Ingredient · dataset v56
Terbinafine and fungal acne
Antifungal · known to help
Why it's known to help
An allylamine that beat placebo mycologically (81% vs 41%) in a pityriasis versicolor solution trial.
Topical only: oral terbinafine does not reach skin in useful amounts against this yeast.
Evidence strength
Strength 2/3
Function
Antifungal
Also listed as
Terbinafine HCl, Terbinafine Hydrochloride
Related antifungal
- Benzoyl Peroxide — Antifungal · known to help
- Bifonazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Ciclopirox — Antifungal · known to help
- Climbazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Clotrimazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Econazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Ketoconazole — Antifungal · known to help
- Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil — Antifungal · known to help
Sources
- Vermeer & Staats 1997 — terbinafine solution vs placebo in pityriasis versicolor (81% vs 41% mycological cure)
- EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Terbinafine help with fungal acne?
It is known to help: An allylamine that beat placebo mycologically (81% vs 41%) in a pityriasis versicolor solution trial. It is commonly used against Malassezia — that is not a claim that any product treats or cures anything.
Does Terbinafine feed Malassezia?
No: Terbinafine is known to help against Malassezia, not feed it. That is not a claim that any product treats or cures anything.
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 Terbinafine →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.