16 Best Sulfur Acne Products

Fight skin infections, acne, and inflammation with these skin-friendly topical products.

By Oyendrila KanjilalOyendrila Kanjilal, Certified Skin Care Coach  • 
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Studies suggest sulfur works great to treat acne (1). So, what are the best sulfur acne products? Why is sulfur the new buzzword in skin care circles? Well, it has the potential to fight against bacteria, fungus, and inflammation. Moreover, it tends to dry out your skin and is safe for sensitive skin (2) (3).

These properties play a key role in treating acne. This article lists the 15 amazing sulfur-based products that effectively combat acne. Read on!

Top Picks

What Does Sulfur Have To Do With Acne?

Acne usually occurs due to three factors bacteria, inflammation, and excessive sebum. Sulfur helps fight these issues and is an effective treatment for adult acne. It works as a drying agent and clears excess sebum, unblocking the pores. Sulfur prevents the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. It helps soothe the skin, reduces breakouts, and treats blemishes.

Note: Do a patch test before using any sulfur product. Apply a small amount of the product on your forearm and keep it for the recommended time. If you experience itching, redness, or burns, gently wash the area and avoid using the product.

Let’s now take a look at the 16 best sulfur acne products that you can buy online.

15 Best Sulfur Acne Products

Best Oil-Free Formula:AcneFree Therapeutic Sulfur Mask

The Acne Free Therapeutic Sulfur Mask is enriched with 3.5% sulfur that controls excess sebum production and prevents acne breakouts. It contains vitamin C and bentonite clay that helps reduce the appearance of pores and acne blemishes. The Color Changing technology transforms the mask’s color to blue, which indicates that it has been absorbed into your skin. This mask clears oil, acne, blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads and can be used 2-3 times a week.


Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Easy to use
  • Dermatologist recommended

Cons

  • Might feel drying.

protip_icon Pro Tip
Follow with a moisturizer containing soothing ingredients like ceramides or glycerine to balance out the drying effects of sulfur, nourish the skin, and protect the skin barrier.

Price at the time of publication: $13.06

Best For Preventing Blemishes:Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment

4.4
Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment Image: Kate Somerville

The Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment combats acne and blemishes and prevents future breakouts. Sulfur eliminates existing acne and prevents the formation of new ones. This product is infused with BHAs that minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. Zinc oxide is a natural mineral that controls excess sebum production. Here is an informative video that tells you more about the product.


Pros
  • Gentle formula
  • Easy to use
  • Value for money

Cons

  • Expensive

Why It’s Worth Buying: The product has more than 2,005 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
Price at the time of publication: $28.0

Best For Oily Skin:Joesoef Skin Care Anti-Acne Soap

4.4
JOESOEF SKIN CARE Anti-Acne Soap With Natural Volcanic Sulfur 10% Image: Joesoef Skin Care

The Joesoef Skin Care Anti-Acne Soap deep cleanses your pores and combats oily skin. It helps treat body acne, whiteheads, blackheads, bacteria, fungus, dermatitis, and blemishes. This soap contains10%natural volcanic sulfur and 0.25% salicylic acid. The salicylic acid effectively removes dead skin cells and makes your skin healthy. The sulfur penetrates the pores and removes all the trapped bacteria and fungus.


Pros
  • Formulated by dermatologists
  • Alcohol-free
  • pH-balanced

Cons

None

Why It’s Worth Buying: It has received over 3,625 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
Price at the time of publication: $11.99


Best Plant-Based Ingredients:Naturasil Sulfur-Lavender Soap

The Sulfur-Lavender Soap by Naturasil is a natural plant-based (palm kernel and coconut oil-based) medicated soap that contains micronized volcanic sulfur. It is enriched with pure lavender essential oils that help calm the skin. This soap treats acne, fungal infections, scabies rash, tinea versicolor, tinea, ringworm, jock itch, and nail fungus.


Pros
  • Paraben-free
  • EDTA-free
  • SLS-free

Cons

None

Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 3,521 rave reviews on Amazon.
Price at the time of publication: $15.95

Best Vegan:Ebanel Bio Drying Lotion

The EbanelBioDrying Lotion helps draw out impurities, absorb excess sebum, and purify pores. It treats skin conditions like whiteheads, pimples, blemishes, and cystic acne. This lotion contains salicylic acid that minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores, prevents future breakouts, and makes your skin even-toned. It also contains calamine and camphor that calms your skin and reduces irritation.


Pros
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free

Cons

None

protip_icon Pro Tip
Use a Q-tip to apply this drying lotion as a spot treatment on affected areas. Leave it on for at least 2 hours or overnight. For best results, avoid shaking the bottle before use.
Price at the time of publication: $14.95


Best Exfoliating Formula:Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Mask

4.4
Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask Image: Peterthomasroth

The Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Mask is enriched with 10% sulfur. It contains kaolin clay and bentonite clay that clear acne blemishes and prevent their recurrence. Aloe vera soothes your skin and purifies clogged pores. This mask gently exfoliates your skin and absorbs excess oil. For more information about the product, click this video.


