Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Product Description
Product overview
A water-free, moderate-strength retinol serum dissolved in squalane — one of the most stable and skin-compatible carriers available. Formulated with 0.5% pure Retinol (Vitamin A), this oil-based solution targets visible fine lines, uneven skin texture, photodamage, and general signs of aging, while squalane keeps the skin barrier nourished and minimizes the dryness typically associated with retinol use.
0.5% Pure Retinol
Intermediate-strength Vitamin A clinically proven to visibly reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and photodamage by accelerating cell turnover and boosting collagen production.
Texture & feel
SENSORY0.5% Pure Retinol
Intermediate-strength Vitamin A clinically proven to visibly reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and photodamage by accelerating cell turnover and boosting collagen production.
Squalane as Carrier
Squalane is one of the most stable, non-comedogenic emollients available. It protects retinol from oxidation while deeply conditioning the skin and reducing dryness.
Antioxidant Support
Tomato fruit extract and rosemary leaf extract provide antioxidant protection, helping to neutralize free radicals and support the efficacy of the retinol.
Minimal, Clean Formula
Only 8 ingredients — no water, no fragrance, no fillers. Pure, stable, and effective. Free from parabens, silicones, sulfates, and common irritants.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEThis product contains Retinol (Vitamin A), a retinoid. All retinoids — including topical retinol — are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential risk of birth defects (teratogenicity). Avoid use and consult your physician.
The formula contains squalane, which is generally considered FA-safe. However, the jojoba oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil) is technically a liquid wax that most FA-prone users tolerate well. No ferments, fatty acid esters, or polysorbates are present. Patch test recommended if highly sensitive.
Squalane and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride both score 0–1 on the comedogenic scale. Jojoba oil scores 2. Overall the formula is considered very unlikely to clog pores and is suitable for acne-prone skin.
Retinol accelerates cell turnover, exposing newer, more photosensitive skin. Always use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every morning when incorporating retinol into your routine.
Do not use alongside other retinol, retinoic acid, or Granactive Retinoid products. This can cause severe irritation, peeling, and sensitization. Use only one retinoid at a time.
The skin around the eyes and corners of the mouth is thinner and more prone to irritation when using retinol. Apply carefully and avoid the immediate eye contour on early use.
Contains no synthetic fragrances, common allergens, parabens, sulfates, or silicones. Well-suited for those with fragrance sensitivity.
DECIEM and The Ordinary do not test on animals and do not ask third parties to do so. Not sold in mainland China. All ingredients in this formula are vegan.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSRetinol (Vitamin A) 0.5%Proven
The gold-standard anti-aging active. Pure Retinol (all-trans retinol) is converted in the skin to retinoic acid, which binds to nuclear receptors (RAR and RXR) to stimulate collagen synthesis, accelerate cell turnover, and normalize sebum production. 10–20× weaker than prescription retinoic acid but significantly more effective than retinyl esters, with a well-established clinical record.
- Cell Turnover: Speeds up epidermal renewal, revealing smoother, fresher skin underneath and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
- Collagen Stimulation: Peer-reviewed studies confirm retinol boosts procollagen production, improving skin firmness and elasticity over 12 weeks of regular use.
- Hyperpigmentation: Regulates melanocyte activity, helping fade dark spots and uneven tone from sun exposure and acne scars.
- Pore Size: By normalizing sebum production and cell turnover, retinol helps minimize the visible appearance of enlarged pores over time.
Squalane ~45%Proven
The primary vehicle and moisturizing hero of this formula. Squalane is a saturated hydrocarbon — the stable, hydrogenated form of squalene — that occurs naturally in human sebum. It is one of the most skin-compatible and non-irritating emollients available, demonstrated to be non-comedogenic and safe even at 100% concentration.
- Carrier Function: Chosen specifically because squalane does not undergo lipid peroxidation, meaning it protects retinol from oxidative degradation better than most plant oils.
- Skin Barrier: Mimics the skin's own natural lipids, reinforcing the moisture barrier and reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
- Comedogenic Score: 0–1 — universally considered safe for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride ~34%Proven
A light-textured emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It is odorless, non-greasy, and extremely well tolerated by all skin types. It acts as a secondary carrier for the retinol, further improving spreadability and skin feel without adding heaviness.
