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Fungal acne, also known as malassezia folliculitis or pityrosporum folliculitis, can be a frustrating and persistent skin condition. Worse yet — it can be infuriating and embarassing. Fungal acne is when there is an overgrowth of yeast on your skin, leading to red bumps, itchiness, and irritation.

 You can’t treat fungal acne the same way you would treat regular acne. A lot of the stuff that improves traditional acne will actually make fungal acne worse! If you have fungal acne, you need the specific treatments and skincare products to keep it under control.

Some of the moisturizers that typically help with regular acne could leave you with more breakouts and discomfort. This makes finding the best fungal acne-safe moisturizer essential for maintaining a clear, healthy complexion. In this post, we’ll explore why so many ingredients are harmful to fungal acne and highlight the worst offenders—so you can avoid them entirely.

Your best skin ever is in this post! 

Why Are So Many Ingredients Bad for Fungal Acne?

The main difference between fungal acne and bacterial acne lies in its cause. Fungal acne results from an overgrowth of malassezia yeast in hair follicles. This yeast thrives in oily environments and feeds on certain ingredients found in common skincare products. “Regular” acne — that’s acne vulgaris — is caused by bacteria. 

Many moisturizers, cleansers, and serums contain ingredients that fuel fungal infections. For example, coconut oil, olive oil, and other oil-rich creams provide a perfect breeding ground for malassezia yeast. While these ingredients might be beneficial for dry skin, they can make fungal acne worse by promoting yeast growth.You can imagine that the fungus is “eating” those oils. 

Sensitive skin and acne-prone skin are particularly vulnerable to fungal acne flares. (Yes — unfortunately, the same person can suffer from regular acne and fungal acne at the same time!)

 Products designed for general types of acne often include active ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. While these may help regular acne, they can irritate the skin barrier and worsen fungal acne.

Another factor is humidity. Heat and moisture create an environment where malassezia yeast thrives. If you live in a humid area, you’re literally fighting your weather to clear your skin. Your skincare routine should include fungal acne-safe products that minimize excess oil production and keep the protective barrier intact.

Finally, some common allergens and harsh alcohols in skincare products can cause skin irritation. This weakens the skin barrier, making it easier for yeast to grow and trigger fungal infections.

Fungal Acne in Oily Skin vs Fungal Acne in Dry Skin

(Or, “is this fungal acne or am I losing my mind?!”)

Fungal acne presents differently depending on your skin type. Understanding these differences can help you tailor your skincare routine to better manage the condition.

Oily Skin

Oily skin is more prone to fungal acne due to the excess oil produced by sebaceous glands. This oil creates an ideal environment for malassezia yeast to thrive. People with oily skin often notice clusters of small red bumps, particularly in areas like the forehead, chest, and back.

In oily skin, fungal acne can easily be mistaken for bacterial acne or clogged pores. The little bumps will look the same. However, traditional acne treatments that target bacterial acne, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, may irritate the skin and worsen the fungal infection. 

Instead, look for oil-free moisturizers and antifungal ingredients like zinc pyrithione to manage breakouts effectively. I’ll suggest some a little later in this post! 

Dry Skin

While less common, fungal acne can still affect individuals with dry skin. In these cases, the condition is often triggered by factors like a weakened skin barrier or the use of heavy, oil-rich creams. Dry skin affected by fungal acne may appear flaky, with red bumps that feel itchy or irritated.

(If you have dry skin and you’re leaning on really thick, rich creams for hydration — explore layering thinner, water-based serums underneath. You won’t be as reliant on added oils, and you’ll be able to reduce your risk of fungal acne.)

Managing fungal acne in dry skin requires balancing hydration with antifungal care. Opt for lightweight, fungal acne-safe moisturizers containing ingredients like sodium hyaluronate or capric triglycerides. Avoid products with fatty alcohols or mineral oil, which can exacerbate the condition.

Combination Skin

For those with combination skin, fungal acne might appear in oily areas like the T-zone while leaving drier areas unaffected. A tailored approach using different products for each area is essential. Use gel-based or oil-free moisturizers for oily zones and hydrating but non-comedogenic options for drier patches. Don’t add oils to your oily areas! 