Pros
  • Medicated
  • Gentle formula

Cons

  • Might feel drying.

Price at the time of publication: $52.0

The Grisi Pharma Sulfur Ointment dries and cleans existing pimples and acne. This ointment contains 10% sulfur that helps lock your skin moisture. It prevents future scars and helps heal your skin. The lanolin visibly improves skin damage caused by acne spots.

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Long-lasting
  • Value for money

Cons

None

protip_icon Pro Tip
If you are new to this product, try the sandwich method to help your skin adjust to it. Apply a thin layer of moisturizer followed by this ointment. Then, top it up with another layer of your moisturizer.

Price at the time of publication: $7.2

Best Natural Ingredients:NxN Acne Edit Spot Treatment

The NxN Acne Edit Spot Treatment is enriched with sulfur that reduces blemishes while eliminating acne-causing bacteria. The active ingredients include probiotics, licorice, ginger root extracts, and organic green tea. The probiotics replenish the good bacteria on the skin and prevent future acne breakouts. Licorice evens out the skin tone and soothes the skin. The ginger root extracts improve your skin tone and boost skin elasticity, while the organic green tea helps treat redness and skin inflammation.


Pros
  • Gluten-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Urea-free
  • Propylene glycol-free
  • No harmful chemicals

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $9.95

Best pH Balanced Formula:raya Bio-Sulfur Masque

The raya Bio-Sulfur Masque contains bio-sulfur, vitamin B, pure essential oils, kaolin clay, and fruit enzymes that help maintain the pH balance of your skin. This mask reduces oiliness and pore blockage while clearing the dead skin cells. The camphor and eucalyptus prevent redness and soothe irritated skin. This mask also helps eliminate debris that clogs pores.


Pros
  • pH-balanced
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Pleasant smell
  • Contains natural ingredients

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $21

Earth's Care Acne Spot Treatment

The Earth’s Care Acne Spot Treatment clears stubborn acne and prevents future breakouts. It is enriched with 10% sulfur that treats cystic acne, blackheads, and acne scars. This ointment contains colloidal oatmeal, sunflower seed oil, natural kaolin, and shea butter that extract pimples without drying your skin.


Pros
  • Paraben-free
  • No artificial fragrances
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Allergy tested
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Petrolatum-free
  • Phthalate-free

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $22.94

The Adrien Gagnon Acne treats acne and pimples, making your skin blemish-free. It helps heal pimples faster, reducing the size, redness, and swelling. This anti-acne gel boosts the healing process of your skin. It contains sulfur and resorcinol that clear acne and unclog the pores. This gel is infused with tea tree, oregano, olive, black seed, and bergamot oils that control future breakouts.

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Gentle formula
  • 100% money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Strong smell
Price at the time of publication: $24.99

12. Hollywood Over Night Magic

Adrien Gagnon Acne

3.4
Hollywood Over Night Magic Image: Hollywood Skin

The Hollywood Over Night Magic is an anti-blemish spot treatment that reduces redness and swelling caused by acne. The potent formula contains a blend of salicylic acid and zinc oxide that eliminates acne-causing bacteria from your skin. This cream enables overnight healing and removes blackheads and whiteheads. It gently exfoliates the dead skin cells, unclogs pores, clears acne, and treats oily skin without scarring it.


Pros

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Benzoyl peroxide-free

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $28.99

Rodan + Fields UNBLEMISH Refining Acne Wash

4.1

The Rodan + Fields UNBLEMISH Refining Acne Wash clears your skin of acne, blemishes, pimples, and blackheads. It contains salicylic acid and colloidal sulfur that prevent break outs. The hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and natural extracts moisturize and nourish your skin, making it youthful. The invisible broad-spectrum offers UV protection and imparts a matte finish to your skin.


Pros
  • Offers sun protection
  • Matte finish
  • Works like a primer
  • Gentle formula

Cons

  • Might burn the eyes.

Price at the time of publication: $59.8

Control Corrective Sulfur Calming Mask

4.3
Control Corrective Sulfur Calming Mask Image: Control Corrective

This Sulfur Calming Mask by Control Corrective soothes your inflamed skin and absorbs excess oil. It contains aloe that absorbs excess oil and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores. This therapeutic mask also works like an overnight spot treatment for painful blemishes.


Pros
  • Paraben-free
  • No synthetic dyes
  • Phthalate-free
  • Triclosan-free

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $42

The DERMAdoctorAin’t Misbehavin’ is an aromatic mask that contains 10% sulfur. It clears acne blemishes and heals your skin. This medicated cleanser prevents the formation of new blemishes and blackheads. It contains witch hazel and kaolin clay that purify your skin and botanicals that soothe it. The non-drying formula reduces oiliness and imparts a matte finish to your skin.