- Emolliency: Creates a smooth, non-occlusive film on the skin that improves texture and reduces transepidermal water loss.
- Stability: Highly resistant to oxidation, helping maintain the integrity of the retinol in the formula.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil ~17%Proven
Technically a liquid wax (not a traditional oil), cold-pressed from jojoba seeds. Structurally similar to the skin's own sebum, it provides excellent emolliency, antioxidant protection (via Vitamin E), and mild antibacterial properties. Considered low-comedogenic and generally well tolerated by acne-prone skin.
- Vitamin E Content: Natural tocopherols provide additional antioxidant support to the formula.
- Barrier Support: Rich in wax esters that closely mimic the skin's own protective barrier lipids.
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract tracePromising
Rich in lycopene, a powerful carotenoid antioxidant. Helps neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure and environmental stressors. Provides a degree of photo-protection and anti-inflammatory support within the formula.
- Lycopene: One of the most potent antioxidant carotenoids, with demonstrated ability to quench singlet oxygen species in the skin.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract tracePromising
Extract from rosemary herb, rich in rosmarinic acid — a potent antioxidant with proven anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Helps protect the formula from oxidation and supports skin soothing.
- Rosmarinic Acid: A polyphenolic antioxidant that helps stabilize the retinol and protects skin from environmental damage.
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone + BHT traceProven
Two powerful antioxidants that protect the formula's integrity. Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone (also known as Symdiol or Raspberry Ketone Methyl Ether) offers both antioxidant and mild preservative activity. BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) is a widely-used synthetic antioxidant that prevents lipid oxidation and extends shelf life.
- Formula Stability: BHT prevents the retinol and carrier oils from going rancid, which is why the formula retains its yellow color and potency over time.
8 ingredients
Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Retinol, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, BHT
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after water-based serums and before heavier creams or occlusives. Use in the PM only. Always apply SPF 30+ the following morning.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Pat Dry
Start with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser in the evening. Pat your face fully dry — retinol absorbs more evenly on dry skin, and applying it to damp skin can increase irritation risk.
Apply Water-Based Products First
If using toners, essences, or water-based serums (e.g. hyaluronic acid, niacinamide), apply them first and allow them to fully absorb before proceeding.
Dispense 2–3 Drops
Shake the bottle gently if needed. Dispense 2–3 drops into the palm of your hand — a little goes a long way. Avoid the immediate eye area and lips, especially when starting out.
Press & Spread Evenly
Gently press the serum into your skin with your fingertips using light upward motions. Do not rub aggressively. Allow 1–2 minutes before applying your moisturizer over the top.
Seal with Moisturizer
Follow with a nourishing moisturizer to lock in hydration and buffer any potential irritation. For beginners, the "sandwich method" (moisturizer → retinol → moisturizer) can help ease the skin into retinol use.
Start Slowly & Build Up
Begin 2–3 nights per week and gradually increase frequency as tolerance builds. Avoid use on the same night as AHAs, BHAs, or vitamin C actives — these can be used on alternate evenings instead.
Refrigerate After Opening
The brand recommends refrigerating this product after opening for maximum potency. Retinol degrades with heat, light, and air, so cool and dark storage is essential for preserving efficacy.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have used The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% and are ready to step up
- You want to visibly reduce fine lines and skin texture
- You're 25+ and starting a preventative anti-aging routine
- Your skin tolerates oil-based products well
- You want a budget-friendly, no-nonsense retinol
- You have normal, oily, combination, or mild dry skin
- You want a fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient formula
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
- You are a complete retinol beginner (start with 0.2% instead)
- Your skin is severely sensitized, eczema-prone, or has an impaired barrier
- You prefer a richer, creamier texture rather than an oil-based serum
- You want a retinoid without the purging adjustment period (try Granactive Retinoid instead)
- You are unable to commit to daily SPF use
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSqualane is non-comedogenic and actually balances sebum. Retinol helps normalize oil production over time, making this a great long-term option for oily skin types.
The squalane base provides occlusive moisture, but very dry skin types should always follow with a rich moisturizer to combat retinol-induced dryness. No humectants are present in this formula.
Lightweight oil texture performs well across mixed zones. Retinol helps address textural concerns in the T-zone while squalane conditions drier cheek areas.
