An Honest Review of Grisi Sulfur Soap (Azufre Jabón)

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I’ve always been on the lookout for skincare solutions that are affordable yet effective, especially when it comes to dealing with oily and acne-prone skin. That search led me to try Grisi Sulfur Soap, also known as Azufre Jabón. It’s often recommended for its dermatological benefits, and the idea of using sulfur to treat acne intrigued me. After several weeks of consistent use, I’ve formed a pretty clear opinion about how this soap performs. Here’s my honest experience with it—the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Packaging

The packaging is quite basic, and honestly, it looks more medicinal than luxurious. It comes in a recyclable cardboard box, usually printed in yellow or earthy tones that match its sulfur-based content. The information on the box is clear, with both English and Spanish text that details the soap’s purpose and ingredients. Inside, the soap bar is a smooth rectangular shape, typically beige or yellowish in color, easy to grip and use. It’s practical and no-nonsense, which aligns with the soap’s therapeutic focus.

What I also appreciated was how compact it is. It fits easily in any toiletry kit, which makes it easy to carry for travel—though a specific travel-size version isn’t commonly marketed.

Ingredients

One of the main things that caught my attention was its 10% sulfur concentration, a level commonly used for treating skin issues like acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and even fungal infections like tinea versicolor. The soap also contains sodium palmate, sodium cocoate or palm kernelate, glycerin, fragrance, and in some variants, lanolin to counter the dryness sulfur can cause.

Though effective, some users might find the added fragrance or sulfur a bit irritating if they have highly sensitive skin. I didn’t experience any allergic reaction myself, but I’d strongly recommend a patch test before you commit, especially if you’re sensitive to skincare ingredients.

Scent

There’s no getting around it—this soap smells like sulfur. The scent is medicinal and slightly eggy, though Grisi does try to cover it up with a synthetic fragrance. I got used to it after a few uses, and I appreciated that it didn’t linger long on my skin. However, I did notice the smell would sometimes hang around on towels or in the bathroom after use. This may be a dealbreaker for scent-sensitive users.

That said, the scent serves as a kind of assurance for me—a reminder that this soap is more than just a cosmetic product; it’s therapeutic.

Lather and Application

When it comes to lathering, it doesn’t foam up as much as regular soap, but it does produce a creamy lather that spreads well. I found it best to apply it directly to the skin or lather it in my hands and then apply it to target areas. It rinses off cleanly, but thorough rinsing is a must to avoid any residue.

If you’re using it for acne-prone areas like the chest or back, leaving the lather on for a minute or two before rinsing definitely helps. I also tried using it on a mild fungal patch on my shoulder—it didn’t irritate and seemed to calm things down within a few days.

Effectiveness

Here’s where Grisi Sulfur Soap truly shines. After using it regularly for about two weeks, I noticed a significant reduction in oiliness and breakouts, especially on my T-zone and back. It works particularly well for acne, blackheads, and even some mild fungal issues. The soap also has a mild exfoliating effect, thanks to the sulfur, which helps unclog pores and reduce blemishes.

However, I made the mistake of using it twice daily in the beginning, and it quickly became too drying for my combination skin. I learned to limit usage to once daily and follow it up with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. For anyone starting out, it’s important to introduce this product slowly into your routine. Expect a possible “purging” period in the first few days—I had a few new spots pop up before things got noticeably better.

Size and Lifespan

The soap bar usually weighs around 3.5 to 4.4 ounces (99g to 125g) and feels solid in hand. It’s quite a hard-milled bar, which means it doesn’t melt away quickly and lasts a good while—especially if you store it on a proper soap dish that allows it to dry between uses. I used mine mostly on targeted areas rather than full-body, and it lasted several weeks.

I also appreciate that it doesn’t crumble or get mushy with use. Just keep it away from standing water and it will hold up really well. Plus, no noticeable staining on washcloths or sinks, which was a concern I had early on due to its yellow hue.

Brand Reputation

Grisi is a well-known Mexican brand with a long-standing reputation dating back to 1863. That history reassured me. They emphasize natural, dermatologically-driven formulations, and their sulfur soap is arguably their most recognizable product.

The company follows standard manufacturing practices, and I appreciated seeing both Spanish and English on the packaging—a subtle but important nod to its cross-border reputation. While I couldn’t find cruelty-free certification on the box, there are indications that they comply with Mexico’s animal testing bans for cosmetics.

Price and Value

In terms of affordability, this soap is a winner. I paid less than $4 for a single bar, and you can often find it even cheaper if you buy in multi-packs. Compared to pricier acne treatments, Grisi Sulfur Soap is very budget-friendly. Considering its effectiveness and longevity, I found it to offer great value for money.

Plus, its long shelf life (often around 2-3 years) means you can stock up if you find a good deal. I got a 3-pack online, and each bar lasted long enough to justify the price.

Availability

I didn’t have much trouble finding it. It’s available in major retail chains like Walmart and CVS, and also widely sold on Amazon and eBay. Some international or Latino specialty stores also carry it. Whether online or in-store, it’s generally easy to get your hands on, and often available in bulk packs for convenience.

That accessibility is part of what makes this soap a practical choice. I didn’t need to hunt through specialty skincare websites or boutique stores to find it.

Overall Rating

If I had to give this soap a rating, I’d say it earns a solid 8.5 out of 10. It delivers on its promise to combat oily, acne-prone skin, and does so at a very reasonable price. It loses a star mainly for the scent and potential dryness, but those are manageable with a good skincare routine. If you know what you’re getting into and use it responsibly, it can be a game-changer.

Important Notes