Ingredient · dataset v56
Stearyl Heptanoate and fungal acne
May trigger · Limited evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
Stearyl alcohol (ruled trigger-1) esterified to a below-range C7 acid; under the alcohol-inheritance rule it takes its stearyl half's status, never looser.
Inheritance call; the heptanoate half is below range.
Evidence strength
Limited evidence (1/3)
Function
Fatty ester
Fatty esters: split by the yeast’s enzymes into edible fats.
Products without this ingredient
- Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum 10% 30 ml
- Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc Shampoo 8 fl oz
- Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+
- Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner
- NOW Sports MCT Oil 32 fl oz
- Geek & Gorgeous Hydration Station Gel-Cream 50 ml
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
EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Stearyl Heptanoate 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 Stearyl Heptanoate feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Stearyl Heptanoate 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: Stearyl alcohol (ruled trigger-1) esterified to a below-range C7 acid; under the alcohol-inheritance rule it takes its stearyl half's status, never looser.
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 Stearyl Heptanoate →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.