Ingredient · dataset v56
Shea Butter and fungal acne
May trigger · Moderate evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
Loaded with stearic and oleic fats that Malassezia yeast harvests after its enzymes split the butter's triglycerides.
Butters read as slow-release food.
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
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Products without this ingredient
- Pantene Miracle Bond Repair Sulfate-Free Shampoo 13.5 oz
- CoTZ Face Prime & Protect Tinted SPF40 1.5 oz
- La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Face Mist 150 ml
- NOW Sports MCT Oil 32 fl oz
- Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel 50 ml
- Zapzyt Maximum Strength Acne Treatment Gel (Benzoyl Peroxide 10%)
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 Shea Butter 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 Shea Butter feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Shea Butter 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: Loaded with stearic and oleic fats that this yeast harvests after its enzymes split the butter's triglycerides.
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 Shea Butter →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.