Skip to content

Sodium Sulfacetamide 10% - Sulfur 5% Cleanser

Sodium Sulfacetamide 10% - Sulfur 5% Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A prescription-strength medicated cleanser by Acella Pharmaceuticals combining 10% Sodium Sulfacetamide (a sulfonamide antibiotic) and 5% Sulfur (a keratolytic agent) to treat acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis. This wash-off formula fights bacteria, reduces inflammation, and gently exfoliates to clear breakouts and calm redness.

Rx Only Antibacterial Keratolytic Fragrance-Free Treats Acne & Rosacea Seborrheic Dermatitis Anti-Demodex
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
Caution
Comedogenic
1/5
Type
Rx Cleanser
Brand
Acella Pharmaceuticals
Size
6 oz (170.3 g)
Targets
Acne, Rosacea, Seb Derm
Active
Sulfacetamide 10% + Sulfur 5%
Why it's different

Antibacterial Action

Sodium sulfacetamide inhibits bacterial growth by blocking folic acid synthesis, targeting P. acnes and other gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Creamy lotion
Scent
Mild sulfur note
Absorption
Rinse off (10–20 sec)
Finish
Clean, matte

Antibacterial Action

Sodium sulfacetamide inhibits bacterial growth by blocking folic acid synthesis, targeting P. acnes and other gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.

Keratolytic Exfoliation

Sulfur at 5% breaks down the top layer of skin (keratin), promoting cell turnover, unclogging pores, and reducing comedones and flaky patches.

Rosacea & Redness Control

Clinically shown to reduce erythema and papulopustules associated with rosacea. Sulfur also targets Demodex mites, a contributing factor in rosacea flares.

Gentle Surfactant System

Formulated with sodium cocoyl isethionate, an ultra-gentle coconut-derived cleanser that creates a mild lather without stripping the skin barrier.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy: Category C

No human or animal reproduction studies have been conducted. Use only if clearly needed and under physician guidance. Sulfur alone is generally considered safe in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: Use with Caution

It is unknown whether sodium sulfacetamide is excreted in breast milk after topical use. Small amounts of oral sulfonamides have been found in breast milk. Avoid applying near the nipple area. Do not use if infant has G6PD deficiency.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia): Likely Safe with Caveats

Sulfur has antifungal properties and is used to treat seborrheic dermatitis (Malassezia-related). However, inactive ingredients like cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol could potentially feed yeast in some individuals.

Sulfa Allergy: Contraindicated

Do NOT use if you have a known hypersensitivity to sulfonamides. Rare but serious reactions including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have been reported.

Kidney Disease: Contraindicated

This product must not be used by patients with kidney disease. Sulfonamides are metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys.

Antibiotic Resistance: Low Risk

Unlike topical antibiotics, no cases of P. acnes resistance to topical sulfur or sulfacetamide have been widely reported, making it suitable for long-term maintenance therapy.

Drug Interaction: Silver Products

Sodium sulfacetamide is rendered less effective when combined with silver-containing products (e.g., silver sulfadiazine). Avoid concurrent use.

Benzoyl Peroxide: Staining Risk

Combining with benzoyl peroxide may cause orange-brown discoloration on skin and clothing. This does not affect efficacy but may stain fabrics.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Sodium Sulfacetamide 10%Proven

A sulfonamide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial dihydropteroate synthetase, blocking folic acid synthesis and exerting a bacteriostatic effect on P. acnes and other skin bacteria. Highly soluble at physiologic pH for excellent skin penetration.

  • Mechanism: Competitive antagonist to para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), essential for bacterial growth
  • Efficacy: Twice-daily use for 12 weeks reduced inflammatory acne lesions by 80–83% in clinical studies
  • Absorption: Approximately 4% percutaneous absorption in vitro; half-life of 7–12.8 hours
Contraindicated in patients with sulfonamide hypersensitivity or kidney disease. Rare systemic reactions possible.

Sulfur 5%Proven

A naturally occurring element with antibacterial, antifungal, keratolytic, and antiparasitic properties. Breaks down the top layer of skin to promote cell turnover, unclog pores, and reduce sebum production. Also targets Demodex mites implicated in rosacea.

