Sulfur

What it is

Sulfur is an elemental mineral used in dermatology for well over a century, in preparations for acne, rosacea, seborrhoeic dermatitis and scabies. In cosmetic masks it is used at low levels for its anti-sebum and mild antibacterial and keratolytic action, usually combined with clay. Its characteristic eggy odour is the main reason it fell out of fashion.

How it shows up on a label

What it does well

• Reduces oiliness and surface bacteria on blemish-prone skin

  Sulfur has a very long record of use in acne and rosacea preparations and remains a recognised topical agent, often combined with sodium sulfacetamide. Modern head-to-head trials against current actives are limited, so its place is more established by long practice than by strong comparative data.

  Traditional use

Worth knowing

• Drying and irritating at higher levels

  Sulfur is keratolytic, so it can cause peeling, redness and tightness, particularly when layered with other exfoliating actives such as salicylic acid or retinoids.

  Matters most toPeople with dry or sensitive skin, and anyone already using acids or retinoids.

• Strong smell

  The sulfurous odour is inherent to the ingredient and cannot be fully masked. It is a tolerability issue rather than a safety one.

  Matters most toAnyone sensitive to smells.

Where the EU stands