Is The Ordinary granactive retinoid 2% emulsion Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe?
High concern Standard: Fungal Acne (Malassezia)
Fails safety standards
3 of 30 flagged (2 high-risk, 1 watchlist) — Score 2.5/10
Cosmetiqly Score 2.5/10
Flagged ingredients & clinical citations (3)
The following ingredients in this formulation conflict with Fungal Acne (Malassezia) standards:
POLYSORBATE 20 HIGH Concern
Polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester directly hydrolyzed by Malassezia lipases into free fatty acids that support yeast proliferation.
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.
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.
CETEARYL ALCOHOL MODERATE Concern
Fatty alcohol blend; not a direct lipid nutrient for yeasts, but placed on watchlist due to potential occlusive co-factor effects in severe folliculitis.
Citation: Rubenstein RM, Malerich SA. Malassezia (pityrosporum) folliculitis. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(3):37-41.
Complete INCI formulation (30 ingredients)
Deduplicated| # | Ingredient | Status for Fungal Acne (Malassezia) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | AQUA (WATER) | Pass |
| 2 | GLYCERIN | Pass |
| 3 | ETHYL LINOLEATE | Pass |
| 4 | PROPANEDIOL CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE | Pass |
| 5 | DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE | Pass |
| 6 | CETEARYL ISONONANOATE | Pass |
| 7 | BISABOLOL | Pass |
| 8 | HYDROXYPINACOLONE RETINOATE | Pass |
| 9 | RETINOL | Pass |
| 10 | TASMANNIA LANCEOLATA FRUIT/LEAF EXTRACT | Pass |
| 11 | INULIN LAURYL CARBAMATE | Pass |
| 12 | GLYCERYL STEARATE | Flagged (HIGH) |
| 13 | CETEARETH - 12 | Pass |
| 14 | CETEARETH-20 | Pass |
| 15 | CETEARYL ALCOHOL | Flagged (MODERATE) |
| 16 | CARRAGEENAN | Pass |
| 17 | XANTHAN GUM | Pass |
| 18 | ACACIA SENEGAL GUM | Pass |
| 19 | CETYL PALMITATE | Pass |
| 20 | SUCROSE LAURATE | Pass |
| 21 | POLYSORBATE 20 | Flagged (HIGH) |
| 22 | ISOCETETH-20 | Pass |
| 23 | BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE | Pass |
| 24 | TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE | Pass |
| 25 | DISODIUM EDTA | Pass |
| 26 | DEHYDROACETIC ACID | Pass |
| 27 | BENZOIC ACID | Pass |
| 28 | ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN | Pass |
| 29 | PHENOXYETHANOL | Pass |
| 30 | CHLORPHENESIN | Pass |
Evaluated alternative Serum 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 granactive retinoid 2% emulsion
Data Provenance & Reviewer Information
- Data Source: Open Beauty Facts · Barcode:
0769915190045(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.