Ingredient · dataset v56
Magnesium Stearate and fungal acne
May trigger · Limited evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
The magnesium salt of stearic acid; same salt-reverts-to-acid basis as the ruled Saponified Oils. Judged as an ingredient, not by exposure.
Explicit row.
Evidence strength
Limited evidence (1/3)
Function
Soap
Products without this ingredient
- Molivera Organics Bentonite Clay 16 oz
- Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 13.5 fl oz
- Purito Oat In Calming Gel Cream
- The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane 30ml
- Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant 100 ml
- Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc Shampoo 8 fl oz
Related soap
- Aluminum Stearate — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Saponified Oils — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Sodium Laurate — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Zinc Stearate — May trigger · Limited 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 Magnesium Stearate 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 Magnesium Stearate feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Magnesium Stearate 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: The magnesium salt of stearic acid; same salt-reverts-to-acid basis as the ruled Saponified Oils. Judged as an ingredient, not by exposure.
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 Magnesium Stearate →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.