  • Keratolytic: Breaks down keratin in the outer skin layer, promoting exfoliation and clearing pores
  • Antifungal: Effective against Malassezia species that cause seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff
  • Rosacea: Combined sulfacetamide/sulfur was more effective than metronidazole 0.75% gel for overall rosacea severity
May cause dryness, redness, and peeling, especially in the first 2 weeks. This is expected desquamation. Characteristic sulfur odor may be noticeable.

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate SurfactantSupporting

A coconut-derived, ultra-gentle cleanser that provides a mild lather without stripping the skin barrier. Well-tolerated by sensitive and rosacea-prone skin types.

  • Source: Derived from coconut oil fatty acids
  • Benefit: Produces gentle foam without disrupting skin barrier function

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) AntioxidantSupporting

A synthetic antioxidant and preservative that protects the formulation from oxidative degradation, extending shelf life and helping to shield the skin from free radical damage.

  • Role: Prevents rancidity and oxidative breakdown of the formula
  • Safety: Considered safe in cosmetic concentrations by the CIR Expert Panel

19 ingredients

Active Ingredients: Sulfacetamide Sodium 10%, Sulfur 5%

Inactive Ingredients: Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), Cetyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Disodium Oleamido MEA-Sulfosuccinate, Glyceryl Stearate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Methylparaben, PEG-100 Stearate, Petrolatum, Propylene Glycol, Propylparaben, Purified Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Thiosulfate, Stearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum

FREE FROM: Fragrance, Alcohol, Dyes, Gluten, Lanolin, SLS/SLES, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Hydroquinone, Retinoids, Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
This Cleanser
2
Toner (optional)
3
Treatment Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as the first step in your AM and/or PM routine. Follow with a gentle moisturizer to counteract potential dryness. Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning, as sulfur can increase sun sensitivity.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Shake Well

Shake the bottle thoroughly before each use to ensure the active ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cleanser.

2

Wet Skin & Apply

Wet your face with lukewarm water. Apply a liberal amount of cleanser to the affected areas and massage gently into the skin for 10–20 seconds, working into a lather.

3

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse completely with water and pat dry with a clean towel. Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, lips, and mucous membranes.

4

Follow Up

Apply moisturizer immediately after to prevent dryness. Use once or twice daily as directed by your physician, or as needed for maintenance.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have acne vulgaris with inflammatory papules and pustules
  • You suffer from rosacea with bumps and persistent redness
  • You have seborrheic dermatitis with flaking and scaling
  • Topical antibiotics like clindamycin have stopped working for you
  • You want a cleanser that treats while washing
  • You prefer fragrance-free prescription formulas

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have a known allergy to sulfonamides (sulfa drugs)
  • You have kidney disease or impaired kidney function
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding without physician approval
  • You have severely abraded, denuded, or sunburned skin
  • Your skin is extremely dry and does not tolerate any exfoliation
  • You are using silver-containing topical products
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Sulfur helps control excess sebum and the cleanser format removes oil without over-stripping. Ideal for oily, breakout-prone skin.

Dry Skin
Moderate

The keratolytic action can increase dryness and flaking. Pair with a rich, barrier-repairing moisturizer. Start with once-daily use and increase as tolerated.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Works well on oily T-zone areas without excessively drying cheeks when used as a short-contact cleanser. A balanced choice for combo skin.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Fragrance-free and clinically tested for dermal tolerability. No contact sensitization was observed in studies of 157 patients. Patch test first if highly reactive.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Specifically indicated for acne vulgaris. Antibacterial + keratolytic dual action targets both bacteria and clogged pores. Low comedogenic rating (1/5).

08

Results timeline

WEEKS 8–12
Days 1–3

Initial Adjustment

Some users report mild redness, dryness, or a slight initial breakout (skin purging) as old skin cells shed. Skin may feel cleaner and less oily after washing.

40% noticed cleaner-feeling skin
Weeks 1–2

Early Improvement

Inflammatory lesions begin to calm. Rosacea bumps and redness start to decrease. Skin peeling and flaking may occur but typically subsides as the skin adjusts.

55% noticed reduced redness
Weeks 2–4

Visible Clearing

Significant reduction in active acne papules and pustules. Rosacea bumps noticeably diminished. Seborrheic dermatitis scaling improves considerably.

70% noticed fewer breakouts
Weeks 8–12

Optimal Results

Clinical studies show 80–83% reduction in inflammatory acne lesions at 12 weeks of twice-daily use. Rosacea severity scores significantly improved compared to baseline. Maintenance use can sustain results long-term.

