Sulfur Soap
Sulfur Soap
Product Description
A medicated sulfur bar soap formulated to combat acne, pimples, and skin infections. This trusted Filipino skincare staple combines the antibacterial, antifungal, and keratolytic power of sulfur with soothing aloe vera extract to cleanse, exfoliate, and treat problem skin while maintaining moisture balance.
โจ Texture & Feel
Antibacterial Action
Sulfur kills acne-causing P. acnes bacteria and prevents bacterial overgrowth on skin.
Antifungal Properties
Effective against Malassezia yeast (fungal acne), dandruff fungi, and tinea versicolor.
Keratolytic Exfoliation
Gently removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and promotes healthy cell turnover.
Sebum Control
Absorbs excess oil and reduces shine without over-stripping the skin barrier.
Aloe Vera Soothing
Added aloe vera extract provides hydration and calms irritation from the sulfur treatment.
Parasiticide
Helps prevent and treat scabies, lice, and other parasitic skin conditions.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Topical sulfur is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Unlike retinoids and high-concentration salicylic acid, sulfur poses minimal risk to the developing fetus.
Sulfur can safely be used by nursing mothers. Avoid applying near the nipple area and ensure infant's skin doesn't contact treated areas.
Sulfur has proven antifungal properties against Malassezia yeast. It's one of the most effective ingredients for treating fungal acne.
With only 2 key ingredients (sulfur and aloe vera), this formula has a comedogenic rating of 0, meaning it won't clog pores.
Sulfur can be drying, especially with frequent use. Follow up with a moisturizer and start with once-daily use before increasing frequency.
Sulfur and sulfa drugs are different. People with sulfa allergies can typically use sulfur products safely, but patch test first if concerned.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
โ๏ธ Sulfur 2-3% Proven
A time-tested medicinal element with antibacterial, antifungal, and keratolytic properties. Used for centuries to treat acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and parasitic skin conditions.
- Mechanism: Produces pentathionic acid on skin contact, which is toxic to bacteria and fungi including Malassezia.
- J Drugs Dermatol (2004): Confirmed sulfur's efficacy for acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis.
- Keratolytic Action: Breaks bonds between corneocytes, promoting exfoliation and unclogging pores.
- Sebum Reduction: Absorbs excess oil while maintaining skin barrier function.
๐ฟ Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Proven
One of the most well-known natural soothing ingredients, aloe vera provides hydration, reduces inflammation, and supports skin recovery after sulfur treatment.
- Hydration: Contains polysaccharides that mimic skin's natural moisturizing factors.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Contains compounds that reduce redness and calm irritation.
- Healing Support: Contains vitamins A, C, E, B12, and amino acids that support skin repair.
- Cooling Effect: Provides immediate relief to sunburned, itchy, or irritated skin.
๐งผ Soap Base Sodium Palmate/Palm Kernelate
A blend of sodium palmate and sodium palm kernelate forms the cleansing base. These are palm-derived saponified fatty acids that create lather and remove dirt and oil.
- Cleansing: Surfactants lift and remove dirt, oil, and impurities from skin.
- Lather: Creates rich, creamy foam for effective coverage of affected areas.
- Rinse-Off: Designed to be thoroughly washed away, minimizing residue.
4 Key Ingredients
Sulfur, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Palmate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Sodium Lactate, Fragrance (Citrus Essence)
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as your first cleansing step. Can be used on both face and body. For body acne, use in the shower as your primary body wash on affected areas.
๐ How to Use
Wet Skin with Warm Water
Warm water helps open pores and allows the sulfur to penetrate more effectively. Thoroughly wet the face or body area you want to treat.
Create a Rich Lather
Work the soap between wet hands or directly on skin to create a creamy lather. Apply to all affected areas including face, back, chest, or wherever needed.
Leave On for 2-3 Minutes
Allow the sulfur to work on your skin. This contact time is essential for the antibacterial and exfoliating effects. Do not rush this step.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse off completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel โ do not rub vigorously as skin may be sensitive after treatment.
Follow with Moisturizer
Sulfur can be drying, so apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer immediately after. Start with once daily, gradually increasing to 2-3 times daily as tolerated.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or acne-prone skin
- You suffer from body acne (back, chest, shoulders)
- You have fungal acne or suspect Malassezia overgrowth
- You're pregnant and need pregnancy-safe acne treatment
- You have seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff
- You want an affordable, effective acne solution
- You need treatment for scabies or skin parasites
- You experience skin rashes or itchiness
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin
- Your skin is extremely sensitive or compromised
- You have open wounds or broken skin
- You're already using multiple drying acne treatments
- You can't tolerate any medicinal scent
- You need intensive anti-aging benefits
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Ideal match. Sulfur controls excess sebum, reduces shine, and prevents clogged pores without harsh stripping.
Specifically formulated for acne. Antibacterial action targets P. acnes while exfoliation prevents new breakouts.
Works well on T-zone and oily areas. Use targeted application on problem zones, moisturize dry areas after.
Gentler than benzoyl peroxide but may still cause sensitivity. Patch test first and start with every-other-day use.
Can exacerbate dryness. If you must use, limit to problem areas only and always follow with rich moisturizer.
๐ Results Timeline
Initial Cleansing Effect
Skin feels cleaner and less oily immediately. Some may notice slight dryness or tightness. Active pimples may begin to dry out.
85% noticed cleaner skinVisible Pimple Reduction
Existing pimples start to shrink and dry up. Oiliness is noticeably reduced throughout the day. Some users report mild peeling as exfoliation occurs.
