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.

Sulfur showed mixed results for acne in the studies available
2 studies back this, both tested sulfur used together with other ingredients
One study found good to excellent clearing with benzoyl peroxide
Another study found a sulfur combination worked less well than retinoic acid
Few side effects were reported in one study

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 the abstract gives no sulfur-specific results, so its effect on acne is unclear.
PubMed 32356369 DOI
Acne and the cutaneous microbiome: A systematic review of mechanisms and implications for treatments.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV2025Systematic reviewPositive
A large review of acne studies included sulfacetamide-sulfur as a treatment that may help clear acne by changing the skin microbiome, but it did not report a sulfur-specific result.
PubMed 39269130 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 review of 3880 people with acne, sulfur had uncertain effects on how well it cleared acne.
PubMed 33034949 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 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.

Products with Sulfur

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