Sodium Sulfacetamide 10% – Sulfur 5% Cleanser
Sodium Sulfacetamide 10% – Sulfur 5% Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A prescription-strength medicated cleanser by Nurx combining 10% sodium sulfacetamide (a sulfa antibiotic) with 5% sulfur (a keratolytic and antimicrobial agent). FDA-indicated for the topical control of acne vulgaris, papulopustular rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis. Clinical data shows up to 80–83% reduction in inflammatory acne lesions with 12 weeks of twice-daily use.
Dual Antibacterial Action
Sulfacetamide blocks bacterial folic acid synthesis (Woods-Fildes mechanism), while sulfur adds antifungal and antiparasitic activity against C. acnes and Demodex mites.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDual Antibacterial Action
Sulfacetamide blocks bacterial folic acid synthesis (Woods-Fildes mechanism), while sulfur adds antifungal and antiparasitic activity against C. acnes and Demodex mites.
Keratolytic Exfoliation
Sulfur breaks down keratin bonds, dissolving dead cell buildup that traps oil and bacteria inside pores—useful for comedonal and inflammatory acne.
Calms Rosacea Flares
Studies show this combination outperforms 0.75% metronidazole gel for reducing erythema, papules, and pustules in papulopustular rosacea.
No Bacterial Resistance
Unlike topical antibiotics such as clindamycin, no documented C. acnes resistance to sulfur-based treatments—safe for long-term maintenance.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFDA Pregnancy Category C. Nurx explicitly advises against use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while trying to conceive. Sulfonamides may be excreted in breast milk.
Do NOT use if you have a known allergy to sulfonamides (sulfa drugs), sulfur, or any inactive ingredient. Risk of severe reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Contraindicated in patients with kidney disease. Topical sulfonamides can be systemically absorbed (around 4% percutaneous absorption in vitro studies).
Do not use simultaneously with topical preparations containing mercury—chemical reaction can produce hydrogen sulfide and skin discoloration.
Sulfur and sulfacetamide can leave skin more sensitive to UV light. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is essential during treatment.
Decades of clinical use without documented bacterial resistance. A reasonable long-term option versus topical clindamycin or erythromycin.
This Nurx formulation contains no added fragrance—reducing irritation risk for already-compromised acne and rosacea skin.
Safety and effectiveness in children under age 12 has not been established. Prescription required for any use.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSodium Sulfacetamide 10%Proven
A topical sulfonamide antibiotic. Inhibits bacterial dihydropteroate synthetase, blocking the conversion of PABA into folic acid—stopping growth of Cutibacterium acnes and other acne-related bacteria.
- JAAD Studies: 80.4–83% reduction in inflammatory acne lesions after 12 weeks of twice-daily use.
- Comparative Trial: Outperformed metronidazole 0.75% gel for rosacea erythema and papulopustule reduction.
- Mechanism: Bacteriostatic—stops bacterial replication rather than killing on contact, reducing resistance pressure.
Sulfur 5%Proven
An ancient dermatologic active with multi-mode benefits: keratolytic (dissolves dead skin and unclogs pores), antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic against Demodex folliculorum mites implicated in rosacea.
- Keratolytic Action: Reacts with cysteine in stratum corneum to form hydrogen sulfide, loosening corneocyte adhesion and clearing comedones.
- Demodex Activity: Sulfur reduces mite counts, addressing one of the suspected drivers of papulopustular rosacea.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces sebum oxidation and free-radical generation around pores.
Sodium Thiosulfate ~1%Promising
A sulfur-containing salt that works synergistically with elemental sulfur, contributing additional antifungal activity and helping stabilize the formulation.
- Antifungal: Used historically for tinea versicolor and Malassezia-related conditions.
- Stabilizer: Helps maintain potency of the active sulfur in suspension.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate ~3-5%Proven
A coconut-derived gentle surfactant chosen specifically for sensitive, compromised skin. Creates a soft creamy lather without stripping the moisture barrier.
