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.
Used Sulfur? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
June 26, 2018
Product used: Mario Badescu (Drying Lotion)
Great for superficial pimples, DO NOT overuse
This product is great if you know how to use it, but in the hands of an impatient or anxious acne sufferer can be dangerous. This product ONLY works on superficial pimples that have a head near the surface of the skin. Deep pimples will not be affected, and you will only dry out the skin. ONLY apply this product until the pimple is no longer painful/active. There might still be a residual bump or red mark, but that will heal on its own once the underlying problem is addressed. Applying this product after that will only irritate and try out the skin further. Remember, you do NOT need to have a glob of spot treatment on every imperfection on your skin. If you feel like having something there will stop you from picking at pimples, I would recommend the Korean acne dots (you can find them at most drugstores or Amazon).
May 31, 2018
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Refining Mask)
Loove
Love the smell! But not sure if it made me break out worse or not.
March 2, 2018
Product used: Mario Badescu (Drying Lotion)
Quick action
I struggle with under skin pimples and for sure it helped in the process of healing. I only used it one time, leaving it over night on the affected areas, and in the morning my inflammation was significantly reduced. So far, I see it did its job even if it is recommended for white-headed pimples that can be easily squeezed.
December 31, 2017
Product used: De La Cruz (Sulfur Ointment)
Good to dry out pimples
This stuff is good to use to dry out acne. I have used it on new pimples and old pimples to dry them out, but I wouldn't use it every night as it is very drying and can irritate your skin if you use it too much. It didn't do anything for my cysts under the skin, but did help with surfaced acne. It does have a sulfer smell to it but it really didn't bother me.
FvckYouAcne
January 6, 2018
Try Vick’s vapor rub for cysts under the skin
plphil4
January 24, 2018
@FvckYouAcne I will have to try that! Thank you :)
December 11, 2017
Product used: Grisi (Sulfur Soap With Lanolin For Acne)
Effective for mild cases
I could see how this would help with mild acne. I have severe acne so it didn't do much for me. Make sure to leave it on or 10 min
October 26, 2017
Product used: Mario Badescu (Drying Lotion)
Good product
I expected it to be better considering the price I payed for it. It did work well, although it took too long to actually eliminate the spot. I would recommend it if you're willing to pay that much.
July 25, 2017
Product used: Grisi (Sulfur Soap With Lanolin For Acne)
Considerably helped with my non-stubborn acne.
I have very stubborn acne due to hormonal problems (pcos) and I have NORMAL acne that I use to treat with washes like St. Ives apricot scrub with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.. once I started using this sulfur soap bar almost all the normal acne is gone. I still use the apricot scrub in conjunction with the Sulfur soap but I must say I am very happy with the result. Although I have been using this soap treatment for a little over two months and I have noticed its decrease in effectiveness but maybe I'm just going crazy. I would recommend you let the bar soak in warm/hot water for at least 20 seconds (as is instructed) and then use the suds - not the bar itself - to apply to your body (I would not recommend using a washcloth), leave on for 5 minutes and eventually after a few uses build up to 10 minutes before washing off. It can dry the skin out very bad.. especially if its summer time and you find yourself out in the sun often! Also as a fantastic moisturizer I use all natural, cold-pressed Rosehip oil.
July 4, 2017
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Refining Mask)
Been using this stuff for years
This is a staple in my acne regimen. I've been using it since I was 15, and I'm 23 now. I basically use it as spot-treatment and leave it on overnight. I've never actually used it as a "mask", and prefer to use it overnight. It can be very drying, though - so fair warning. If I use it too much on popped pimples, it will cause my skin to flake. It does dry up pesky small pimples that don't seem to go away, and I also use it on my bacne. If I don't have this stuff, I usually freak out. update: they changed their formula, but in my opinion, their new formula is better or just as good as the last, but it does have little "beads" for exfoliation.
March 17, 2017
Product used: De La Cruz (Sulfur Ointment)
It's Works !!!! Be patient
Starting in November I develop some pimples nothing odd, over the course of 5 months it turned into acne vulgaris, my 1st dermatologist prescribed aczone which my insurance doesn't cover so I got Clindimycin, maybe I wasn't patient enough but I didn't notice anything happening. Went to another dermatologist she prescribed Avar which has sulfur but is $ 318.00 I couldn't afford it. Finally after much products, and frustration I came across De la Cruz. Amazing!!!!!!!! Please remember to WASH IT OFF !!! it isn't a topical cream it's a facial mask. I learned the hard way not reading the instructions, it says leave on 10 minutes but I notice a difference when I left it on longer, my skin can tolerate up to 3 hours. You have to determine the length of time your skin can tolerate it and be patient. After finally listening to my skin creating and facial regimen. I notice a difference within few weeks I am still using it and it hasn't cleared up everything yet but until it does I will give it 5, but for now a strong 4 is my rating.
February 26, 2017
Product used: Mario Badescu (Drying Lotion)
good for whiteheads!
the only thing this drying lotion is good for is white heads, especially the small to medium sized ones. They really dry them out overnight and when i wash my face in the morning the dried out whiteheads go away!!!