Ingredient · dataset v56
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate and fungal acne
May trigger · Moderate evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
Two stearate (C18) chains on a methylglucose core; Malassezia yeast's ester-cutters free the stearic halves, like the ruled PEG distearates.
Class-level call like the ruled sugar-ester rows; not individually feeding-tested.
Evidence strength
Moderate evidence (2/3)
Function
Fatty ester
Fatty esters: split by the yeast’s enzymes into edible fats.
Products without this ingredient
- COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water 400 ml
- IUNIK Beta Glucan Power Moisture Serum
- VERB Dandruff Shampoo 3% Salicylic Acid 8 oz
- CoTZ Face Prime & Protect Non-Tinted SPF40 1.5 oz
- COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner
- The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane 30ml
Related fatty ester
- Ascorbyl Palmitate — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Behenyl Acrylate — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Behenyl Behenate — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Bis-Octyldodecyl Dimer Dilinoleate/Propanediol Copolymer — May trigger · Moderate evidence
- Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate — No known trigger
- Butyloctyl Salicylate — May trigger · Limited evidence
- C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate — May trigger · Limited evidence
Sources
- Mayser et al. 1995 — ester hydrolysis depends on alcohol moiety
- EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate 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 Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate 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: Two stearate (C18) chains on a methylglucose core; the yeast's ester-cutters free the stearic halves, like the ruled PEG distearates.
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 Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.