Maximum Strength Acne Treatment With 10% Sulfur Ointment Mask
Maximum Strength Acne Treatment With 10% Sulfur Ointment Mask
Product Description
Product overview
A powerful, no-frills 10-minute sulfur mask that dries out pimples, unclogs pores, and controls excess oil with just two simple ingredients. This cult-favorite drugstore treatment has earned devoted fans for effectively tackling cystic acne, hormonal breakouts, and fungal acne at a fraction of the cost of prescription alternatives.
Maximum Strength Formula
Contains 10% sulfur, the highest concentration allowed in OTC acne medications for powerful blemish-fighting action.
Texture & feel
SENSORYMaximum Strength Formula
Contains 10% sulfur, the highest concentration allowed in OTC acne medications for powerful blemish-fighting action.
Ultra-Minimal Ingredients
Just 2 ingredients total—no preservatives, fragrances, or fillers needed thanks to the anhydrous (water-free) formula.
Antibacterial + Antifungal
Sulfur naturally kills acne-causing bacteria and Malassezia yeast, making it effective for both regular and fungal acne.
Exceptional Value
Delivers professional-grade results at drugstore pricing. One jar lasts 3-4 months with regular use.
Safety & compatibility
SAFETopical sulfur is considered safe during pregnancy. No fetal anomalies have been reported in studies. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Sulfur can safely be used by nursing mothers. Minimal systemic absorption means negligible transfer to breast milk.
Contains zero fungal acne triggers. Sulfur actively fights Malassezia yeast, making this ideal for pityrosporum folliculitis.
Oil-free, water-washable formula with a comedogenic rating of 0. Will not clog pores or cause breakouts.
Can cause dryness and peeling, especially with daily use. Start with once daily and reduce if irritation occurs. Always follow with moisturizer.
Test on a small area first if you have sensitive skin. Avoid use on broken skin or large areas of the body.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSulfur 10%Proven
A time-tested acne-fighting ingredient used since ancient times. Sulfur works through multiple mechanisms: it's keratolytic (exfoliates dead skin), antibacterial, antifungal, and reduces sebum production.
- Mechanism: Produces pentathionic acid on skin contact, which is lethal to bacteria and fungi including P. acnes and Malassezia
- FDA Status: Approved OTC acne active ingredient at 3-10% concentration
- History: Used medicinally in Ancient Greece, Egypt, India, and China for thousands of years
- Studies: Proven effective for acne vulgaris, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal skin conditions
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) BaseCarrier
Acts as the vehicle/base for delivering sulfur to the skin. This water-soluble polymer ensures the ointment spreads evenly and rinses off cleanly with water.
- Function: Emulsifier and solubilizer that creates the smooth, spreadable ointment texture
- Benefit: Makes the mask easy to remove—simply rinse with warm water
- Safety: Widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals with established safety profile
2 ingredients
Active Ingredient: Sulfur 10%
Inactive Ingredient: Polyethylene Glycol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as a 10-minute mask after cleansing, then rinse off before continuing your routine. Best used in PM to avoid sun exposure immediately after treatment.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Thoroughly
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Ensure skin is clean and free of makeup or sunscreen.
Apply Thin Layer
Using clean fingers, apply a thin layer to affected areas or entire face. Avoid eye area and broken skin.
Wait 10 Minutes
Let the mask work for 10 minutes. Some users with tolerant skin extend to 15-20 minutes for deeper treatment.
Rinse Thoroughly
Remove completely with warm water. Use a washcloth or follow with a cleanser to ensure all residue is removed.
Moisturize
Always follow with a moisturizer to prevent over-drying. Start with once daily and increase as tolerated.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have cystic or hormonal acne that doesn't respond to BP or salicylic acid
- You struggle with fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis)
- You want a pregnancy-safe acne treatment
- You prefer minimal, no-frills ingredient lists
- You're looking for an affordable alternative to prescription sulfur
- You have oily, acne-prone, or combination skin
- You need treatment for body acne (back, chest, shoulders)
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very sensitive or reactive skin (try 5% version first)
- You're extremely sensitive to sulfur odor
- You need a leave-on spot treatment (this must be washed off)
- You have very dry skin without adequate moisturizer
- You're looking for anti-aging benefits alongside acne treatment
- You prefer products with additional soothing ingredients
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSulfur naturally reduces sebum production and absorbs excess oil. Leaves skin matte and shine-free without over-stripping.
The holy grail for stubborn acne. Tackles cystic, hormonal, and fungal acne through antibacterial, antifungal, and keratolytic action.
Can be applied to oily T-zone only if dry areas are a concern. Controls oil where needed without affecting drier cheeks.
Effective for occasional breakouts. Use as needed rather than daily to prevent unnecessary dryness.
Patch test first. Start with shorter application times (5 min) and less frequent use. Consider the 5% formula if irritation occurs.
Can be drying—limit to 2-3x weekly and always follow with rich moisturizer. Best used as spot treatment only.
Results timeline
MONTH 1+Immediate Drying Effect
Active pimples begin to dry out and flatten. Redness around inflamed spots starts to calm. Existing breakouts feel less painful and tender.
