Introduction
Sulfur is a yellow nonmetal widely distributed throughout the earth and has long been used as an effective treatment for various skin disorders. Its activity depends on the interaction between sulfur particles and keratinocytes: the smaller the particles, the larger the contact area and the better the efficacy. Bio-derived sulfur formed by the bacterial oxidation of sulfides into elemental sulfur shows better spreadability on the skin and higher activity.
NanoActive Sulfur, developed through a nano-delivery system, effectively regulates sebum secretion and helps treat acne and dandruff, while also providing strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity.
Sebum Regulation
Excessive sebum secretion accumulates in follicles, enlarges pores, causes follicular blockage, and may even trigger inflammation.
NanoActive Sulfur effectively removes excess surface oil and helps soften the epidermis. It can also dissolve keratin and relieve skin imbalance caused by overactive oil secretion. In addition, it helps improve acne, pimples, and seborrheic dermatitis associated with overactive sebaceous glands.
Keratolytic Effect
Cystine is a major component of the stratum corneum. At low concentrations, sulfur promotes normal keratinization through its keratoplastic activity. At high concentrations, the same reaction produces a keratolytic effect because hydrogen sulfide disrupts keratin, and sufficient accumulation can dissolve the stratum corneum.
Therefore, NanoActive Sulfur is recommended for cosmetic formulations designed to regulate sebum secretion.
Antibacterial Action
The antibacterial action of sulfur depends on its conversion into pentathionic acid (H₂S₅O₆), a compound toxic to fungi. Hydrogen sulfide may also contribute to this activity. Through the action of skin bacteria and keratin-forming cells, sulfur can be converted into pentathionic acid. In addition, sulfur’s keratolytic activity may help separate fungi from the stratum corneum.
Therefore, NanoActive Sulfur is recommended for cosmetic formulations with purifying and preservative functions.
Pentathionic Acid Activity
Anti-inflammatory Action
Glutathione (GSH) is the most important cellular antioxidant. It exists in the reduced thiol form (GSH) and the oxidized disulfide form (GSSG), and undergoes thiol-disulfide exchange catalyzed by thiol transferases. Severe oxidative stress depletes intracellular GSH.
NanoActive Sulfur can promote GSH synthesis while reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α, delivering a strong anti-inflammatory effect.
Inflammatory Factor Reduction
Inflammatory Factor Reduction
The protein expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were measured by ELISA.
Compared with the control group, NanoActive Sulfur reduced the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner.
NanoActive Sulfur in Acne Treatment
5% NanoActive Sulfur 2 months
Visible improvement in acne appearance after continuous use.
Challenges in Sulfur Applications
Advantages of NanoActive Sulfur
NanoActive Sulfur has a unique chemical structure (linear and hydrophilic), making it easier to formulate, easier to combine with other ingredients, and easier to absorb.
Nano-delivery System
NanoActive Sulfur developed with a nano-delivery system (NDS) has a particle size below 30 nm. It completely solves sulfur solubility issues by stably encapsulating sulfur inside nano-carriers, greatly improving absorption efficiency and bioavailability.
