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:
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August 26, 2024
Sulfur, my lifesaver
Eskamel Acne Ointment - Sulfur is quite literally the best thing I've ever used on my cystic acne. It has no side effects, and effectively dries out my blind, inflamed pimples usually within 3 days. When I feel the pimple starting to form on my chin, I immediately put on sulfur overnight for the next few days. It usually brings it to a yellow head within 3 days, and decreases the pain 10 fold. It definitely works on my commedones too. I use it religiously now, and it honestly hasn't failed me yet. You do peel a bit at the area where you've applied it, but it's barely anything compared to what salicylic acid does. Just to give a heads up though, it does NOT prevent the formation of future pimples. 
September 23, 2018
Product used: De La Cruz (Sulfur Ointment)
I was sceptical but.....
I've signed up to this forum especially to leave a review on Delacruz sulfur ointment. I suffer from the odd break out of cystolic adult acne. When they come they are huge and painful and make me not want to leave the house. They happen on a monthly basis and by the time one has calmed down another has appeared. I started using Delacruz about 6 weeks ago. This stuff is amazing. I paid less than £10 for it and I can't believe the results. No cystic acne since using it. Skin feels lots smoother and it's even got rid of a lot of the little white bumps. I have still had the odd pimple but nothing like I had before. Hand on heart this is the only thing apart from roaccutane that has helped, I'm gobsmaked by the results. If you are sceptical I say give it a go. It might work as well for you as it does for me.
April 14, 2018
Product used: Murad (Acne Complex)
Amazing Results!
I started having minor pimples as a teenager and tried proactive which was great but super drying at the time so I stopped using it. No major pimples until I went on the depo shot. Tried multiple over the counter washes and happened to come across Bior Charcoal wash. OMG that stuff burned and what I thought was just purging ended up leaving me with a neck and jawline full of big and painful pimples. I immediately stopped use after the reaction but my pimples stayed at a medium of what it was like before and after bior. Bad. Tried to use a Benzyl Peroxide wash and that caused my neck to break out in bumps and red splotches. Jump forward a couple months later I go to Sephora and was recommended this product. I didn't do any research prior to purchasing it but she recommended it when I told her about my problem with Benzyl Peroxide. Used it that night I got home and the next morning my pimples decreased in size dramatically. It's been a few days now and I'm starting to love how I look without the foundation. Hallelujah!
And everyone's face is different! Bummed others didn't get a positive experience with Murad. Definitely wouldn't advise anyone not to purchase it due to another's experience because ultimately it is your own body's reaction to the ingredients. I hated Bior but I know people who says it works wonders.
November 9, 2017
Product used: Kate Somerville (EradiKate Acne Treatment)
Worked when nothing else did ( and over 10 years of trying )
I've tried different strengths of BP, Differin Gel + Cream versions, Acnomel, Clean & Clear, Proactiv, Good Genes, Salicylic Acid and more...you name it and I've more than likely tried it. So far this stuff works the best, I have acne related to poor digestion/poor microbiome that is either cystic or just really big, constant and painful. I don't get breaks in acne but it does get worse around period-time. My zits will nearly be gone the next day and certainly not painful if I use this at night. Its also the highest amount of sulphur available apparently. 10% You dip into the sediment through isopropyl alcohol which dries very fast. My regimen: Night
2 Ingredient soap bought off a seller on Etsy. Tallow and lye. (She gets the ratios correct so there isn't any fat or lye left after the saponification process, thus the most gentle, but nourishing soap there is.) moisturizer Erradikate Morning
Rinse off pink stuff with warm water and follow with an organic facial oil ( I handle Argan well) Plant sulphur based moisturizer (Local to BC but can be bought online I think)
May 8, 2017
Product used: Bye Bye Blemish (Drying Lotion)
worked for me!
I don't usually write reviews but I had to share.
These steps worked for me:
Wash face with dove soap.
Wash with spectro-gel (or other brand similar product).
Pat dry.
Apply hydrogen peroxide to cotton pad wipe face with the pad. Hold a little longer (30 seconds or so) on the pimples. Be careful, it bleaches the hair so watch your eyebrows!
Use bye bye blemish as per directions.
Go to bed and wake up and see the difference!
I really regret not taking a before and after picture. I have been using this daily for almost a week. Not sure if it is doing anything to the "dead" ones yet...
December 23, 2016
Product used: De La Cruz (Sulfur Ointment)
very good!
i love this product! i use this once a week as a mask for a couple hours then exfoliate the dead skin! leaves face smooth and helps acne vanish :)
October 22, 2016
Product used: Pernox (Scrub Cleanser)
Pernox Facial Scrub
I have been using this product for 40 years! Why can't I find it at the drug store anymore? I'm searching online to order. Please help.
October 5, 2016
Product used: Grisi (Sulfur Soap With Lanolin For Acne)
Use a moisturizer afterwards
I use this in the mornings and apply Almond oil afterwards since the soap can be drying. The combination has worked perfectly and the acne along with hyperpigmentation has reduced significantly.
September 22, 2016
Product used: San Marcos (Sulfur Ointment (10%))
Cystic Be Gone!
I love sulfur products! I combine this with sulfur soap and Accutame, which is similar to accutane in a lower dose.
September 8, 2016
Product used: Proactiv Solution (Refining Mask)
Very Calming
I use a lot of Proactiv products. For some reason they just really work for me. I especially like this mask. I use this at least a couple times a week. I apply it to my entire face, and leave it on for ten minutes. You can also use this as an overnight spot treatment, but I've never tried that. The sulfur in this product really calms my skin down reducing angry redness. It also reduces oiliness. If you have very dry skin, you might not like this as much. However, it might work if you leave it on for say five minutes once a week.