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:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
September 4, 2015
three cheers for sulfur!
The only cleanser bar I'll use! Sulfur is magnificent. I was with this twice a day and then use my dry face brush afterwards. Healing but not drying.
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April 9, 2015
Works
I use this as a spot treatment sometimes as a whole mask. It definitely helps my skin- clears pimples and reduces size within one day.
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September 8, 2014
Refining mask
I have comb (dry/oily skin). I use the 3 step system every other day and then only use those for trouble spots. Putting it on as a mask dries my skin. Also, seeing from a few comments below...the 3 step system only helps for MILD acne. Does not help for severe.
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August 12, 2014
Yup, good stuff
Creamy texture, just enough drying, great spot treatment. Ok to sleep in.
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January 29, 2014
Expensive and ineffective
Bought this for my daughter after Neutragena Skin ID was discontinued. It was very expensive and the bottles were so small I would have considered them "sample" sizes, I would have continued to pay the ridiculous price if it had worked, but we saw NO improvement. Used it for 2 months to give it a fair try and nothing. Would not recommend this product.
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December 15, 2013
works pretty good but,

Pros:

works
changes color

Cons:

exfoliating beads

works pretty good but there are exfoliating beads in it, which irritates severe acne. Also, I had a mini-crisis when one of the beads got stuck in a small dent on my face.
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November 27, 2013
Product used: KAVI (Coral KAVI)
potent, non smelly sulfur bar that replaced my $300 prescription cream regimen

Pros:

effective but don't expect 100% clear skin for life
KAVI sulfur does not smell ike all other sulfur products do
soap bar lasts for months

Cons:

coral tends to be drying if used daily
price and you can buy it only from KAVI and sometimes Amazon (shipping adds up)

I have been using KAVI soaps for third year now. Before this, I was weaning off prescription retinods. This is not just a bar soap but a well formulated product that is in soap shape. I wish I had used this years before but I didn't believe a face wash with soap would treat acne when prescription meds and dermatologists didn't always work. But now KAVI is m religion! Their sulfur soaps are primary treatment for daily acne control. The Coral is stronger so I use it 2 times a week only as it does dry and irritate my skin type. The Aqua is what I use daily (once a day) with its 5% sulfur it's not as drying as this Coral. With regular daily use, I had my break outs mostly under control with in weeks. I couldn't believe years of retinoid creams that cost me hundreds were replaced by sulfur soap. I think KAVI is the only brand that uses colloidal sulfur which is superior to other forms.
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August 1, 2013
Dries out Acne

Pros:

dries up acne

Cons:

hard to wash off
expensive

Just started using this 4 days ago and the the couple of spots I had are dried up and gone. Make sure to use it sparingly and only apply it to the affected area. It contains sulfur and a few other ingredients that can be drying, so make sure to only use it as a spot treatment.
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March 26, 2013

Pros:

works

Cons:

lanolin which is like wax from sheeps' wool so I am not too sure if it'll clog pores and such.

I have only used this sulfur bar soap on my body chest and back and have noticed no more brakeouts in those areas. But i don't use it daily because on the box it says: Do not use on large areas of the skin. I don't know the reasoning behind that so thats why I dont use it daily. Im going to start using it on my face since its worked on my body but I am worried cus I know soaps leave a residue and Acne.org suggests not to use bar soaps cus of that, But we'll see.
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March 4, 2013

Pros:

Alright as a spot treatment
Feels nice going on skin
Cheap
Lasts a long time

Cons:

Horrible as a mask, dries out skin like crazy
Bad smell, but it is sulfur soooo...

If you're looking for something to clear light acne, this is a good choice. Unfortunately, as a mask, it just dried out my super oily skin, which resulted in breakouts!
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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.