Ingredient · dataset v56
Aluminum Stearate and fungal acne
May trigger · Limited evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
The aluminum salt of stearic acid; same salt-reverts-to-acid basis as the ruled zinc/magnesium stearates.
Direct extension of the stearate-salt ruling.
Evidence strength
Limited evidence (1/3)
Function
Soap
Products without this ingredient
- COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner
- PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash (Benzoyl Peroxide 4%)
- AHAVA Dead Sea Water Mineral Shower Gel 6.8 oz
- Differin Maximum Strength Acne Foaming Cleanser (Benzoyl Peroxide 10%)
- Cleure Fragrance Free Leave-In Conditioner 8 fl oz
- NYX Professional Makeup Studio Finishing Powder Translucent
Related soap
- Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Magnesium Stearate — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Saponified Oils — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Sodium Laurate — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Zinc Stearate — May trigger · Limited evidence
Sources
- Brunke & Hube 2006 — MfLIP1 extracellular lipase hydrolyses Tweens (Microbiology)
- Mayser et al. 1995 — ester hydrolysis depends on alcohol moiety (Acta Derm Venereol)
- EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Aluminum Stearate 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 Aluminum Stearate feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Aluminum Stearate 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: The aluminum salt of stearic acid; same salt-reverts-to-acid basis as the ruled zinc/magnesium stearates.
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 Aluminum Stearate →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.