By identifying how fungal acne manifests in your skin type, you can choose skincare products that target the problem without causing further irritation or imbalance.

Worst Ingredients for Fungal Acne (AKA THROW IT AWAY)

When choosing skincare products for fungal acne, it’s crucial to check ingredient lists carefully. Some components can do more harm than good, even if they’re popular in regular acne treatments or marketed for sensitive skin. 

Here are the top ingredients to avoid:

1. Fatty Alcohols

While fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol can give moisturizers a smooth texture, they’re not suitable for fungal acne. These ingredients provide food for malassezia yeast, worsening the overgrowth. Fatty alcohols commonly appear in ingredient lists as cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, or myristyl alcohol.

2. Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is often used to lock in moisture and reduce water loss. However, it creates small pockets on the skin’s surface where yeast can thrive. This leads to more breakouts and red bumps.

3. Essential Oils

Essential oils, like tea tree oil and lavender oil, are often praised for their natural antifungal properties. However, they can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in people with fungal acne. If you love essential oils, consider saving them for your diffuser. 

4. Coconut Oil

Although coconut oil is a popular natural ingredient in skincare, it’s one of the worst offenders for fungal acne. The oil’s structure makes it a favorite food source for malassezia yeast. 

I got the worst back breakout of my life from coconut oil once! I would recommend that anyone considering using it patch test for A WHILE before putting it on their whole face.

5. Olive Oil

Similar to coconut oil, olive oil is another ingredient to avoid. It’s too rich for acne-prone skin and can exacerbate fungal infections.

6. Harsh Alcohols

Some alcohols, like denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol, can strip the skin’s protective barrier. This increases the risk of fungal acne by disrupting the skin’s natural balance.

7. MCT Oil (Medium-Chain Triglycerides)

Although MCT oil is often included in skincare products for its moisturizing properties, it can feed malassezia yeast. Check for this ingredient, especially in oil-free moisturizers. You can’t just go by the front of the label! 

8. Oil-Rich Creams

Heavy creams and moisturizers designed for dry skin can clog pores and provide an ideal environment for yeast to grow. These products often contain occlusive agents that trap excess oil on the surface, worsening fungal acne. Any shea butter, cocoa butter, or other natural oil-based product is likely to cause acne flares. 

9. Dandruff Shampoos with Harsh Ingredients

We’re going to come back to this one! You can use it, but you can’t use it long-term without wrecking your skin barrier.

10. Common Skin Irritants

Skincare products with added fragrances, dyes, or preservatives can irritate sensitive skin. This weakens the skin barrier and allows malassezia yeast to flourish.

If you’re not sure about an ingredient, FolliculitusScout has a great ingredient list checker here.

Lifestyle Triggers for Fungal Acne

Fungal acne, also known as Malassezia folliculitis, is often mistaken for bacterial acne, but its underlying cause and triggers differ significantly. Understanding the lifestyle factors that contribute to fungal acne can help you make changes to prevent flare-ups and maintain clear skin.

1. Sweat and Prolonged Dampness

One of the most common triggers for fungal acne is sweat. 

Malassezia yeast, the culprit behind fungal acne, thrives in warm, moist environments. Activities like working out, hot yoga, or even spending time in humid weather can create the perfect breeding ground for this yeast. Wearing tight, non-breathable clothing that traps moisture exacerbates the issue.

To reduce the risk, shower and change into dry clothes as soon as possible after sweating.

2. Dietary Choices

Your diet can indirectly influence fungal acne. High-sugar diets, for example, can fuel yeast overgrowth because yeast feeds on sugar. 

Similarly, consuming large amounts of dairy or high-carb foods may also contribute to flare-ups in susceptible individuals. While everyone’s triggers will be different, keeping a food diary can help you identify specific dietary culprits. 

There’s more info on food triggers later in this post! 

3. Improper Skincare Products

Certain skincare and haircare products can aggravate fungal acne. Products containing heavy oils, fatty acids, or ingredients like lauric acid may feed Malassezia yeast. Coconut oil, for example, is a common trigger. Similarly, using thick moisturizers or leave-in conditioners that linger on the skin can worsen the condition. Opt for non-comedogenic, lightweight, and oil-free products to reduce the risk of flare-ups.