85% noticed pimples drying overnightVisible Clearing
Significant reduction in active breakouts. Skin feels less oily throughout the day. Cystic bumps start to shrink noticeably.
78% reported reduced breakoutsSmoother Texture
Skin texture improves as pores unclog. Fewer new breakouts forming. Sebaceous filaments and blackheads visibly reduced.
70% noticed smoother skinMaintained Clarity
Consistent use prevents new breakouts from forming. Skin stays clearer and less oily. Fungal acne and recurring bumps controlled.
82% saw long-term improvementRatings by platform
38K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Incredibly affordable—best value sulfur treatment on the market
- Extremely effective for cystic and hormonal acne
- Works on fungal acne when other treatments fail
- Minimal ingredients reduce risk of reactions
- Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- One jar lasts months with regular use
- Reduces oiliness and shine effectively
- Works on body acne (back, chest, shoulders)
Criticized
- Distinct sulfur smell (like eggs or matches)
- Thick, waxy texture can be difficult to apply
- Must be washed off—not a leave-on treatment
- Can be very drying without proper moisturizing
- May cause peeling if overused
- Jar packaging less hygienic than tube
- Not suitable for very sensitive skin
- Smell can linger even after washing
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSame brand, half the sulfur concentration. Ideal for sensitive skin or beginners. Same simple 2-ingredient formula in a gentler form.
Same 10% sulfur but in a unique powder-to-cream format. Leave-on spot treatment with added niacinamide. More cosmetically elegant but smaller size.
Sulfur + salicylic acid + calamine. Pink drying lotion for overnight spot treatment. Contains alcohol, more drying, different application method.
8% sulfur + 2% resorcinol formula. Tinted coverage option available. More ingredients but similar mechanism of action.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEDe La Cruz 10% Sulfur

Kate Somerville EradiKate
Storage & shelf life
36 MONTHS24-36 months after opening. Check expiration date printed on jar (typically 2-3 years from manufacture).
Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Keep lid tightly closed to prevent drying out. No refrigeration needed.
Available in plastic jar (2.6 oz, 5.5 oz) or squeeze tube (2.6 oz). Tube recommended for more hygienic dispensing.
Yes, TSA compliant. Also available in 0.21 oz travel/sample size for on-the-go treatment.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, topical sulfur is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Studies have not reported fetal anomalies from topical sulfur use, and minimal systemic absorption means negligible transfer to breast milk. However, always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new skincare treatment during pregnancy or while nursing.
Yes! This is one of the best treatments for fungal acne. The formula contains zero fungal acne triggers and only 2 ingredients. More importantly, sulfur actively fights Malassezia yeast (the cause of fungal acne) through its antifungal properties. Many users with pityrosporum folliculitis report excellent results with this product.
Use with caution and not at the same time. Sulfur can be drying, and combining it with other actives like retinol, AHAs, BHAs, or vitamin C may cause excessive irritation, dryness, or peeling. If you want to use multiple actives, apply them on alternating days or use sulfur in PM and other actives in AM. Always listen to your skin and reduce frequency if irritation occurs.
This product works best for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It's particularly effective for those with cystic acne, hormonal breakouts, and fungal acne. People with dry or sensitive skin can still use it but should start with shorter application times, use it less frequently (2-3x per week), and always follow with a good moisturizer.
Many users see active pimples start drying out within 24-48 hours of first use. Significant improvement in breakouts is typically visible within 1-2 weeks. For long-term acne control and clearer skin texture, consistent use for 4-6 weeks is recommended. Results vary depending on acne severity and individual skin response.
Use it as a 10-minute mask after cleansing. Apply to clean, dry skin, wait 10 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly with warm water. After removing the mask, continue with the rest of your routine (toner, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen). Best used in the evening to avoid immediate sun exposure after treatment.
No, this product is non-comedogenic and will not clog pores. It has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. The formula is oil-free and contains only sulfur and polyethylene glycol. In fact, sulfur helps unclog pores by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells (keratolytic action) and reducing sebum production.
The product has a shelf life of 2-3 years from the date of manufacture and remains effective for 24-36 months after opening when stored properly. Check the expiration date printed on the jar. Keep the lid tightly closed to prevent the product from drying out. Do not use expired products.
Verdict: De La Cruz 10% Sulfur Ointment is a cult-favorite for good reason—it delivers prescription-strength acne-fighting power at drugstore pricing. The ultra-minimal 2-ingredient formula makes it ideal for sensitive and reactive skin types, while the high sulfur concentration effectively tackles stubborn cystic, hormonal, and fungal acne. Yes, the sulfur smell takes getting used to, and the thick texture requires some patience to apply, but the results speak for themselves. For anyone struggling with persistent breakouts who hasn't had success with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, this affordable workhorse deserves a spot in your skincare arsenal. A true holy grail for acne-prone skin.
Product Overview
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.
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
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.
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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Sulfur
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Skin-Conditioning Agent -Miscellaneous, Antiseborrhoeic
|
|
|
| 1 |
Polyethylene
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming, Abrasive, Bulking Agent, Adhesive
|
|





