Sulfur Cleanser
Sulfur Cleanser
Product Description
302 Skincare Sulfur Cleanser is a dermatologist-tested treatment cleanser that pairs 3% colloidal sulfur with an ultra-mild, sugar-derived surfactant base to calm pustular breakouts, control excess oil, and gently exfoliate β without the tightness, stinging, or barrier damage of harsher acne washes. Made by a clean, professional U.S. brand and designed to be rotated with milder cleansers for long-term skin stability rather than aggressive over-treatment.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Targets Pustular Breakouts
3% colloidal sulfur reduces acne-causing bacteria, calms inflammation, and helps clear surface congestion at the source.
Ultra-Mild Cleansing Base
A sugar beet-derived amphoteric surfactant cleanses gently and resists the over-stripping cycle that foaming washes can trigger in oily skin.
Hydrating While It Treats
Kosher glycerin pulls water into the skin so you get blemish support without the tight, parched feel typical of sulfur products.
Built for Rotation
Designed to alternate with milder 302 cleansers, supporting a "less-is-more" approach that keeps reactive skin stable over time.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Topical sulfur is widely regarded as one of the more pregnancy-compatible acne actives, and this formula has no retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. Always confirm with your OB-GYN.
Contains no esters, fatty acids, or oils that feed malassezia yeast, making it suitable for fungal-acne-prone skin.
No acids, glycols, alcohols, sulfates, fragrance, or chemical sunscreens β a gentle alternative to aggressive acne washes.
Avoid combining in the same session with benzoyl peroxide or strong exfoliating acids, which can increase irritation and instability.
The surfactant may aggravate very reactive, eczema, or rosacea-prone skin in some people. Introduce slowly and watch for tightness.
Sulfur can be drying with overuse. Start once daily (ideally PM) and follow with a moisturizer to support the barrier.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π Sulfur 3% Proven
The hero active. Colloidal sulfur is an antiseborrhoeic, mildly keratolytic mineral that reduces sebum, helps loosen the top layer of skin, and has both antibacterial and antifungal activity β a classic, time-tested choice for pustular and oily-skin breakouts.
- Antibacterial: Studies show sulfur reduces acne-driving bacteria and surface inflammation.
- Keratolytic: It gently breaks down the outer skin layer, supporting clearer pores and softer texture.
- Heritage: Used in traditional skin remedies across Greece, India, China, and Egypt for centuries.
𧴠Sodium Cocoamphopropionate Amphoteric 2 Proven
The mild cleansing base (listed by the brand as "Amphoteric 2"). This amphoteric, coconut/sugar-derived surfactant lifts away oil and debris while being notably gentler than sulfates, helping prevent the irritation that harsher detergents cause.
- Low irritation: Amphoteric surfactants are commonly used to soften and stabilize milder cleansing systems.
- Sulfate-free: Cleanses effectively without SLS/SLES, supporting a non-stripping after-feel.
π§ Glycerin ~4β6% Proven
A powerhouse humectant naturally found in skin. Kosher glycerine draws water into the outer layers, offsetting sulfur's drying tendency and leaving a soft rather than squeaky-tight finish.
- Hydration: Glycerin pulls and holds water in the stratum corneum for better comfort and elasticity.
- Universally tolerated: Non-irritating and compatible across virtually all skin types.
𧫠Carbomer & Cellulose Polymer Texture Promising
These thickeners give the cleanser its signature heavy, lotion-like body so sulfur stays evenly suspended. Both are large, essentially inert molecules with minimal skin penetration.
- Stability: Carbomer forms the gel structure; cellulose polymer keeps the formula from separating.
- Inert: Used at low levels purely for texture, not as actives.
8 ingredients
Water, Sulfur, Sodium Cocoamphopropionate, Glycerin, Carbomer, Cellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use once daily, ideally in the evening. Alternate with a milder cleanser (such as 302 Revive or Sensitive Cleanser) on off-days to avoid over-drying. Always finish your morning routine with sunscreen.
π How to Use
Shake well
Sulfur settles, so shake the bottle thoroughly and dispense immediately.
Apply like a lotion
Smooth a small amount onto wet skin. It will feel slightly sticky at first β that's normal.
Massage & reapply
Massage for 10β30 seconds, then add a little more water (and product) to work up a creamy lotion feel and lift impurities.
Rinse with warm water
Rinse thoroughly. You should feel soft and clean β never squeaky or taut.
Follow & rotate
Moisturize after cleansing and rotate with a gentler cleanser through the week to keep skin balanced.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin with pustular breakouts
- You want a gentle alternative to harsh benzoyl peroxide or acid washes
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safer acne active (with doctor approval)
- You prefer fragrance-free, clean, vegan, fungal-acne-safe formulas
- You're building a multi-cleanser rotation for long-term skin stability
β Consider alternatives if:
- Your skin is very dry or dehydrated and you'd use it daily
- You have active eczema or rosacea flares
- You strongly dislike any faint sulfur scent
- You want a single do-it-all cleanser used twice a day
- You need heavy makeup-melting cleansing power
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Sulfur curbs excess sebum while the mild base avoids the strip-and-rebound oil cycle.
