Fungal-acne safe ingredients list

Fungal acne (Malassezia or Pityrosporum folliculitis) is an overgrowth of yeast in hair follicles. It causes itchy, uniform small bumps, usually on the forehead, chest, back and shoulders. It is not bacterial acne, so normal acne treatments often do not work.

Malassezia yeast feeds on most fatty acids with 11–24 carbons, their esters, and polysorbates. Common examples are coconut and olive oil, isopropyl myristate, glyceryl stearate and polysorbate 20/80.

Squalane, MCT oil (caprylic/capric triglyceride), mineral oil, dimethicone, fatty alcohols such as cetyl and cetearyl alcohol, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are generally considered safe.

See a dermatologist to confirm it. Treatment often involves antifungal washes (for example ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione, used as a short-contact mask) and removing trigger ingredients from your routine.