1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
Acacia Senegal Gum is the dried, gummy exudate of the acacia, Acacia senegal, Leguminosae
Soothing
The Ordinary
Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate Acne Spot Treatment
face special treatment
The Ordinary
Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate Acne Spot Treatment
face special treatment
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
Dry
50%
Combination (dry)
50%
Balanced
80%
Combination (oily)
90%
Oily
90%
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15
Ingredients
5
Benefits
2
Actives
A targeted breakout solution that starts to work upon application, visibly reducing blemish size and redness in under one hour
Key Insights
Benefits
5
Anti-Aging
Hydration
Oil Control
Pore Minimizer
Soothing
Active Ingredients
2
AHA
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
Full Ingredients
15 total
sulfur 10%
ACACIA SENEGAL GUM
CHLORPHENESIN
CITRIC ACID
AHA
ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN
GLYCERIN
KAOLIN
levocarnitine
NIACINAMIDE
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
PHENOXYETHANOL
poly-l-lysine
PROPANEDIOL
SILICA SILYLATE
SODIUM CITRATE
water.
About Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate Acne Spot Treatment
Overview
Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate Acne Spot Treatment is a watery-light special treatment from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada. The ingredient list runs to 11 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
Texture and finish
By its ingredient list the formula reads as very light — essentially a water-and-humectant base with little emollient weight. With almost no emollient load it should absorb quickly and finish close to matte.
What the formula does
Hydration: Moderate. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin and Propanediol.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Acacia Senegal Gum and Niacinamide.
Oil control: Moderate. Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine, and here that comes from Kaolin, Niacinamide and Silica Silylate.
Cell renewal: Moderate. Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover, and here that comes from Citric Acid.
Who it suits
On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
What it does not target
The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it. 4 ingredients on the label have not been matched to our database yet, so the analysis above reads a slightly incomplete list.
Where it fits in a routine
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Pros and cons
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Pros
- No common irritants flagged in the list
Things to know
- Part of the label has not been matched to our ingredient database yet
Which skin types it suits
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
Suitable for
- Combination (oily) skin
- Oily skin
May suit
- Balanced skin
Less suitable for
- Dry skin
- Combination (dry) skin
Sensitive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Skin concerns
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Helps with
-
Hydration 3 ingredients
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
-
Anti-Aging 2 ingredients
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
-
Pore Minimizer 2 ingredients
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
-
Soothing 2 ingredients
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
-
Oil Control 1 ingredient
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
Does not target
Anti-Acne
Blackhead Reducing
Dark Spot Fading
Evens Skin Tone
Smooths Bumpy Skin
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
Key ingredients
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
Citric Acid
AHA
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
Hydration
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
Hydration
Anti-Aging
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Naturally occurring substances, kaolin (CI 77004)
Oil Control
Pore Minimizer
Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
Soothing
Anti-Aging
Pore Minimizer
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
Hydration
Formula analysis
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Hydration
Moderate
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Barrier support
Low
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Antioxidant support
None
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Oil control
Moderate
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Brightening
Low
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Soothing
Moderate
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Cell renewal
Moderate
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Firmness signalling
None
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
Active and supporting ingredients
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Active ingredients (2)
- Citric Acid · 5–20%
- Niacinamide · 1–5%
Supporting ingredients (9)
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Acacia Senegal Gum
Chlorphenesin
Ethylhexylglycerin
Glycerin
Kaolin
Phenoxyethanol
Propanediol
Silica Silylate
Sodium Citrate
What to layer it with
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Compatible with
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
- Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
- AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
- BHA (salicylic acid)
- PHAs (gluconolactone)
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Azelaic acid
- Copper peptides
- Bakuchiol
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Signal peptides
- Panthenol
- Sunscreen
Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.
Where it fits in a routine
Morning
Evening
- Cleanse
- Toning
- Treat
- Moisturise
- Protect
This product is the "Treat" step.
- Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer.
- Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
Safety and suitability
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
- Fungal acne (malassezia)
- No ingredient here is a recognised food source for malassezia.
- Sensitive and reactive skin
- No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Ingredients by function
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 11 ingredients on the label.
