10% Sulfur Bar Soap
10% Sulfur Bar Soap
Product Description
Product overview
DermaHarmony's 10% Sulfur Bar Soap is an FDA-registered OTC acne treatment bar delivering maximum over-the-counter sulfur strength to clear blemishes, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads — face and body. Formulated with just 11 clean ingredients including tea tree oil and coconut extract, with zero parabens, fragrances, dyes, or sulfates. Made in the USA since 1997.
Maximum OTC Sulfur Strength
10% sulfur — the highest concentration allowed under the FDA OTC acne drug monograph. No prescription required.
Texture & feel
SENSORYMaximum OTC Sulfur Strength
10% sulfur — the highest concentration allowed under the FDA OTC acne drug monograph. No prescription required.
Antibacterial + Antifungal
Fights P. acnes bacteria and Malassezia yeast simultaneously, tackling both bacterial and fungal acne at the root.
Clean Minimal Formula
Only 11 ingredients total. Zero parabens, fragrances, dyes, sulfates, or EWG-flagged raw materials. EWG Skin Safe certified.
FDA-Registered OTC Drug
Manufactured to pharmaceutical-grade quality standards with National Drug Code #71819 — not just a cosmetic.
Full-Body Acne Treatment
Clinically suited for face, back, chest, and shoulders. One bar replaces multiple acne washes across body zones.
Long-Lasting Value
Each 4 oz bar lasts 4–6 weeks with daily use — a fraction of the cost of prescription sulfur washes.
Safety & compatibility
SAFETopical sulfur at OTC concentrations is considered safe during pregnancy. No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Recommended by OB-GYNs and dermatologists as a pregnancy-safe acne option. Avoid application near the nipple area when breastfeeding.
Sulfur produces pentathionic acid on contact with skin, which is directly antifungal against Malassezia — the yeast responsible for fungal acne and seborrheic dermatitis. Rated #1 top-reviewed fungal acne safe product with sulfur on SkinSort.
No artificial fragrances, dyes, parabens, MPG, or PEG. Formulated to be gentler than benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Glycerin and palm/coconut saponified oils have low comedogenic ratings. Tea tree oil is non-comedogenic. Overall formula rates 1 out of 5, making it appropriate even for acne-prone pore-clogging concerns.
Sulfur has keratolytic (drying) action. Begin with once-daily use and increase gradually. Follow with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. Reduce frequency if peeling occurs.
Sulfur will tarnish sterling silver jewelry. Remove rings and necklaces before use.
Many users report improved rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis with consistent use. Sulfur's anti-inflammatory properties calm papules and pustules. Not a cure — consult a dermatologist for persistent conditions.
Generally considered safe for breastfeeding. Do not apply to the nipple or breast area, and prevent infant skin contact with treated areas. Consult your physician if concerned.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSulfur 10% (Active)Proven
The star active ingredient at maximum OTC permitted concentration. Sulfur works through multiple pathways: it reduces sebum overproduction, has direct antibacterial action against P. acnes, provides antifungal activity against Malassezia, gently exfoliates dead skin cells (keratolytic action), and reduces inflammatory redness. Used medicinally for skin conditions since ancient Greece, Egypt, India, and China.
- Mechanism: Converts to pentathionic acid on skin contact — directly kills fungal Malassezia and inhibits P. acnes bacteria.
- Sebum Control: Absorbs excess oil from skin surface, keeping pores clear and reducing breakout triggers.
- Keratolytic Action: Gently sheds dead skin cells without the aggressive peeling of AHAs or BHAs.
- Clinical Evidence: Journal of Drugs in Dermatology confirms sulfur's antifungal efficacy against Malassezia species.
- FDA Status: Recognized as a safe and effective OTC acne treatment at 3–10% concentration.
Sodium Palmate Primary SurfactantProven
The primary saponified soap base derived from palm oil (sodium hydroxide + palm fatty acids). Acts as the main cleanser and lathering agent, lifting dirt, excess oil, and acne-causing debris from pores. Creates the creamy lather users describe. Rated comedogenicity 0–2 in bar soap rinse-off format.
