Ingredient · dataset v56
Ketoconazole and fungal acne
Antifungal · known to help
Why it's known to help
An azole that blocks Malassezia yeast from building its cell membrane; among the most potent Malassezia suppressors known.
The backbone active of many dandruff and seb-derm shampoos; follow the label's contact time.
Evidence strength
Strength 3/3
Function
Antifungal
Checked products with this ingredient (1)
Product types: Antifungal treatments
Antifungal treatments (1)
Related antifungal
- Benzoyl Peroxide — Antifungal · known to help
- Bifonazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Ciclopirox — Antifungal · known to help
- Climbazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Clotrimazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Econazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil — Antifungal · known to help
- Miconazole — Antifungal · known to help
Sources
- Rigopoulos et al. 2007 — ketoconazole shampoo vs flutrimazole in pityriasis versicolor RCT (Mycoses)
- EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Ketoconazole help with fungal acne?
It is known to help: An azole that blocks the yeast from building its cell membrane; among the most potent Malassezia suppressors known. It is commonly used against Malassezia — that is not a claim that any product treats or cures anything.
Does Ketoconazole feed Malassezia?
No: Ketoconazole is known to help against Malassezia, not feed it. That is not a claim that any product treats or cures anything.
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 Ketoconazole →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.