De La Cruz is a topical acne treatment that uses sulfur as its active ingredient
De La Cruz is an over-the-counter acne product made by a company of the same name, sold primarily in drugstores and online. The treatment comes as a cream, lotion, or ointment and contains sulfur, a mineral that has been used in acne care for decades. You apply it directly to acne-prone skin, usually once or twice daily, without a prescription.
The product is inexpensive compared to prescription acne medications and is available without seeing a doctor. It works differently than benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, the two most common over-the-counter acne ingredients, which may make it useful if those treatments irritate your skin or have not worked for you.
Key Takeaways
- De La Cruz contains sulfur, which reduces bacteria and helps shed dead skin cells that clog pores.
- It is available without a prescription in multiple forms—cream, lotion, and ointment—and costs less than most prescription treatments.
- Sulfur can cause dryness and has a distinctive smell that some people find unpleasant.
- De La Cruz works best for mild to moderate acne and may take two to four weeks to show results.
- You should test it on a small area first, as sulfur can irritate sensitive skin or cause peeling.
How sulfur reduces acne
Sulfur works through two main mechanisms. First, it has antimicrobial properties, meaning it kills or slows the bacteria that cause acne inflammation. Second, it helps the skin shed dead cells more quickly—a process called keratolysis—which prevents those cells from building up inside pores and trapping oil.
Unlike benzoyl peroxide, which can be harsh and drying, sulfur is gentler on the skin barrier. This makes it a reasonable choice for people with sensitive skin or those who have had bad reactions to stronger treatments. However, sulfur does not work as fast or as powerfully as prescription retinoids or antibiotics, so it is better suited to mild or moderate acne rather than severe cases.
What to expect when using De La Cruz
Most people see some improvement within two to four weeks of regular use, though it can take longer. You apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin once or twice daily, depending on the product form and your skin's tolerance. Starting with once daily is common, especially if your skin is sensitive or easily irritated.
De La Cruz has a noticeable sulfur smell—similar to rotten eggs—that fades as it dries but may linger on your skin or clothes. Some people find this unpleasant enough to switch products. The treatment can also cause dryness, peeling, or mild redness, particularly in the first week or two. If irritation is severe, you can reduce frequency to every other day or use a fragrance-free moisturizer alongside it.
Forms and where to buy De La Cruz
De La Cruz is sold in three main forms: a thick ointment, a lighter lotion, and a cream. The ointment is the most occlusive and best for very dry skin; the lotion is lighter and absorbs faster. All three contain the same active ingredient at similar concentrations, so the choice comes down to your skin type and how heavy a product you prefer.
You can find De La Cruz at most drugstores in the acne or skincare aisle, at supermarkets with pharmacy sections, and through online retailers. Prices vary but are typically between $5 and $15 per container. Generic sulfur acne products exist as well and work the same way; De La Cruz is simply one established brand.
When De La Cruz may not be the right choice
De La Cruz is not recommended for severe acne, cystic acne, or acne that covers large areas of the body. In those cases, prescription treatments—such as retinoids, oral antibiotics, or isotretinoin—are more effective. If you have acne that is painful, deeply inflamed, or has not improved after eight weeks of over-the-counter treatment, talking with a dermatologist is a better next step than switching products.
Sulfur can also interact with certain medications or skincare ingredients. If you use prescription acne medications, vitamin C serums, or other active treatments, check with a pharmacist or dermatologist before adding sulfur, as combining them can sometimes cause irritation or reduce effectiveness.
De La Cruz versus other over-the-counter acne treatments
| Active Ingredient | Strength | Best For | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfur (De La Cruz) | Mild to moderate | Sensitive skin, mild acne | Dryness, smell, peeling |
| Benzoyl peroxide | Mild to strong | Bacterial acne, oily skin | Severe dryness, bleaching, irritation |
| Salicylic acid | Mild to moderate | Blackheads, whiteheads | Dryness, irritation, sensitivity |
| Azelaic acid | Mild to moderate | Rosacea-prone skin, sensitive acne | Mild irritation, redness |
Sulfur is less commonly used today than benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, but it remains a valid option for people who do not tolerate those ingredients well. It is also cheaper than azelaic acid, which is increasingly popular for sensitive skin. If you have tried benzoyl peroxide and found it too drying, or if salicylic acid made your skin red and tight, sulfur may be worth testing on a small area first.
How to use De La Cruz safely
Before applying De La Cruz to your whole face, test it on a small patch of skin—such as behind your ear or on your jawline—and wait 24 hours to check for allergic reaction or severe irritation. If no reaction occurs, you can begin using it on acne-prone areas.
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry completely before applying De La Cruz. Use a thin layer; more product does not work faster and increases the risk of dryness. If you are using other acne treatments or active skincare ingredients, space them out—for example, sulfur in the morning and a retinoid at night—rather than mixing them. Wear sunscreen during the day, as some acne treatments can increase sun sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for De La Cruz to work?
Most people notice some improvement within two to four weeks of daily use. Full results may take six to eight weeks. If you see no change after eight weeks, the product may not be right for your skin type, and you should consider trying a different ingredient or seeing a dermatologist.
Can I use De La Cruz if I have sensitive skin?
Yes—sulfur is gentler than benzoyl peroxide and is often recommended for sensitive skin. However, start with once-daily use and watch for peeling or redness. If irritation occurs, reduce frequency to every other day or use a moisturizer alongside it.
Does De La Cruz work for body acne?
Yes, it can be used on the chest, back, or shoulders. Because body acne is often less sensitive than facial skin, you may tolerate it better there. The smell is the main drawback for body use, as it can linger on clothing.
Can I combine De La Cruz with other acne treatments?
You can use sulfur alongside some treatments but not others. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can usually be combined with sulfur if you space them out (morning and night). Avoid mixing sulfur with prescription retinoids or vitamin C without checking with a dermatologist first, as the combination can cause irritation.
What should I do if De La Cruz makes my skin too dry?
Reduce how often you use it—try every other day instead of daily. Use a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer right after applying De La Cruz while your skin is still slightly damp. If dryness persists, switch to the lotion form instead of the ointment, or try a different acne ingredient altogether.