- Function: Surfactant, emulsifier, soap base — the backbone of any bar soap.
- Rinse-Off Format: As a rinse-off cleanser ingredient, comedogenic concerns are minimal compared to leave-on products.
Sodium Cocoate Secondary SurfactantProven
Saponified coconut oil — adds superior lathering and a silky skin feel to the bar. Coconut-derived surfactant that enhances cleansing efficacy while keeping the formula plant-based. Pairs with Sodium Palmate and Sodium Palm Kernelate to create the bar's balanced cleansing matrix.
- Function: Surfactant, lather booster, co-emulsifier.
- Skin Feel: Contributes to the non-stripping, creamy texture users consistently praise.
Glycerin HumectantProven
A naturally occurring humectant (found in all human skin) that draws moisture into skin from the environment. Counteracts sulfur's drying tendency, maintaining hydration balance. Glycerin has a comedogenicity rating of 0 and irritancy of 0 — one of the safest skincare ingredients available. Derived from vegetable sources (soy or palm) in this formulation.
- Humectancy: A 2016 study found glycerin more effective than AHAs and hyaluronic acid as a humectant.
- Barrier Support: Helps maintain the lipid matrix between skin cells in a healthy liquid crystal state.
- Antimicrobial: Has documented antimicrobial and antiviral secondary properties.
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil (Tea Tree Oil) Botanical ActiveProven
Australian tea tree oil extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. Provides a powerful secondary antibacterial punch alongside sulfur — specifically inhibits P. acnes bacteria that overpopulate clogged pores. Also delivers anti-inflammatory properties to reduce the redness and swelling of acne lesions.
- Antibacterial: Inhibits growth of Propionibacterium acnes — documented in Journal of Profiles of Drug Substances.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness, swelling, and irritation associated with active breakouts.
- Antioxidant: Provides secondary antioxidant protection against free radical skin damage.
Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract (Coconut Fruit Extract) Nourishing ExtractPromising
Derived from whole coconut fruit (not pure coconut oil), this extract provides skin-nourishing fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Supports skin barrier function and provides emollient conditioning. Distinguishes this formula from basic saponified-oil-only sulfur soaps with a richer, more skin-nourishing profile.
- Function: Skin conditioning, barrier support, emollient.
- Rich in: Medium-chain fatty acids (lauric acid) with additional antimicrobial properties.
Elaeis Guineensis Fruit Extract (Palm Fruit Extract) Nourishing ExtractPromising
Extracted from palm fruit, this ingredient is rich in carotenoids (provitamin A), tocotrienols (vitamin E family), and antioxidants. Provides additional skin conditioning beyond standard saponified palm oil. Supports skin barrier health and provides antioxidant protection.
- Rich in: Beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene, and vitamin E tocotrienols.
- Function: Antioxidant protection, skin conditioning, barrier support.
Sodium Chloride (Table Salt) FunctionalProven
Simple table salt used as a texture modifier and emulsifier in bar soap formulations. Helps create the bar's firm texture and consistent lather. As a rinse-off ingredient, skin absorption is negligible and it contributes no irritation.
- Function: Thickener, emulsifier, texture stabilizer.
- Note: Some debate exists about comedogenicity; however, in rinse-off bar soap format, this is not a concern.
Pentasodium Pentetate Chelating AgentProven
A chelating agent (salt of pentetic acid / DTPA) that binds metal ions in water to preserve formula stability. Prevents soap scum buildup caused by hard water minerals, maintaining consistent lather and cleansing performance. DermaHarmony notably uses Pentasodium Pentetate rather than Tetrasodium EDTA — avoiding the formaldehyde-derivative concerns associated with EDTA.
- Function: Chelator, preservative booster, formula stabilizer.
- Advantage: Unlike Tetrasodium EDTA (used by competitor brands), Pentasodium Pentetate is not a formaldehyde derivative.
