Ingredient · dataset v56
Myristic Acid and fungal acne
May trigger · Limited evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
A 14-carbon long-chain fatty acid in the size range Malassezia yeast is built to absorb and burn.
C14, upper edge of range.
Evidence strength
Limited evidence (1/3)
Function
Fatty acid
Fatty acids (~C11–C24): the yeast takes these up directly as food — the core trigger class.
Also listed as
Tetradecanoic Acid
Products without this ingredient
- Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
- Acure Dry Shampoo, Non Aerosol, Clean, 100% Vegan 1.7 oz Travel Size
- innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder
- Neutrogena Evenly Clear Acne Cleansing Mask 4.2 fl oz
- Eucerin Face Gentle Cleansing Hydrating Micellar Water 13.5 oz
- IUNIK Beta Glucan Power Moisture Serum
Related fatty acid
- Azelamide MEA — No known trigger
- Capric Acid — No known trigger
- Caprylic Acid — No known trigger
- Isostearic Acid — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Lauric Acid — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Linoleic Acid — May trigger · Moderate 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 Myristic Acid 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 Myristic Acid feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Myristic Acid 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: A 14-carbon long-chain fatty acid in the size range this yeast is built to absorb and burn.
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 Myristic Acid →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.