- Comedogenic
- 5 / 5
- Irritancy
- 0 / 5
- Fungal acne
- Trigger
- Type
- Synthetic ester
- INCI name
- Isocetyl Stearate
Who should avoid it?
Avoid in leave-on face products if you have oily, combination or acne-prone skin. It is usually fine on the body, in rinse-off products, or on very dry skin that does not break out.
Non-comedogenic swaps
| Swap to | Rating | Fungal acne |
|---|---|---|
| Dimethicone | 1/5 | Safe |
| Squalane | 0/5 | Safe |
Fungal-acne safe ingredients list
Frequently asked questions
Is Isocetyl Stearate comedogenic?
Yes, it is pore-clogging. Isocetyl Stearate has a comedogenic rating of 5 out of 5. An emollient ester common in makeup and hair products with a very high pore-clogging score.
Is Isocetyl Stearate safe for fungal acne?
No. Isocetyl Stearate can feed Malassezia yeast, so people with fungal acne usually avoid it.
Does Isocetyl Stearate cause acne?
It can. Ingredients rated 3–5 are frequently linked to clogged pores and breakouts in acne-prone people, especially in leave-on products.