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Ready to feel more confident when reading your beauty products' ingredient labels?

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Enter, theAllure Ingredient Index.

But is it something that you should be adding toyourskin-care routine?

That’s for you and your dermatologist to decide.

person putting spot treatment on acne blemishes

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What is sulfur and what is it used for?

Sulfur is a naturally occurring element that has many uses that are amazing for your skin.

The element itself is nonmetallic and naturally takes on a pale yellow hue.

jar of De La Cruz Maximum Strengt acne treatment on a white background

“It minimizes inflammation and kills bacteria,” she says.

Sulfur’s exfoliating properties also make it great for treating dandruff.

In other words, sulfur really isthat girlif you’re working toward clear skin or to remedy visible irritation.

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Why does sulfurstink, though?

Before we go any further, let’s address the elephant the very gassy elephant in the room.

Sulfur can sometimes stink like rotten eggs.

Bottle of Murad Acne Control Clarifying mask on a white background

With this in mind, many brands are sure to formulate their products so that thereisn’tthat stinky smell.

“Most products, however, have other chemical ingredients to neutralize this smell.

This can include the addition of sodium sulfacetamide or other fragrances,” Dr. Ramanadham says.

Vichy Normaderm S.O.S Acne Rescue Spot Corrector on a white background

What kind of sulfur products should I use?

The kind of sulfur products you use, of course, is dependent on what your skin needs.

By far, the dermatologists we spoke to recommend it the most in acne spot-treating products.

JAR OF Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Masque On a white background

Acne Spot Correctoris another sulfur-rich product and it just so happens to be a2021 Best of Beauty winner.

“It can decrease these inflammatory lesions and surrounding redness that may occur.”

This same principle applies to how sulfur treats eczema.

Bar of Heritage Store Hot Springs Soap in its packaging on a white background

Use the soap on the affected areas of your skin.

Heritage Store

Heritage Store Hot Springs Sulfur Soap

What are the risks of using sulfur?

Also, be careful which products you are using along with a sulfur treatment.

Applying a cream mask against acne on a woman’s back with a wooden stick. Beauty treatment.

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That said, sulfur can actually be really a good alternative if you are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide.

Some folks are naturally allergic to sulfur, too.

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