Ingredient · dataset v56
Lauric Acid and fungal acne
May trigger · Moderate evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
Malassezia runs an uptake enzyme that accepts this 12-carbon fatty acid, so it can eat it straight from the skin.
Whole oils beat single-acid lab tests here; isolated lauric fragments can inhibit microbes at high doses.
Evidence strength
Moderate evidence (2/3)
Function
Fatty acid
Fatty acids (~C11–C24): the yeast takes these up directly as food — the core trigger class.
Also listed as
Dodecanoic Acid
Products without this ingredient
- Stridex Maximum Strength Medicated Pads
- Native Moisturizing Shampoo Coconut & Vanilla 16.5 oz
- CoTZ Face Prime & Protect Tinted SPF40 1.5 oz
- Skin1004 Centella Toning Toner 210 ml
- The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane 30ml
- Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion 170ml
Related fatty acid
- Azelamide MEA — No known trigger
- Capric Acid — No known trigger
- Caprylic Acid — No known trigger
- Isostearic Acid — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Linoleic Acid — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Myristic Acid — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Oleic Acid — May trigger · Strong evidence
- Palmitic Acid — May trigger · Strong evidence
Sources
- Gaitanis et al. 2012 — Malassezia genus review: lipid dependence, C11-24 fatty-acid utilization (Clin Microbiol Rev)
- EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Lauric Acid 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 Lauric Acid feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Lauric Acid 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: Malassezia runs an uptake enzyme that accepts this 12-carbon fatty acid, so it can eat it straight from the skin.
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 Lauric Acid →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.