Pros

  • Non-drying
  • Non-irritating
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Phthalate-free

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $48

Although many natural products avoid the use of sulfur as an ingredient, sulfur is one of the best quick-remedies for acne. Sulfur is infused into many facial products that are specially created for acne-prone skin. Below are some points to consider while choosing the best sulfur products for acne.

Things To Consider While Buying The Best Sulfur Acne Products

Ingredients

As we know sulfur works on acne by drying out excess sebum from the pores, killing bacteria, and unclogging the pores. This also means that it dries out the skin, which then needs extra moisturization. BHAs reduce enlarged pores. The natural mineral zinc oxide controls sebum production. Bentonite clay pulls out dirt, grime, blackheads, and oil from the pores. Vitamin C reduces the appearance of blemishes and acne. Salicylic acid also helps to remove dead skin cells. Essential oils like lavender and coconut nourish, moisturize, and maintain the pH level of the skin.

Alcohol is a drying agent and should be avoided in a sulfur acne product. This is because sulfur already dries out the skin and added alcohol may cause excessive dryness, peeling,and rough skin. It may also cause redness and irritation on the skin.

Skin Type

Since sulfur tends to dry the skin out, it is good for oily and acne-prone skin. People with dry skin should avoid using sulfur-based products. Skin care enthusiasts with combination skin may use sulfur-induced products on the oilier parts of their skin.

Skin Concerns

There are different types of sulfur-based products to treat different acne-related skin issues. A soap or cleanser infused with sulfur, antibacterial ingredients, and moisturizers, works best for acne-prone skin. You can look for a mild exfoliating cleanser for scrubbing off dead skin cells. Sulfur-infused serums reduce enlarged pores, control sebum, and reduce further breakouts. A lotion works similar to a serum but also offers hydration to the skin. Look for moisturizing ingredients in the lotion.

A sulfur mask for acne helps to draw out impurities and clear the skin of oil, blemishes, acne, whiteheads, and blackheads. Sulfur controls the sebum production. Some masks come with color-changing technology which changes the color of the mask once it is fully absorbed into the skin. Spot-treatment is to be applied directly on live acne and pimples which offer almost immediate effects. These are usually used as overnight applications which kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.

You may also look for an acne-control gel that can be used during the day or night. A blend of zinc oxide and salicylic acid can eliminate acne-causing bacteria from the skin.

Wondering what types of acne can be treated with these products? Check out the following section for your answer.

What Types Of Acne Can Acne Ointments Treat?

Sulfur is known for treating mild acne that occurs in the form of whiteheads and blackheads. These are non-inflammatory types that occur when oil and dead skin cells are trapped in the skin pores.

Moderate acne may not be healed with the help of sulfur alone. It works in combination with other acne-fighting ingredients. Severe acne, also known as cystic acne, cannot be treated with sulfur ointments. Dermatologists often prescribe medications and surgeries to treat cystic acne.

Although sulfur is gentle on your skin, it has some side effects. Check out the following section to know what they are.

Side Effects Of Sulfur For Your Skin

Sulfur acne products might feel very drying on your skin. If you are using a sulfur product for the first time, apply it once a day. Once your skin gets used to it, gradually increase the dosage to twice or thrice a day.

Excessive sebum production and bacteria are two primary reasons for acne. Sulfur works as a wonder drying agent that minimizes sebum production and unclogs the pores. So it would be of great help to invest in the best sulfur acne products for acne-prone skin. Most products listed in our article reduce acne, pores, and blemishes, while some prevent the formation of new ones, and some remove dead skin cells. Consider acne products that will aggravate your acne and instead soothe the skin and make it acne-free.

Why Trust Stylecraze?

Oyendrila Kanjilal is a certified skin care coach who loves writing about grooming and self-care. She has curated this list of the best sulfur acne products after consulting hundreds of user reviews and thoroughly researching the products. This article also has some pointers that you must consider while buying sulfur acne products. The shortlisted products soothe the skin and clear excess sebum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sulfur effective for acne?

Yes, sulfur is effective on mild acne. It removes excess oil from your skin and unclogs pores.

Is sulfur better than salicylic acid?

Yes, sulfur is gentler on your skin than salicylic acid. However, it works similarly to benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

Does sulfur treat cystic acne?

Yes, using sulfur religiously may help treat pus-filled cystic acne, but it is most effective on red pimples and blackheads.

Can I put sulfur on a popped pimple?

Yes, you may put sulfur on a popped pimple to remove excess sebum and clear out the area.

Does sulfur make your skin peel?

Yes, sulfur helps exfoliate and remove the top layer of your skin.

Can I use a sulfur soap every day?

Yes, you may use sulfur soap every day. However, reduce the usage if your skin reacts negatively to the soap ingredients.

What skin diseases does sulfur help with?

Sulfur generally helps with seborrheic dermatitis, scabies, and eczema.