Why sulphur is the acne-fighting ingredient you didn't know you needed in your skincare
The first thing that probably comes to mind when you think of sulphur is that it stinks. Like, it really stinks. But look past it's rather pongy reputation from your GCSE chemistry days, and it's a powerhouse ingredient for blemish-prone skin.
Luckily, modern product formulations smell much better than the sulphur you'd get an unfortunate whiff of near, say, volcanoes or hot springs, and thanks to the naturally-occurring mineral's anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory powers, it's a very effective treatment for various types of acne.
How does sulphur work in skincare?
"Sulphur is an age-old treatment for those who suffer with mild to moderate acne as it absorbs sebum and reduces oiliness which can lead to breakouts," says Dr. Selena Langdon, founder and medical director of Berkshire Aesthetics. "It's a bacteriostatic agent which works to minimise the amount of acne-forming bacteria on the skin. It can also be used to unclog congested pores and draw out impurities, such as blackheads across the nose."
It's also a great pre-zit zapper if you can feel a spot developing under the surface of the skin. "Sulphur is very good to use in a preventative sense to stop breakouts, so ideal if you suffer breakouts around the time of your period."
How should sulphur be used?
As sulphur is primarily used to dry out blemishes, it shouldn't be used as a daily treatment. "Sulphur products are too drying to use very frequently," cautions Dr. Langdon, "and while it's a generally well-tolerated ingredient, it can cause excess drying, irritation and redness if over-used. I would recommend once or twice a week."
Sulphur often comes in the form of a mask or a spot treatment; products which are generally used infrequently.
Who should avoid sulphur?
Dr. Langdon warns that sulphur may not be as effective for those who suffer more severe forms of acne. "Sulphur may not be powerful enough for nodular, cystic acne as a standalone product," she advises. "It should also be avoided if you're taking prescription medication, such as Roaccutane, which is already incredibly drying. Such a combination could lead to excess peeling, itchiness, drying and redness."
Aren't sulphates bad for you?
Though they sound similar, sulphur is totally different to sulphates. "Sulphates are essentially detergents often found in shampoos and cleaning products that cause formulas to lather," explains Dr. Langdon, "and there's a lot of controversy surrounding their usage – much like parabens – due to evidence suggesting that they're carcinogenic. But they're a totally different thing to sulphur, which is safe to use."
What are the best sulphur-based skincare products?
Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser, £32, Cult Beauty
Blemish-prone skin will lap up the acne-busting properties of Kate Somerville's latest range. We particularly loved this medicated cleanser with 3% sulphur, which penetrates the skin for a squeaky, thorough clean to clear and prevent breakouts, but crucially, isn't stripping or drying. To be on the safe side, start by using once a day then you can build up to using it in both the morning and the evening. The EradiKate Blemish Treatment is also particularly effective when used as an overnight treatment on flare-ups.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, £16, Urban Outfitters
This widely-loved zit zapper has achieved cult status and is loved by celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid. It uses sulphur alongside salicylic acid to exfoliate, reduce inflammation and turf out impurities. Make sure you don't shake the bottle, as the product is supposed to be used with the formula separated in the bottle. Simply dip your cotton swab into the bottle to pick up a concentration of pink sediment and apply directly to the spot.
Malin + Goetz 10% Sulfur Paste, £19, Space NK
Another drying treatment worth a mention is this nifty pot from Malin + Goetz. Developed to treat adult acne, apply the lotion directly to the affected area, leave overnight, then rinse away the hardened paste in the morning.
111 Skin 3 Phase Anti Blemish Booster, £85, Cult Beauty
The hard-working, highly-concentrated, scientist-developed ingredients packed into 111 Skin's products are worth investing in. Developed to treat blemishes through all stages (prevention, treatment and after effects), this silky booster contains anti-bacterial colloidal sulphur to reduce inflammation and combat spot-causing bacteria.
Algenist Perfect Clarifying Pore Corrector Mask, £44, Cult Beauty
Ideal if you suffer from congested, oily or combination skin but don't want to compromise on your anti-ageing skincare routine, Algenist's clever products harness the age-defying powers of algae while this mask also uses sulphur to absorb excess oil and clarify pores.
Dermalogica Charcoal Masque, £43, John Lewis
Another popular hero product that packs a blemish-busting punch by combining sulphur with activated Binchotan charcoal, this mask detoxifies, brightens and invigorates normal to oily skin.
Skincity Balancing Sulfur Mask, £21, Skincity
If you're looking for a slightly more affordable sulphur-infused mask, look no further than this calming but thoroughly cleaning product from Skincity. Moisturising ingredients like glycerine and biosaccharides leave skin soft and prevent that uncomfortable tight feeling.
Oskia Citylife Cleansing Concentrate, £34, Look Fantastic
Perfect for city-dwellers, this anti-pollution cleansing gel uses an ingredient called MSM, a natural form of organic sulphur compound which is apparently 'the most bio-available form of sulphur'.