83% reduction in inflammatory lesions
09

Ratings by platform

430+ REVIEWS
Drugs.com
7.3/10
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Sulfur odor can be strong and linger on the skin after washing
WebMD
3.7/5
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: Dryness and skin peeling during the first few weeks of use
Acne.org
4.0/5
Rating
50+
Reviews
Main complaint: High cost without insurance; some pharmacy brands add unnecessary fragrance
GoodRx
4.2/5
Rating
80+
Reviews
Main complaint: Price varies widely ($15–$300+) depending on insurance and pharmacy
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Clears acne and rosacea breakouts quickly, often within days
  • Dual antibacterial + keratolytic action for comprehensive treatment
  • Fragrance-free formula suitable for sensitive skin
  • No known bacterial resistance unlike topical antibiotics
  • Treats three conditions at once: acne, rosacea, and seb derm
  • Convenient wash-off format integrates easily into any routine
  • Clinically tested with no contact sensitization observed
  • Effective long-term maintenance therapy without diminishing returns

Criticized

  • Sulfur odor can be strong and unpleasant for some users
  • Causes dryness, peeling, and flaking, especially initially
  • Prescription-only; requires a dermatologist visit
  • Can be expensive without insurance ($80–$300+)
  • May stain clothing, especially when combined with benzoyl peroxide
  • Contraindicated for those with sulfa allergy or kidney disease
  • Not FDA-approved (marketed as an unapproved drug)
  • Some pharmacy brands may add fragrance; check labels carefully
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
70% Match
De La Cruz 10% Sulfur Ointment
$5.99
Budget Pick

OTC sulfur-only treatment without the antibacterial sulfacetamide component. Leave-on ointment rather than a cleanser. Good for mild acne and seborrheic dermatitis but lacks the prescription-strength antibacterial action.

65% Match
Sulfur Soap For Acne
$12.00
Budget Pick

OTC sulfur bar soap with higher sulfur concentration but no sulfacetamide antibiotic. Recommended by users as a more affordable alternative. Available without a prescription but has a simpler formula and less clinical data.

85% Match
Generic Sulfacetamide/Sulfur 10-5% Cleanser (via GoodRx)
$14.59
Generic Rx

Same active ingredients at the same concentrations from different generic manufacturers. Up to 84% cheaper than retail with a GoodRx coupon. Still requires a prescription but is the most cost-effective equivalent option.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Sodium Sulfacetamide 10% – Sulfur 5% Cleanser
Active Ingredients Sulfacetamide 10% + Sulfur 5%
Format Wash-off cleanser
Fragrance Contains fragrance
Indications Acne + Rosacea + Seb Derm
Rx Required Yes
Size 12 oz (340 g)
Sodium Sulfacetamide 10% – Sulfur 5% Cleanser
Active Ingredients Sulfacetamide 10% + Sulfur 5%
Format Wash-off cleanser
Fragrance Green Tea variant fragrance-free
Indications Acne + Rosacea + Seb Derm
Rx Required Yes
Size 8 oz (227 g)
Metronidazole Gel 0.75%
Active Ingredients Metronidazole 0.75%
Format Leave-on gel
Fragrance Fragrance-free
Indications Rosacea only
Rx Required Yes
Size 45 g tube
13

Storage & shelf life

STORAGE
Period After Opening (PAO)

Use within the expiration date printed on the label. If product slightly darkens, it is still safe to use and efficacy is not affected.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature, 59°–77°F (15°–25°C). Protect from excessive heat and freezing. Shake well before each use.

Packaging

Opaque squeeze bottle (6 oz / 170.3 g). Also available in 8 oz and 12 oz sizes from Acella Pharmaceuticals.

Travel Friendly

Yes, the 6 oz (170.3 g) size is under the 100 ml / 3.4 oz TSA liquid limit for carry-on luggage. Check local regulations for prescription medications when traveling internationally.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

This product is FDA Pregnancy Category C, meaning no adequate human or animal studies have been conducted. It should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and under physician supervision. For breastfeeding, caution is advised — small amounts of oral sulfonamides have been found in breast milk, and the product should not be applied near the nipple area. It should be avoided when nursing infants with G6PD deficiency or hyperbilirubinemia. Sulfur alone is generally considered safe during pregnancy and lactation. Always consult your dermatologist or OB/GYN before use.

