EradiKate™ Acne Treatment
EradiKate™ Acne Treatment
Product Description
Product overview
Kate Somerville EradiKate™ Acne Treatment is a fast-acting drying lotion spot treatment formulated with the maximum FDA-allowed 10% Sulfur, plus Salicylic Acid and Zinc Oxide. The signature two-phase pink sediment formula targets surface pimples and "undergrounders" — clinically shown to visibly improve breakouts in just 1 hour.
Visible Results in 1 Hour
94% of users showed visible breakout improvement after just 1 hour in the brand's independent clinical study.
Texture & feel
SENSORYVisible Results in 1 Hour
94% of users showed visible breakout improvement after just 1 hour in the brand's independent clinical study.
Maximum-Strength Sulfur
10% Sulfur is the highest concentration allowed in OTC acne products by the U.S. FDA.
Dries Pimples Overnight
Pink sediment delivers active ingredients directly to the blemish. Most spots flatten in 1–2 nights.
Targets Underground Pimples
Sulfur penetrates pores to address blemishes still forming beneath the skin's surface.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains salicylic acid (BHA). Most OB-GYNs advise avoiding leave-on salicylic acid during pregnancy. Topical sulfur is generally considered low-risk, but consult your doctor before use.
No fatty acids, esters, polysorbates or oils. Sulfur itself has antifungal properties — actually beneficial for fungal acne sufferers.
Alcohol-based, oil-free, no pore-clogging ingredients. Will not contribute to clogged pores or breakouts.
Per FDA label warning, do not layer with retinol, benzoyl peroxide or AHAs at the same time. Increased dryness and irritation may occur.
Isopropyl alcohol is the first ingredient. Brand label states: do not use if you have very sensitive skin or are sensitive to sulfur.
Certified cruelty-free by PETA. No animal-derived ingredients in the formula.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSIsopropyl Alcohol ~50%Solvent / Astringent
Listed as the first ingredient — forms the clear top layer of the bottle. It acts as a fast-evaporating solvent that disinfects the skin surface and helps the active sulfur deposit dry quickly on the blemish.
- Purpose: Carrier for active ingredients; surface degreasing.
- Note: Only the pink sediment should be applied — most of the alcohol stays in the bottle.
Aqua / Water ~25%Solvent
The second base of the two-phase formula. Carries the suspended actives and helps deliver them in usable form.
- Purpose: Universal solvent; reduces alcohol concentration on skin.
Zinc Oxide ~8–10%Proven
A mineral that absorbs excess oil, soothes inflammation, and offers mild antibacterial action. Forms part of the pink sediment along with iron oxides.
- Source (NIH): Zinc oxide is FDA-recognized as a skin protectant; reduces redness and inflammation.
- Bonus: Helps regulate sebum production in oily, acne-prone skin.
Sulfur 10% (Active)Proven Hero
The hero active. Sulfur is keratolytic, antibacterial and mildly antifungal — it helps shed dead skin cells inside the pore, kills C. acnes bacteria, and dries out the pimple. 10% is the highest level the U.S. FDA allows in OTC acne products.
- Source: Sulfur has decades of clinical use in dermatology for acne, rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis.
- Brand clinical: 94% saw visible breakout improvement in 1 hour; 97% saw reduced redness/inflammation in 2 days (n=32).
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate ~3–5%Texture
A natural clay mineral that thickens and stabilizes the pink sediment, allowing the active powder to suspend at the bottom of the bottle and pick up cleanly on a cotton swab.
- Purpose: Suspending agent and gentle oil absorber.
Camphor <2%Soothing
Provides a slight cooling sensation and contributes mild antimicrobial and anti-itch effects, helping to calm irritated, painful pimples.
- Source: FDA-approved active in OTC topical analgesics at low concentrations.
Salicylic Acid ~1.0–1.5%Proven BHA
An oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid that penetrates inside the pore to dissolve sebum, dead skin cells and the gunk that forms blackheads and whiteheads. Pairs synergistically with sulfur.
- Source (AAD): Salicylic acid is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology as a first-line OTC treatment for mild-to-moderate acne.
- Bonus: Anti-inflammatory; helps reduce post-acne marks over time.
CI 77491 (Iron Oxides) <1%Pigment
Mineral red iron oxide pigment that gives the sediment its signature pink color. Inert, hypoallergenic and safe for acne-prone skin — purely cosmetic, with no skincare action.
- Note: Tints the dot pink so you can see exactly where you've applied it.
8 ingredients — one of the shortest, cleanest INCI lists in the acne category.
Active Ingredient: Sulfur 10%. Inactive Ingredients: Isopropyl Alcohol, Aqua/Water/Eau, Zinc Oxide, Sulfur, Camphor, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Salicylic Acid, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides).