11 ingredients total
Active: Sulfur 10%
Inactive: Sodium Palmate, Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Water, Glycerin, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Sodium Chloride, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Elaeis Guineensis Fruit Extract, Pentasodium Pentetate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEThis soap is Step 1 — your cleanser. Use it in place of your regular face or body wash. Always follow with a non-comedogenic moisturizer to offset sulfur's drying action. Apply sunscreen in the morning.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Skin with Warm Water
Dampen the affected area (face, back, chest, shoulders) with warm water. Warm water opens pores and helps the sulfur penetrate more effectively.
Work Up a Rich Lather
Rub the bar between your hands or directly on skin to create a creamy lather. Gently massage into affected areas using circular motions for thorough cleansing.
Leave on Skin for 30+ Seconds
Allow the lather to remain in contact with skin for at least 30 seconds so the sulfur can work on pores and surface bacteria. Do not rush the rinse.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse well with water until all soap residue is removed. Pat skin dry gently with a clean towel.
Moisturize Immediately
Apply your preferred non-comedogenic moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp. This is critical to prevent sulfur-related dryness, especially in the first few weeks.
Frequency & Bar Care
Start with once daily. Increase to 2–3x daily if tolerated, or as directed by a physician. Store the bar in a dry soap dish between uses — do not leave it sitting in water. This keeps each bar lasting 4–6 weeks.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, acne-prone, or breakout-heavy skin on the face or body
- Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid is too harsh or irritating for your skin
- You suspect fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) or have itchy, uniform bumps
- You deal with back, chest, or shoulder acne in addition to facial acne
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe OTC acne option
- You have rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, or keratosis pilaris
- You prefer a clean, minimal ingredient list with no questionable additives
- You are transitioning from a prescription sulfur wash
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or severely dehydrated skin that struggles with any drying actives
- You need a leave-on treatment (this is a rinse-off cleanser only)
- You have a known sulfa drug allergy — consult your doctor first
- You want a luxurious, spa-like fragrant wash experience
- You need a targeted spot treatment rather than a full cleanse
- You have broken, cracked, or severely compromised skin barrier (active eczema flare)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match. Sulfur's sebum-regulating and keratolytic action directly targets excess oil production. Users with medically oily skin report transformative oil control with consistent use.
This is the primary target skin type. Maximum OTC sulfur strength clears existing blemishes, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads while preventing new breakouts. Works on face and body acne zones.
Works well across T-zone and drier cheek areas. Sulfur selectively targets oily, breakout-prone zones. Glycerin in the formula provides balance. Follow with moisturizer on drier areas.
Fragrance-free and paraben-free formula is kinder to reactive skin than benzoyl peroxide. Start with every-other-day use and patch test first. Use a rich moisturizer after each cleanse.
Use with caution. Sulfur's drying action can amplify existing dryness. If you have dry skin with breakouts, start slowly (2–3x per week) and always follow with a generous moisturizer.
Rated #1 top-reviewed fungal acne safe sulfur product on SkinSort. Sulfur directly kills Malassezia yeast, making this especially effective where other acne treatments fail completely.
Results timeline
4–8 WEEKSInitial Cleansing & Mild Adjustment
Skin feels noticeably cleaner and less oily after each wash. Some users may experience very mild initial dryness as sulfur begins regulating sebum. A faint sulfur scent dissipates quickly after rinsing.
95% notice cleaner skin immediatelyReduced Breakout Frequency
Existing pimples begin to dry out. Blackheads and whiteheads start clearing. Multiple customers report seeing pimples go away around their nose and trouble zones within the first 2 weeks of consistent daily use.
70% see fewer new breakoutsClearer, Calmer Skin
Significant reduction in active acne blemishes. Rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis symptoms notably reduced. Oil control is visibly improved. Pores appear cleaner. Most customers report this is when they become loyal, repeat buyers.
75% see clear improvement by week 4Sustained Clarity & Prevention
With consistent daily use, new blemishes are prevented from forming. Full results for fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis), keratosis pilaris, and seborrheic dermatitis typically emerge by 4–8 weeks. Many users report transformative results, particularly for back and body acne.
