Ingredient · dataset v56
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate and fungal acne
May trigger · Limited evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
A phosphate ester of cetyl alcohol (C16); if cut, it frees a flagged fatty alcohol — the same alcohol-inheritance logic as the ruled C12-15 alkyl benzoate.
Two inference steps from data (phosphate cut, then alcohol use); the softest tier of call, flagged for owner review.
Evidence strength
Limited evidence (1/3)
Function
Surfactant
Products without this ingredient
- Makari Glycolic + Lactic Acid + Niacinamide Body Wash 15 oz
- FragFre Hair Styling Gel, Medium Hold, Sensitive Skin 8 fl oz
- innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder
- Sky Organics Indian Healing Clay 16 oz
- Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water
- Almond Clear 2-in-1 Hydrating Gel 4 oz
Related surfactant
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate — No known trigger
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate — No known trigger
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate — No known trigger
- C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside — No known trigger
- C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Capryloyl Glycine — No known trigger
- Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside — No known trigger
- Cetearyl Glucoside — No known trigger
Sources
EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Potassium Cetyl Phosphate 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 Potassium Cetyl Phosphate feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Potassium Cetyl Phosphate 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 phosphate ester of cetyl alcohol (C16); if cut, it frees a flagged fatty alcohol — the same alcohol-inheritance logic as the ruled C12-15 alkyl benzoate.
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 Potassium Cetyl Phosphate →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.