Fungal Acne Ingredient Checker
Scan your skincare routine to detect yeast-feeding lipids, esters, polysorbates, and fatty acids that cause stubborn forehead bumps and fungal acne flare-ups.
100% Acne-Safe
No known pore-clogging ingredients detected.
Pore-Clogging Ingredients Found (0):
Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Triggers (0):
Clean & Non-Comedogenic Ingredients (0):
Need a 100% Non-Comedogenic Replacement?
If your current product contains pore-clogging ingredients, try these vetted, dermatologist-standard alternatives.
Daily Facial Moisturizer with Ceramides & Hyaluronic Acid
✔ Zero pore-clogging oils, zero heavy esters, 100% fungal acne safe. Dermatologist standard for cystic acne.
Clear Face Care Gel
✔ Water-based oil-free gel. pH 5.5 acidic mantle support, zero lipids or fatty acids.
Gentle Facial Cleanser
✔ Soap-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, sulfate-free gentle surfactant system.
The Science Behind Fungal Acne Triggers
Malassezia is an opportunistic yeast naturally residing in human hair follicles. When given excess lipids, it proliferates rapidly, triggering an inflammatory reaction commonly mistaken for stubborn hormonal acne.
Major Fungal Acne Culprits to Avoid:
- • Fatty Acids C11–C24 (Lauric, Stearic, Oleic acid)
- • Esters (ending in "-ate", e.g. Isopropyl Palmitate)
- • Polysorbates (Polysorbate 20, 60, 80)
- • All Plant Butters (Shea butter, Cocoa butter)
- • Fermented Yeasts (Galactomyces, Bifida)
100% Fungal-Safe Ingredients:
- • Squalane (100% pure plant-derived)
- • Hyaluronic Acid & Sodium Hyaluronate
- • Glycerin & Propylene Glycol
- • Niacinamide & Panthenol
- • Pure Mineral Oil & Petrolatum
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about pore-clogging ingredients, comedogenic scales, and fungal acne.
What ingredients trigger fungal acne (Malassezia Folliculitis)?
Malassezia yeast feeds on lipids and fatty acids with carbon chain lengths between 11 and 24 (such as Lauric, Myristic, Palmitic, Stearic, Oleic, and Linoleic acids), all esters ending in '-ate' (like Isopropyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate), polysorbates (20, 40, 60, 80), and fermented extracts (Galactomyces). Pure Squalane and mineral oil are exceptions that do NOT feed the yeast.
How do I know if my breakouts are fungal acne?
Fungal acne often appears as small, uniform, itchy bumps (papules/pustules) typically across the forehead, temples, chest, or back. Unlike traditional bacterial acne, it does not respond to standard benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics and lacks central blackheads.
Are plant oils safe for fungal acne?
Almost all natural plant oils (including Jojoba, Rosehip, Coconut, Olive, Argan, and Marula oil) contain fatty acids that Malassezia yeast metabolizes as food. The only 100% safe oils are pure Squalane (hydrogenated) and 100% pure Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (MCT oil with only C8 and C10 chains).