What the science says about Sulfur

Peer-reviewed research on Sulfur, summarised in plain language. Every study links to its record on PubMed so you can read it yourself.

Sulfur for acne

Not proven yet for acne

Few or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.

The one study that tested it on its own found it helped acne
Used on its own, it reduced acne spots
Used with chloramphenicol, it helped more than sulfur alone

5 studies

Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne.
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews2020Meta-analysis3,880 participantsNeutral
This large review of 3880 people with acne included sulfur, but it did not report a separate acne result for sulfur.
PubMed 32356369 DOI
Evidence-based topical treatments (azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulfur, zinc, and fruit acid) for acne: an abridged version of a Cochrane systematic review.
Journal of evidence-based medicine2020Systematic review3,880 participantsNeutral
In a large review of 3880 people with acne, sulfur put on the skin had uncertain effects on acne.
PubMed 33034949 DOI
Treatment of acne vulgaris comparing two similar lotion formulations, one with ('Actinac') and one without chloramphenicol.
Current medical research and opinion1980RCT37 participantsPositive
In a 3-month trial of 37 people with acne, a sulfur lotion used on its own reduced spots, and adding chloramphenicol helped more after 1 month.
PubMed 6444862 DOI
Topical vitamin A acid in the treatment of acne vulgaris (a controlled multicenter trial).
Archives for dermatological research = Archiv fur dermatologische Forschung1976Clinical trial211 participantsNegative
In an 8-week trial of 211 people with acne, a sulfur combination worked less well than retinoic acid.
PubMed 132142 DOI
Benzoyl peroxide and sulfur: foundation for acne management.
Canadian Medical Association journal1966Clinical trial113 participants2%-5%Positive
In a study of 113 people with acne, sulfur cream used together with benzoyl peroxide gave good to excellent results with few side effects.
PubMed 4223133

Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not any one product.

How we grade research

Sulfur for rosacea

Not proven yet for rosacea

Few or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.

The one study that tested it on its own found it helped
It worked about as well as tetracycline taken by mouth
The evidence is limited because only one study reported a result

4 studies

Efficacy of Treatments in Reducing Facial Erythema in Rosacea: A Systematic Review.
Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery2025Systematic review7,411 participantsPositive
In a large review of 7411 people with rosacea, sulfur used with sodium sulphacetamide was among the most effective treatments for reducing facial redness.
PubMed 39478371 DOI
A comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of topical agents used in facial Demodex treatment.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2019RCT72 participantsPositive
In a study of 72 people, sulfur with sodium sulfacetamide lowered Demodex counts, and side effects were similar to crotamiton and permethrin.
PubMed 31066486 DOI
Combination sodium sulfacetamide 10% and sulfur 5% cream with sunscreens versus metronidazole 0.75% cream for rosacea.
Cutis2005RCT152 participants5%Positive
In a 12-week trial of 152 people with rosacea, a cream with sulfur reduced red bumps and redness more than metronidazole, but more people had poor tolerance.
PubMed 16047874
Topical treatment with sulfur 10 per cent for rosacea.
Acta dermato-venereologica1984RCT10 per centPositive
A sulfur cream worked as well as tetracycline taken by mouth for rosacea.
PubMed 6209901

Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not any one product.

How we grade research

Products with Sulfur

Products we have confirmed contain Sulfur, from their ingredient lists.