Ingredient · dataset v56
Oenothera Biennis Oil and fungal acne
May trigger · Moderate evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
Among the highest linoleic contents of any cosmetic oil, with a gamma-linolenic fraction; squarely in Malassezia yeast’s edible range.
Evidence strength
Moderate evidence (2/3)
Function
Oil
Plant oils: triglyceride oils and butters the yeast harvests after its enzymes split them.
Also listed as
Evening Primrose Oil, Oenothera Biennis Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, EPO
Products without this ingredient
- Fresh Monster Kids Hair Gel, Flexible Hold, No Added Fragrance 6 oz
- RCMA Makeup The Original No-Color Powder
- Cosmic Element Bentonite Clay Powder 8 oz
- Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water
- Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant 100 ml
- Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo & Body Wash
Related oil
- Acai Fruit Oil — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Apricot Kernel Oil — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Argan Oil — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Avocado Oil — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Babassu Seed Oil — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Baobab Seed Oil — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Black Currant Seed Oil — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Borago Officinalis Seed Oil — May trigger · Moderate 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 Oenothera Biennis Oil 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 Oenothera Biennis Oil feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Oenothera Biennis Oil 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: Among the highest linoleic contents of any cosmetic oil, with a gamma-linolenic fraction; squarely in this yeast’s edible range.
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 Oenothera Biennis Oil →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.