Ingredient · dataset v56
C12-15 Alcohols and fungal acne
May trigger · Limited evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
A C12-15 fatty-alcohol blend; covered by the C12/C14 bar extension.
Bar extension.
Evidence strength
Limited evidence (1/3)
Function
Fatty alcohol
Fatty alcohols: long-chain alcohols mirroring the fatty acids the yeast eats.
Products without this ingredient
- Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica 100 Ampoule
- Mineral Fusion Brush-On Powder Sunscreen SPF 30
- Skin1004 Centella Toning Toner 210 ml
- VERB Dandruff Shampoo 3% Salicylic Acid 8 oz
- Act+Acre Fulvic Acid Volumizing Dry Shampoo, Unscented 1.75 oz
- Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Selenium Sulfide 1%)
Related fatty alcohol
- 2-Butyloctanol — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Arachidyl Alcohol — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Behenyl Alcohol — 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 C12-15 Alcohols 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 C12-15 Alcohols feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag C12-15 Alcohols 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: A C12-15 fatty-alcohol blend; covered by the C12/C14 bar extension.
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 C12-15 Alcohols →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.