Ingredient · dataset v56
Azelamide MEA and fungal acne
No known trigger
Why it's not a known trigger
C9 amide of azelaic acid with monoethanolamine: the nine-carbon chain is shorter than the C11-C24 fatty acids Malassezia requires, and an amide does not liberate a free fatty acid on skin.
A water-soluble azelaic acid derivative used in blemish-prone formulas; there is no oil or usable fatty chain in it.
Evidence strength
Judged neutral — no trigger evidence
Function
Fatty acid
Fatty acids (~C11–C24): the yeast takes these up directly as food — the core trigger class.
Also listed as
Azelamide Monoethanolamine, Nonanamide MEA
Related fatty acid
- Capric Acid — No known trigger
- Caprylic Acid — No known trigger
- Isostearic Acid — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Lauric Acid — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Linoleic Acid — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Myristic Acid — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Oleic Acid — May trigger · Strong evidence
- Palmitic Acid — May trigger · Strong evidence
Sources
- Structure-based: C9 monoethanolamide, no free fatty acid, triglyceride or cleavable fatty ester
- EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Azelamide MEA trigger fungal acne?
No known trigger: C9 amide of azelaic acid with monoethanolamine: the nine-carbon chain is shorter than the C11-C24 fatty acids Malassezia requires, and an amide does not liberate a free fatty acid on skin.
Does Azelamide MEA feed Malassezia?
No known link: Azelamide MEA is judged with no known trigger. One screened ingredient is not a product verdict — when in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
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 Azelamide MEA →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.