Ingredient · dataset v56
Olive Oil and fungal acne
May trigger · Strong evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
The textbook growth oil for Malassezia yeast; selective lab media are made by pouring olive oil into agar.
High-oleic; the classic trigger.
Evidence strength
Strong evidence (3/3)
Function
Oil
Plant oils: triglyceride oils and butters the yeast harvests after its enzymes split them.
Also listed as
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea Oil, Olive Fruit Oil
Products without this ingredient
- CoTZ Face Prime & Protect Non-Tinted SPF40 1.5 oz
- Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray 300 ml
- Biossance 100% Squalane Oil 3.3 oz
- S.Nature Aqua Squalane Moisturizing Cream
- PanOxyl Acne Treatment Bar (Benzoyl Peroxide 10%)
- CLn BodyWash 8 fl oz
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 Olive Oil trigger fungal acne?
We flag it as a potential trigger (strong 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 Olive Oil feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Olive Oil as a potential trigger (strong 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?
Strong evidence: The textbook growth oil for this yeast; selective lab media are made by pouring olive oil into agar.
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 Olive Oil →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.