Ingredient · dataset v56
2-Butyloctanol and fungal acne
May trigger · Limited evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
Branched C12 fatty alcohol (the alcohol half of Butyloctyl Salicylate); covered by the branched-alcohol bar.
Bar extension.
Evidence strength
Limited evidence (1/3)
Function
Fatty alcohol
Fatty alcohols: long-chain alcohols mirroring the fatty acids the yeast eats.
Also listed as
2-Butyl-1-Octanol
Products without this ingredient
- COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water 400 ml
- Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel 50 ml
- Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil 32 fl oz
- Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum 10% 30 ml
- Roe Wellness SPF 50 Mineral Powder
- Skin1004 Centella Toning Toner 210 ml
Related fatty alcohol
- Arachidyl Alcohol — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Behenyl Alcohol — May trigger · Limited evidence
- C12-15 Alcohols — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Cetearyl Alcohol — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Cetyl Alcohol — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Hexyldecanol — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Isostearyl Alcohol — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Lauryl Alcohol — May trigger · Limited evidence
Sources
EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does 2-Butyloctanol trigger fungal acne?
We flag it as a potential trigger (limited evidence). That means it belongs to a class the Malassezia yeast is known to feed on — not that every product with it will cause a flare. Concentration, formulation and individual skin chemistry matter.
Does 2-Butyloctanol feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag 2-Butyloctanol as a potential trigger (limited evidence). It belongs to a class Malassezia is known to feed on — not a claim that every product with it causes a flare. Concentration, formulation and individual skin chemistry matter.
How confident is this call?
Limited evidence: Branched C12 fatty alcohol (the alcohol half of Butyloctyl Salicylate); covered by the branched-alcohol bar.
Is this medical advice?
No. We screen ingredient lists; we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. When in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Check a full list containing 2-Butyloctanol →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.