85% report sustained improvementRatings by platform
4K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
STRONGPraised
- Maximum 10% sulfur — highest OTC concentration available
- FDA-registered OTC drug, not just a cosmetic
- Extremely clean formula — only 11 ingredients
- Works on face AND body (back acne, chest, shoulders)
- Effective against fungal acne where other treatments fail
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Sulfur scent described as mild and fades after rinsing
- Produces rich, creamy lather — doesn't feel medicinal
- Good value — 4 oz bar lasts 4–6 weeks
- Helps with rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, keratosis pilaris
- No bleaching of towels or fabrics (unlike benzoyl peroxide)
- Made in USA with pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing
Criticized
- Sulfur has a distinct natural smell (though widely described as mild here)
- Can cause dryness in first weeks — requires moisturizer pairing
- Bar must be kept dry between uses; softens quickly if left in standing water
- Rinse-off format limits active contact time versus a leave-on treatment
- Will tarnish sterling silver jewelry — must remove before use
- Not suitable for broken or severely compromised skin barrier
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSame 10% sulfur concentration as an OTC drug, but in ointment (leave-on) format rather than a rinse-off bar. More affordable, widely available at pharmacies. Lacks tea tree oil and coconut extract. Heavier texture may not suit oily skin. Better as a spot treatment than a full cleanser.
A long-standing sulfur bar soap with lower sulfur concentration (typically 3–5%). More widely available at Latin grocery stores and pharmacies. Contains aloe vera but also artificial fragrance — not fragrance-free. Lower sulfur strength means less potent acne action than DermaHarmony's 10%.
Cult-status spot treatment containing sulfur, salicylic acid, and zinc oxide — but as a leave-on lotion, not a cleanser. Works differently: dab on overnight for individual spots. Contains alcohol and fragrance, making it less suitable for sensitive skin. Does not replace a full-body cleanse routine.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
DermaDoctor Ain't Misbehavin' 10% Sulfur Mask
Storage & shelf life
30 MONTHS30 months from date of manufacture (as noted on DermaHarmony's packaging). Use within this window for full potency of the 10% sulfur active.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep away from heat and humidity when not in use. A ventilated soap dish is ideal to extend bar life.
Individual carton or wrapper. The polypropylene bar wrapper is Type 5 recyclable. Each bar is individually packaged for hygienic integrity.
Yes — solid bar format with no liquid volume restrictions. TSA-friendly and leak-proof. A single bar easily fits in travel toiletry bag. No 100ml liquid restrictions apply.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes — topical sulfur at OTC concentrations is widely considered safe during pregnancy and is often recommended by OB-GYNs and dermatologists as a pregnancy-safe acne alternative. Unlike salicylic acid, retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide (which carry safety concerns during pregnancy), sulfur-based cleansers like this bar have no known teratogenic effects at topical use levels. This formula contains no retinoids, no salicylic acid, no hydroquinone, and no chemical sunscreens. During breastfeeding, use is considered safe but avoid applying to the nipple or breast area and prevent infant skin contact with treated areas. Always consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist if you have specific concerns.
Yes — and not just safe, but actively therapeutic for fungal acne. When sulfur contacts skin, it produces pentathionic acid, which directly kills Malassezia yeast — the organism responsible for fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis). This is why sulfur succeeds where conventional acne treatments (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid) often fail against fungal acne. DermaHarmony's 10% Sulfur Bar Soap is ranked the #1 top-rated fungal acne safe product with sulfur on SkinSort. The formula contains no fermented ingredients, no fatty acid esters, and no polysorbates that could feed Malassezia growth. Many users dealing with itchy, uniform bumps along the hairline, chest, and back report significant clearing with consistent use.
