Acne, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis are medical conditions. When treating a medical condition only certain percentages and combinations are 'monographed'. A drug monograph is a predetermined checklist covering medical conditions, active ingredients, doses, formulations, and product labeling that the Food & Drug Administration deems safe and effective.
Salicylic Acid in concentrations from 1.8% to 2%, when formulated to be applied and then washed off after brief exposure, is used to treat dandruff. Sulfur in concentrations from 1.8% to 3% is used to treat dandruff. Salicylic acid in concentrations from 1.8% to 3% is used to treat seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. A combination of sulfur and salicylic acid can be used to treat dandruff provided that each concentration is within the established concentrations. Sulfur in concentrations from 3% to 10% is used to treat acne. Salicylic acid in concentrations from 0.5% to 2% is used to treat acne. Sulfur cannot be combined with saliicylic acid in a drug to treat acne. There are many other uses. So many that it would be difficult to list them all.
These are other popular uses for sulfur as an OTC drug:
- Antifungal
- Scabicide (a medication used to treat scabies)
- Pediculicide (an agent that destroys lice)
- Anorectal keratolytic (medical treatment to remove warts, calluses and other lesions in which the epidermis produces excess skin)
- External analgesic (a drug acting to relieve pain) for poison ivy/oak/sumac
- Skin protector for dipper rash
- Agent to help clear up fever blisters and cold sores
We don't market our soaps for these bulleted uses.
Our 5% Sulfur & 2% Salicylic Acid Bar Soap is an OTC drug used to treat dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
Our 10% Sulfur & 3% Salicylic Acid Bar Soap is marketed only for use as soap. 10% sulfur and 3% salicylic acid soap is a popular combination that has been manufactured and sold for decades. This product is NOT intended to treat or prevent disease, such as by killing germs, or treating skin conditions such as acne. Its only purpose is to cleanse skin.
Doctors are permitted to use drugs off-label. We are prohibited from marketing off-label uses.