11 Best Sulfur Soaps, According To A Dermatologist – 2024

Sulfur is often excluded from skin care products due to its peculiar smell. Thankfully, soaps made of sulfur don’t smell bad. Some of the best sulfur soaps may help clear acne and treat other skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and dandruff. Keep reading to know the benefits of sulfur soap for your skin.

Because of its medicinal benefits, sulfur may be suggested as a topical treatment for acne and other skin breakouts. It has anti-inflammatory, astringent, disinfectant, and detoxifying properties that may make your skin clear. In addition, it has antifungal, antibacterial, and keratolytic properties that prevent fungal diseases like ringworm infections. Sulfur soaps can also be used on the hair and nails to prevent microorganisms from causing infections. The best part is that these soaps are much gentler on the skin than most skin cleansing products. So, even people with sensitive skin can try it. Intrigued by these breakout-clearing soaps? Scroll down and check out our list of the 11 best effective sulfur soaps. Pick your favorite and keep your skin healthy, clean, and happy.

11 Best Sulfur Soaps Of 2024 For Healthier Skin, Nails, And Hair

1. Best Paraben-Free Formula:Naturasil Sulfur Lavender Multi-Purpose Relief Soap

4.3

Image: Naturasil

BUY ON AMAZON | $15.95

Are you looking for a soap that addresses multiple skin concerns at the same time? Then try out the Naturasil Multi-Purpose Sulfur-Lavender Soap. This soap is made of 10% micronized volcanic sulfur and pure lavender oil that can treat a number of skin ailments like acne, human mites, psoriasis, tinea versicolor, onychomycosis, candida, and bug bites. While using, let the soap sit on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 3,521 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.

2. Best Anti-Itch:Schwefel Seife Sulfur Soap

4.2

BUY ON AMAZON | $6.99

If skin maladies have been the bane of your life, do try out this fragrance-free sulfur soap that has 10% sulfur as its active ingredient. It is a results-driven soap that contains ingredients like saponified palm and palm kernel oils, glycerin, and salicylic acid. This advanced sulfur wash is ideal for blackhead removal and treating acne, body odor, dermatitis, itchy skin, skin mites, rosacea, eczema, demodex mites, and psoriasis. This sulfur soap has a fresh, natural scent and can be a great cure for skin problems.

Remember

When exposed to water, sulfur soap tends to melt more quickly. So, when not in use, let it thoroughly dry and keep it in a closed container.

3. Best Cruelty-Free:Naturasil Tinea Versicolor Relief Soap

4

Image: Naturasil

BUY ON AMAZON | $16.95

Craving for flawless skin? This micronized volcanic sulfur soap is a palm kernel and coconut oil based homeopathic soap with 100% pure lavender oil. This medicated soap assists in the treatment of common fungal infections like tinea versicolor, healing your fungal infection from the outside and penetrating deeply to kill the fungus on contact. It is hand crafted and made in small batches to ensure top quality. It doesn’t just relieve symptoms of tinea versicolor but also of candida and onychomycosis. This sulfur soap is specially formulated to help your body fight fungal infections from the inside. 

4. Best Odor Control:DermaHarmony Sulfur & Salicylic Acid Soap

4.2

Image: Dermaharmony

BUY ON AMAZON | $8.24

The properties of sulfur and salicylic acid in treating skin problems have been known since ancient Greek times. This medicated sulfur soap has 10% sulfur and 3% salicylic acid and is especially formulated for those with problem skin, like acne and dandruff. The clarifying soap is safe for use by both adults and children and is good for all skin types. The best part of this soap is that it has an added soy-derived natural odor eliminator to help control the sulfur smell to a certain extent.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 2,209 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.

5. Best For Acne Scars:Grisi Pharma Sulfur Soap

4.4

BUY ON AMAZON | $8.29

Show your best face to the world with the Azufre sulfur soap which contains lanolin for acne treatment. The antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties of the soap work to remove built-up oils and grime. It has a deep cleaning effect, controls and regulates excess sebum production, and prevents the appearance of pimples and blackheads. Lanolin also helps to visibly improve any scars left by acne to reveal a radiant complexion, and has long been used in the skin care industry as an effective emollient to lock in much-needed moisture. The 10% sulfur in this soap helps with acne because of its inorganic and keratolytic elements that help to fight bacteria and slough away the dead outer layer of skin to leave you blemish-free and with clean and rejuvenated skin.

6. Best For Oily Skin:Sulfo Lo Cleansing Bar Soap

4.5

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.99

If you have been using makeup to cover your imperfect skin, worry no more! This topical antibacterial cleansing bar helps to treat and manage skin blemishes and other skin conditions that are related to clogged pores and oily skin. This acne sulfur soap deeply cleanses your pores and removes dirt, oil, and other impurities from them without stripping the skin of its essential oils. It sloughs away dead cells and cleanses clogged, dirty pores, leaving your skin clean and fresh-looking. This dermatologist-recommended soap contains 3% sulfur that leaves your skin feeling good and looking fresh. It’s suitable as a daily skin cleanser for adults and children, and is gentle enough for all skin types, especially oily skin. Get ready to face the world with clear skin with this sulfur soap.

