active

Sulfur

INCI: SULFUR
CAS 7704-34-9 EC 231-722-6
A yellowish element that smells of rotten eggs and it might be familiar to you from the periodic table (has the symbol S in there).  It has a long history...
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details

Description

A yellowish element that smells of rotten eggs and it might be familiar to you from the periodic table (has the symbol S in there).  It has a long history...

Purpose

Function

Keratolytic; antimicrobial; antifungal; sebum regulator; acne-control active; structurally critical for keratin disulfide bonds in hair and nail; traditional balneotherapy active for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis
Profile

Properties

Silicone
Silicone free
Compliance

Regulatory Status

EU
Permitted
Safety
GOOD
US
Permitted
Absorptionlow
Sensitizationnone
MoSnot established
NOAEL1000 mg/kg
ConcernLow
Flags
skin-irritantkeratolyticotc-drug-usfda-graseodor-concernanti-acneanti-dandrufffda-deferred-cir
Verdict

Elemental sulfur is permitted in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009 with no specific concentration limits and approved as FDA GRAS for OTC acne (3-10%) and dandruff treatment (2-5%). Primary hazard is skin irritation (Category 2); dermal absorption is low (1.8-10%) with no systemic absorption through intact skin, and no sensitization potential.

US Note

FDA GRAS OTC drug: acne treatment 3-10% standalone (21 CFR 333.310(e)) or 3-8% with resorcinol 2%; dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis 2-5% (OTC Monograph M032). Permitted combinations: resorcinol 2%, resorcinol monoacetate 3%, salicylic acid 1.8-3%. CIR Expert Panel deferred evaluation to FDA OTC drug assessment.

Assessment

Ratings

Comedogenic0/5
LowHigh
Irritancy0/5
LowHigh
Reference

Identifiers

CAS Number
7704-34-9
EC Number
231-722-6
INCI
SULFUR
Category
active
Updated
Apr 2, 2026