17 Best Sulfur Skincare Products for Clear, Acne-Free Skin

Struggling with breakouts? You’re not alone. With so many skincare products claiming quick fixes, sulfur remains a hidden gem for acne-prone skin.

Sure, sulfur’s scent may remind you of boiled eggs—but don’t let that fool you. Dermatologists agree that this mineral helps reduce inflammation, dry out pimples, and prevent new breakouts. Unlike stronger actives like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, sulfur is gentler, making it ideal for sensitive or easily irritated skin.

Many skincare experts recommend sulfur-based products for treating mild to moderate acne, especially if your skin reacts harshly to other treatments. From cleansers to face masks and spot treatments, sulfur works effectively without stripping your skin’s natural barrier.

If you’re looking for a soothing yet powerful way to fight acne, the following product recommendations are a great place to start. Let’s explore top sulfur-based skincare options that deserve a spot in your daily routine.

How Does Sulfur Fight Acne?

Sulfur may not be the flashiest ingredient, but it’s a powerhouse when it comes to managing oily, acne-prone skin. It works in three key ways: it absorbs excess oil, unclogs pores by sloughing off dead skin cells, and inhibits acne-causing bacteria.

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss, sulfur’s keratolytic properties help thin out the outer skin layer, preventing clogged pores and breakouts. That’s why it’s commonly used in gentle formulations designed for daily use.

While it’s not as aggressive as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, sulfur’s soothing nature makes it a great option for people with sensitive skin. For enhanced results, many products pair sulfur with resorcinol or sodium sulfacetamide to boost acne-fighting benefits.^[1Decker A, Graber EM. Over-the-counter acne treatments: a review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(5):32-40.^]

If you’re seeking a skin-friendly solution to control breakouts without redness or irritation, sulfur deserves your attention.

What About the Smell of Sulfur?

Worried about that infamous “rotten egg” smell? You’re not alone—but things have changed. Most modern sulfur acne treatments are formulated with added fragrances or neutralizing agents, making them much more pleasant to use.

Dr. Whitney Bowe, a New York-based dermatologist, recommends applying sulfur products at night. This reduces the chance of any lingering scent interfering with your daily activities and gives the formula more time to work while your skin regenerates overnight.

So yes, sulfur does have a natural odor—but with today’s advanced skincare formulations, you can enjoy its acne-fighting power without holding your nose.

Top Sulfur Skincare Products Worth Trying

1. Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask

Packed with 10% sulfur, the Sunday Riley Saturn Mask targets active breakouts while preventing new ones from forming. It also includes niacinamide to even out skin tone and Zinc PCA to control oil production.

What sets it apart? Soothing ingredients like tea tree oil and manuka, which calm inflammation and fight bacteria without drying your skin. Apply to clean skin, leave on for 20–30 minutes, and rinse. Use a few times a week for clearer, calmer skin.

Ideal for those needing a strong yet non-irritating acne solution, this mask is a smart addition to your skincare rotation.

2. Joesoef Skincare Sulfur Soap

Joesoef Skincare’s Sulfur Soap blends sulfur with salicylic acid to deeply cleanse pores and balance oil without stripping your skin. It’s a dermatologist-developed formula that fights acne-causing bacteria while gently exfoliating dead skin cells.

Despite its potency, this soap remains mild and suitable for daily use—even for sensitive skin. With consistent use, it helps reduce breakouts and leaves skin feeling fresh and clean.

A great option if you’re new to acne care but want a reliable product that works hard without being harsh.

3. Rodan + Fields Unblemish Refining Acne Face Wash

This gentle face wash combines salicylic acid with colloidal sulfur to cleanse, exfoliate, and reduce acne-causing bacteria—all while being kind to your skin.

Part of the Rodan + Fields Unblemish routine, it’s designed for daily use and targets the root causes of breakouts. Unlike harsh cleansers, it nourishes your skin barrier while keeping pores clear and oil in check.

If you’re looking for a well-balanced acne cleanser with proven ingredients, this one delivers both results and comfort.

4. Clearogen Sulfur Acne Lotion

Looking for a lightweight lotion that actively fights breakouts? Clearogen Sulfur Acne Lotion is the perfect follow-up after cleansing and toning. Just two pumps are enough to cover your face and help calm inflamed skin.

