Ingredient · dataset v56
Sorbitan Isostearate and fungal acne
May trigger · Moderate evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
Same splittable design with a branched 18-carbon tail; direct feeding data is missing.
Fatty acid ester, lipase-cleavable.
Evidence strength
Moderate evidence (2/3)
Function
Sorbitan ester
Sorbitan esters: fatty emulsifiers the yeast can harvest.
Also listed as
Sorbitan Monoisostearate, Sorbitan Isooctadecanoate
Products without this ingredient
- CLn BodyWash 8 fl oz
- Differin Maximum Strength Acne Foaming Cleanser (Benzoyl Peroxide 10%)
- Act+Acre Fulvic Acid Volumizing Dry Shampoo, Unscented 1.75 oz
- Maybelline New York Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder
- Heiltropfen Bentonite Montmorillonite Powder 1 lb
- Eucerin Face Gentle Cleansing Hydrating Micellar Water 13.5 oz
Related sorbitan ester
- Sorbitan Oleate — 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 Sorbitan Isostearate 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 Sorbitan Isostearate feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Sorbitan Isostearate 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: Same splittable design with a branched 18-carbon tail; direct feeding data is missing.
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 Sorbitan Isostearate →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.