Sulfur has established antifungal properties and is clinically used to treat Malassezia-related conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and pityriasis versicolor. However, the inactive ingredient list includes cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, and petrolatum, which some sources suggest could potentially feed Malassezia yeast in certain individuals. Since this is a wash-off product with short skin contact time, the risk is lower than with leave-on formulations. If you are highly sensitive to fungal acne triggers, consult your dermatologist before use.

This cleanser can generally be combined with other actives since it is a wash-off product, but exercise caution. Retinol/tretinoin: both cause exfoliation, so combining may increase dryness and irritation — use at different times of day or alternate nights. Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid): generally compatible; apply after cleansing. AHA/BHA (glycolic, salicylic acid): additional exfoliation may be too much for sensitive skin — introduce gradually. Avoid combining with benzoyl peroxide directly, as it may cause orange-brown discoloration. Never combine with silver-containing products, which reduce sulfacetamide's effectiveness.

This cleanser is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It excels at controlling excess sebum production and clearing inflammatory acne lesions. Sensitive skin types can also use it — clinical studies showed no contact sensitization — but should start slowly. Dry skin types should proceed with caution and pair with a robust moisturizer, as the keratolytic action of sulfur can increase dryness and peeling. It is specifically indicated for three conditions: acne vulgaris, papulopustular rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Many users report noticeable improvement within the first 1–2 weeks, particularly with reduced redness and fewer active bumps. For rosacea, visible improvement typically begins within 2–4 weeks with consistent use. Full results for acne are usually seen at 8–12 weeks of twice-daily use, with clinical studies demonstrating an 80–83% reduction in inflammatory acne lesions at the 12-week mark. Some initial purging (temporary worsening) may occur in the first few days as old skin cells shed. For maintenance, continued use 1–2 times daily or as directed can sustain results long-term.

This cleanser should be the first step in your skincare routine, both morning and evening (or as directed by your doctor). Wet your face, apply the cleanser, massage for 10–20 seconds, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with any toners, serums, or treatments, then apply moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+, as sulfur-based products can increase photosensitivity. There is no need for a separate cleanser beforehand unless you are removing heavy makeup, in which case double-cleanse with a gentle micellar water or oil cleanser first.

This cleanser has a low comedogenic rating of approximately 1 out of 5. While some inactive ingredients like cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol have moderate comedogenic potential individually, the wash-off nature of this product significantly reduces the risk of pore clogging, since these ingredients are rinsed away rather than left on the skin. Studies specifically re-examining sulfur's comedogenic potential found no trend between sulfur use and the appearance of comedones. For most users, this cleanser should not clog pores and may actually help unclog them through its keratolytic exfoliating action.

Use the product before the expiration date printed on the bottle. Store at controlled room temperature (59°–77°F / 15°–25°C). If the product slightly darkens in color over time, this is normal and does not affect its effectiveness. Always shake well before each use to ensure proper distribution of the active ingredients. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. A 6 oz bottle typically lasts 1–2 months with twice-daily facial use.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.2 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Acella Pharmaceuticals' Sodium Sulfacetamide 10% - Sulfur 5% Cleanser is a well-established prescription medicated cleanser backed by decades of clinical use for acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis. Its dual antibacterial and keratolytic mechanism offers comprehensive treatment that many users find effective within the first two weeks. The fragrance-free formulation and gentle surfactant system make it more tolerable than older sulfur preparations. The main drawbacks are the characteristic sulfur smell, potential for initial dryness and peeling, the need for a prescription, and variable pricing. For those with sulfonamide allergies or kidney disease, this product is strictly contraindicated. Overall, it remains a solid and reliable option in the dermatologist's toolkit, especially for patients who have developed resistance to topical antibiotics or need long-term maintenance therapy.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

Awesome, I Understand!

Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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

Awesome, I Understand!

Notable Effects & Ingredients

ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Sulfur
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
57% 21% 5% 15%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 19 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
0 Unknown
Sodium Sulfide
1 Unknown
Sulfur
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Skin-Conditioning Agent -Miscellaneous, Antiseborrhoeic
ache Ache-fighting
6 A
BHT
Masking, Fragrance, Antioxidant
1 A
Cetyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Opacifying, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
1 A
Disodium EDTA
Viscosity Controlling, Chelating Agent
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS