Therapeutic Sulfur Mask
Therapeutic Sulfur Mask
Product Description
The Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Mask is a maximum-strength 10% sulfur clay treatment that clears active acne, absorbs excess oil and helps prevent new blemishes. Purifying kaolin and bentonite clays detox congested pores while soothing aloe vera keeps skin calm and balanced rather than stripped.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Maximum-Strength Sulfur
10% sulfur β the highest over-the-counter level β visibly clears blemishes and helps stop new ones from forming.
Dual Purifying Clays
Kaolin and bentonite draw out impurities and soak up excess oil to deep-clean congested pores.
Soothing Aloe Vera
Aloe and glycerin calm and hydrate, so this potent treatment feels balanced rather than harsh.
Face, Chest & Back
A versatile clay treatment you can use as a full-face mask or targeted spot treatment on body acne.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Topical sulfur is often considered one of the more pregnancy-friendly acne actives, but this formula also contains fragrance and parabens β always confirm with your doctor first.
Sulfur itself is antifungal, yet the formula contains Polysorbate 20, which can feed malassezia β so it is not considered strictly fungal-acne safe.
A clay-and-mineral base with no heavy oils; rated around 1/5 on the comedogenic scale.
Added parfum may irritate very reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin. Patch test before first use.
Sulfur is already exfoliating β avoid stacking with strong retinoids or AHA/BHA on the same night to prevent over-drying.
This is a rinse-off treatment, not a daily leave-on. Over-use can leave skin tight or flaky.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
β‘ Sulfur 10% Active Proven
The hero active and the maximum strength allowed in an over-the-counter product. Sulfur is a keratolytic that gently breaks down dead skin and unclogs pores, while drying excess oil and helping to clear blemishes.
- Mechanism: Keratolytic and oil-absorbing, with documented antibacterial and antifungal activity against acne-causing microbes.
- Strength: 10% is the maximum over-the-counter concentration permitted in acne treatments.
- Tradition: Used in dermatology for acne, rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis for decades.
πͺ¨ Kaolin & Bentonite Clays Oil-Absorbing Proven
Two purifying clays that work alongside sulfur to absorb surface oil, lift impurities and refine the look of clogged, enlarged pores β ideal for oily and combination skin.
- Kaolin: A mild clay that mattifies and absorbs sebum without harshly stripping the skin.
- Bentonite: A highly absorbent clay that binds to oil and debris as the mask dries.
πΏ Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Soothing Promising
Aloe vera is included to calm and hydrate over-treated, acne-prone skin, offsetting some of the dryness that high-strength sulfur and clays can cause.
- Benefit: Widely used to soothe redness and support comfort on irritated skin.
- Role: Helps the mask feel balancing rather than purely drying.
π‘οΈ Zinc Oxide Trace Promising
A gentle mineral that adds mild oil-control and calming, anti-irritant support β a common partner to sulfur in acne formulas.
- Benefit: Known for soothing, mildly astringent properties that suit blemish-prone skin.
- Listed as: CI 77947 in some versions of the formula.
17 ingredients
Active: Sulfur 10%. Inactive: Water, Bentonite, Kaolin, Propylene Glycol, Talc, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Zinc Oxide, Polysorbate 20, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Carbomer, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Hydroxide, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use 2β3 times per week after cleansing. As a wash-off treatment it sits before your serums and moisturizer β never skip moisturizer afterward, and always wear SPF in the morning.
π How to Use
Start Clean
Cleanse your skin and pat dry before applying.
Apply a Thin Layer
Smooth an even layer over affected areas of the face, chest or back.
Let It Dry
Leave the mask on for 5 to 10 minutes until it sets.
Rinse Thoroughly
Remove completely with lukewarm water, then pat skin dry.
Moisturize & Repeat
Follow with moisturizer. Use 2β3Γ per week; reduce frequency if dryness or peeling occurs.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination, acne-prone skin
- You battle blackheads, whiteheads and clogged pores
- You get occasional hormonal or cystic breakouts
- You want a fast-acting wash-off spot or full-face treatment
- You need something for chest or back breakouts
β Consider alternatives if:
- Your skin is very dry, flaky or easily irritated
- You have active eczema or a compromised barrier
- You strictly avoid fragrance or parabens
- You need a 100% fungal-acne-safe formula
- You are pregnant or nursing and haven't cleared actives with your doctor
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Clays soak up excess oil while sulfur keeps shine and breakouts in check.
Great as a targeted treatment on the oily T-zone and blemish-prone areas.
10% sulfur tackles active pimples and blackheads and helps prevent new ones.
Effective but can feel tight β limit to spot use and always follow with moisturizer.
Fragrance and high sulfur may sting reactive skin; patch test and use sparingly.
π Results Timeline
Skin Looks Calmer
Oil is absorbed, blemishes look drier and less angry, and pores feel deep-cleaned.
70% noticedFewer New Breakouts
With 2β3 uses, blackheads soften and fresh blemishes start to slow down.
60% noticedClearer Complexion
Consistent weekly use visibly reduces active acne, congestion and oiliness.
65% noticedMaintained & Prevented
Ongoing use helps keep skin clear and prevents new flare-ups from forming.
55% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Genuinely clears active acne and dries out pimples fast
- Maximum 10% OTC sulfur β strong yet wash-off
- Clays control oil and shine on oily/combo skin
- Aloe keeps it from being overly stripping
- Spreads smoothly and a little goes a long way
- Works on face, chest and back acne
β Criticized
- Strong, distinctive sulfur scent
- Premium price (~$53) vs simpler sulfur products
- Can be drying if over-used
- Contains added fragrance and parabens
- Not strictly fungal-acne safe (Polysorbate 20)
- Results can be gradual for stubborn cystic acne
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Same maximum 10% sulfur active in a bare-bones, fragrance-free base. More drying with no clays or aloe, but a fraction of the price.
Lower 6% sulfur in a creamier base. Gentler and less drying, but weaker on stubborn breakouts.
Drugstore clay mask with 3.5% sulfur, bentonite and zinc. Much milder β better for light, occasional breakouts.
π Comparison with Competitors
Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Mask (Featured)
$53.00Murad Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask
$44.00Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Mask
$65.00Proactiv Skin Purifying Mask
$30.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; close tightly after each use.
Screw-top jar (also sold in a 150ml tube format)
Yes β 150ml / 5 oz, within most carry-on liquid limits
β Frequently Asked Questions
Topical sulfur is frequently described by dermatologists as one of the more pregnancy-friendly acne actives, and is often suggested when benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinoids are off the table. However, this particular formula also contains fragrance and parabens, and the manufacturer does not give specific pregnancy guidance. Because individual situations vary, always confirm with your OB-GYN or physician before use, and avoid applying it to the breast or nipple area while nursing.
Not strictly. Sulfur itself has antifungal properties that can actually help with malassezia, but this formula contains Polysorbate 20, an ingredient commonly flagged as a potential trigger for fungal acne. If you are specifically managing malassezia folliculitis and want a fully fungal-acne-safe option, a simpler sulfur ointment without polysorbates may suit you better.
Yes, but space them out. Sulfur is already exfoliating and drying, so layering it on the same night as a strong retinoid or AHA/BHA can leave skin tight and irritated. A good approach is to use the mask on its own evenings, or rinse it off and follow only with a soothing moisturizer. Vitamin C is generally better kept to the morning routine. Introduce slowly if your skin is reactive.
It performs best on oily, combination and acne-prone skin, where the 10% sulfur and absorbent clays control shine and clear breakouts. Dry and sensitive skin can still use it, but should treat it as an occasional spot treatment, follow with moisturizer, and patch test first since the high sulfur level and fragrance can feel drying or stinging.
Many people see active pimples look drier and calmer right after the first use. With consistent use 2β3 times a week, blackheads and new breakouts typically reduce over 1β2 weeks, and a clearer overall complexion usually shows around the 2β4 week mark. Stubborn or cystic acne can take longer and benefits from a complete routine.
Use it right after cleansing on clean, dry skin. Apply a thin layer, leave it 5β10 minutes, then rinse off and continue with your toner, serum and moisturizer. Because it is a wash-off treatment used a few times a week rather than daily, it slots in early in the routine before your leave-on products.
No β it sits at roughly 1 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. The base is built on clays and minerals with no heavy pore-clogging oils, and sulfur plus kaolin and bentonite actively help unclog pores rather than block them. It is well suited to congestion-prone skin.
The Period After Opening is around 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and keep the lid closed tightly between uses. If the texture, color or smell changes noticeably, it is time to replace it.
Verdict: The Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Mask is a proven, maximum-strength sulfur treatment that genuinely clears oily, acne-prone skin and dries out blemishes quickly, with kaolin and bentonite clays controlling oil and aloe keeping it less stripping than bare sulfur. The trade-offs are the strong scent, premium price, added fragrance and parabens, and that it isn't strictly fungal-acne safe. For oily and breakout-prone skin that can tolerate it, this is one of the most effective over-the-counter sulfur masks available.
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
|
|
|
| 2 |
Bentonite
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Absorbent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying, Suspending Agent -Nonsurfactant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Kaolin
Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking Agent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying, Skin Protecting, Slip Modifier, Cosmetic Colorant
|
Ache-fighting
Pores
|
|
| 3 |
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 3 |
Talc
Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking Agent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying, Skin Protecting, Slip Modifier
|
|