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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 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.

Rx Prescription FDA-Indicated Anti-Acne Rosacea Treatment Anti-Demodex Seborrheic Dermatitis Antibacterial Keratolytic
Pregnancy
No
Fungal Acne
Caution
Comedogenic
2/5
Type
Rx Cleanser
Active 1
Sulfacetamide 10%
Active 2
Sulfur 5%
Size
170 g (6 oz)
Concern
Acne / Rosacea
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

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.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Liquid Suspension
Scent
Sulfur (Eggy)
Absorption
Rinse-Off
Finish
Clean / Slightly Drying

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.

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.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

FDA Pregnancy Category C. Nurx explicitly advises against use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while trying to conceive. Sulfonamides may be excreted in breast milk.

Sulfa Allergy Contraindication

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.

Kidney Disease

Contraindicated in patients with kidney disease. Topical sulfonamides can be systemically absorbed (around 4% percutaneous absorption in vitro studies).

Avoid With Mercury Products

Do not use simultaneously with topical preparations containing mercury—chemical reaction can produce hydrogen sulfide and skin discoloration.

Sun Sensitivity

Sulfur and sulfacetamide can leave skin more sensitive to UV light. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is essential during treatment.

No Antibiotic Resistance

Decades of clinical use without documented bacterial resistance. A reasonable long-term option versus topical clindamycin or erythromycin.

Fragrance-Free Formula

This Nurx formulation contains no added fragrance—reducing irritation risk for already-compromised acne and rosacea skin.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in children under age 12 has not been established. Prescription required for any use.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Sodium 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.
Contraindicated for anyone with a sulfa drug allergy. Always disclose your full medication history before use.

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.
Sulfur smells distinctly eggy—a common (and harmless) complaint. Higher concentrations cause more drying.

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.

FREE FROM: Fragrance/perfume · Essential oils · Sulfates (SLS/SLES) · Drying alcohols (ethanol/SD alcohol) · Silicones · Mineral oil · Coal tar · Salicylic acid · Benzoyl peroxide · Retinoids · Hydroquinone · Artificial dyes · Phthalates.
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Medicated Cleanser
2
Gentle Toner
3
Hydrating Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
Sunscreen (AM)

This 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.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Shake Well Before Use

The active sulfur is suspended in the formula and naturally settles. Shake vigorously for 5–10 seconds before each application.

2

Wet Skin First

Splash face with lukewarm (not hot) water. Hot water increases skin sensitivity and can worsen rosacea flushing.

3

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.

4

Rinse Thoroughly & Pat Dry

Rinse with cool to lukewarm water until no residue remains. Pat dry with a clean soft towel—never rub.

5

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.

6

Always Follow With Moisturizer + SPF

Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after. In the morning, finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect 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)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Sulfur's keratolytic and oil-absorbing action makes this an ideal match. Oily skin tolerates the drying effect well.

Dry Skin
Poor

Likely too drying. Both actives cause flaking and tightness. Limit to once daily and pair with rich barrier-repair moisturizer.

Combination
Good

Spot-cleanse the oily T-zone and breakout-prone areas; consider gentler cleanser on drier cheek zones.

Sensitive
Moderate

Patch test mandatory. Sulfacetamide can trigger allergic contact dermatitis. Start every other night and assess tolerance.

Acne-Prone
Excellent

Specifically formulated for inflammatory acne. Up to 80% lesion reduction in 12-week trials. Non-comedogenic actives.

Rosacea-Prone
Excellent

FDA-indicated for rosacea and shown more effective than 0.75% metronidazole gel in head-to-head trials.

08

Results timeline

WEEK 12
Week 1

Initial 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 peeling
Weeks 2–4

Visible 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 improvement
Weeks 6–8

Significant Clearance

The full benefit window for rosacea according to manufacturer dosing guidance. Background erythema lessens; papulopustular flare frequency drops.

~80% report substantial improvement
Week 12

Maximum 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)
09

Ratings by platform

5K+ REVIEWS
Drugs.com (Rosacea)
7.7/10
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Strong sulfur smell, occasional drying or peeling on sensitive cheeks.
Drugs.com (Acne)
8.0/10
Rating
150+
Reviews
Main complaint: Dryness and skin peeling during the first 2–3 weeks of use.
WebMD
4.0/5
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: Strong odor; some brands add fragrance which irritates sensitive skin.
Nurx Patient Reviews
4.7/5
Rating
2M+
Patients
Main complaint: Insurance coverage gaps; consultation fee adds to total cost.
SkinSort Community
4.2/5
Rating
94+
Routines
Main complaint: Contains parabens and BHT—some users prefer cleaner formulations.
GoodRx Patient Data
4.3/5
Rating
5,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Up to 12 weeks needed for full results; requires patience.
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • 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)
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
75% Match
De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment 10%
$5.99
Budget Pick

OTC 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.

70% Match
Acne Foaming Wash Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Maximum Strength
$11.99
OTC Alternative

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.

55% Match
Acne Control Cleanser
$15.99
Gentler Option

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.

68% Match
Drying Lotion
$17.00
Spot Treatment

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.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE

Plexion Cleanser (Medicis)

Active 1 Sulfacetamide 10%
Active 2 Sulfur 5%
Format Wash Cleanser
Size 170 g (6 oz)
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
FDA Indication Acne, Rosacea, Seb Derm
Access Brand Rx — Higher Cost

AVAR Cleanser (Mission Pharmacal)

Active 1 Sulfacetamide 10%
Active 2 Sulfur 5% (Colloidal)
Format Emulsion Cleanser
Size 227 g (8 oz)
Fragrance Contains Fragrance
FDA Indication Acne, Rosacea, Seb Derm
Access Pharmacy Rx

Sulfacleanse 8/4 (Stratus)

Active 1 Sulfacetamide 8%
Active 2 Sulfur 4%
Format Liquid Cleanser
Size 340 g (12 oz)
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
FDA Indication Acne, Rosacea, Seb Derm
Access Pharmacy Rx — Larger Bottle
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Discard 1 year after first use—or sooner if discoloration intensifies (slight darkening is normal).

Storage

Store at 15–25°C (59–77°F). Protect from freezing and excessive heat. Keep tightly capped between uses.

Packaging

Opaque plastic squeeze or pump bottle to protect light-sensitive sulfur. Shake well before each use.

Travel Friendly

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.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

No. 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.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

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

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.

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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

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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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
61% 16% 5% 16%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 18 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