Ingredient · dataset v56
Coconut Oil and fungal acne
May trigger · Moderate evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
Rich in lauric and myristic fats that Malassezia yeast's uptake enzymes accept, released by its own lipases.
Whole oil is food even though isolated lauric fragments can inhibit.
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
Cocos Nucifera Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Oil
Products without this ingredient
- bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15
- Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay 1 lb New Version 2
- Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 13.5 fl oz
- COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum 20 ml
- K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo 8.5 oz
- Mineral Fusion Brush-On Powder Sunscreen SPF 30
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 Coconut 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 Coconut Oil feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Coconut 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: Rich in lauric and myristic fats that this yeast's uptake enzymes accept, released by its own lipases.
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 Coconut Oil →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.