Generally yes, but thoughtfully. Since this is a rinse-off cleanser (not a leave-on product), it is less likely to cause active conflicts with leave-on actives like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs. However, sulfur already has keratolytic (exfoliating) action, so combining it with leave-on AHAs, BHAs, or strong retinoids daily could lead to over-exfoliation, dryness, or irritation — especially in the first few weeks. Recommended approach: Use sulfur soap as your cleanser, allow skin to fully dry, then apply your other actives. If irritation develops, space usage out: sulfur soap in the AM, leave-on actives in the PM. The FDA also notes that using multiple topical acne medications simultaneously increases dryness risk — use one at a time if you experience irritation.
This product is best suited for oily, acne-prone, combination, and fungal-acne-prone skin types. It is also excellent for those dealing with rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, tinea versicolor, and keratosis pilaris. Sensitive skin types can use it with care — the fragrance-free, dye-free, minimal formula reduces irritant risk versus other acne cleansers, but start slowly (every other day) and always follow with a moisturizer. Dry skin types should use with caution: sulfur's drying action can worsen existing dryness. If you have dry skin with occasional breakouts, limit use to 2–3 times per week rather than daily.
Most users begin noticing cleaner, less oily skin within the first few days. Active blemishes start clearing within 1–2 weeks of consistent daily use. Significant, sustained reduction in breakout frequency is typically seen at weeks 3–4. For fungal acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and keratosis pilaris, the most noticeable improvement usually emerges at the 4–8 week mark with daily consistent use. The FDA monograph for sulfur acne treatments recommends 4–6 weeks of regular use to evaluate full efficacy. If you see no improvement after 8 weeks of daily use, consult a dermatologist for evaluation of your specific skin condition.
This soap is Step 1 — your cleanser — in both morning and evening routines. Use it in place of your regular face wash or body wash. After rinsing, proceed with: toner (optional) → serums/treatments → moisturizer → sunscreen (morning only). Since this is a rinse-off cleanser, its active sulfur content is in brief contact with skin, making it compatible with layering other skincare products after. Always apply moisturizer as the final step before sunscreen to offset any drying effect from the sulfur.
No — this product is explicitly formulated to be noncomedogenic. The overall comedogenic rating of this formula is 1 out of 5. Glycerin (comedogenicity 0) and the sulfur active itself are non-pore-clogging. The soap base (sodium palmate, sodium cocoate) have low comedogenic ratings in rinse-off format. Tea tree oil is also non-comedogenic. Because this is a rinse-off cleanser, any potential comedogenic concerns from individual ingredients are further minimized — residue does not remain on skin. This formula does not contain sodium tallowate (animal fat) or heavier oils that are more typically comedogenic in bar soaps.
The bar has a 30-month shelf life from date of manufacture. With daily use (one cleanse per day), each 4 oz bar typically lasts 4–6 weeks. With twice-daily use on both face and body, expect 2–4 weeks per bar. To maximize bar life: allow the bar to dry completely between uses by storing it on a draining soap dish, keep it away from standing water in the shower, and store in a cool, dry location. Bars stored in warm, humid environments or left sitting in water dissolve much faster. If purchasing multi-packs, store unused bars in their original carton in a cool, dry place.
Verdict: DermaHarmony's 10% Sulfur Bar Soap is the gold standard for OTC sulfur acne cleansers. With maximum permitted sulfur concentration, an FDA-registered drug status, and only 11 squeaky-clean ingredients — no parabens, fragrance, dyes, or sulfates — it delivers serious acne-fighting power without the chemical overload of competing products. The addition of tea tree oil and fruit extracts elevates it above basic sulfur bars. It's effective across bacterial acne, fungal acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and keratosis pilaris, and works safely from face to back to chest. Pregnancy-safe, budget-conscious at $14–18 per bar, and made in the USA to pharmaceutical standards since 1997. The only caveats are the natural sulfur scent (mild and rinse-away) and the need to pair with a good moisturizer. A rare product that truly delivers on its clinical promise.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Sulfur
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Skin-Conditioning Agent -Miscellaneous, Antiseborrhoeic
|
Ache-fighting
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Palmate
Surfactant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsifying, Sufactant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Palm Kernelate
Sufactant, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|