7. Best Sebum Control:Dermisa Sulfur Bar

4.4

Image: Dermisa

BUY ON AMAZON | $6.49

Tired of acne and pimples? This natural sulfur soap is especially formulated to cleanse oily skin and help unclog pores while giving out a rich, hydrating lather. Sulfur has natural antibacterial properties which helps clear bacteria from the pores that would otherwise lead to acne. This results-driven soap also helps to reduce the production of sebum and is a great alternative to harsher chemical ingredients found in most sulfur treatment products. It also contains aloe vera to help soothe any skin irritation, as well as sustainably sourced palm oil. Although intended primarily for oily skin, this sulfur soap has proven efficacy for all skin types.

Quick Tip

If you have oily skin, make sure to follow up this sulfur soap with a gel-based and hydrating moisturizer to control sebum production.

8. Best For Moisturizing:Dr. Berry’s Multi-Purpose Sulfur-Lavender Soap

4.3

BUY ON AMAZON | $72.95

Does the smell of sulfur put you off? This lavender-smelling 10% micronized natural sulfur soap is palm kernel and coconut oil based with pure lavender essential oils to promote fast healing of skin problems. This results-driven soap also contains safflower oil, kosher glycerine, and purified water. Sorbitol is a good moisturizer, sorbitan oleate an emulsifier, soybean protein a conditioner, and titanium dioxide is a natural mineral whitener. It’s easy to use, penetrates the skin quickly, and has a mild smell. So, at least you don’t have to worry about the off-putting smell of sulfur.

9. Best Hydro-Force Formula:Asepxia Acne Bar Soap

4.4

Image: Asepxia

BUY ON AMAZON | $14.99

Have you been battling oily, acne-prone skin for the better part of your life? One of the best sulfur soaps, this comes in a pack of 2 and controls excess oiliness of the skin and deeply cleans and exfoliates your skin without overdrying it. This acne bar soap is oil-free and contains 2% salicylic acid which makes it great for treating pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, hormonal acne bumps, and ingrown hair. Its hydro-force formula enriched with sulfur allows the skin to heal and recover with its deep cleansing action. This anti-pimple natural soap might help you end your skin woes as it has proven efficacy!

10. Best Alcohol-Free Formula:Dr. Kaufmann Sulfur Soap

4.3

Now 27% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.99

Your search for the perfect soap may just have come to an end. This medicated zinc oxide sulfur soap helps relieve skin problems while keeping your skin healthy. It’s the ideal treatment for common skin problems like acne, lice, and scabies. This sulfur product is available in a pack of 4 soap bars of 80 gms each, with 2 grams of sulfur and 750 mg of zinc oxide in each soap. This alcohol-free soap also contains glycerin which protects the barrier of your skin, and zinc oxide which provides protection from sun damage. It’s safe for use on a daily basis by both adults and children of at least 3 years of age. It helps dry pimples and prevents acne, blackheads, dermatitis, scabies, eczema, lice, dandruff, crusty scales, sores, and also helps relieve itchy skin. Why not try it out?

11. Best For Rosacea:Joesoef Anti-Acne Soap

4.5

Image: Joesoef

BUY ON AMAZON | $35.97

If you have been struggling with skin ailments like acne and rosacea, this natural volcanic sulfur soap is great for the treatment of skin maladies and is formulated and developed by dermatologists as a natural alternative to salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. This natural antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-fungal soap is recommended for the treatment of acne, clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, dermatitis, and blemishes. This dermatologist-tested soap removes dirt and oil buildup to give your skin a healthy complexion and lower the chances of future breakouts.

Now that you have been through our review of the 11 best sulfur soaps, let us give you a few tips on what to look for while choosing a sulfur soap for yourself, so that you can derive the maximum benefit from it.

How To Choose A Sulfur Soap? 

• Ingredients to look for

Sulfur soaps are now available in combination with sodium sulfacetamide which makes them gentler on the skin and less stinky in general. Salicylic acid helps clear blocked pores and reduces swelling and inflammation. To keep your skin hydrated, look for sulfur soaps that contain emollients or humectants which hold moisture in your skin, or exfoliants like AHAs to smooth rough areas. Also, check YouTube reviews and view the tester’s personal experiences with the product to determine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

• Ingredients to avoid

Make sure that your sulfur soap does not contain ingredients that dry out your skin like retinoids and benzoyl peroxide to prevent the skin from becoming inflamed or too dry. Also avoid ingredients like abrasives, alcohol, resorcinol, and tretinoin as they can cause severe irritation to the skin.

