Ingredient · dataset v56
Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil and fungal acne
May trigger · Moderate evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
Mostly oleic and linoleic triglycerides that Malassezia yeast’s enzymes split into absorbable fats.
The resin fraction gets studied for actives, but the bulk is oleic-linoleic food.
Evidence strength
Moderate evidence (2/3)
Function
Oil
Plant oils: triglyceride oils and butters the yeast harvests after its enzymes split them.
Also listed as
Tamanu Oil, Tamanu Seed Oil, Calophyllum Inophyllum Oil, Foraha Oil, Calophyllum Tacamahaca Seed Oil
Products without this ingredient
- Vaseline Original Healing Jelly
- PanOxyl Acne Treatment Bar (Benzoyl Peroxide 10%)
- Paula's Choice All Over Hair & Body Shampoo
- Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser
- Cleure Fragrance Free Leave-In Conditioner 8 fl oz
- innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder
Related oil
- Acai Fruit Oil — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Apricot Kernel Oil — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Argan Oil — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Avocado Oil — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Babassu Seed Oil — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Baobab Seed Oil — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Black Currant Seed Oil — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Borago Officinalis Seed Oil — May trigger · Moderate 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 Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil trigger fungal acne?
We flag it as a potential trigger (moderate 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 Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil as a potential trigger (moderate 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?
Moderate evidence: Mostly oleic and linoleic triglycerides that this yeast’s enzymes split into absorbable fats.
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 Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.