- Comedogenic
- 5 / 5
- Irritancy
- 0 / 5
- Fungal acne
- Trigger
- Type
- Synthetic ester
- INCI name
- Ethylhexyl Stearate
- Also listed as
- Octyl 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | 1/5 | Safe |
| Squalane | 0/5 | Safe |
Products that contain Ethylhexyl Stearate
Fungal-acne safe ingredients list
Frequently asked questions
Is Octyl Stearate comedogenic?
Yes, it is pore-clogging. Octyl Stearate (INCI: Ethylhexyl Stearate) has a comedogenic rating of 5 out of 5. A lightweight-feeling ester that still scores at the top of the comedogenic scale.
Is Octyl Stearate safe for fungal acne?
No. Octyl Stearate can feed Malassezia yeast, so people with fungal acne usually avoid it.
Does Octyl 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.
What are other names for Ethylhexyl Stearate?
On labels it can also appear as Octyl Stearate.