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply directly to clean, dry blemishes after toner/serum. Skip moisturizer over the dot — apply moisturizer around it. Best used in the PM as an overnight treatment.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & dry skin
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat completely dry. Do not apply to wet skin — this dilutes the actives.
DO NOT shake the bottle
The pink sediment is the active treatment, the clear liquid on top is the alcohol carrier. They must stay separated. The cap even has a "Do Not Shake" sticker.
Dip a clean cotton swab
Push a Q-tip straight down through the clear liquid until it touches the pink sediment at the bottom of the bottle. Pull it out — it should come up coated in pink paste.
Dab onto blemish only
Apply only to the active spot or "underground" area where you feel a pimple forming. Avoid healthy surrounding skin to prevent dryness.
Leave on overnight
Let the pink dot dry (about 30–60 seconds), then go to bed. Rinse off in the morning. Start with one application daily; can increase to 2–3x daily if tolerated.
Follow with moisturizer
Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer around the treated area to support the skin barrier and offset the drying effect of sulfur and alcohol.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You get occasional surface pimples, whiteheads, or hormonal cysts
- You have oily or combination skin that tolerates sulfur
- You need overnight emergency spot treatment for an unexpected breakout
- You're prone to fungal acne and need a malassezia-safe spot treatment
- You feel an "underground" pimple forming and want to stop it early
- You want a clinically tested, cruelty-free, vegan option
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very sensitive, dry, eczema-prone, or rosacea-prone skin
- You're sensitive or allergic to sulfur
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding (consult your doctor)
- You hate strong sulfur/egg smells
- You need an all-over acne treatment (this is spot-only)
- You have widespread cystic acne — see a dermatologist for prescription care
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSulfur, salicylic acid and zinc oxide all directly target excess sebum. The drying alcohol base is well-tolerated by oily skin.
Spot-application only — apply just to the oily T-zone breakouts and skip dry areas. Ideal as-needed product.
Designed specifically for blemish-prone skin. Non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe — addresses both bacterial and yeast-related acne.
Effective for occasional breakouts. Use only on active spots; can be too drying if applied to healthy skin.
High alcohol content can worsen dryness. Use sparingly on individual spots and follow with rich moisturizer around (not over) the dot.
Brand label warns: do not use if you have very sensitive skin or sulfur sensitivity. Patch test on jawline first; consider Mario Badescu's gentler version instead.
Results timeline
AFTER 4+ WEEKSVisible breakout reduction begins
The pink dot draws out fluid and oil from the pimple. Surface whiteheads start flattening; redness begins to calm.
94% noticed (brand clinical, n=32)Pimple visibly smaller & less red
Most users wake up to a noticeably flatter, drier blemish. Underground pimples often never surface.
~85% report overnight improvementRedness, inflammation & breakout size reduced
Continued spot use accelerates healing. Skin texture around the spot starts to smooth out.
97% saw redness/inflammation reductionSmoother skin, fewer new spots
With consistent use at the first sign of a breakout, fewer new pimples surface. Sebum control becomes more noticeable.
96% reported smoother skinReduced frequency of breakouts
Long-term users report fewer breakout cycles when EradiKate is used preventatively on early-stage spots.
~80% would repurchaseRatings by platform
8K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Highest legal sulfur concentration (10%) — visibly stronger than most spot treatments
- Genuinely fast-acting; many see overnight results
- Works on "underground" pimples before they surface
- Short, clean ingredient list (only 8 ingredients)
- Fungal-acne safe and non-comedogenic
- Cruelty-free (PETA), vegan, and FSA/HSA eligible
- Backed by clinical study and 20+ years of cult status
Criticized
- Strong, lingering sulfur (rotten egg) smell
- Pricey vs. similar formulas — $30 for 30ml
- Visible pink dot — overnight use only
- Bottle must remain upright; not travel-friendly
- Drying; can sting or peel sensitive skin
- Pink sediment depletes faster than the liquid
- Not suitable for widespread acne — spot use only
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESNearly identical two-phase pink-sediment design. Uses calamine + ~3% sulfur (vs. 10% in EradiKate) plus salicylic acid. Slightly more soothing thanks to glycerin and calamine, but less potent and slower to flatten deep pimples.
Same two-phase pink-sediment look at one-third the price. Contains 10% sulfur, salicylic acid, calamine and zinc oxide. Performance comparable to EradiKate; lacks the clinical backing and clean-formula positioning.
Same 10% sulfur active in a different format — a cream rather than a sediment-in-alcohol drying lotion. No salicylic acid, no zinc oxide, no alcohol. Less drying but slower-acting than EradiKate.
