfur w/o the fragrance, it might work. I've found that this product has really worked for me, much better than any BP product I've ever found. My blemishes have been smaller and fewer since using this product and it doesn't leave a film on my skin that some BP products have in the past. And, strangely enough, I rather like the sulfur smell. Smells like matches~ Also, I want to take this space to note that a couple of negative reviews that this product has received seem to have stemmed from a profound lack of knowledge on how to use the product. !!! It is not meant to be left on the skin!!! As the instructions conveniently located on the package have informed me, the product is meant to be RINSED OFF. See, the binding agent in the ointment is water soluble. That means it dissolves in water. Since your face isn't made out of water, guess what? It's not going to absorb. Further more, you're only supposed t 10 minutes, not all day, not over night. 10 EFFING MINUTES. You know why? Because leaving it on for longer could, I don't know, IRRITATE YOUR SKIN MAYBE!? ... I apologize if I seem a bit testy. It just pains me to know that one of the few products that has actually worked for me had a few reviews that were the result of ignorance of the product rather than product failure. Now, some of the negative reviews are valid, I'm sure, but honestly.... That said, if BP works for you, then use BP. If it doesn't, you might want to try this sulfur product.
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July 7, 2015
I did an overnighter. Now I look like I have a heat rash. How do I clear up this mess?
July 25, 2015
Jackierch- try a Bendryl for the rash. You may want to try using it for only 5 mins or just the 10 that's on the instructions. If you still are irritated then the fragrance in the ointment is probably a problem for you. Try the soap instead in that case.
July 21, 2010

Pros:

None

Cons:

Sore, dry skin.
Extreme flaking.
Taught pink skin.
Swollen face.

I used this product as I hadn't read any reviews (I really wish I had). After just one days use my face had swollen up, I could barely see out of my eyes and I looked as if I had been beaten by a professional boxer. I was put on medication by my doctor that left my house bound for three days. My skin is still hyper-sensitive and peeling after 10 days. Not a pleasant experience.
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March 16, 2010

Pros:

It sounds professional. The bottles are very nice.

Cons:

This product is horrible on the commerical they say take the 4 week challenge and you will see results bullsh*t. I used this products everyday twice a day for 3 months and I didnt see any type of results period. On the commerical they dont even tell you what the main ingredients that targets the acne in their system. You dont know tell you get it in the mail.

It does work please dont ever try this stuff. Murad cost way more than Proactiv and it doesnt even work better than Proactiv. If you see this commerical change the channel their 4 week challenge doesnt even work it just makes you skin worse. Take it from me I use it everyday twice a day for 3 months. The mask they give you is so watery too. At least I can say Proactiv gives you results and the mask is awesome but the bad thing about Proactiv is that you still break out with a pimple or two even though you use it twice a day everyday. What I am trying now is Dan's Regiem because I have tried everything and nothing keeps it clear for long. So wish me good luck.
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February 5, 2010

Pros:

none, honestly.

Cons:

smells horrible, drys skin, makes acne WORSE, takes too long to put on.

I wouldn't recommend Murad at all. I tried it for almost 2 months just to give it a chance. It has made my acne worse. I am at that teenage acting stage and hating my skin.. I would not recomend it to any other teens. It is very harsh. You have to do it twice a day and it takes FOREVER and smells HORRIBE. If you buy it----you're wasting your time, and money.
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July 19, 2010

Pros:

None

Cons:

Cleared my skin for the first 2 weeks I used it, but then after a month it made my skin much much worse than it was before.

After a month of using this product, it made my skin worse than it has ever been. I thought I should keep going with it, to see if it would eventually clear my skin up in the long run but my face just kept getting worse. I got zits in new places where I never had them before, and my chin broke out worse than ever. I'm still working on getting my skin back to normal.
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February 12, 2010

Pros:

none

Cons:

made my mild acne severe it was the worst decision I ever made to waste my hard earned $$$$ on this

PLZ DO NOT WASTE UR MONEY TO MAKE UR FACE WORSE IT MADE MY FACE WORSE OVERNIGHT IT WAS THE WORST BREAKOUT I EVER HAD
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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.