Formulated with acne-fighting sulfur, pore-clearing salicylic acid, and soothing extracts like rosemary and aloe vera, this lotion works on multiple fronts. It reduces redness, clears clogged pores, and hydrates without irritating sensitive skin.

Ideal for daily use, this lotion supports a healthy skin barrier while keeping breakouts in check. Whether you’re dealing with active pimples or just want to maintain clear, balanced skin, Clearogen offers a gentle yet effective solution for your everyday routine.

5. Murad Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask

Murad’s Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask is a fast-acting clay-based treatment designed to shrink breakouts quickly. The natural clay draws out impurities and excess oil, making it especially helpful in the early stages of a breakout.

Infused with salicylic acid to unclog pores and licorice extract to brighten post-acne marks, this mask not only treats acne but also helps even out skin tone. It’s a smart multitasker for anyone targeting both pimples and pigmentation.^[2Sarkar R, Arora P, Garg KV. Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: what is available? J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013;6(1):4-11. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.110089.^]

Skincare experts recommend using this 1–2 times a week or as soon as a breakout appears. Its balanced formula delivers quick results without the dryness you might expect from a deep-cleansing mask.

6. Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser

This daily foaming cleanser from Kate Somerville is a go-to for acne-prone skin. With 3% sulfur, it helps clear breakouts, purify pores, and reduce oil without stripping your skin.

Gentle yet effective, the formula includes honey, rice bran, and oat extract—natural ingredients known to soothe irritation and support skin healing. The soft foam deeply cleanses while maintaining skin comfort, making it suitable for sensitive or reactive skin.

Perfect for morning and night use, this cleanser offers a calming, acne-fighting cleanse that leaves your skin feeling clean but never tight. If you’re looking for a balanced solution for daily breakouts, this one is a standout.

7. De La Cruz 10% Sulfur Ointment

Tough breakouts need powerful solutions—and De La Cruz 10% Sulfur Ointment delivers. With a high sulfur concentration, this ointment targets stubborn pimples on the face or body, drying them out while reducing inflammation.

You can apply it as a leave-on spot treatment or rinse it off after 10 minutes if your skin is more sensitive. Its flexibility makes it ideal for customizing your acne care based on severity and skin type.

Sulfur is known for deep-cleaning pores and regulating excess oil. Used properly, this ointment offers strong results without over-drying, making it a must-have for those with persistent acne flare-ups.

8. iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Pimple Paste Overnight Blemish Spot Treatment

This overnight spot treatment from iNNBEAUTY PROJECT is a fast-acting hero for surprise breakouts. A blend of sulfur, salicylic acid, and clay works while you sleep to absorb oil, reduce redness, and speed up healing.

Simply dab it on pimples before bed—no need to cover your entire face. Bonus: it also contains azelaic acid, which helps fade dark spots and even out skin tone over time.

Perfect for targeted care, this paste is ideal for anyone who wants quick results without the harsh side effects of stronger treatments. Wake up to calmer, less noticeable blemishes with consistent use.

9. The INKEY List SuperSolutions Acne Clearing Moisturizer 2% NOVORETIN™

Need a moisturizer that fights acne without clogging pores? The INKEY List SuperSolutions Acne Clearing Moisturizer checks all the boxes. Powered by 2% NOVORETIN™—a gentle retinoid alternative—it helps refine texture and fade acne marks over time.

It also features sulfur to minimize bacteria and control oil, making it ideal for breakout-prone skin. The lightweight, non-comedogenic formula sinks in quickly, leaving skin hydrated without feeling greasy.

This multitasking moisturizer fits seamlessly into both your morning and evening routine, offering a calm, clear complexion without compromising hydration.

10. Indie Lee Banish Lotion

Looking for a gentle yet targeted spot treatment? Indie Lee Banish Lotion is designed to treat breakouts overnight using a clean, effective formula. Colloidal sulfur helps absorb excess oil, while salicylic acid clears clogged pores and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores.

Its signature pink hue comes from natural mineral clay, which draws out impurities while soothing inflamed skin. The formula is strong enough to shrink stubborn pimples, yet gentle enough not to dry out the surrounding skin.^[3Fox L, Csongradi C, Aucamp M, du Plessis J, Gerber M. Treatment modalities for acne. Molecules. 2016;21(8):1063. doi:10.3390/molecules21081063.^]

Apply directly to blemishes before bed and let it work its magic while you sleep. Ideal for those seeking a fast-acting, non-irritating spot solution that fits seamlessly into a nighttime skincare routine.

11. Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Masque

This high-strength sulfur mask from Peter Thomas Roth is designed for both face and body, making it a powerful option for treating acne on areas like the chest and back. It combines sulfur with kaolin clay to draw out impurities, control oil, and soothe irritated skin.

Kaolin is known for calming inflamed skin without over-drying, making this mask ideal for regular use. Unlike many sulfur treatments, it has a mild earthy scent rather than the typical pungent odor.

Use once or twice weekly, especially when breakouts appear in hard-to-reach spots. This versatile mask offers deep cleansing and oil control with a skin-friendly finish.

12. Epionce Purifying Spot Gel

Epionce Purifying Spot Gel is a potent acne treatment that targets blemishes at the source. With sulfur and resorcinol monoacetate, it works overnight to reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and speed up healing.

Sulfur reduces oil and bacteria, while resorcinol helps clear pore congestion and calm redness. The result? Clearer skin without flaking or irritation.

Apply a thin layer to blemishes before bed for fast, visible improvement. This gel is perfect for anyone who wants a strong yet skin-conscious spot treatment that delivers quick results.

13. Control Corrective Sulfur Calming Mask

Control Corrective’s Sulfur Calming Mask does double duty as a weekly mask or overnight spot treatment. It’s designed to calm sensitive, acne-prone skin while targeting inflammation and excess oil.

The cooling sensation soothes irritated areas, while sulfur helps purify pores and support healing. Its non-drying formula makes it safe for various skin types, even those prone to sensitivity.

Use it once or twice a week or dab on blemishes overnight. This mask promotes balanced, shine-free skin without the dryness or harshness of stronger acne treatments.

14. Cosmedix Clear Deep Cleansing Mask

Cosmedix Clear is a clarifying mask created for oily and acne-prone skin. It blends sulfur with tea tree oil to deeply cleanse pores, absorb excess oil, and reduce redness naturally.

The mask also gently exfoliates, improving skin texture and clearing buildup that can trigger breakouts. Regular use helps maintain smooth, balanced skin without irritation.

Ideal for weekly use or during breakout cycles, this mask is a great choice for those seeking a calming yet effective way to reset their skin.

15. HydroPeptide Bambusa Blackhead Banisher Pore Perfecting Nose Mask

Say goodbye to blackheads with HydroPeptide’s Bambusa Blackhead Banisher—a pore-perfecting nose mask that clears congestion without harshness. Sulfur acts as the main acne-fighting agent, lifting dirt, oil, and blackheads from deep within the pores.

Unlike traditional pore strips, this treatment includes nourishing ingredients that help maintain skin moisture and comfort after removal. The result? Cleaner pores with zero tightness or dryness.

Perfect for regular use on the nose area, this innovative strip combines deep cleansing with skin care benefits in one easy step.

16. Ilike Organic Skin Care Sulphuric Whipped Moisturizer

This lightweight whipped moisturizer from Ilike Organic is designed for dull, breakout-prone skin. Infused with sulfur, it purifies pores while promoting a clearer, more even-toned complexion.

Peppermint oil adds a refreshing, cooling effect that helps soothe redness and irritation. The formula hydrates without clogging pores or causing excess shine.

Ideal for daily use, it keeps skin nourished and balanced while supporting natural clarity. It’s the perfect hybrid for those needing both hydration and oil control.

17. Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask

Dermalogica’s Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask offers a fun, effective way to deep-clean pores. When applied, it creates a soft fizzing effect that helps lift dirt, oil, and impurities while preserving moisture.

Unlike many sulfur masks that dry out skin, this formula is gentle and hydrating—perfect for detoxifying without disrupting your skin barrier.

Use 2–3 times a week to refresh dull skin and keep pores clear. It’s a smart option for those who want visible results and a unique skincare experience.

ARTICLE SOURCES

• 1
  Decker A, Graber EM. Over-the-counter acne treatments: a review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(5):32-40.
• 2
  Sarkar R, Arora P, Garg KV. Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: what is available? J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013;6(1):4-11. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.110089.
• 3
  Fox L, Csongradi C, Aucamp M, du Plessis J, Gerber M. Treatment modalities for acne. Molecules. 2016;21(8):1063. doi:10.3390/molecules21081063.