The Ordinary · Skincare

Is The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe?

Q: Is The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Fungal Acne (Malassezia) safe?

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA received a verdict of "Fails safety standards" with a score of 1.0/10. 6 of 46 flagged (4 high-risk, 2 watchlist) — Score 1.0/10.

Q: Which ingredients were flagged in Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA for Fungal Acne (Malassezia)?

The following ingredients were flagged: Polysorbate 60 (HIGH concern: Monostearate ester providing C18 saturated fatty acid substrates supporting fungal growth.); Oleic Acid (HIGH concern: Direct C18:1 unsaturated fatty acid substrate consumed by Malassezia, leaving irritating free fatty acid byproducts that compromise the stratum corneum.); Palmitic Acid (HIGH concern: Saturated C16 fatty acid that fulfills the strict lipid dependency of Malassezia species.); Stearic Acid (HIGH concern: Saturated C18 fatty acid supporting fungal vegetative growth.); Cetyl Alcohol (MODERATE concern: C16 fatty alcohol; generally tolerated in mild cases, flagged as a moderate watchlist item in active folliculitis flares.); Stearyl Alcohol (MODERATE concern: C18 fatty alcohol; watchlist flag for patients with persistent refractory pityrosporum folliculitis.).

High concern Standard: Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Fails safety standards

6 of 46 flagged (4 high-risk, 2 watchlist) — Score 1.0/10

Cosmetiqly Score 1.0/10

Flagged ingredients & clinical citations (6)

The following ingredients in this formulation conflict with Fungal Acne (Malassezia) standards:

Polysorbate 60 HIGH Concern

Monostearate ester providing C18 saturated fatty acid substrates supporting fungal 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.

Oleic Acid HIGH Concern

Direct C18:1 unsaturated fatty acid substrate consumed by Malassezia, leaving irritating free fatty acid byproducts that compromise the stratum corneum.

Citation: DeAngelis YM, Gemmer CM, Kaczvinsky JR, et al. Three etiologic facets of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis: Malassezia fungi, sebaceous lipids, and individual sensitivity. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2005;10(3):295-297.

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.

Cetyl Alcohol MODERATE Concern

C16 fatty alcohol; generally tolerated in mild cases, flagged as a moderate watchlist item in active folliculitis flares.

Citation: Rubenstein RM, Malerich SA. Malassezia (pityrosporum) folliculitis. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(3):37-41.

Stearyl Alcohol MODERATE Concern

C18 fatty alcohol; watchlist flag for patients with persistent refractory pityrosporum folliculitis.

Citation: Rubenstein RM, Malerich SA. Malassezia (pityrosporum) folliculitis. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(3):37-41.

Complete INCI formulation (46 ingredients)

Deduplicated

#	Ingredient	Status for Fungal Acne (Malassezia)
1	Aqua (Water)	Pass
2	Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride	Pass
3	Cetyl Alcohol	Flagged (MODERATE)
4	Propanediol	Pass
5	Stearyl Alcohol	Flagged (MODERATE)
6	Glycerin	Pass
7	Sodium Hyaluronate	Pass
8	Arginine	Pass
9	Aspartic Acid	Pass
10	Glycine	Pass
11	Alanine	Pass
12	Serine	Pass
13	Valine	Pass
14	Isoleucine	Pass
15	Proline	Pass
16	Threonine	Pass
17	Histidine	Pass
18	Phenylalanine	Pass
19	Glucose	Pass
20	Maltose	Pass
21	Fructose	Pass
22	Trehalose	Pass
23	Sodium Pca	Pass
24	Pca	Pass
25	Sodium Lactate	Pass
26	Urea	Pass
27	Allantoin	Pass
28	Linoleic Acid	Pass
29	Oleic Acid	Flagged (HIGH)
30	Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides	Pass
31	Palmitic Acid	Flagged (HIGH)
32	Stearic Acid	Flagged (HIGH)
33	Lecithin	Pass
34	Triolein	Pass
35	Tocopherol	Pass
36	Carbomer	Pass
37	Isoceteth-20	Pass
38	Polysorbate 60	Flagged (HIGH)
39	Sodium Chloride	Pass
40	Citric Acid	Pass
41	Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate	Pass
42	Pentylene Glycol	Pass
43	Triethanolamine	Pass
44	Sodium Hydroxide	Pass
45	Phenoxyethanol	Pass
46	Chlorphenesin	Pass

Evaluated alternative Skincare options (10/10 Score)

The following formulations in this category have been individually evaluated and contain zero Fungal Acne (Malassezia) flags:

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA Score: 10/10 · 0 Flags The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Score: 10/10 · 0 Flags The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane Score: 10/10 · 0 Flags

Other safety checks for Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Pregnancy & Lactation 10.0/10 Non-Comedogenic 10.0/10 Silicone-Free 10.0/10 Fragrance-Free 10.0/10 Paraben-Free 10.0/10 Alcohol-Free 10.0/10 Vegan & Cruelty-Free 10.0/10 Rosacea & Eczema-Safe 10.0/10 Malassezia Yeast Free 10.0/10 Nut-Allergy Safe 10.0/10 Gluten-Free 10.0/10 Phthalate-Free 10.0/10

Data Provenance & Reviewer Information

Data Source: Open Beauty Facts · Barcode: 0769915190731 (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.