Which ingredients were flagged in Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion for Fungal Acne (Malassezia)?

The following ingredients were flagged: glyceryl stearate (HIGH concern: Monoglyceride ester yielding free stearic acid upon lipase exposure, sustaining yeast colonies.); 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.).

Vanicream · Moisturizer

Is Vanicream Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe?

Q: Is Vanicream Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion Fungal Acne (Malassezia) safe?

Vanicream Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion received a verdict of "Fails safety standards" with a score of 5.5/10. 2 of 11 flagged (1 high-risk, 1 watchlist) — Score 5.5/10.

High concern Standard: Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Fails safety standards

2 of 11 flagged (1 high-risk, 1 watchlist) — Score 5.5/10

Cosmetiqly Score 5.5/10

Flagged ingredients & clinical citations (2)

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.

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 (11 ingredients)

Deduplicated

#	Ingredient	Status for Fungal Acne (Malassezia)
1	Water	Pass
2	petrolatum	Pass
3	propylene glycol	Pass
4	cetearyl alcohol	Flagged (MODERATE)
5	sorbitol	Pass
6	ceteareth-20	Pass
7	simethicone	Pass
8	glyceryl stearate	Flagged (HIGH)
9	PEG-30 stearate	Pass
10	sorbic acid	Pass
11	BHT	Pass

Evaluated alternative Moisturizer options (10/10 Score)

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

Bioderma Sébium sensitive Score: 10/10 · 0 Flags Bioderma ABCDerm crème raffermissante Score: 10/10 · 0 Flags Avene Cold Cream - Crème mains concentrée Score: 10/10 · 0 Flags

Other safety checks for Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion

Pregnancy & Lactation 10.0/10 Non-Comedogenic 8.5/10 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 7.0/10 Nut-Allergy Safe 10.0/10

Data Provenance & Reviewer Information

Data Source: Open Beauty Facts · Barcode: 0345334310167 (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.