Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate
A targeted blemish treatment formulated with 10% sulfur to help reduce the visible appearance of localized breakouts.
A useful spot-treatment option for people who want a blemish-focused product that is different from classic salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide formats.
Sulfur-based spot treatments are hard to find at decent concentrations from mainstream brands. The Ordinary delivering 10% sulfur alongside carnitine and niacinamide in a powder-to-cream texture format that doesn't just smear benzoyl peroxide everywhere is genuinely useful for anyone who needs a spot-focused acne tool.
Evening spot treatment — after cleansing and toning. Apply directly to individual blemishes before your moisturizer. Some use it as a sleeping mask over the specific spot.
Acne-prone skin that's tried salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide and wants a gentler but potent alternative for targeted blemish work. Also useful for people with occasional breakouts who want something more targeted than their daily routine.
When applied to the full face, or stacked with other drying acne actives in the same routine on the same spot. Also: sulfur has a distinct odor — be aware if that bothers you.
Pause during a full barrier flare-up — sulfur is drying and will worsen an already-compromised barrier. Return to spot use only once the barrier has stabilized.
- A gentle non-foaming cleanser before spot treatment application
- Niacinamide serum elsewhere on the face for redness and oil control
- A fragrance-free moisturizer around (not on) the treated spot to prevent surrounding dryness
Best For
- Localized blemishes
- Acne-prone skin
- Occasional inflamed spots
- Targeted spot treatments
How to Use
Apply a small amount directly to localized blemishes as a spot treatment. Do not apply to the whole face.
Key Ingredients
Sulfur exfoliates dead skin cells (keratolytic action), kills acne-causing bacteria (antimicrobial), and absorbs excess surface sebum — making it a multi-mechanism targeted spot treatment for blemishes and oily, congested skin.
Carnitine helps modulate sebum production by sebocytes (sebum-producing cells) through its role in fatty acid transport and metabolism — reducing excess oil output without the drying effect of most acne actives.
Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, regulates sebum production, fades hyperpigmentation, and minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores.
Kaolin absorbs excess surface oil and sebum, reduces the visible appearance of pores, and contributes a mattifying, shine-control effect — without the aggressive drying associated with stronger clays like bentonite.
Ingredients to Note
May be a concern for some skin types. Tap to learn more.
May be a concern for some skin types. Tap to learn more.
May be a concern for some skin types. Tap to learn more.
Full Ingredient List
About This Product
The Ordinary Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate delivers elemental sulfur at a clinical 10% concentration in an unusual powder-to-cream texture format. Sulfur is one of the oldest and most consistently effective acne-targeting agents — it has keratolytic (exfoliating) properties, sebum-absorbing action, and antimicrobial effects specifically against acne-causing bacteria. Carnitine in the formula helps to regulate sebum production, and niacinamide provides anti-inflammatory redness-calming support. Kaolin provides clay-like absorbency.