4
Texture agent
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
2
Active
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
2
Chelator
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
2
Occlusive
Forms a film that slows water loss
2
pH adjuster
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
2
Preservative
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
2
Solvent
Dissolves and carries everything else
1
Humectant
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
1
Emollient
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
1
Exfoliant
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Ingredient breakdown
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
- Estimated level
- 10–40%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Occlusive
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
Acacia Senegal Gum is the dried, gummy exudate of the acacia, Acacia senegal, Leguminosae
Soothing
- Estimated level
- 5–20%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Preservative
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-
- Estimated level
- 5–20%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Active, Chelator, pH adjuster
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
Hydration
5 scientific references
- PLoS One, October 2016, ePublication
- Contact Dermatitis, May 2016, pages 281-288
- International Journal of Toxicology, September 2013, pages 5S-21S
- Personal Care, 2008, pages 1-4
- Cosmetic Science Technology, 2006, pages 1-11
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
Hydration
Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
- Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
- International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
- British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
- Estimated level
- 2–10%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Exfoliant, Texture agent
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Naturally occurring substances, kaolin (CI 77004)
Oil Control
Pore Minimizer
5 scientific references
- Molecules, August 2016, pages 1–20
- The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, December 2013, pages 19–27
- Complementary Medicine Research, April 2012, pages 75–79
- International Geology Review, July 2010, pages 745–770
- International Journal of Toxicology, 2003, pages 37–102
- Estimated level
- 1–5%
- Confidence
- Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
- Roles
- Active
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
Soothing
Anti-Aging
Pore Minimizer
15 scientific references
- International Journal of Dermatology, February 2021, pages 166-173
- Biomolecules & Therapeutics, July 2019, pages 562-569
- Experimental Dermatology, February 2019, pages 15-22
- Dermatologic Therapy, September 2017, ePublication
- Journal of Investigative Dermatology, May 2017, page S116
- International Journal of Pharmaceutics, March 2017, pages 158-162
- Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, May 2016, pages 145-152
- Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, July 2015, pages 405-412
- Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, June 2014, pages 311-315
- International Journal of Pharmacy, January 2013, pages 192-201
- Dermatoendrocrinology, July 2012, pages 308-319
- International Journal of Toxicology, September 2005, pages 1-31
- Dermatologic Surgery, July 2005, pages 860-865
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2004, pages 231-238
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, April 2004, pages 88-93
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Preservative
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Phenoxyethanol
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Texture agent, Solvent
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
Hydration
4 scientific references
- PubChem Compound Summary, April 2021, ePublication
- SpecialChem, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review, June 2018, pages 1-73
- Cosmetics & Toiletries, May 2013, pages 81-86
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Emollient, Texture agent
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Amorphous silica, reaction products with trimethylsilane
- Estimated level
- under 1%
- Confidence
- Moderate — listed below the 1% line
- Roles
- Chelator, pH adjuster
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Trisodium citrate
Not yet matched to our database
These are printed on the label but have not been linked to an ingredient record yet, so they are excluded from the analysis above.
sulfur 10%
levocarnitine
poly-l-lysine
water.
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Frequently asked questions
What ingredients are in Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate Acne Spot Treatment?
ACACIA SENEGAL GUM, CHLORPHENESIN, CITRIC ACID, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, GLYCERIN, KAOLIN, NIACINAMIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, PROPANEDIOL, SILICA SILYLATE, SODIUM CITRATE.
What are the active ingredients in Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate Acne Spot Treatment?
CITRIC ACID, NIACINAMIDE.
How do I use Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate Acne Spot Treatment?
-Cleanse skin thoroughly before applying. -Dispense a small amount of powder onto a clean finger and apply directly to acne spot. -Rub into skin. -Do not rinse off. -Cover the entire affected area with a thin layer one to three times daily. -Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two or three times daily, if needed or as directed by a doctor. -If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day.
What skin types is Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate Acne Spot Treatment good for?
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
Is Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate Acne Spot Treatment good for sensitive skin?
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Can I use Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate Acne Spot Treatment while pregnant?
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
What can I layer with Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate Acne Spot Treatment?
It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.
When should I apply Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate Acne Spot Treatment?
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
How many ingredients does Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate Acne Spot Treatment have?
It lists 11 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.
Who makes Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate Acne Spot Treatment?
The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.