4. Wearing Makeup for Extended Periods

Prolonged use of makeup, especially when it’s heavy or oil-based, can contribute to fungal acne. The yeast thrives in environments where pores are clogged or skin can’t breathe. 

While makeup isn’t inherently bad, it’s crucial to thoroughly cleanse your face at the end of the day. Look for makeup labeled as “breathable” or “Malassezia-safe” to minimize potential irritation. NYX has a great, affordable, fungal-safe foundation! 

5. Stress and Lack of Sleep

Stress and poor sleep don’t directly cause fungal acne, but they can weaken your skin’s barrier and immune response. This creates an environment where Malassezia yeast can flourish. 

Chronic stress may also lead to hormonal changes, increasing oil production and further fueling fungal acne. Incorporating stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or even deep breathing exercises can help.

6. Clothing Choices

Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon often trap heat and moisture, creating an ideal environment for fungal acne. Tight-fitting clothing or athletic wear worn for long periods can also contribute. Switching to loose, breathable fabrics like cotton can make a significant difference in reducing flare-ups.

7. Sharing Personal Items

If you have never worried about sharing towels or makeup headbands with your friends, let this be your warning: you can get fungal acne from sharing fabrics. 

(It should go without saying but…do NOT share a makeup brush or beauty blender for the same reason!)

Sharing items like towels, makeup brushes, or gym equipment can inadvertently spread yeast or bacteria, increasing the risk of fungal acne. Always use your own personal items and regularly wash them to maintain hygiene.

By addressing these lifestyle triggers, you can take proactive steps to manage fungal acne. Small changes, like showering immediately after workouts or choosing the right skincare products, can have a significant impact on keeping your skin clear and healthy.

Best Skincare Ingredients for Fungal Acne

When dealing with fungal acne, choosing the right ingredients can make all the difference in helping you find the best moisturizer for fungal acne. Look for these fungal acne-safe components:

1. Zinc Pyrithione

This antifungal ingredient, often found in dandruff shampoos, helps reduce malassezia yeast overgrowth. It’s also effective for calming red bumps and irritation.

2. Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe sensitive skin and reduce dark spots. It’s safe for fungal acne and supports a clear complexion. It will also reduce inflammation from existing breakouts while it prevents new ones from forming.

3. Sodium Hyaluronate

A form of hyaluronic acid, this ingredient hydrates the skin without clogging pores or feeding malassezia yeast. It’s perfect for maintaining the skin’s protective barrier.

4. Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract offers antifungal and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a great addition to your skincare routine. It also helps brighten skin tone.

5. Lactic Acid

Lactic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells while maintaining a healthy skin barrier. It’s a safer choice for acne-prone skin.

6. Capric Triglycerides

Derived from coconut oil but altered to be fungal acne-safe, capric triglycerides provide lightweight hydration without promoting yeast growth.

7. Tea Tree Leaf Water

This ingredient offers antifungal properties and a soothing effect for irritated skin. It’s gentler than concentrated tea tree oil, which will be too harsh for most fungal acne sufferers.

A Quick Note About Dandruff Shampoo

Using dandruff shampoos as a treatment for fungal acne has gained popularity, especially on TikTok. Make sure to use them correctly.

Apply shampoos containing zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide as a body  or face wash on the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. This helps reduce yeast overgrowth on your skin.

Dandruff shampoo can also be a cheap and easy way to test if your acne really is fungal. Buy an inexpensive travel-size bottle of dandruff shampoo at the drugstore. Do a little “mask” and let the shampoo sit for a few minutes. If your acne improves, it’s fungal acne.

However, avoid overusing these products! Dandruff shampoo is fine for a test, but it’s too harsh for regular skincare use.  Excessive application can lead to dry skin and irritation, weakening your protective barrier. Consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure about the best frequency for your skin type.

Alternative Fungal Acne Treatments

If traditional treatments aren’t working for your fungal acne, there are alternative options worth exploring. These treatments can complement your skincare routine and provide additional relief. Or, you might find that these additions improve your acne in addition to your skincare. 

Antifungal Creams and Ointments

Topical antifungal creams, such as those containing ketoconazole or clotrimazole, directly target the overgrowth of yeast. Apply them to the affected area as directed by a healthcare provider. These creams are often a good idea for stubborn fungal acne that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter products.

