Ingredient · dataset v56
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate and fungal acne
May trigger · Limited evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
Cetyl alcohol (C16) esterified to ethylhexanoic acid (C8, below the feeding range): under the alcohol-inheritance rule it takes the trigger-1 status of its C16 alcohol half, like Cetearyl Isononanoate.
New-rule call on the 10-18 batch. Same inference structure as the approved inheritance rows (C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate); revisit with feeding evidence per the urea-v4 standard.
Evidence strength
Limited evidence (1/3)
Function
Fatty ester
Fatty esters: split by the yeast’s enzymes into edible fats.
Products without this ingredient
- Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+
- COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner
- NOW Sports MCT Oil 32 fl oz
- Uriage Bariederm Cica Daily Gel-Cream
- Vanicream Dandruff Shampoo (Pyrithione Zinc 2%)
- CLn 2-in-1 Gentle Wash & Shampoo 8 fl oz
Related fatty ester
- Ascorbyl Palmitate — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Behenyl Acrylate — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Behenyl Behenate — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Bis-Octyldodecyl Dimer Dilinoleate/Propanediol Copolymer — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate — No known trigger
- Butyloctyl Salicylate — May trigger · Limited evidence
- C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate — May trigger · Limited evidence
Sources
EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Cetyl Ethylhexanoate 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 Ethylhexanoate feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Cetyl Ethylhexanoate 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: Cetyl alcohol (C16) esterified to ethylhexanoic acid (C8, below the feeding range): under the alcohol-inheritance rule it takes the trigger-1 status of its C16 alcohol half, like Cetearyl Isononanoate.
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 Ethylhexanoate →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.