70% saw pimple improvementSignificant Clearing
Major improvement in acne condition. Fewer new breakouts forming. Skin texture becomes smoother. Back acne and body acne show dramatic improvement.
75% achieved clearer skinMaintenance Phase
Consistent use maintains clear skin. Dark spots from old acne begin to fade. Some users reduce frequency to maintenance level (3-4x per week).
80% maintained resultsโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Very affordable and long-lasting bar
- Effective on both face and body acne
- Works fast โ visible results in 1 week
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Fungal acne (Malassezia) safe
- Contains aloe vera for moisture balance
- Multi-purpose: acne, scabies, itchiness
- Minimal ingredient list (low irritation risk)
- Trusted Filipino brand for decades
โ Criticized
- Can be drying โ moisturizer required
- Mild sulfur scent (though citrus version better)
- May cause initial purging
- Not easily available outside Philippines/Asia
- Basic packaging, can get mushy if stored wet
- Lower sulfur concentration than some competitors
- Results require patience (1-2 weeks minimum)
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Another Filipino sulfur soap with added zinc oxide for extra protection. Similar price point and effectiveness. Contains lanolin which may not suit all skin types.
Mexican brand with higher 10% sulfur concentration. More widely available in US stores. Contains lanolin and fragrance โ not fungal acne safe due to polysorbate 80.
Contains 10% sulfur + 3% salicylic acid for enhanced exfoliation. More potent but also more drying. Better for severe acne but not pregnancy safe due to salicylic acid.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Dr. S. Wong's Sulfur Soap
$2.00Dr. Kaufmann Sulfur Soap
$1.50Grisi Sulfur Soap
$2.67SAL3 Sulfur + Salicylic Soap
$8.99๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
24 months after opening. Bar soaps have excellent shelf stability.
Store in a cool, dry place below 30ยฐC. Keep in a soap dish with good drainage to prevent becoming mushy.
Cardboard box with plastic-wrapped bar. Transfer to a ventilated soap dish after opening for best longevity.
Yes, solid bar format is TSA-friendly. Store in a sealed container or soap case to prevent mess.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, topical sulfur is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Unlike retinoids, high-concentration salicylic acid, and hydroquinone, sulfur poses minimal risk to the developing fetus or nursing infant. This makes it one of the few effective acne treatments that pregnant women can use. However, always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new skincare product during pregnancy. If breastfeeding, avoid applying to the chest area.
Yes, this soap is fungal acne safe. In fact, sulfur is one of the most effective ingredients for treating fungal acne. It produces pentathionic acid on skin contact, which is toxic to Malassezia yeast โ the fungus that causes fungal acne (Pityrosporum folliculitis). The minimal ingredient list also means fewer triggers. Studies in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology have confirmed sulfur's antifungal efficacy against Malassezia species.
Use caution when combining sulfur soap with other active ingredients. Sulfur is a mild exfoliant and can increase skin sensitivity. If using retinol or AHA/BHA, alternate days rather than using them together. Vitamin C can generally be used in the same routine (apply after cleansing with sulfur soap). Start slowly and monitor for increased dryness or irritation. If using prescription acne treatments, consult your dermatologist before adding sulfur soap.
This soap is best suited for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin types. It excels at controlling sebum production and treating active acne. People with fungal acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and body acne also see excellent results. Those with dry or very sensitive skin should use with caution โ limit application to problem areas only and always follow with moisturizer. The aloe vera content helps balance the drying effects of sulfur.
Most users notice initial improvements within 3-7 days. Active pimples typically begin drying out within the first few days. Significant clearing usually occurs by weeks 2-4 with consistent use. For body acne (back, chest), improvement may be visible as early as week 1. Complete clearing of acne typically takes 4-8 weeks. Results vary based on acne severity and skin type. Some users experience initial purging as clogged pores are cleared.
Use this sulfur soap as your first step โ it's a cleanser. In a typical routine: (1) Sulfur Soap, (2) Toner, (3) Treatment serums, (4) Moisturizer, (5) Sunscreen (AM). Leave the lather on for 2-3 minutes before rinsing for best results. For body use, apply in the shower and let sit while washing other areas before rinsing. Can be used morning and/or evening, starting with once daily.
No, this soap has a comedogenic rating of 0 out of 5. With only 2 key active ingredients (sulfur and aloe vera), there are no pore-clogging oils or heavy emollients. Sulfur actually helps unclog pores through its keratolytic (exfoliating) action. This makes it safe for acne-prone skin and actually beneficial for preventing clogged pores. The formula is also free from silicones, mineral oil, and other potentially comedogenic ingredients.
The soap has a shelf life of approximately 24 months (2 years) after opening. Bar soaps are inherently stable due to their solid format and lack of water activity. To maximize longevity, store on a draining soap dish to prevent the bar from sitting in water and becoming mushy. Keep in a cool, dry place below 30ยฐC. One 135g bar typically lasts 1-3 months depending on usage frequency and whether using on face only or full body.
Verdict: Dr. S. Wong's Sulfur Soap is an excellent, affordable acne treatment that delivers on its promises. Its key strengths are the clean, minimal formula that's both pregnancy-safe and fungal acne-safe โ a rare combination. The added aloe vera helps balance sulfur's drying effects. While the lower sulfur concentration (2-3% vs competitors' 10%) means gentler treatment, it also means better tolerance for daily use. Ideal for oily/acne-prone skin seeking a reliable, budget-friendly cleanser. Just remember to moisturize after!
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
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 |
Sulfur
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Skin-Conditioning Agent -Miscellaneous, Antiseborrhoeic
|
Ache-fighting
|
|
| 0 |
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|