Triggers to avoid (60)
Generally safe (29)
Products with no known triggers
- CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
- CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Minimalist Niacinamide 10% Face Serum
- Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
- CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
- Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
- COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
- Dot & Key Watermelon Cooling Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ With New-Age UV Filters
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+
- Minimalist Alpha Arbutin 2% Face Serum
- Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Cleanser
- Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer
- Minimalist Vitamin C 10% Face Serum
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel with Signature Fragrance
- Plum 15% Vitamin C & Mandarin Glow Boost Serum
- Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash For Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
- Re'equil Oxybenzone & OMC Free Sunscreen
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (Original Formulation)
- The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
- The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
- The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Frequently asked questions
What is fungal acne?
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.
What ingredients trigger fungal acne?
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.
What is safe for fungal acne?
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.
How do I treat fungal acne?
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.