Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate

The Ordinary Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate is a spot treatment with an unusual delivery system: it comes out as a powder and turns into a light cream the moment you press it onto skin. It is aimed squarely at active breakouts, and the brand says it begins working from the moment it goes on.

What it actually does

• Targets individual breakouts. The Ordinary describes it as visibly shrinking blemish size and taking down redness in under an hour.
• Sulfur at 10% is the single highlighted active.
• Powder turns to cream under pressure. Press as you apply and the powder becomes a light emulsion that disappears into skin — which is what makes it discreet enough for daytime.
• Adjustable dosing. The dispensing format lets you take as much or as little as the spot needs, and travels well.
• Brand-reported testing: in a clinical test with 30 participants, after a single application, The Ordinary reports redness, height and diameter of pimples came down within the hour, and that it began acting on active acne from the point of application. Brand-supplied data — individual results differ.
• Formulation notes: free of parabens, sulfates (SLS and SLES), and cruelty free.

How to use

1. Cleanse properly first. Skin should be thoroughly clean before you apply.
2. Dispense a little onto a clean finger and place it directly on the spot.
3. Press and rub it in. The pressure is what converts the powder to cream. Do not rinse off.
4. For wider areas, cover the whole affected zone in a thin layer, one to three times a day.
5. Build up slowly. Because over-drying can happen, begin with one application a day and only increase to two or three if you need it, or if a doctor advises it.
6. If dryness or flaking bothers you, cut back to once daily or every second day.

Is it right for you?

Questions

How many times a day can I use it?

Up to three applications daily, but start at one. The Ordinary advises increasing gradually, and dialling back to once a day or every other day if you get dryness or peeling.

Do I rinse it off?

No. It stays on the skin after application.

Is it visible on the skin?

The powder converts to a light emulsion as you press it in and blends discreetly, which is the point of the format.

Which skin types does the brand list?

Normal, dry, combination and oily, with acne and blemishes named as the target concerns.

Delivery, payment and returns

Delivery takes 3 to 21 working days, depending on availability. We accept credit card, debit card, Instapay and mobile wallets — no cash on delivery. Returns apply to defective, damaged or expired items only, reported within 1 day of delivery, with a refund to the original payment method within 15–30 days.