Targets pustular breakouts and surface congestion; fungal-acne safe and non-comedogenic in use.
Clears oily zones without over-drying drier areas, especially when rotated with a milder cleanser.
Fragrance- and acid-free base is well tolerated, but patch test β sulfur can be drying on reactive skin.
Use sparingly and only as a rotation step; sulfur can feel drying with frequent daily use.
π Results Timeline
Cleaner, less oily feel
Skin feels clean and soft right away, with reduced surface oil and no tight, stripped sensation.
~70% noticedFewer pustular breakouts
Active blemishes start calming down as sulfur reduces bacteria and congestion with consistent use.
~55% noticedClearer, calmer, more stable
Skin tends to look more even and balanced, with fewer flare-ups when used in a gentle rotation.
~45% noticedMaintained clarity
Long-term users report sustained breakout control as part of a "less-is-more" routine. Results vary by individual.
~40% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Gentle, non-stripping feel despite 3% sulfur
- Effective on pustular acne and excess oil
- Fragrance-, sulfate-, glycol- and acid-free
- Affordable and trusted by estheticians for years
- Pregnancy-friendly active; fungal-acne & reef safe
- Vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free
β Criticized
- Faint characteristic sulfur scent
- Can be drying if overused
- Limited mainstream retail and independent reviews
- May aggravate eczema- or rosacea-prone skin
- Best used in rotation, not as a sole cleanser
- Plain, no-frills packaging
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Same 3% sulfur active at the lowest price, but in a drying bar-soap format with a harsher base β less gentle than 302's lotion cleanser.
A stronger 10% leave-on sulfur treatment for spot use. More potent but more drying, and it's a mask/ointment rather than a daily cleanser.
Sulfur plus zinc oxide for extra oil control, in a bar format. Effective but a more stripping soap base than 302's mild surfactant.
π Comparison with Competitors
302 Sulfur Cleanser (Featured)
$8.95De La Cruz 10% Sulfur Ointment
$8.99PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
$9.99Honest Beauty Get Clarity Cleanser
$12.99π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Shake well before each use.
Squeeze/flip-cap bottle in 2 oz (60 ml) and 8 oz (240 ml) sizes.
Yes β the 2 oz / 60 ml bottle is under 100 ml and TSA carry-on friendly.
β Frequently Asked Questions
It's generally considered a reasonable option. Topical sulfur is one of the acne actives most often regarded as compatible with pregnancy and nursing, and this formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. That said, individual circumstances differ, so always confirm with your OB-GYN or midwife before use.
Yes. It contains no esters, fatty acids, polysorbates, or oils that feed malassezia yeast, so it's suitable for people managing fungal acne. Sulfur itself also has mild antifungal properties.
Use caution. As a rinse-off cleanser its contact time is short, but the brand specifically advises against pairing it in the same session with benzoyl peroxide or strong exfoliating acids, as that can increase irritation. With retinol or vitamin C, separate them by time of day (e.g., sulfur cleanse PM, vitamin C in the AM) and monitor for dryness.
It shines on oily, combination, and acne-prone skin with pustular breakouts. Sensitive skin generally tolerates the gentle base well but should patch test, while very dry skin should use it sparingly and only as a rotation step, since sulfur can be drying.
Most people notice cleaner, less oily skin from the first wash. Visible reduction in active breakouts typically takes 2β4 weeks of consistent use, with clearer, more stable skin around 6β8 weeks. Results vary by individual and routine.
It's a treatment cleanser, so it's your cleansing step β ideally in the evening (after makeup removal if needed). Follow with toner/mist, any treatments, then moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen. The brand recommends rotating it with a milder cleanser on alternate days.
It's low risk (rated ~1/5 in use). It's a rinse-off product, oil-free, and built around sulfur, which actually helps decongest pores. While raw sulfur can score moderately on comedogenicity charts, the short contact time of a cleanser makes pore-clogging unlikely for most people.
Around 12 months after opening (PAO). Keep it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and shake well before each use, since the sulfur naturally settles.
Verdict: The 302 Skincare Sulfur Cleanser is a smart, no-drama choice for oily and acne-prone skin that wants results without harshness. Its 3% colloidal sulfur tackles pustular breakouts and excess oil while an ultra-mild, sugar-derived base plus glycerin keeps skin from feeling stripped β and it's fragrance-free, fungal-acne safe, vegan, and pregnancy-friendly at a genuinely budget price. The main caveats are a faint sulfur scent, its drying potential if overused, and limited mainstream reviews. Used once daily and rotated with a gentler cleanser, it's an excellent value treatment cleanser.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 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 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sulfur
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Skin-Conditioning Agent -Miscellaneous, Antiseborrhoeic
|
Ache-fighting
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Carbomer
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cellulose
Viscosity Controlling, Absorbent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying, Slip Modifier
|
|