Fungal Acne Trigger Ingredients
Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) is caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the skin. Unlike regular acne, which is bacterial, fungal acne thrives when certain ingredients in your skincare products provide a food source for this yeast.
The main culprits are fatty acids with carbon chain lengths of C11–C24, esters derived from these fatty acids, and certain oils rich in oleic acid. Polysorbates, some fermented ingredients, and galactomyces can also feed Malassezia.
Below are 38 ingredients in our database identified as fungal acne triggers. If you suspect you have fungal acne, consider avoiding products containing these ingredients and consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis.
All Trigger Ingredients (38)
Modified lanolin that is a potent emollient but very comedogenic. Commonly found in hair products.
Fatty alcohol blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohol. Emollient and emulsion stabilizer, not a drying alcohol.
Fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener. Not a drying alcohol.
Lightweight emollient ester that gives a dry, non-greasy skin feel.
A fatty acid ester that acts as an emollient and thickening agent, providing a smooth, velvety skin feel.
Rich tropical oil high in lauric acid. Highly comedogenic despite antibacterial properties.
A lightweight emollient ester that provides moisturisation without a heavy or greasy feel.
Emollient ester used as a skin-conditioning agent. Moderately to highly comedogenic.
An emulsifier and emollient derived from glycerin and oleic acid that helps stabilise formulations while conditioning skin.
Common emulsifier that helps oil and water mix. Contains stearic acid which is a fungal acne concern.
Emollient ester that is comedogenic. Used in cosmetics for skin-conditioning.
Emollient and penetration enhancer that is highly comedogenic. Commonly used to improve product spreadability.
Emollient and thickener that is highly comedogenic and a known fungal acne trigger.
Emollient ester used in cosmetics for its skin-conditioning properties. Comedogenic.
Natural emollient derived from sheep wool. Rich moisturizer but can cause breakouts and allergic reactions.
A surfactant and emulsifier that helps blend oil and water while providing cleansing properties.
Saturated fatty acid with antibacterial properties but feeds malassezia yeast. Found abundantly in coconut oil.
Rich emollient butter similar to shea butter. Contains stearic and oleic acids.
A lightweight emollient ester that provides a non-greasy feel and helps improve product spreadability.
Saturated fatty acid commonly used in cleansers as a surfactant. Comedogenic and feeds malassezia.
Emollient wax ester with a high comedogenic potential. Used as a thickener and opacifier.
Classic oil high in oleic acid. Moisturizing but can worsen acne by disrupting the skin barrier.
Unsaturated fatty acid that is a penetration enhancer. Can disrupt skin barrier in acne-prone individuals.
An emulsifier and surfactant derived from oleyl alcohol that helps stabilise oil-in-water formulations.
Emulsifier and surfactant commonly used in moisturizers and cleansers.
Saturated fatty acid used as an emollient and emulsifier. Common in palm oil and animal fats.
Nutrient-rich oil with vitamins A, D, and E. Moderately comedogenic with fatty acids that may feed malassezia.
A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that creates stable emulsions while being gentle on skin.
Emulsifier and solubilizer. Contains lauric acid moiety which is a fungal acne concern.
Emulsifier and surfactant commonly used in creams and lotions. Known fungal acne trigger.
Emulsifier containing oleic acid moiety. Known fungal acne trigger and moderately comedogenic.
Gentle emollient oil rich in vitamin E and fatty acids. Moderately comedogenic.
Emulsifier derived from oleic acid. Fungal acne trigger due to its fatty acid content.
Emulsifier derived from stearic acid. Used to stabilize emulsions in skincare products.
Common fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickener. Moderately comedogenic and a fungal acne concern.
Fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener. Not a drying alcohol.
Rich, heavy butter that deeply moisturizes but is highly comedogenic. Best reserved for body care.
Nutrient-rich oil high in vitamin E but extremely comedogenic. One of the highest-rated pore-clogging oils.
Fungal acne trigger classifications are based on published research on Malassezia yeast metabolism. Individual responses may vary. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dermatological advice.