Ingredient · dataset v56
Beeswax and fungal acne
May trigger · Limited evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
Mostly wax esters of long-chain fatty acids and alcohols; Malassezia yeast's documented ester-cutters free the fatty half — the same wax-ester caution as jojoba.
Solid at skin temperature but melted into balms and salves, where the esters are available. Explicit row; not individually feeding-tested.
Evidence strength
Limited evidence (1/3)
Function
Wax
Also listed as
Cera Alba, Cera Flava, White Wax, Yellow Wax
Products without this ingredient
- Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica 100 Ampoule
- Pantene Miracle Bond Repair Sulfate-Free Shampoo 13.5 oz
- Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen Nude
- Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner 200 ml
- Touch Acne Treatment Gel (Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%)
- Makari Glycolic + Lactic Acid + Niacinamide Body Wash 15 oz
Related wax
- Candelilla Wax — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Carnauba Wax — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Lanolin Alcohol — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Lanolin Oil — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Propolis Cera — May trigger · Limited evidence
Sources
- 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 Beeswax 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 Beeswax feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Beeswax 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: Mostly wax esters of long-chain fatty acids and alcohols; this yeast's documented ester-cutters free the fatty half — the same wax-ester caution as jojoba.
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 Beeswax →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.