Does sulfur cream work for acne?
Maybe, but the proof is weak. A big review of the trials couldn’t tell if sulfur helps acne. And one sulfur wash US doctors prescribe has twice as much antibiotic in it as sulfur.
On this page
Does sulfur cream work for acne?
Maybe, but nobody can say for sure. A Cochrane review, which pools the trials on a topic, looked at sulfur and five other spot treatments. Its authors were uncertain about the effects of sulfur.
UK acne advice from NICE and the British Association of Dermatologists doesn’t mention sulfur at all. It starts with other creams instead.
| Treatment | What the evidence says |
|---|---|
| Sulfur | Cochrane: uncertain if it works. Not in NHS or NICE acne advice. |
| Benzoyl peroxide | Named by the NHS for spots you treat yourself. Part of NICE’s first-choice prescription gels. |
| Salicylic acid | Named by the NHS for spots you treat yourself. |
| Azelaic acid | Cochrane: probably works about as well as tretinoin, a prescription cream, but less well than benzoyl peroxide. |
Sources: Cochrane; NHS; NICE NG198
Uncertain doesn’t mean it fails. The review rated most of its evidence low or very low quality. It’s like a café with three reviews. It might be great. You just can’t tell yet, so the safer bet is the place with hundreds.
The same review was also unsure about salicylic acid and nicotinamide. The difference is that the NHS and skin doctors recommend them.
Want an option UK advice backs? Ask a pharmacist about benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid first.
What is in a sulfur face wash?
Sulfur, plus whatever it’s mixed with. Sulfur fights bacteria and fungi and loosens dead skin, so in theory it could help.
Source: US product label (DailyMed)
The other part is an antibiotic. Sodium sulfacetamide is a sulfa-type antibiotic, and the wash is prescription only in the US. So results from mixes like this don’t show what sulfur does alone.
Read the ingredients on any sulfur product you buy. Sulfacetamide on the list means it has an antibiotic in it.
Bought sulfur cream for scabies? That’s a different job. The NHS says a pharmacist will recommend a cream or lotion for it.
Is sulfur safe on your skin?
Mostly, yes. Side effects from sulfur on the skin are rare and mostly mild, and show up where you put it.
| What you notice | What to do |
|---|---|
| A strong smell | Expected. It’s one of the two most common side effects. |
| Dry, itchy or cracked skin | The other most common one. Stop for a few days, then use it less often. |
| An itchy, red or swollen rash | This may be an allergy. Stop and ask a pharmacist. |
Sources: Chen 2025; Draelos 2010; British Association of Dermatologists
Allergic to sulfa drugs (a group of antibiotics), or have kidney disease? Skip any product with sulfacetamide. Its US label rules it out for both.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? One review says sulfur products under 6% are potentially safe. That doesn’t cover washes with sulfacetamide: their US label says to use them in pregnancy only if clearly needed. Check with a pharmacist first.
How to use a sulfur cream or wash
Six steps if you try sulfur on your spots
- Check the label for sulfacetamide if you’re allergic to sulfa drugs or have kidney disease.
- Wash twice a day with a gentle, soap-free cleanser, and don’t scrub.
- Start every other day, or wash it off after an hour.
- Spread it over the whole area with spots, not just on each spot.
- If your skin gets sore, stop for a few days, then build up slowly.
- Give it 12 weeks before you judge it.
Sources: NICE NG198; British Association of Dermatologists; NHS; US product label
NICE gives the slow start for acne creams such as benzoyl peroxide, to cut the risk of irritation. Dry skin is a common sulfur side effect, so it makes sense here too.
Skin doctors say to expect at least 12 weeks on any acne treatment before you see much change.
Don’t pick or squeeze spots, as this can cause scars. For marks spots have already left, see acne scars.
What to try instead of sulfur for spots?
Treatments that UK acne advice recommends. At the chemist, the NHS names salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Skin doctors add azelaic acid and nicotinamide.
What usually happens if your spots don’t clear
- 1
Chemist
Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, azelaic acid or nicotinamide, for 12 weeks.
- 2
GP cream
A 12-week course of a mixed gel, such as adapalene with benzoyl peroxide.
- 3
Tablets
Antibiotic tablets with a gel, for moderate to severe acne.
- 4
Specialist
A GP may refer you to a skin specialist.
Sources: NHS; NICE NG198; British Association of Dermatologists
NICE says prescription gels can take 6 to 8 weeks to show a change. So keep going even if week 3 looks the same.
More on each option: salicylic acid, azelaic acid and tea tree oil.
Spots with irregular periods or extra hair growth? These can be signs of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). See PCOS treatment and ask your GP.
When to speak to a GP
Book a GP appointment if:
- You’ve tried treating your spots yourself but they’re not getting better.
- You have lots of spots, or the spots are deep, painful or causing scars.
- You have signs of a skin infection, such as hot, swollen and red skin. Redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin.
- Your spots are affecting your mental health.
Very severe acne that comes with feeling unwell all over needs urgent care. NICE says doctors should refer it the same day.
If you feel you may be about to harm yourself, call 999 or go to A&E.
Already using a prescribed acne treatment? Ask before adding sulfur. Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without your prescriber.