Ingredient · dataset v56
Menthol and fungal acne
No known trigger
Why it's not a known trigger
A small volatile monoterpene alcohol that evaporates off skin; no fatty chain, gone before Malassezia yeast could use it.
Cooling feel is volatility doing its job, not feeding.
Evidence strength
Judged neutral — no trigger evidence
Function
Volatile
Checked products with this ingredient (4)
Product types: Antifungal treatments, Serums & Treatments, Shampoos
Antifungal treatments (2)
- Selsun Blue Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Selenium Sulfide 1%)
- Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask 4.2 oz
Serums & Treatments (1)
Shampoos (1)
Related volatile
- Butane — No known trigger
- Camphor — No known trigger
- Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil — No known trigger
- Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil — No known trigger
- Citrus Limon Peel Oil — No known trigger
- Eucalyptol — No known trigger
- Isobutane — No known trigger
- Propane — No known trigger
Sources
EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Menthol trigger fungal acne?
No known trigger: A small volatile monoterpene alcohol that evaporates off skin; no fatty chain, gone before the yeast could use it.
Does Menthol feed Malassezia?
No known link: Menthol is judged with no known trigger. One screened ingredient is not a product verdict — when in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
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 Menthol →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.