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Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Ingredient Checker

Screen any skincare formulation for C11–C24 fatty acids, lipid esters, polysorbates, and yeast ferments that feed Malassezia folliculitis.

Paste INCI Ingredient List

Try sample:

9 ingredients detected

Malassezia Safety Verdict

⚠️ 4 Malassezia Triggers Found

The highlighted ingredients contain carbon chains (C11–C24) or ferment byproducts that Malassezia lipases consume, aggravating itchy follicular papules.

Flagged Malassezia Triggers (4)

Polysorbate (Emulsifier)Feeds Yeast

O/W Emulsifier & solubilizer

Isopropyl Myristate / PalmitateFeeds Yeast

Penetration enhancer & fast-spreading ester

Jojoba Seed Oil (Wax Ester)Feeds Yeast

Biocompatible wax ester emollient

Glyceryl StearateFeeds Yeast

Cosmetic formulation functional compound

Safe Baseline Ingredients (5)

Purified Water (Aqua)Fatty Alcohol (Emollient / Emulsifier)Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterSilicone (Dimethicone / Cyclopentasiloxane)Broad-Spectrum Preservative System

Pharmacological Rule: Which Lipids Are Actually Safe?

Malassezia yeast cannot metabolize: Pure Plant Squalane (branched isoprenoid structure), Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, and Pure C8/C10 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (MCT oil).

Avoid: All vegetable oils (Jojoba, Argan, Rosehip), Shea/Cocoa Butter, Polysorbates (20, 40, 60, 80), and fatty esters ending in -ate (Isopropyl Myristate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate).