Ingredient · dataset v56
Lecithin and fungal acne
May trigger · Moderate evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
A phospholipid mixture (PC/PE/PI) carrying ester-linked C16/C18 tails — mostly linoleic (62-65%) and palmitic (15-17%) esters — plus a substantial triglyceride oil fraction in commercial grades (~37% neutral oil crude); Malassezia yeast genome encodes secreted phospholipases alongside lipases with no fatty-acid synthase.
Commercial (soy) lecithin, not a deoiled fraction; composition varies by grade, so this stays a class call.
Evidence strength
Moderate evidence (2/3)
Function
Fatty ester
Fatty esters: split by the yeast’s enzymes into edible fats.
Also listed as
Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phospholipids, Phosphatidylcholine
Products without this ingredient
- innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder
- Cosmic Element Bentonite Clay Powder 8 oz
- Eucerin Face Gentle Cleansing Hydrating Micellar Water 13.5 oz
- SVR [B3] Ampoule Hydra 30 ml
- VERB Dandruff Shampoo 3% Salicylic Acid 8 oz
- Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+
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
- Scholfield 1981 — commercial soybean lecithin 65-75% phospholipids + triglycerides (JAOCS)
- Xu et al. 2007 — M. globosa genome: secreted phospholipases, no FA synthase (PNAS)
- EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Lecithin 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 Lecithin feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Lecithin 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: A phospholipid mixture (PC/PE/PI) carrying ester-linked C16/C18 tails — mostly linoleic (62-65%) and palmitic (15-17%) esters — plus a substantial triglyceride oil fraction in commercial grades (~37% neutral oil crude); the yeast genome encodes secreted phospholipases alongside lipases with no fatty-acid synthase.
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 Lecithin →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.