Ingredient · dataset v56
Squalene and fungal acne
May trigger · Moderate evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
An unsaturated sebum lipid explicitly listed among the skin fats Malassezia yeast exploits.
Do not confuse with squalane, the saturated version, which is not a trigger.
Evidence strength
Moderate evidence (2/3)
Function
Oil
Plant oils: triglyceride oils and butters the yeast harvests after its enzymes split them.
Products without this ingredient
- Makari Glycolic + Lactic Acid + Niacinamide Body Wash 15 oz
- Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam
- FragFre Hair Styling Gel, Medium Hold, Sensitive Skin 8 fl oz
- e.l.f. Cosmetics High Definition Powder Sheer
- Molivera Organics Bentonite Clay 16 oz
- Torriden Dive-In Cleansing Water 400 ml
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 Squalene 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 Squalene feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Squalene 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: An unsaturated sebum lipid explicitly listed among the skin fats this yeast exploits.
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 Squalene →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.