{"id":19680,"date":"2026-03-15T16:25:18","date_gmt":"2026-03-15T15:25:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cosmacon.de\/?post_type=encyclopedia&p=19680"},"modified":"2026-03-15T16:25:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T15:25:18","slug":"sulfur-in-cosmetics-properties-effects-and-formulations","status":"publish","type":"encyclopedia","link":"https:\/\/www.cosmacon.de\/en\/glossary\/sulfur-in-cosmetics-properties-effects-and-formulations\/","title":{"rendered":"Sulfur in Cosmetics \u2013 Properties, Effects, and Formulations"},"content":{"rendered":"

Short Answer<\/h3>\n

Sulfur is an active ingredient used in cosmetic products, primarily for oily, blemished, or acne-prone skin. In cosmetic formulations, it is usually used as colloidal sulfur or sulfur. The active ingredient possesses keratolytic, antimicrobial, and sebum-regulating properties. Typical concentrations in cosmetic products range from 1% to 10%, depending on the product type and regulatory assessment.<\/p>\n

What is sulfur from a physicochemical perspective?<\/h3>\n

Sulfur is a chemical element with atomic number 16 and belongs to the chalcogen group.<\/p>\n

Physicochemical Properties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Parameter<\/th>Description<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Chemical symbol<\/td>S<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Molecular structure<\/td>usually cyclic S\u2088<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Molecular weight<\/td>256.52 g\/mol (S\u2088)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
INCI<\/td>Sulfur \/ Colloidal Sulfur<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Solubility<\/td>practically insoluble in water<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Color<\/td>Yellow<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Odor<\/td>Characteristic sulfuric<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

In cosmetic formulations, the active ingredient is typically used as a micronized or colloidal dispersion to ensure even distribution in creams, masks, or lotions.<\/p>\n

What effect does it have on the skin?<\/h3>\n

Sulfur has keratolytic, sebum-regulating, and antimicrobial effects.<\/p>\n

Primary cosmetic effects<\/p>\n