- Mild Cleansing: Considered one of the gentlest sulfate-free surfactants available.
- pH Compatible: Works at near-skin pH, less disruptive than soap-based cleansers.
- FA Status: Has not been shown to feed Malassezia yeast in studies.
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) <0.5%Proven
A synthetic antioxidant and preservative that prevents the sulfur components from oxidizing and degrading—critical for shelf stability of this formulation.
- FDA & EU Approved: Currently allowed at the levels used in cosmetics.
- UK Restriction: Use restricted in cosmetic products in the UK as of April 2024.
Cetyl Alcohol & Stearyl Alcohol ~3-5%Proven
Fatty alcohols that act as emollient thickeners—nothing like the drying alcohols (denatured alcohol/ethanol) you'd avoid. They cushion the formula and reduce irritation from the actives.
- Non-Drying: Despite the name, these long-chain fatty alcohols soften and protect.
- Texture: Provide the creamy, pourable consistency of the suspension.
Petrolatum ~1-2%Proven
A highly occlusive emollient included in low concentration to buffer the drying effect of sulfur and sulfacetamide. Reduces transepidermal water loss during the brief contact time.
- Barrier Support: Reduces TEWL by up to 99% when applied to skin.
- Non-Comedogenic: Despite myths, USP-grade petrolatum doesn't clog pores at low concentrations.
Glyceryl Stearate & PEG-100 Stearate ~2-3%Proven
An emulsifier duo that holds the oil and water phases together so the cleanser stays homogenous between shakes. Glyceryl stearate also acts as a mild emollient.
- FA Note: Glyceryl stearate is a C18 fatty acid ester—may not be 100% Malassezia-safe in leave-on products, but rinses off in this cleanser.
Methylparaben & Propylparaben <1%Proven
Preservatives keeping the formulation free of microbial contamination over its shelf life. Both are FDA-approved at the concentrations used in topical drugs.
- Regulatory Status: Approved in the EU and US at typical cosmetic levels.
- Sensitization: Low-rated allergens; rare reports of contact dermatitis.
17 ingredients
Sulfacetamide Sodium 10%, Sulfur 5%, BHT, Cetyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Disodium Oleamido Mea-Sulfosuccinate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Thiosulfate, Stearyl Alcohol, Petrolatum, Xanthan Gum.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEThis is your FIRST step (cleansing). Always follow with hydrating products to counter the drying effect of sulfur and sulfacetamide. Daily SPF 30+ is non-negotiable during treatment.
How to use
HOW TO USEShake Well Before Use
The active sulfur is suspended in the formula and naturally settles. Shake vigorously for 5–10 seconds before each application.
Wet Skin First
Splash face with lukewarm (not hot) water. Hot water increases skin sensitivity and can worsen rosacea flushing.
Massage 10–20 Seconds
Apply a quarter-sized amount and gently massage into a soft lather. Avoid the eye area, lips, and any open or broken skin.
Rinse Thoroughly & Pat Dry
Rinse with cool to lukewarm water until no residue remains. Pat dry with a clean soft towel—never rub.
Frequency: 1–2× Daily
Start once daily (evening) for the first week to assess tolerance, then increase to twice daily if no excessive dryness or irritation occurs.
Always Follow With Moisturizer + SPF
Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after. In the morning, finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You've been diagnosed with papulopustular rosacea
- You have inflammatory acne (papules, pustules, cysts)
- You struggle with seborrheic dermatitis on the face
- You have perioral dermatitis around the mouth
- Topical antibiotics have stopped working (resistance)
- You have oily, breakout-prone skin and tolerate actives
- Your dermatologist has prescribed it specifically for you
Consider alternatives if:
- You have any sulfa drug allergy
- You're pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
- You have known kidney disease
- Your skin is very dry, dehydrated, or eczema-prone
- You have a damaged skin barrier or active eczema
- You can't tolerate the strong sulfur smell
- You're under 12 years old (safety not established)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSulfur's keratolytic and oil-absorbing action makes this an ideal match. Oily skin tolerates the drying effect well.
