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So, where dosulfur acne treatmentsfall into the mix?

And are they a match for any and all types ofblemishes?

A zoomed in shot of a woman’s eye and some of her face as she’s spreading a pink skincare mask across her nose and cheek

Getty Images

Meet the Experts

How Do Sulfur Acne Treatments Work?

“Sulfur is a great ingredient for OTC acne products,” says Dr. Sobel.

“It is an antimicrobial ingredient that reduces the growth of acne bacteria.

Sunday Riley Saturn

Sunday Riley

“It also reduces the growth of the Propionibacterium acne bacteria and the blockage of pores.”

“It is gentler on the skin thanbenzoyl peroxide,” Dr. Sobel adds.

Do Sulfur Acne Treatments Smell?

Joesoef Soap

Amazon

Best of all, it can be used day and night, and is safe for everyday use.

Smear the product across your face to spot-treat pores and zits that need extra attention.

Bonus: it contains azaleic acid to brighten old acne scars.

Rodan + Fields unblemish cleanser

Rodan + Fields

Thenon-comedogenicformula will hydrate the skin without feeling heavy or clogging pores.

[This mask] contains kaolin, which absorbs oil, explains Dr. Kauvar.

The formula, she notes, smells like clay, rather than sulfur.

Sulfur Acne Lotion 1.8 oz

Clearogen

It also does double-duty as an overnight spot treatment, helping to absorb excess oil.

With continued use, these ingredients can help purify the skin without being overly harsh.

Unlike many sulfur masks, this one isn’t drying.

Murad Sulfur Mask

Sephora

But it still targets blackheads to clear out pores.

Yes, sulfur and salicylic acid can be used at the same time.

Use a product formulated with both ingredients like Murad’s Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask.

Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Cleanser Acne Treatment

Sephora

Like salicylic acid, sulfur is a common ingredient in acne-related skincare products.

“I prefer a prescription sulfur medication called Sulfacetamide,” says Dr. Sobel.

Decker A, Graber EM.Over-the-counter acne treatments: a review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.

De La Cruz Acne Treatment

Amazon

2012;5(5):32-40.

2010;3(2):22-41.

Sarkar R, Arora P, Garg KV.Cosmeceuticals for hyperpigmentation: what is available?J Cutan Aesthet Surg.

innbeauty project Pimple Paste

Sephora

2016;21(8):1063. doi:10.3390/molecules21081063

TheInkeyList Acne Clearing moisturizer

Sephora

Indie Lee Banish Solution

Indie Lee

Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Mask

Sephora

purifying spot gel

Epionce

Control Corrective Sulfur Mask

Control Corrective

Cosmedix clear mask

Dermstore

Bambusa Banisher

Dermstore

ilike organic skin care Sulphuric Whipped Moisturizer

ilike organic skin care

Dermalogica Blackhead Fizzing Mask

Dermalogica