Ingredient · dataset v56
C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate and fungal acne
May trigger · Limited evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
A phosphate ester of C20-22 alcohols; if cut, it frees flagged fatty alcohols — the same inheritance logic as the ruled C12-15 alkyl benzoate.
Two inference steps from data; the softest tier of call, flagged for owner review.
Evidence strength
Limited evidence (1/3)
Function
Surfactant
Products without this ingredient
- Native Moisturizing Shampoo Coconut & Vanilla 16.5 oz
- DERMA E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30
- La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Face Mist 150 ml
- The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
- Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask 4.2 oz
- Makari Glycolic + Lactic Acid + Niacinamide Body Wash 15 oz
Related surfactant
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate — No known trigger
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate — No known trigger
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate — No known trigger
- C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside — No known trigger
- Capryloyl Glycine — No known trigger
- Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside — No known trigger
- Cetearyl Glucoside — No known trigger
- Cetrimonium Bromide — No known trigger
Sources
EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate 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 C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate 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 phosphate ester of C20-22 alcohols; if cut, it frees flagged fatty alcohols — the same inheritance logic as the ruled C12-15 alkyl benzoate.
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 C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.