Likely too drying. Both actives cause flaking and tightness. Limit to once daily and pair with rich barrier-repair moisturizer.
Spot-cleanse the oily T-zone and breakout-prone areas; consider gentler cleanser on drier cheek zones.
Patch test mandatory. Sulfacetamide can trigger allergic contact dermatitis. Start every other night and assess tolerance.
Specifically formulated for inflammatory acne. Up to 80% lesion reduction in 12-week trials. Non-comedogenic actives.
FDA-indicated for rosacea and shown more effective than 0.75% metronidazole gel in head-to-head trials.
Results timeline
WEEK 12Initial Adjustment Phase
Some users report mild stinging, dryness, or temporary purging as keratolytic action accelerates cell turnover. Reduce to once daily if irritation appears.
~40% notice early dryness or peelingVisible Inflammation Reduction
Per Nurx clinical guidance, rosacea symptoms typically begin improving in 2–4 weeks. Existing pustules drain faster, redness softens, fewer new breakouts emerge.
~65% see noticeable improvementSignificant Clearance
The full benefit window for rosacea according to manufacturer dosing guidance. Background erythema lessens; papulopustular flare frequency drops.
~80% report substantial improvementMaximum Acne Benefit
Peer-reviewed studies document an 80–83% reduction in inflammatory acne lesions at the 12-week mark with consistent twice-daily use.
80–83% lesion reduction (clinical data)Ratings by platform
5K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- FDA-indicated for rosacea, acne & seborrheic dermatitis
- Clinically proven 80–83% reduction in inflammatory acne
- Outperforms metronidazole gel for rosacea in head-to-head studies
- No documented bacterial resistance after decades of use
- Targets Demodex mites linked to rosacea flares
- Treats both inflammation AND clogged pores in one step
- Fragrance-free Nurx formulation reduces irritation risk
- Telehealth access via Nurx skips in-person derm visit
Criticized
- Strong, distinctive sulfur (rotten egg) smell
- Frequently causes dryness, peeling, and tightness
- Contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding & sulfa allergy
- Requires shaking; suspension separates between uses
- Contains parabens and BHT—not "clean beauty" friendly
- Slow results—up to 12 weeks for maximum effect
- Prescription only; consultation fee on Nurx
- Not FDA-tested for therapeutic equivalence (compounded Rx)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESOTC sulfur-only formula at higher concentration (10% vs 5%). No sulfacetamide, so misses the antibacterial folate-pathway action—but excellent value for keratolytic and anti-Demodex effects. Leave-on, not a cleanser.
Maximum-strength benzoyl peroxide cleanser. Different mechanism (oxidizes bacterial proteins) but similar role in routine. No prescription needed; can bleach fabrics and is also drying.
Salicylic acid plus niacinamide and ceramides. Far gentler and barrier-supportive but lacks both sulfacetamide and sulfur. Better for mild comedonal acne; weaker for rosacea or pustular acne.
Iconic sulfur+salicylic acid spot treatment. Different format (overnight dot, not full-face wash) and no sulfacetamide. Great for individual blemishes but won't address widespread rosacea.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEPlexion Cleanser (Medicis)
AVAR Cleanser (Mission Pharmacal)
Sulfacleanse 8/4 (Stratus)
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Discard 1 year after first use—or sooner if discoloration intensifies (slight darkening is normal).
Store at 15–25°C (59–77°F). Protect from freezing and excessive heat. Keep tightly capped between uses.
Opaque plastic squeeze or pump bottle to protect light-sensitive sulfur. Shake well before each use.
Yes — 6 oz (170 g) bottle is over the 100 ml TSA carry-on limit. Pack in checked luggage or transfer a small amount to a labeled travel bottle.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo. Nurx explicitly states this medication should not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while trying to conceive. The FDA classifies sulfacetamide as Pregnancy Category C—animal reproduction studies have not been conducted, and small amounts of orally administered sulfonamides can be excreted in human milk. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing, ask your dermatologist about safer alternatives such as azelaic acid 15% or topical metronidazole.
