We’ve sung the praises of charcoal and salicylic acid for zapping zits, as well as benzoyl peroxide for its acne-fighting abilities and the pimple-reducing power of tea tree oil. But there’s another key weapon in the fight against acne that many people aren’t aware of: sulfur.
Don’t discount sulfur as being another buzzy ingredient that makes grand skin care promises with no proof to back them up. Sulfur has been low-key lurking in acne treatments and masks for years, but it’s finally being touted as the hero ingredient in a host of new skin care products. Celebrity esthetician Angela Caglia says that sulfur is a great anti-acne ingredient because it treats inflammation and draws out impurities without stripping skin. The nondrying effect is what makes sulfur a brilliant acne treatment because we don’t have to worry about skin becoming more sensitive. And it’s not strictly breakouts that benefit from sulfur. The ingredient also helps to control oil production, so we’re not constantly mopping up grease from our T-zones.
Use a sulfur product in combination with a face wash for acne-prone skin and the duo will help clear up existing pimples and stop new ones from popping up. Stock up on one (or two, or three) of these best sulfur acne treatments to keep skin looking its best.
[ Next: Face Mapping Your Acne: What Your Breakouts May Be Telling You ]
Why Sulfur Is the Key Ingredient Missing in Your Acne-fighting Regimen
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Spot Treatment
Formulated with mineral sulfur and vitamin B3, this effective spot treatment clears up pimples without turning skin into a dry, flaky mess. Unlike some oozing creams, the precise tip on this one makes it easy to get just enough product to cover that whitehead. Use it one to three times a day to clear up pimples ASAP.
Kiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment, $28 at Kiehl's
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Mask
Meet the new Sunday Riley product that is set to become another cult favorite. The mask doesn't just clear up existing acne, it also prevents new blemishes from forming. And it tackles congested pores, inflammatory acne, acne rosacea and even hard-to-treat hormonal acne. The secret? The mask contains a potent mix of 10 percent sulfur, bentonite clay and zinc PCA. Apply the mask over the entire face or as a spot treatment.
Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask, $55 at Sephora
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Mask
Turn problem skin into perfect skin with this sulfur acne treatment. Apply it to spots or the entire face on those days when skin isn't behaving. It minimizes pores, redness and imperfections. The product boosts luminosity, so leave off foundation to show off that natural glow.
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Clarify + Clear Mask, $65 at Net-a-Porter
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Lotion
It is possible to find an acne cream that doesn't upset skin. This 3 percent sulfur acne lotion is one shining example. The dermatologist-formulated product kills pesky acne bacteria while reducing redness. It even moisturizes skin and improves its texture.
Clearogen Sulfur Acne Lotion, $32 at Sephora
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Mask
Incorporate this clarifying mask into your weekly masking regimen for clearer skin. The combination of kaolin clay, bentonite clay and 4 percent sulfur goes deep down into pores to remove acne-causing bacteria and impurities. And the effective treatment works its magic in 10 minutes.
Murad Clarifying Mask, $38 at Ricky's
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Cleanser
Of course K-beauty is in the know about the benefits of sulfur. Merbliss has put a unique twist on the hero ingredient by adding it into a coconut oil bar that functions as a cleanser and an in-shower mask. Choose an application and say goodbye to stubborn pimples.
Merbliss Full Moon Cleanser + Mask Bar, $20 at Glow Recipe
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Spot Treatment
This cult favorite has earned praise from dermatologists and beauty lovers alike because it really works. Before catching some zzzs, use a cotton swab to apply directly to whiteheads. Sulfur, salicylic acid and zinc oxide draw out impurities so that sucker will look smaller and less red the next morning.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, $17 at Mario Badescu
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Spot Treatment
Don't be intimidated by an extra-strength formula. This colloidal sulfur and glycolic acid complex treats and prevents acne without upsetting skin. Use the treatment on moderate to severe breakouts.
Peter Thomas Roth Acne Spot Treatment, $19 at Revolve
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Mask
Make breakouts behave once and for all with this 10 percent sulfur acne treatment. It doubles as a clearing mask and spot treatment. The fast-acting formula exfoliates dead skin cells and promotes healing. In a few days, those pimples will be nothing but a distant memory.
DERMAdoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ Intensive 10% Sulfur Acne Mask & Emergency Spot Treatment, $48 at Sephora
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Spot Treatment
Target greasiness and zits in one go with this evening treatment. Dip a cotton swab into the sediment at the bottom of the bottle and dab it on pimples. Salicylic acid and 10 percent sulfur clean pores and reduce inflammation while calming irritation. Wake up to clearer skin without post-treatment redness.
Malin+Goetz Acne Treatment Nighttime, $22 at Malin+Goetz
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Mask
Go deep down into pores to target pimple-causing bacteria. Kaolin clay, sulfur and tea tree oil create a potent mix that deep cleans, soothes irritation, reduces redness and even moisturizes skin. The formula also speeds up the healing of pimples and stops new ones from forming.
Proactiv+ Skin Purifying Mask, $38 at Ulta
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Mask
Apply this colloidal sulfur mask before bedtime so it can clear up pimples during those eight (OK, five or six) hours of slumber. It can also be applied during the day to treat blackheads and excess oil. Just leave the mask on for 10 minutes, then rinse.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clarifying Colloidal Sulfur Mask, $42 at Sephora
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Mask
This multitasking mask combines skin-clearing activated charcoal with sulfur. The former detoxifies, while the latter promotes cell turnover for brighter skin. There's even some Chilean wild mint to refine pores and alpha hydroxy acids to exfoliate. Skin care issues? What skin care issues?
Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque, $47 at Dermalogica
