Sulfur + Zinc Oxide + Salicylic Acid Soap
- Routine step
- Medicated Wash
- When
- Morning and evening
- Skin types
- Oily, Combination
- Pairs well with
- Niacinamide, Heartleaf, Adapalene, Azelaic Acid
- Use with care
- 3 layering conflicts, listed below
Use as directed on the label, usually once a day to start. Leave on for the time the label states before rinsing.
This product contains an active that can irritate at first. Patch test on the inner forearm for 24 hours and start two or three times a week.
Ingredient research in this formula
These are ingredient-level research links, not evidence that this exact product has been clinically tested.
A physical sunscreen that sits on top of your skin and blocks UV. Broad-spectrum and gentle enough for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
Good for: Sun protection
Goes into your pores and dissolves the oil and dead skin clogging them. Best for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily, acne-prone skin.
Good for: Anti-acne, Exfoliating
Evidence behind the ingredients
Real citations from our research database, one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.
A physical sunscreen that sits on top of your skin and blocks UV. Broad-spectrum and gentle enough for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
Kern C et al., Evaluation of an SPF50 Sunscreen Containing Photolyase and Antioxidants for its Anti-Photoaging Properties and Photoprotection, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2022;21(5):517-520: 10.7% zinc oxide SPF50 mineral sunscreen improved photoaging signs over 12 weeks
Schneider SL, Lim HW. A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2019;35(6):442-446. Review confirms ZnO provides broad-spectrum UVA-UVB coverage; concludes zinc oxide sunscreens are safe with minimal percutaneous absorption risk.
CIR Safety Assessment of Zinc Salts as Used in Cosmetics (Scott et al.), final report 2018 / re-review 2024 (covers zinc oxide among 27 zinc ingredients)
Goes into your pores and dissolves the oil and dead skin clogging them. Best for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily, acne-prone skin.
Liu Y et al., Clinical Efficacy of a Salicylic Acid-Containing Gel on Acne Management and Skin Barrier Function: A 21-Day Prospective Study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70353: salicylic acid gel reduced acne lesions, regulated sebum, improved hydration and barrier function
Ye R et al., 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel vs. adapalene gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: multicenter, randomized, evaluator-blind, parallel-controlled trial, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2024;23(6):2125-2134: 2% SSA hydrogel was equally effective as adapalene gel for mild-to-moderate acne
Brumley C et al. Allergic contact dermatitis to salicylic acid: A case series of relevant sensitization. Contact Dermatitis. 2024;91(2):133-138. doi:10.1111/cod.14573: Case series of 489 patch-tested patients (2020-2024): 21 positive reactions to salicylic acid. Documents that ACD to SA is likely underreported; testing at 5% concentration feasible.
Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.
Layering conflicts
Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.
- Retinolhigh
Retinol + salicylic acid can over-exfoliate and damage the barrier. Alternate nights.
- Tretinoinhigh
Tretinoin + salicylic acid: major irritation risk. Strict separation required.
- Glycolic Acidmedium
AHA + BHA stacking risks over-exfoliation. Use a pre-formulated AHA/BHA product or alternate days.
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Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.