Mostly yes, with caveats. The active ingredients—sulfur and sulfacetamide—are actually antifungal and effective against Malassezia (sulfur is used to treat seborrheic dermatitis). However, the formula contains glyceryl stearate (a C18 fatty acid ester) and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, which may theoretically feed Malassezia in leave-on products. Because this is a rinse-off cleanser with under 30 seconds of skin contact, the fungal acne risk is low. People prone to malassezia folliculitis often tolerate it well.
Use with caution. This cleanser is already exfoliating (sulfur is keratolytic) and drying. Layering with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs (glycolic, lactic), or BHAs (salicylic acid) significantly increases barrier disruption, peeling, and irritation risk. If you must combine, alternate nights: medicated cleanser one evening, retinol the next. Always consult your prescribing provider before stacking actives. Avoid benzoyl peroxide on the same day—it can deactivate sulfur compounds.
Best for oily, acne-prone, and rosacea-prone skin. It is FDA-indicated for papulopustular rosacea, acne vulgaris, and seborrheic dermatitis. It performs especially well on people with inflammatory pustules and a Demodex-driven rosacea component. Combination skin can use it on the T-zone and breakout areas. Dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin types should approach with caution—the actives can worsen barrier dysfunction.
Per Nurx clinical guidance, rosacea symptoms typically begin improving in2–4 weeks, with more noticeable changes at6–8 weeks. For inflammatory acne, peer-reviewed studies show an 80–83% reduction in lesions after12 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Some users notice a temporary worsening (purging) in the first 1–2 weeks as accelerated cell turnover surfaces clogged pores. Stick with it through the adjustment phase unless severe irritation develops.
This is yourfirst step—it replaces your regular face wash. Apply once or twice daily on wet skin, massage 10–20 seconds into a lather, then rinse thoroughly with cool to lukewarm water. Always follow with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer (look for ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid) to counter the drying effect of the actives. In the morning, finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to protect newly resurfaced skin.
No. The estimated comedogenic rating is 2/5 — generally low. Sulfur and sulfacetamide are themselvesanti-comedogenic and clinically used to clear clogged pores. The petrolatum and cetyl/stearyl alcohol in the base are non-comedogenic at the levels used. Because this is a wash-off product with very brief skin contact, even ingredients with theoretical pore-clogging potential rinse away before they can cause issues.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is approximately12 months. Store at 15–25°C (59–77°F), protect from freezing and excessive heat, and always close the cap tightly. The product naturally darkens slightly over time—per FDA labeling for sulfacetamide/sulfur cleansers, this slight discoloration doesnot impair efficacy or safety. Discard if you notice strong off-odors (beyond the normal sulfur smell), separation that won't re-mix with shaking, or texture changes.
Verdict: Nurx's Sodium Sulfacetamide 10% – Sulfur 5% Cleanser is a clinically validated, FDA-indicated prescription workhorse for rosacea, inflammatory acne, and seborrheic dermatitis. The dual-active formula delivers documented 80–83% lesion reduction in acne and outperforms metronidazole gel for rosacea—without the bacterial resistance concerns of long-term topical antibiotics. The fragrance-free Nurx version is gentler than many competitor brands, and telehealth access via Nurx is convenient and cost-competitive. The trade-offs are real: a strong sulfur smell, drying that can be intense for non-oily skin, contraindications for sulfa allergy and pregnancy, and the inclusion of parabens and BHT that won't satisfy "clean beauty" purists. If your dermatologist has identified you as a candidate—and you can commit to the 8–12 week ramp-up—this is one of the most evidence-backed prescription cleansers available.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Sodium Sulfide
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sulfur
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Skin-Conditioning Agent -Miscellaneous, Antiseborrhoeic
|
|
|
| 6 |
BHT
Masking, Fragrance, Antioxidant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Opacifying, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Disodium EDTA
Viscosity Controlling, Chelating Agent
|
|





