Colloidal Sulfur

Da evitare

Irritante

Colloidal Sulfur at a glance

  • Smaller particles than sulfur, making it more potent
  • Anti-acne properties help tackle breakouts
  • Can cause skin irritation and sensitization
  • Most effective in skin care preparations between 3% and 10%

Colloidal Sulfur description

Colloidal sulfur is a skin care ingredient that’s often used in products for its anti-acne properties. It differs from traditional sulfur in that it’s engineered to have much smaller particles, boosting the potency of this over-the-counter active. How colloidal sulfur works for acne is more theory than fact. According to one overview, its keratolytic (exfoliating) action “...is thought that sulphur interacts with cysteine in keratinocytes resulting in the production of hydrogen sulphide, which has a keratolytic effect by rupturing the disulphide bonds of cysteine molecules in keratin.” Sulfur’s antibacterial properties help inhibit the overproliferation of acne-causing bacteria. Topical application of sulfur and colloidal sulfur can irritate skin, causing mild sensitization (extreme adverse events are considered rare). Seeking out less-irritating, research-backed, anti-acne ingredients like benzoyl peroxide should be your first course of action before implementing colloidal sulfur or sulfur into your skin care routine. According to suppliers, colloidal sulfur is effective for anti-acne purposes at 3-10%. Outside of skin care, sulfur and colloidal sulfur are commonly used in hair care products to combat dandruff. For these purposes, colloidal sulfur is most effective in amounts between 2% and 5%. Compared to traditional preparations of sulfur, the colloidal form dissolves much more readily in water and is a finely milled pale, yellow powder in its raw material state. It maintains the unpleasant odor sulfur has, one more reason it’s less appealing than other anti-acne actives.

Colloidal Sulfur references

  • ULProspector, Accessed December 2022, Webpage
  • AIMS Microbiology, November 2021, pages 481-498
  • Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews, May 2020, ePublication
  • Dermatologic Therapy, October 2019, ePublication
  • Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, May 2012, pages 32-40

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Valutazione degli ingredienti

Ottimo

Comprovati e sostenuti da studi indipendenti. Ingrediente attivo eccezionale per la maggior parte dei tipi di pelle o dei problemi.

Buono

Necessario per migliorare la consistenza, la stabilità o la penetrazione di una formula.

Discreto

Generalmente non irritante, ma può presentare problemi per come appare esteticamente, nella stabilità o avere problemi di altro tipo che ne limitano l'utilità.

Da evitare

Può causare irritazioni. Il rischio aumenta se combinato con altri ingredienti potenzialmente problematici.

Non usare

Può causare irritazioni, infiammazioni, secchezza, ecc. Può offrire benefici solo in alcuni casi, ma nel complesso è dimostrato che fa più male che bene.

Sconosciuto

Non abbiamo trovato l'ingrediente nel nostro dizionario. Registriamo di volta in volta tutti gli ingredienti mancanti per tenere aggiornato il nostro dizionario.

Non classificato

Non abbiamo ancora assegnato un voto a questo ingrediente perché non abbiamo avuto modo di esaminare la ricerca in merito.