Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask
Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask
Product Description
A clinically proven, tri-active clay mask that combines 5% bacteria-fighting sulfur, exfoliating salicylic acid, and hydrating Austrian peat extract to instantly reduce oil by 92% and fast-track pimple reduction in just 3 usesโwithout the drying, cracking, or unpleasant odor of traditional sulfur masks.
โจ Texture & Feel
Tri-Active Technology
Combines sulfur, salicylic acid, and Austrian peat for multi-action acne treatment without over-drying.
92% Instant Oil Reduction
Clinically proven to instantly reduce excess oil production after just one use.
No Sulfur Smell
Eucalyptus oil neutralizes the notorious sulfur odor for a refreshing spa-like experience.
No Cracking or Tugging
Unlike traditional clay masks, this silky formula rinses off easily without drying or irritating skin.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains salicylic acid. Consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy. Short-contact use (10 min, 2-3x/week) may be acceptable per some guidelines.
Topical salicylic acid is generally considered safe while breastfeeding as minimal absorption occurs. Avoid applying near breast area.
Sulfur has proven antifungal properties that actively inhibit Malassezia yeast growthโmaking this excellent for fungal acne.
Formulated with Austrian peat and allantoin to soothe and hydrate. Patch test recommended. Start with 1-2x weekly use.
Can be used with retinol but avoid using on the same night. Allow skin recovery time between treatments if sensitivity occurs.
Contains salicylic acid (BHA). Avoid layering additional BHA/AHA products on mask days to prevent over-exfoliation.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งช Sulfur 5% FDA Approved
The maximum OTC concentration allowed by the FDA for acne treatment. Sulfur is a keratolytic agent that kills acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and helps shed dead skin cells.
- Antibacterial: Destroys P. acnes and other bacteria that trigger breakouts
- Antifungal: Proven effective against Malassezia yeast (fungal acne)
- Keratolytic: Promotes exfoliation and unclogs pores
๐งด Salicylic Acid BHA Proven
A beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve the oil and debris that causes acne. Works synergistically with sulfur for enhanced pore-clearing action.
- Oil-Soluble: Penetrates into pores unlike water-soluble acids
- Exfoliating: Smooths rough, bumpy skin texture
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and swelling
๐ฟ Austrian Peat Extract Hydrating
A unique hydration-replenishing extract that counteracts the drying effects of clay masks. Rich in humic and fulvic acids that support skin barrier function.
- Barrier Support: Helps maintain skin hydration during treatment
- Soothing: Reduces visible signs of redness and irritation
- Easy Removal: Enhances the mask's ability to rinse off cleanly
๏ฟฝite Kaolin & Bentonite Clay Oil-Absorbing
Dual clay system that draws out impurities and absorbs excess sebum without stripping the skin. Kaolin is gentler while bentonite provides deeper pore cleansing.
- Detoxifying: Draws out impurities and toxins from pores
- Mattifying: Instantly reduces surface oil and shine
- Pore Refining: Helps minimize the appearance of enlarged pores
โช Zinc Oxide Soothing
A calming mineral that helps reduce inflammation and redness while providing mild antibacterial benefits. Also helps mattify the skin.
- Anti-inflammatory: Calms irritated, inflamed acne
- Antibacterial: Provides additional bacterial control
- Non-Comedogenic: Won't clog pores
36 ingredients
Active: Sulfur 5.0%. Inactive: Water (Aqua), Kaolin, Isopentyldiol, Bentonite, Peat Extract, Zinc Oxide, Propanediol, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Allantoin, Salicylic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Bisabolol, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Chlorphenesin.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use 2-3 times weekly in the PM after cleansing. Best used as a treatment mask step before toner. Can also be used as a spot treatment overnight on stubborn blemishes.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse Your Face
Start with clean, dry skin. Use a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, oil, and impurities before applying the mask.
Apply Even Layer
Apply an even layer to your entire face or target problem areas only. Avoid the eye area and lips.
Wait 10 Minutes
Leave the mask on for up to 10 minutes. You'll feel a slight cooling sensation from the eucalyptus.
Rinse & Pat Dry
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. The silky formula removes easily without tugging. Pat skin dry gently.
Follow With Moisturizer
Apply your regular toner, serum, and moisturizer. During the day, always finish with sunscreen.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin with frequent breakouts
- You struggle with blackheads and clogged pores
- You want a sulfur mask that doesn't smell bad
- Traditional clay masks leave your skin too dry
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You need a travel-friendly acne treatment (TSA approved size)
- You want visible results quickly (within 3 uses)
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant (consult healthcare provider first)
- You have a known sulfur allergy (rare, different from sulfa drug allergy)
- Your skin is extremely dry or dehydrated
- You're looking for a budget option under $20
- You want a daily-use treatment (this is 2-3x weekly)
- You need a higher sulfur concentration (10%)
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Perfect match. Clinically proven to reduce oil by 92% instantly. Kaolin and bentonite clays absorb excess sebum without over-drying.
Ideal for targeting the oily T-zone while Austrian peat extract prevents drying out normal/dry areas.
Designed specifically for acne. Tri-active formula targets bacteria, unclogs pores, and reduces inflammation.
Gentler than many acne masks with soothing allantoin and bisabolol. Start with 1x weekly and patch test first.
Less ideal for dry skin, but the hydrating peat extract helps. Use only on breakout areas and follow with rich moisturizer.
Great for occasional breakouts or as a weekly pore-clearing treatment. Won't disrupt balanced skin.
๐ Results Timeline
Instant Oil Reduction & Soothed Skin
Skin feels balanced, soothed, calmed, and comfortable. Clinical studies show 92% reduction in surface oil immediately after use.
