Ingredient · dataset v56
Cetyl Alcohol and fungal acne
May trigger · Limited evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
A 16-carbon fat-like alcohol; structurally close to fats Malassezia yeast eats, but direct feeding proof is thin.
16-carbon fatty alcohol; feeding data thin, widely used without issue.
Evidence strength
Limited evidence (1/3)
Function
Fatty alcohol
Fatty alcohols: long-chain alcohols mirroring the fatty acids the yeast eats.
Also listed as
Hexadecan-1-ol, Cetanol, Palmityl Alcohol, Hexadecyl Alcohol, 1-Hexadecanol
Products without this ingredient
- LANE & CO. Baby Hair Gel 4 fl oz
- Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask 4.2 oz
- Vanicream Gentle Body Wash
- Avene Cleansing Foam
- innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder
- Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay 1 lb New Version 2
Related fatty alcohol
- 2-Butyloctanol — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Arachidyl Alcohol — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Behenyl Alcohol — May trigger · Limited evidence
- C12-15 Alcohols — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Cetearyl Alcohol — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Hexyldecanol — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Isostearyl Alcohol — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Lauryl Alcohol — 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 Cetyl Alcohol 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 Cetyl Alcohol feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Cetyl Alcohol 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 16-carbon fat-like alcohol; structurally close to fats this yeast eats, but direct feeding proof is thin.
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 Cetyl Alcohol →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.