Similar concept with colloidal sulfur, zinc oxide, salicylic acid and camphor. Cleaner-skincare positioning. Slightly gentler but very similar in result; a good middle-ground between EradiKate and Mario Badescu.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEKate Somerville EradiKate

Origins Super Spot Remover Gel
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Unopened shelf life: 24–36 months from manufacture.
Store upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate. Always recap tightly — alcohol will evaporate.
Clear glass bottle with screw-on cap and "Do Not Shake" sticker. Allows you to see how much active sediment remains.
Limited — under 100ml so TSA-allowed, but bottle must stay upright and cannot be shaken. Pack in a zip-lock and keep vertical.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNot generally recommended. EradiKate contains salicylic acid, a BHA that most OB-GYNs and dermatologists advise against using in leave-on products during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Topical sulfur and zinc oxide are considered low-risk, but the salicylic acid plus high alcohol content tip the balance toward caution. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any acne treatment while pregnant or nursing. For pregnancy-safe alternatives, consider azelaic acid or topical erythromycin (prescription).
Yes — EradiKate is fungal-acne (malassezia) safe. The formula contains no fatty acids, fatty alcohols, esters, polysorbates, or oils that feed malassezia yeast. In fact, sulfur itself has antifungal properties and is sometimes used to treat malassezia folliculitis, making this one of the few acne spot treatments that works on both bacterial acne and fungal acne.
The brand's FDA label specifically warns against layering with other topical acne medications, as combining can increase dryness and irritation. Practical guidance: avoid applying retinol, benzoyl peroxide, or AHA/BHA exfoliants directly on top of EradiKate. You can use them on alternate nights or on different parts of your face. Vitamin C in the morning and EradiKate as an evening spot treatment is generally fine. Always moisturize well to support your skin barrier.
EradiKate works best for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. The 10% sulfur and isopropyl alcohol base are designed to dry out oily blemishes quickly. Normal skin can use it as needed for spot treatment. Dry and sensitive skin should use it sparingly or look for gentler alternatives — the brand's own label warns against use on very sensitive skin. Always apply only to the active spot, never as an all-over treatment.
The brand's clinical study (n=32) showed 94% of users had visible breakout improvement after just 1 hour, 97% saw reduced redness and inflammation after 2 days, and 96% reported smoother skin and minimized breakouts within 2 days. In real-world use, most surface pimples flatten significantly overnight, while deeper "underground" cysts may take 2–4 nights of consistent application to resolve. For best results, apply at the very first sign of a pimple — even before it surfaces.
EradiKate is a leave-on spot treatment used in the evening. After cleansing, toning, and any treatment serum, dab the pink sediment directly onto the active blemish using a clean cotton swab. Let it dry for 30–60 seconds, then apply moisturizer around (not over) the dot. Skip layering other actives directly on top. It's a PM-only product — the visible pink color makes it impractical to wear during the day.
No — EradiKate is rated 0/5 on the comedogenic scale and is non-comedogenic. The formula is alcohol- and water-based with no oils, butters, fatty acids, or pore-clogging emollients. The actives (sulfur, salicylic acid, zinc oxide) all actively help unclog pores. It will not contribute to blackheads, whiteheads, or new breakouts.
EradiKate has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. With typical spot-treatment use, a 30ml bottle lasts 6–12 months. Note: many users report the pink sediment runs out faster than the alcohol layer above it, making the formula less potent toward the end of the bottle. To maximize shelf life, store upright, recap tightly after each use, and never shake the bottle.
Verdict: Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment is a cult-favorite for a reason — it pairs the maximum legal level of sulfur (10%) with salicylic acid and zinc oxide for genuinely fast, clinically backed spot treatment results. It's non-comedogenic, fungal-acne safe, cruelty-free and vegan, with a remarkably short ingredient list. The trade-offs are real: the strong sulfur smell, drying alcohol base, and visible pink dot make it an overnight-only, oily/combo-skin product — not a daily, all-over solution. If you get occasional surface pimples or feel the dreaded "underground" cyst forming, this delivers. If you have very sensitive or very dry skin, want something invisible during the day, or are pregnant, look at gentler alternatives like Mario Badescu Drying Lotion or a 2% salicylic acid gel.
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Product Overview
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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.
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Notable Effects & Ingredients
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.
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
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Isopropyl Alcohol
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Antifoaming Agent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Zinc Oxide
Skin Protecting, Sunscreen Agent, Cosmetic Colorant
|
UV Protection
|
|
| 1 |
Sulfur
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Skin-Conditioning Agent -Miscellaneous, Antiseborrhoeic
|
|
|
| 0 |
Camphor
Masking
|
|




