Is PEG-150 Dilaurate fungal acne safe?
PEG-150 Dilaurate is best avoided for fungal-acne-prone skin. Two C12 chains.
Why this verdict
Two C12 chains.
Fungal acne, properly called malassezia folliculitis, is driven by a yeast that feeds on fatty acids in roughly the C11 to C24 range. An ingredient is a concern when it can supply usable fatty acids in that window, and it is generally fine when it cannot. Chain length and ethoxylation can both change the verdict, which is why the chemical family alone does not decide it. See the full trigger list and how we assess ingredients for the reasoning and sources.
Safer swaps
Fungal-acne-safe alternatives in the same category (Polysorbate / PEG ester):
Frequently asked questions
Is PEG-150 Dilaurate safe for fungal acne?
PEG-150 Dilaurate is best avoided for fungal-acne-prone skin. Two C12 chains. This is informational only and not a diagnosis; suitability varies by person and formulation.
Why does PEG-150 Dilaurate trigger fungal acne?
Two C12 chains. Fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis) is driven by ingredients that supply fatty acids in roughly the C11 to C24 range that the yeast can metabolize; PEG-150 Dilaurate is assessed against that mechanism.
What can I use instead of PEG-150 Dilaurate?
Fungal-acne-safe alternatives in the same category include Ceteareth-20, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Isoceteth-20, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil. Fungalscan suggests swaps like these automatically after an avoid or caution result.
Assessed using: Sezia.
This page is informational only and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. Fungal acne can resemble other skin conditions, and ingredient suitability varies by person and by formulation. Verdicts reflect community-reported data and malassezia lipid research, not a guarantee for your skin. Always patch test and consult a qualified clinician.