Fragrance-free and minimal formula is a plus, but 0.5% retinol can be too strong for reactive or sensitized skin. Start with 0.2% and patch test before committing to full-face use.
Non-comedogenic formula and retinol's pore-normalizing effect benefit acne-prone skin. Be aware of a potential purging phase in weeks 1–4 as cell turnover accelerates — this is normal and temporary.
The primary target demographic. 0.5% retinol delivers meaningful anti-aging results for fine lines, skin laxity, hyperpigmentation, and uneven texture in mature skin types.
Results timeline
6+ MONTHSAdjustment Phase (Retinization)
Skin may experience mild dryness, flaking, or redness as it acclimates to retinol. Some users may notice a temporary purge of clogged pores. This is normal and indicates the retinol is working. Use 2–3 times per week and keep the rest of your routine gentle.
~70% notice adjustment signsSmoother Texture & Improved Clarity
Cell turnover begins to accelerate noticeably. Most users report smoother skin texture, reduced roughness, and a clearer overall complexion. Redness and sensitivity typically begin to subside.
~60% notice texture improvementVisible Reduction in Fine Lines
The skin's collagen-stimulating effects of retinol start to become more visible. Fine lines, particularly around the eyes and mouth, appear shallower. Pores look refined and skin tone starts to even out.
~55% notice fine line improvementSignificant Anti-Aging & Brightening
With consistent use, most users see meaningful reduction in wrinkles, improved skin firmness, and significant improvement in hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and sun damage. Skin appears visibly more youthful and luminous.
~80% satisfied at 3+ monthsLong-Term Collagen Rebuilding
Sustained retinol use produces cumulative collagen synthesis benefits. Skin thickness, elasticity, and overall structural integrity continue to improve. This is where the most dramatic, lasting anti-aging results occur.
~90% report long-term satisfactionRatings by platform
17K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Exceptional value — clinical-grade retinol at a fraction of luxury brand prices
- Minimal ingredient list with zero unnecessary fillers
- Squalane carrier reduces the typical harshness of retinol formulas
- Clearly visible results on fine lines and skin texture
- Fragrance-free and suitable for fragrance-sensitive users
- Stable formula — water-free preserves retinol potency
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Transparent brand with straightforward labeling
Criticized
- Adjustment period (purging, dryness, redness) for new retinol users
- Requires refrigeration after opening — impractical for some
- Oily texture may feel heavy on already oily skin at first
- Only 30ml — small bottle for the price compared to some competitors
- Not suitable for pregnancy or breastfeeding
- No humectants — very dry skin types may need additional hydrating serums
- Packaging (dropper bottle) allows air exposure with each use
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Contains 1% retinol blend (mix of slow-release retinol and retinol) in a hydrating base with added squalane and hyaluronic acid. Water-based so slightly less stable than TO's oil formula, but more hydrating for dry skin types. Comparable results at a very similar price point.
Encapsulated retinol in a ceramide-rich formula with niacinamide and licorice extract. More moisturizing and gentler than TO 0.5%, but lower effective retinol concentration. Better option for sensitive or dry skin types who want less risk of irritation.
Lower retinol concentration (0.3%) combined with plant-based bakuchiol for a synergistic anti-aging effect. More hydrating base with peptides and antioxidants. Better for sensitive skin or those wanting a gentler introduction. Much pricier than The Ordinary's offering.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
3 MONTHS3 months after opening. The brand specifically recommends refrigerating this product after opening and using it within a 3-month period to preserve retinol potency and prevent oxidation.
Refrigerate after opening. Store away from direct light and heat. Keep in a cool, dark place (or the refrigerator) to maintain retinol stability. Retinol is sensitive to light, air, and elevated temperatures.
Amber glass dropper bottle (30 ml). The tinted glass provides light protection. However, the dropper-style opening exposes the formula to air with each use — be sure to close the cap tightly after dispensing.
Yes — 30 ml is under the 100 ml carry-on liquid limit for most airlines. Note that travel disrupts refrigeration, so limit travel exposure and use within a short period when traveling.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo. The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane contains pure Retinol, which is a retinoid (Vitamin A derivative). All retinoids — including topical retinol — are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Retinoids have been associated with teratogenic effects (potential birth defects), and even though topical absorption is lower than oral intake, the medical consensus is to avoid all retinoids during pregnancy and lactation. The brand explicitly states: "When pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid any skincare products containing retinoids." Consult your obstetrician or dermatologist for safe pregnancy-compatible alternatives such as bakuchiol serums.
