Skip to main content

Sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur topical User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Avar, Plexion, Sulfatol, Sumadan, Sulfacleanse 8/4, Avar Green, Sumaxin, Avar LS, BP 10-Wash, Avar-E, Cerisa Wash, Plexion Cleanser, Avar Cleanser, Clenia Foaming Wash, Clenia Emollient Cream Plexion Cleansing Cloths Avar Gel Avar LS Cleanser Sumaxin CP Avar-E LS Avar-E Emollient Avar-E Green Suphera SSS 10-4 SSS 10-5 SSS Cleanser Sumadan XLT Garimide Sumaxin Cleansing Pads Clarifoam EF …show all brand names

Sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur topical has an average rating of 7.9 out of 10 from a total of 64 reviews on Drugs.com. 77% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 15% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur topical

  • Lucky...
  • February 18, 2016

For Acne "Life saver!! When I first got this I had about ten pimples on my face.. I've been suffering from acne for years and years. I applied this and went to bed and when I woke up I could already tell a difference. Within 2-3 days I had no pimples on my face! I'm not joking! Also it did not make my skin feel dry at all which is a bonus! This cream seriously boosted my self confidence by 100%! I will continue to use this for as long as I can."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
39 Report
  • LRR
  • January 5, 2009

Clarifoam EF (sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur) for Rosacea "This product saved me. I was having a severe Rosacea flare-up, complete with pustules. Clarifoam is the only product that helped in a month of trying various alternatives. I was really getting down about my appearance. The product goes on easily and I noticed improvement within 12 hours. I would suggest using it with Cetaphil cleanser so that your skin does not get too dry. I have been using it in the morning and evening and use the "leave on" versus the "wash off" method. I am truly grateful for this product and want to get the word out to Rosacea sufferers."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
55 Report
  • Eric...
  • March 7, 2017

For Rosacea "Be very, very careful with this medication if you have sensitive skin. I have oily, acne prone, red skin that is very sensitive. In the past, a sodium sulfacetamide/sulfur wash had worked very well for my skin, so I had high hopes for this medication. I put some on last night and woke up to a bright red, inflamed face. I immediately got in the shower and washed the stuff off, but it has now been approximately 6 hours and my face is even redder. My recommendation is to test this first before you use it over your entire face. I'm praying this redness goes down because I can't even leave the house as of right now."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
31 Report
  • Lucky...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • November 19, 2015

For Rosacea "I used to pay $75 without insurance for this cream because it worked so well. I used it so sparingly like it was gold, but it could clear my face in just 1-3 days. Last time I tried to get it the price had gone up to $140 and the pharmacist said it had been discontinued. I moved to the UK and couldn't find anyone who had heard of it. Just by a fluke I was on Amazon recently (Oct 2015) and saw a 10% sulpher soap advertised on the side. When I searched for it, I found several types for under $7.50 for a BIG 200g bar. They also had a cream. My face was very swollen and red from being in the sun and lots of humidity I think. Within 3 days of using the soap twice a day followed by the cream my face was completely clear! Love it!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
30 Report
  • Brook...
  • June 5, 2016

For Acne "This product is absolutely amazing! I had severe acne from birth control and it left me with terrible hyperpigmentation and I still had some cystic acne. I've been using Epiduo which helps but I still was getting bad break outs when I was ovulating and before/during my period. I've been using this product for a few weeks now and see drastic results. Even my hyperpigmentation is fading!!! I couldn't be happier. It's not harsh on your skin at all and it doesn't dry it out. I think everyone should try this product!!! Probably best for moderate/mild acne."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • lmm
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 1, 2013

Clarifoam EF (sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur) for Acne "I love this product because it works amazingly well to clear up my acne. I do still get pimples but they're rarely bad and for the most part I don't get huge breakouts anymore. The only drawback for me is the smell. I was told to leave it on overnight, and I have to disagree with a previous commenter that this product does not smell. As with any other sulfur product, it smells like sulfur. The longer you use it for the worse it gets. I have to throw out my sheets and sleep shirts every 6 months because they stink, and I can't ever wash them with anything I wear in public. I also have to be good about exfoliating, or the smell starts to stick to me too. I do think this product is worth it if sulfur is your only option, but be prepared!"