Now that you know what to look for while choosing a good sulfur soap for yourself, it is important to know the benefits of this soap and how it can help you with various skin ailments like acne, eczema, and psoriasis to name a few. 

Benefits Of Sulfur Soap 

• Sulfur soap reduces the sebum production and stops the spread of microorganisms. This greatly reduces the appearance of pimples and also gets rid of those already there. When sulfur soap is applied to blemishes, it dries out the skin so it can then be sloughed away.

• Sulfur exfoliates dead skin and removes impurities. It has a keratolytic effect which helps remove dead skin cells and prevent clogging of pores.

• All the chemical and heat treatments we use on our hair can cause irritation to the scalp and increase oiliness. Sometimes we may even infect our scalp by scratching it. Sulfur soap applied once a week will get rid of residue and keep your scalp clean and healthy.

• Our nails are packed with all kinds of germs because our hands are in constant contact with various surfaces. This often leads to a fungal infection under the nails. Washing your hands and feet with sulfur soap thrice a week can restore the health of your nails.

• Sulfur is anti-inflammatory and helps to soften and exfoliate thick, dead skin, which treats skin ailments like acne, psoriasis, dandruff, eczema, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff.

• Folliculitis and furunculosis are infections that can come up between the sebaceous glands and the hair. This causes irritation in the affected area which may result in a boil. To prevent the infection from progressing, it is very beneficial to wash the area with sulfur soap.

• • Residual makeup can cause blackheads and pimples and washing your face once a day with sulfur soap will clean the pores, remove impurities, and reduce the chances of any infection.

Infographic: Precautions To Take While Using A Sulfur Soap

Sulfur soaps have amazing skin benefits and help fight acne and various other skin conditions. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that daily use of a sulfur soap may cause certain mild side effects. Check out the infographic below to know what precautions you can take to avoid them.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sulfur soap good for the face?

When you wash your face in the morning with sulfur soap, your day starts with less oil, and when you wash your face with sulfur soap at night, your pores will be clear at night. In case you have sensitive skin, you can use it once a day and gradually move up to twice a day.

Can I use sulfur soap everyday?

However oily your skin might be, do not exceed using the soap more than 2 times a day as this can potentially cause more acne. If you use sulfur soap 2 times a day on sensitive skin, it can get irritated, and it’s best to use it once a day.

Can I use sulfur soap while pregnant?

No, it’s not recommended to use sulfur soaps when pregnant. To maintain clear, acne-free skin without medications during pregnancy, it’s best to wash your skin with a gentle and mild soap or see a skin specialist.

Can sulfur soap remove acne scars?

Sulfur dries up and removes dead skin cells, so in theory, it can reduce acne scars too. But, sulfur soaps shouldn’t be your first line of treatment, instead you should try a product specifically formulated for lightening blemishes and acne scars.

Can sulfur soap remove dark spots?

While sulfur soaps cannot completely remove dark spots, they can reduce hyperpigmentation, clear dead skin cells, and encourage skin cell turnover.

Is sulfur soap good for sensitive skin?

Yes, sulfur soap is good for sensitive skin. Sulfur has antimicrobial properties that can reduce allergies and itching.

Does sulfur soap kill scabies?

Yes, a sulfur soap can kill scabies if you clean your skin with the soap for two to three consecutive days. However, it is always recommended to contact your doctor before adding anything new to your skincare routine.

When should I stop using sulfur soap?

Stop using sulfur soap if the formula makes your skin itch. Check whether the soap is offering you visible results within one to eight weeks. If not, you can switch to something else.

How often should I use sulfur soap?

You can use sulfur soap one to three times per day, depending on your requirements. Apply the soap on wet skin and lather it well before rinsing it off.

How long does it take for sulfur soap to work?

It usually takes one to eight weeks for sulfur soap to work. It may also take up to three months to show satisfactory results depending on your skin type and conditions.

Does sulfur soap have side effects?

Yes, some side effects of sulfur soap on sensitive skin include mild burning, tingling, itching, and redness.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Krati Darak, the author of this post, is passionate about skin care and finding products that improve your skin health. In this article, she discusses the best sulfur soaps that help manage skin conditions with antimicrobial properties. She recommends each of these products after conducting intense research and studying many reviews over various forums. The products have merits such as approved sulfur concentrations, absence of harsh elements, skin care benefits, and more.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. M. Khawar NazirMBBS

   

Dr. M. Khawar Nazir has 10 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and is the CEO of Boston Aesthetics Lahore, Pakistan. He earned his MBBS degree from Nishtar Medical College, Multan, Pakistan, and did his post graduation from Boston University, School Of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.

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Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

 

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

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Medha DebCommerce Editor

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

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