Evidence supporting the use of: Sulfur
For the health condition: Skin (dry and/or flaky)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Sulfur has a long history of use in dermatology, with both traditional and scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for certain skin conditions, particularly those involving dryness, flakiness, or scaling. Sulfur is keratolytic, meaning it helps to shed the outer layer of skin, and it has mild antibacterial and antifungal properties. These actions make sulfur a useful ingredient in topical preparations for conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, and psoriasis, all of which can manifest with dry, flaky skin.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that sulfur-containing creams and shampoos can reduce scaling and flaking. For example, the combination of sulfur and salicylic acid has been shown to be effective for seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis in peer-reviewed trials. Sulfur is also an FDA-approved over-the-counter ingredient for the treatment of acne, which sometimes presents with dry or flaky skin due to inflammation or topical medications.

However, while there is scientific support for sulfur’s use in conditions characterized by flakiness and scaling, evidence for sulfur as a general moisturizer for dry, non-pathological skin is limited. Its primary benefit is in promoting exfoliation and managing skin conditions with abnormal keratinization, rather than directly hydrating the skin. Nonetheless, the use of sulfur in dermatological products for flaky skin is supported by both mechanistic rationale and controlled studies.

More about Sulfur
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Products containing Sulfur

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.