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
33 Report
  • Carme...
  • December 20, 2017

For Rosacea "I have been using sulfacleanse for about 2 years. The first couple of days my face broke out, but this happens anytime I change soaps. People have stopped asking me if I'm sunburned. People can be very rude. Though it's $300 thru the pharmacy, I go thru PruGen and the 25 oz bottle is only $25. Be sure to ask your Dr about sponsored prescriptions, you'll save a ton."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
20 Report
  • 79AG
  • December 2, 2016

For Rosacea "This is one of the few things that was able to clear up my skin, after searching for MANY years and trying lots of prescriptions that didn't work. One other, much less expensive alternative is a silver ion soap that you can get for around $12/bar. Lasts a long time and has really reduced my frequency of having to use the SSS 10-5 cream."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
22 Report
  • Jack
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 12, 2014

Avar LS Cleanser (sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur) for Seborrheic Dermatitis "This worked just fine from the samples that my Doctor gave me to try out. When I went to the pharmacy to get my Rx filled I found that the cost to me would be $388 and being on SS with no other income, left that as a no go."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • allieee
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 29, 2012

For Acne "I had severe acne for about 3 years, after all the lasers, chemical peels, pills, tropical treatments, I'm finally almost cleared up. I'll be getting a lazer treatment done soon to get rid of my acne scars, and just to shrink my oil glands, but now I'm on this cleanser and it seems to work great!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
27 Report
  • Anonymous
  • June 7, 2010

Clarifoam EF (sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur) for Acne "I am a young adult. My face had been peppered with pimples- many of which were so inflamed that they caused me pain- before I used this product. This medicine fought the active pimples and prevented more from forming. I was still scarred from my previous acne, so I had to wait until my skin healed. The scarring is the worst part since the skin has to do its own work for that. So eventually, when the scarring faded, I found myself ogling at my amazing complexion. I am so happy to no longer have to worry about dabbing concealer all over my face! I still get the occasional pimple here and there (though they are far less inflamed), but that's because faces have so many pores that it's inevitable. That's why I'm giving this a 10!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
29 Report
  • Mel
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 4, 2019

Sulfacleanse 8/4 (sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur) for Acne "I randomly got a horrible breakout. I’m 22 and I never use to breakout as a teenager. I had been prescribed this for my seborrheic dermatitis but I never ended up using it. I tried it once I started breaking out and within 3 days my skin looked SO much better. I’ve now been using it for about a month and my acne is clear and it’s fading my scars. I do recommend only using it at night and then moisturizing because it did dry my skin out a little. I don’t use it in the morning because I just wash with water. I’ve learned that stripping the natural oils off your face in the morning makes me more prone to bacteria penetrating my skin. Definitely buy this product!!!!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report
  • Bumpe...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 24, 2016

For Rosacea "After visiting several Dermatologists who pushed the typical drugs marketed by Big Pharma for acne rosacea (Metrogel or Finacea) and finding no success for my condition, I decided to do my own research here on Drugs Dot Com. I came across the rather positive reviews of this more obscure older drug, Sodium Sulfacetamide Sulfur (SSS). All I can say is that reviewers were spot on and I'm amazed by how good this drug has worked for my rosacea after using it for over a year now! Only potential problem with getting a prescription for SSS is that it sometimes isn't covered by insurance. My particular insurer no longer has it on its formulary. But thanks to Rx discount card I get a bottle or tube for less than $50 which lasts me over six months."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
15 Report
  • Oboemom
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 25, 2018

For Rosacea "I had tried everything for my rosacea and everything I tried made it worse. A new dermatologist recommend sulfacetamide 10% suspensions lotion. It cleared up my roseacea completely. It has been a life-changer for me. It is drying so you have to use a moisturizer with it, but my skin looked great after only a few applications."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
11 Report
  • rosir...
  • August 25, 2015

For Rosacea "I have suffered from this condition starting in my 30's....antibiotics made me nauseous, other prescription ointments didn't help much either. Now I was given a wash, it doesn't smell too bad and it seems to be working already very well after two uses. My face is much less red and the postules are already going away, too. I am confident that this medication will help me out a great deal"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
14 Report
  • DermD...
  • January 2, 2017

For Acne "Our Dermatology practice now offer a Cheap alternative to Salfacetamide is Joesoef Skin Care Sulfur Soap 10% with .25% Salicylic acid which makes it 100% effective treatment for Acne, Rosacea, Dermatitis (SD), Fungus, Bacteria, Clogged Pores, Body Acne, Tinea Versicolor and more. Sulfur is anti bacterial, anti fungal and antiseptic which makes it extremely effective treatment for various skin disorders. For more info visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGw3MYy4Po8 . This brand offers a complete line of natural Sulfur based skin care line formulated and developed by Dermatologists and FDA approved."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • Anonymous
  • February 11, 2011

