Ingredient · dataset v56
Isostearyl Alcohol and fungal acne
May trigger · Limited evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
A branched C18 fatty alcohol; covered by the fatty-alcohol consistency bar.
Bar extension - confirm in review.
Evidence strength
Limited evidence (1/3)
Function
Fatty alcohol
Fatty alcohols: long-chain alcohols mirroring the fatty acids the yeast eats.
Products without this ingredient
- Plant Guru Indian Healing Clay 1 lb
- Eucerin Face Gentle Cleansing Hydrating Micellar Water 13.5 oz
- Purito Oat In Calming Gel Cream
- NOW Sports MCT Oil 32 fl oz
- Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant 100 ml
- Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+
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
- Cetyl Alcohol — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Hexyldecanol — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Lauryl Alcohol — May trigger · Limited evidence
Sources
EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Isostearyl 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 Isostearyl Alcohol feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Isostearyl 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 branched C18 fatty alcohol; covered by the fatty-alcohol consistency bar.
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 Isostearyl Alcohol →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.