Home Remedies

Some people find relief from fungal acne through home remedies. For instance, tea tree oil diluted in a carrier oil can have antifungal properties. However, be cautious with natural ingredients to avoid skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Dandruff Shampoos

Using dandruff shampoos containing zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide as a body wash can help reduce yeast overgrowth. Apply the shampoo to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse thoroughly.

Alternative treatments may require extra effort and consistency to see results. Consult a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your specific needs.

Oral Antifungal Medications

As a last resort….

For severe cases of fungal acne, oral antifungal medications may be necessary. Drugs like fluconazole or itraconazole help eliminate yeast from the inside out. You’ll need a prescription in the US, and these medications should only be taken under medical advice and supervision.

Best Fungal Acne Diet

Your diet plays a significant role in your skin health, including the management of fungal acne. While it’s not a cure, making dietary adjustments can support your treatment plan.

Reduce Sugar Intake

Malassezia yeast feeds on sugar, so cutting back on sugary foods and drinks can help reduce yeast overgrowth. Opt for natural sweeteners like honey or stevia in moderation, and limit highly processed sugars.

Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as green tea, turmeric, and fatty fish, can help calm skin inflammation. This doesn’t exactly fix fungal acne, but it keeps individual cysts smaller and less red. These food options promote better texture and a clearer complexion.

Avoid High-Glycemic Foods

High-glycemic foods, like white bread and processed snacks, can spike blood sugar levels and worsen fungal acne. Once they’re in your body, they feed fungal acne the same way sugar does. Choose whole grains and complex carbohydrates instead.

Add Probiotics

Probiotics, found in yogurt and fermented foods like kimchi, support a healthy gut and immune system. A balanced gut can actually contribute to a healthier skin microbiome too!

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins and supports your skin’s protective barrier. Aim for at least eight glasses a day to maintain hydration and minimize water loss.

Limit Dairy

Some studies suggest that dairy products may contribute to certain forms of acne, including fungal acne. Consider reducing your intake to see if it makes a difference, and try a food diary while you’re testing it out.

Your fungal acne diet should focus on nourishing your body with wholesome, nutrient-rich foods. Small changes can lead to long-term improvements in your skin’s health and appearance.

Best Moisturizers for Fungal Acne

Choosing the right moisturizer is essential for managing fungal acne.

The best moisturizer for fungal acne will be fairly light, with no irritating ingredients. Here are some of the best fungal acne-safe options:

1. Iunik Centella Calming Gel Cream

This soothing daily moisturizer contains centella asiatica, known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s lightweight and perfect for acne-prone skin.

2. Good Molecules Squalane Oil

Squalane oil provides hydration without clogging pores. It’s a great choice for oily skin and helps maintain a smooth texture. Good Molecules makes an elegant, affordable version, but many other brands make one too.

3. CosRX Snail Mucin Power Essence

This hydrating product contains snail mucin, which supports a healthy skin barrier and reduces water loss. This product is a great choice if you’re currently using heavy moisturizers to compensate for dry skin. This is super light, but will help your skin retain a lot of moisture so you don’t need such heavy oils.

Remember to patch test any new product before adding it to your skincare routine. This helps prevent allergic reactions and ensures the product works for your skin type.

Best Sunscreens for Fungal Acne

As if finding the best moisturizer for fungal acne wasn’t enough! Finding a sunscreen that protects your skin without worsening fungal acne can feel challenging. However, several fungal acne-safe sunscreens work well to shield your skin while avoiding flare-ups. Here are the best options:

1. Mineral Sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are ideal for fungal acne-prone skin. These ingredients sit on the skin’s surface and provide broad-spectrum protection without clogging pores or feeding malassezia yeast.

My current fave is this one, which I find to have no white cast:

2. Gel-Based Sunscreens

Gel-based sunscreens are an excellent choice for humid climates and oily skin types. They absorb quickly, leaving no greasy residue, and don’t contribute to the overgrowth of yeast.

4. Sunscreens with Antioxidants

Some sunscreens include added antioxidants like green tea extract or vitamin C. These ingredients offer anti-inflammatory properties and additional protection against environmental damage.