Clarifoam EF (sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur) for Acne "I absolutely love Clarifoam. I have oily, sensitive skin and have had a problem with acne since the age of five. I've tried many other dermatologist-recommended topicals and they all felt "caked on". Clarifoam goes on light and it's like you can't even feel it. Within the first three days of trying the product, my skin completely cleared up!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • Finally
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 28, 2019

For Acne "When you start breaking out at 50,it can be extremely frustrating to say the least. Putting your kids through college, making sure you have enough to retire, and dreading menopause This is certainly not what you signed on for....well, I spent about two years trying to get my face under control, they even wanted me to go BACK on birth control, no thanks! So it was just dumb luck and A LOT of research that lead me to this wonder drug. I kinda feel a wee bit stupid not figuring it out earlier. Listen to your skin people, it actually will tell you (or show you) when your doing something wrong. Make adjustments accordingly, and be patient, you should see improvements after 10 days. I only use it at night. And I'll spot treat with salicylic acid if I need to double down on an incoming breakout. If you get too dry, I stumbled on another beauty my niece was using, Hylatopic lotion. (Rx only) fights the red too!"

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • AtLast
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 29, 2018

For Acne "I'm so happy to have finally found a medication that works on my face acne. I use it every day before bed and in two days, my pimples were gone and even the scars get lighter and lighter. It does smell like sulfur but if you use it at night then use a nice smelling face wash or mask in the morning it is completely fine. It doesn't dry out my skin either like most things did."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • cistre
  • January 29, 2011

Clarifoam EF (sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur) for Rosacea "Clarifoam EF is a wonderful product. I have Rosacea and seb/derm and this has been the only thing that doesn't sting or burn. And it actually works. My dermatologist told me to leave it on, and I use it with Halog and Hylatopic Plus foam moisturizer. For cleaning, he recommended CeraVe Hydrating cleanser. It's even more gentle than Cetaphil."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
17 Report
  • Lori
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • February 20, 2019

For Rosacea "I have struggled with rosacea for over 20 years. I used to apply the the sodium sulfacetamide/sulfur once a day for 10 years. It cleared up my bumps and redness within a few days. I was so relieved! But, after 10 years, this prescribed medicine started to burn and sting my skin and no longer helps my rosacea. With rosacea, what works for you now, may not work for you later down the road. I am attempting to make my own sulfur mixture now."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
8 Report
  • Alex
  • February 4, 2016

Sumadan (sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur) for Acne "My Dermatologist prescribed Sumadan to me for my acne. For the past 3 weeks I have been using it every night and day and have seen great result. My skin only has a few minor pimples but for the most part it's smooth and clear. However, recently the wash a begun to dry my skin and sometimes even burn it. I've decreased my usage to once a day which has helped but I would not recommend this product to anyone with overly sensitive skin."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
11 Report
  • Kai
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 5, 2021

For Acne "I have been using sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur consistently for about two weeks now. It was prescribed by my dermatologist. I was also prescribed Clindamycin with it, however, I stopped using the clindamycin (it severely broke me out. In places I never got acne before, extremely large painful pimples) When I used the face wash solely on its own, I started to see great results! My hyperpigmentation and acne scars even slowly are fading away. I do get a few pimples here and there, but the severity and type of pimple I get isn't as bad as it used to be. I would recommend this product to anyone with mild/moderate acne. The only down sides, I would say, is the smell. It is strong. It can be drying on the skin as well. But I would rather have that, than acne."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 11, 2021

For Acne "Liquid gold this literally saved my life. You can also use as a spot treatment will take down cyst legit over night. 20+ years of acne I’ve tried everything under the sun this is the only thing that’s worked for me"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 19, 2020

For Acne "I have suffered from acne on my face and my scalp for over 20 years and have tried every medication under the sun with no success. This stuff sulfacetamide sodium/sulfur here has changed my life! Combined with an antibiotic, my scalp has gone from being riddled with pus filled bumps to literally nothing. My facial acne has declined over the years, but still existed. This medication has me acne free and I cant believe it. Why wasn't I prescribed this stuff in high school!!!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.