Is The Ordinary granactive retinoid 2% emulsion Malassezia Yeast Free Safe?
High concern Standard: Malassezia Yeast Free
Fails safety standards
2 of 30 flagged (2 high-risk, 0 watchlist) — Score 4.0/10
Cosmetiqly Score 4.0/10
Flagged ingredients & clinical citations (2)
The following ingredients in this formulation conflict with Malassezia Yeast Free standards:
POLYSORBATE 20 HIGH Concern
Tween ester delivering fatty acid lipids directly consumed by Malassezia yeasts.
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
Stearic acid monoglyceride metabolized as a carbon and energy source 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 (30 ingredients)
Deduplicated| # | Ingredient | Status for Malassezia Yeast Free |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| 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 Malassezia Yeast Free 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.