92% of users noticed less oily skinVisible Breakout Reduction
Breakouts are minimized and pimple size is visibly reduced. Pore congestion begins to improve and skin texture feels smoother.
85% saw smaller pimplesReduced Redness & Clearer Complexion
Visible reduction in redness and inflammation. Overall complexion appears clearer with improved texture and fewer active breakouts.
80% reported reduced rednessMaintained Clarity & Prevention
With consistent 2-3x weekly use, skin stays clearer with fewer new breakouts forming. Pores appear refined and oil production stays balanced.
Ongoing maintenance resultsโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Works fastโvisible results in just 3 uses
- No harsh sulfur smell thanks to eucalyptus
- Doesn't dry out or crack like traditional clay masks
- Rinses off easily without tugging skin
- FSA/HSA eligible for tax-free purchase
- Great for travel (TSA-approved 2.5 oz size)
- Suitable for fungal acne
- Leaves skin feeling balanced, not stripped
โ Criticized
- Higher price point vs drugstore sulfur masks
- Small bottle size for the cost
- Contains salicylic acid (pregnancy concern)
- Not a daily-use product (2-3x weekly only)
- Lower sulfur concentration (5%) vs some competitors (10%)
- Stubborn cystic acne may need additional treatments
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Higher sulfur concentration (10% vs 5%) at a fraction of the price. No fancy ingredients but highly effective. Has the classic sulfur smell and thicker, greasier texture.
Drugstore option with bentonite clay and vitamin C. Lower sulfur concentration (3.5%). More accessible but less elegant formula without the Austrian peat benefits.
Similar sulfur concentration with a larger 3 oz size. Part of the Proactiv system. Less elegant texture and more basic formulation without the hydrating peat extract.
Maximum strength 10% sulfur with kaolin and bentonite clays. Larger 5 oz size. Contains aloe vera but can be more drying. Higher price but more product.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Murad Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask
$44.00Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Mask
$52.00De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment
$6.99Proactiv Skin Purifying Mask
$38.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening. Check the PAO symbol on the tube for exact guidance.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required. Keep cap tightly closed.
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Hygienic dispensing without contaminating the product.
Yes! 2.5 fl oz (75ml) is under TSA's 3.4 oz limitโperfect for carry-on luggage.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Pregnancy: Use with caution. This mask contains salicylic acid, which is generally advised to avoid in high doses during pregnancy. However, some healthcare providers consider limited topical use (like a 10-minute mask 2-3x weekly) to be low risk. Always consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use. Breastfeeding: Topical salicylic acid is generally considered safe while nursing as it's minimally absorbed. Avoid applying near the breast area and wash hands thoroughly after use.
Yes! This mask is excellent for fungal acne. Sulfur has proven antifungal properties that actively inhibit the growth of Malassezia yeastโthe cause of fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis). The formula doesn't contain fatty acids, fermented ingredients, or other Malassezia-feeding components that could worsen fungal acne.
Retinol: Yes, but don't use on the same night. Use the mask 2-3x weekly and retinol on alternate evenings. Vitamin C: Generally compatible. Use vitamin C in the morning and this mask at night. AHA/BHA: Use with caution. This mask already contains salicylic acid (BHA), so avoid additional BHA/AHA products on mask days to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation.
This mask is ideal for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It's also suitable for those with fungal acne. Sensitive skin types can use it but should start with 1x weekly application and patch test first. Dry skin types may find it less suitable as the primary concern, but the hydrating Austrian peat extract helps prevent excessive drying.
You'll notice immediate effects after the first useโskin feels less oily, balanced, and calm. Clinical studies show visible reduction in pimple size and breakouts after just 3 uses (approximately 1 week). Redness reduction is typically noticed after 6 uses (approximately 2 weeks). For best results, use consistently 2-3 times weekly.
Use this mask as the second step after cleansing, before toner. Apply to clean, dry skin for up to 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with your regular toner, serum, and moisturizer. Use in your PM routine 2-3 times per week. It can also be used as an overnight spot treatment on stubborn blemishes.
No, this mask has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. It's specifically designed to unclog pores, not clog them. The kaolin and bentonite clays draw out impurities while sulfur and salicylic acid exfoliate inside pores. The formula is free from mineral oil and other known pore-clogging ingredients.
The mask has a 12-month Period After Opening (PAO). With recommended use of 2-3 times weekly, a 2.5 oz tube typically lasts 4-6 weeks depending on how much product you use per application. Check the PAO symbol on your tube for the exact timeframe. Store in a cool, dry place and keep the cap tightly closed.
Verdict: The Murad Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask is a premium, well-formulated treatment that delivers on its promisesโvisible breakout reduction in just 3 uses without the drying, cracking, or unpleasant smell of traditional sulfur masks. The tri-active formula combining 5% sulfur, salicylic acid, and hydrating Austrian peat extract offers a balanced approach to acne treatment that's effective yet gentle enough for regular use. While the price point is higher than drugstore alternatives, the elegant texture, clinical backing, and pleasant eucalyptus scent justify the investment for those who want a more refined sulfur mask experience. Best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types, including those with fungal acne. A solid choice for anyone seeking fast-acting acne relief without compromising skin comfort.
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 skinโs 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 ยซpromisesยป 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
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 3 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 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Kaolin
Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking Agent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying, Skin Protecting, Slip Modifier, Cosmetic Colorant
|
Ache-fighting
Pores
|
|
| 0 |
Isopentyldiol
Humectant, Solvent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Bentonite
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Absorbent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying, Suspending Agent -Nonsurfactant
|
|