Being able to read reviews and find top-rated products before making a purchase is incredibly empowering. It helps us narrow down our options, especially given the overwhelming number of products available nowadays. However, even the most popular products might not work for you if you suffer from fungal acne. This post covers five top-rated products to avoid if you have fungal acne and our recommendation on what to use instead.
I love looking at product reviews before deciding to purchase a product. Not only does it give me an indication of the product’s effectiveness, but going in-depth into the reviews also helps me get an idea if the product would work for my particular skin or hair type by reading about other people’s experiences. If you suffer from fungal acne, it is crucial to avoid products that contain ingredients that trigger and “feed” Malassezia. Just because something is a top-rated product and works for most people does not mean that it is fungal acne safe. So, it is not enough to skim through the top-rated products, but it’s essential to check if they are fungal acne safe!
To make things easier, I have gathered a list of the most popular skincare and beauty products currently on the market that you should AVOID if you have fungal acne. For each product, I have also included the ingredients that trigger fungal acne and an alternative fungal acne safe product that you can use instead.
Cerave Moisturizers
TOP-RATED
PRODUCT
Moisturizing
Lotion
by Cerave
FA-SAFE
RECOMMENDATION
Moisturizing
Cream
by Cerave
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate (Ester)
Polysorbate 20 (Ester)
Cerave brand products
Non-comedogenic
Contain Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid
Why it’s a great alternative:
If you are a fan of Cerave Daily Moisturizing Lotion, don’t be sad! Although it is not fungal acne safe, its sister product, Cerave Moisturizing Cream, is fungal acne safe and a fantastic alternative you can use instead! Both are non-comedogenic and contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Cleansing Lotions
TOP RATED
PRODUCT
Hydrating Facial
Cleanser
by Cerave
FA-SAFE
RECOMMENDATION
Extremely Gentle
Cleanser
by Avene
Glyceryl Stearate (Ester)
Peg-40 Stearate (Ester)
Polysorbate 20 (Ester)
Sulfate-Free
Alcohol-Free
Silicone-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Cruelty-Free
Why it’s a great alternative:
These gentle cleansing lotions are great for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. Both are formulated with minimal ingredients. The Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion from Avene has three notable advantages: (1) it is a no-rinse formula, which makes it easier to use, (2) it is paraben-free, and (3) it is fungal acne safe!
Hyaluronic Acid Gel Moisturizer
TOP RATED
PRODUCT
Hydro Boost
Gel Moisturizer
by Neutrogena
FA-SAFE
RECOMMENDATION
Skin Plumping
Gel Cream
by Hada Labo
Cetearyl Olivate (Ester)
Sorbitan Olivate (Ester)
Cruelty-Free
Paraben-Free
Sulfate-Free
Alcohol-Free
Why it’s a great alternative:
If you’re looking for a daily moisturizer similar to Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer, Hada Labo’s Skin Plumping Gel Cream is a fantastic alternative to try. Both are formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, an ingredient that provides extra hydration to the skin. This makes them excellent moisturizers for the winter months. The Skin Plumping Gel Cream has the bonus of containing Collagen, Arginine, and Ceramide – all of which have anti-aging benefits!
Niacinamide Moisturizer
TOP RATED
PRODUCT
Double Repair
Face Moisturizer
by La Roche-Posay
FA-SAFE
RECOMMENDATION
Hydrabio
Gel Cream Moisturizer
by Bioderma
Glyceryl Stearate Se (Ester)
Myristic Acid (Fatty Acid)
Myristyl Myristate (Ester)
Palmitic Acid (Fatty Acid)
Stearic Acid (Fatty Acid)
Contain Niacinamide
Cruelty-Free
Paraben-Free
Sulfate-Free
Alcohol-Free
Why it’s a great alternative:
If you’re looking for a fungal acne safe moisturizer suited for dry, sensitive skin, Bioderma’s Hydrabio Gel Cream is a wonderful option to try. It contains Niacinamide like La Roche Posay’s Double Repair Face Moisturizer, but it also has Salicylic Acid—a great acne-fighting ingredient.
Face Mists
TOP RATED
PRODUCT
Facial Spray
with Aloe
by Mario Badescu
FA-SAFE
RECOMMENDATION
Rose Hibiscus
Face Mist
by Herbivore
Polysorbate 20 (Ester)
Cruelty-Free
Paraben-Free
Sulfate-Free
Alcohol-Free
Silicone-Free
Why it’s a great alternative:
Formulated with only nine ingredients, Rose Hibiscus Face Mist by Herbivore is a beautiful facial spray that provides hydration and a feeling of renewal and refreshment. It’s a great alternative to the very popular Facial Spray by Mario Badescu, with the additional advantage of being fungal acne safe.