Is Kiehl S Since 1851 Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe?
High concern Standard: Fungal Acne (Malassezia)
Fails safety standards
5 of 19 flagged (5 high-risk, 0 watchlist) — Score 1.0/10
Cosmetiqly Score 1.0/10
Flagged ingredients & clinical citations (5)
The following ingredients in this formulation conflict with Fungal Acne (Malassezia) standards:
Glyceryl Stearate HIGH Concern
Monoglyceride ester yielding free stearic acid upon lipase exposure, sustaining yeast colonies.
Citation: Mayser P, Grimmig D, Krämer HJ. Different utilization of neutral lipids by Malassezia furfur and Malassezia sympodialis. Med Mycol. 1998;36(6):395-402.
Palmitic Acid HIGH Concern
Saturated C16 fatty acid that fulfills the strict lipid dependency of Malassezia species.
Citation: Mayser P, Grimmig D, Krämer HJ. Different utilization of neutral lipids by Malassezia furfur and Malassezia sympodialis. Med Mycol. 1998;36(6):395-402.
Stearic Acid HIGH Concern
Saturated C18 fatty acid supporting fungal vegetative growth.
Citation: Mayser P, Grimmig D, Krämer HJ. Different utilization of neutral lipids by Malassezia furfur and Malassezia sympodialis. Med Mycol. 1998;36(6):395-402.
Lauric Acid HIGH Concern
Medium-chain C12 fatty acid utilized by multiple cutaneous Malassezia strains.
Citation: Mayser P, Grimmig D, Krämer HJ. Different utilization of neutral lipids by Malassezia furfur and Malassezia sympodialis. Med Mycol. 1998;36(6):395-402.
Myristic Acid HIGH Concern
Saturated C14 fatty acid metabolised by fungal lipases.
Citation: Mayser P, Grimmig D, Krämer HJ. Different utilization of neutral lipids by Malassezia furfur and Malassezia sympodialis. Med Mycol. 1998;36(6):395-402.
Complete INCI formulation (19 ingredients)
Deduplicated| # | Ingredient | Status for Fungal Acne (Malassezia) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aqua/Water | Pass |
| 2 | Glycerin | Pass |
| 3 | Myristic Acid | Flagged (HIGH) |
| 4 | Palmitic Acid | Flagged (HIGH) |
| 5 | Stearic Acid | Flagged (HIGH) |
| 6 | Potassium Hydroxide | Pass |
| 7 | Lauric Acid | Flagged (HIGH) |
| 8 | Glyceryl Distearate | Pass |
| 9 | Glyceryl Stearate | Flagged (HIGH) |
| 10 | Kaolin | Pass |
| 11 | Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract | Pass |
| 12 | Tetrasodium Edta | Pass |
| 13 | Citrus Medica Limonum Extract / Lemon Fruit Extract | Pass |
| 14 | PEG-14M | Pass |
| 15 | Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract | Pass |
| 16 | Methylisothiazolinone | Pass |
| 17 | Caprylyl Glycol | Pass |
| 18 | Carbomer | Pass |
| 19 | Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer | Pass |
Evaluated alternative Cleanser options (10/10 Score)
The following formulations in this category have been individually evaluated and contain zero Fungal Acne (Malassezia) flags:
Other safety checks for Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser
Data Provenance & Reviewer Information
- Data Source: Open Beauty Facts · Barcode:
3605975080865(Verify on Source) - Last Data Verification: 2026-11-13
- Editorial Supervisor: Cosmetiqly Research Team, Editorial Team
- Report an Error: If an ingredient list is inaccurate, submit a correction with product packaging proof (72-hour SLA).
Important Disclaimer: This review is an automated toxicological and dermatological screening for educational purposes. It is not medical or dermatological advice. Chemical safety depends on user skin condition and exact concentration. Always patch-test new products.