This product is considered likely safe for most people with fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis) concerns. The formula does not contain ferments, polysorbates, fatty acid esters, or other known malassezia-feeding ingredients. Squalane itself is generally considered FA-safe when derived from plant sources (sugarcane or olive). However, jojoba oil (present in this formula) is technically a liquid wax, and while most FA-prone users tolerate it well, a small number of individuals report sensitivity. If you have active fungal acne, a patch test is recommended before full-face use.
Retinol and strong exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs like glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid) or vitamin C (especially L-ascorbic acid) can be used in the same routine, but not at the same time. Combining these on the same evening increases the risk of irritation, barrier disruption, and sensitivity. The recommended approach is to alternate evenings: use your AHA/BHA or vitamin C on one evening, and your retinol on the next. Using them at different times of day (e.g. vitamin C in the AM, retinol in the PM) also works. Do not use Retinol 0.5% alongside any other retinoid product simultaneously.
This product is best suited to normal, combination, oily, and mildly dry skin types with some previous retinol experience. It is especially effective for mature skin showing visible signs of aging such as fine lines, uneven texture, and hyperpigmentation. Oily and combination skin types often tolerate it very well due to squalane's non-comedogenic and sebum-balancing properties. Very sensitive or severely dry skin types may find 0.5% retinol too strong — starting with 0.2% and building tolerance is advisable for these skin types.
Most users begin noticing smoother skin texture and improved clarity within 3–4 weeks of consistent use. Visible reduction in fine lines typically becomes apparent around weeks 6–8. For more significant anti-aging benefits — including improved skin firmness, reduced hyperpigmentation, and meaningful wrinkle reduction — plan for 3–6 months of regular use. Retinol works cumulatively: the longer and more consistently you use it, the more pronounced the results. Patience and daily SPF use are key to seeing the best outcomes.
As an oil-based serum, Retinol 0.5% in Squalane should be applied after any water-based products (toners, essences, water serums) but before heavier moisturizers or occlusive creams. The recommended sequence is: Cleanser → Toner → Water-based serum (e.g. hyaluronic acid) → Retinol 0.5% in Squalane → Moisturizer. Always use in the PM only — never in the morning routine. Follow the next morning with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, as retinol increases UV sensitivity.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane has an overall comedogenic rating of approximately 1 out of 5, making it very unlikely to clog pores. Squalane (the primary ingredient) scores 0–1 and is universally considered non-comedogenic. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride also scores 0–1. Jojoba seed oil scores around 2, but is generally tolerated very well by acne-prone skin because it structurally resembles human sebum and does not trigger the same pore-clogging response as heavier plant oils. Retinol itself actually helps reduce comedone formation over time by normalizing the skin's cell turnover and sebum production.
The brand recommends using this product within 3 months of opening and refrigerating it after opening. This is shorter than the PAO of many skincare products because retinol is an inherently unstable molecule that degrades when exposed to light, air, and heat. Refrigeration slows this degradation and helps preserve potency for the full 3-month period. Using the product within 30ml (the full bottle) typically takes 1–3 months with regular use, making the 3-month recommendation practical for most users. If refrigeration is not possible, store in a cool, dark location and use promptly.
Verdict: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is one of the best value anti-aging serums available anywhere. For under $12, it delivers a clinically meaningful concentration of pure retinol in one of the most stable, skin-compatible bases possible. The formula's minimalism is its greatest strength — 8 well-chosen ingredients, zero unnecessary fillers, no fragrance, no gimmicks. The squalane base genuinely reduces the harshness typically associated with retinol, making it more approachable than many competitors. While it requires refrigeration and carries the same warnings as all retinoid products (avoid pregnancy, use SPF), these are standard precautions for any effective retinol. If you're an intermediate retinol user looking to step up from a 0.2% formula — or if you want the most cost-effective way to access proven anti-aging science — this product is a near-perfect choice. Pair it with a hydrating serum and a strong moisturizer, commit to daily SPF, and the results will follow.
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Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 9 |
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 0 |
Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
|
|
|
| 0 |
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial, Masking, Skin Conditioning
|
|