fatty alcohol
C18 fatty alcohol; same Malassezia-feeding mechanism as cetyl alcohol. Used as an emollient and viscosity modifier. Problematic specifically for seborrheic dermatitis-prone skin.
Stearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol backed by early but promising evidence (evidence tier 3 of 4). We track 2 studies for it, 2 reporting a positive effect.
Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology · 2015 · systematic review
Review documenting stearyl alcohol as a Malassezia-feeding ingredient in seborrheic dermatitis; categorizes it among fatty alcohols that should be avoided in Malassezia-safe skincare routines; provides a framework for identifying seb derm-safe alternatives
Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings · 2005 · systematic review
DeAngelis et al. show Malassezia depends on host sebaceous lipids: it secretes lipases that hydrolyze sebum triglycerides into free fatty acids (notably oleic acid), which provoke seborrheic dermatitis in susceptible individuals; supports caution with lipid-rich, fatty-acid-yielding ingredients in seb-derm-prone skin.
In 789 products — most often moisturizers (381), serums (143), sunscreens (102), from $3.95 to $736.60. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.
ELEMIS
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads (14 Pads)
Serum – for Dryness, Dark spots & hyperpigmentation
$25.00
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Psoriasis (Lactic Acid and Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance); Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance); Seborrheic Dermatitis (Shea Butter and Stearyl Alcohol)
ELEMIS
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads (14 Pads)
Serum – for Dryness, Dark spots & hyperpigmentation
$25.00
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Psoriasis (Lactic Acid and Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance); Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance); Seborrheic Dermatitis (Shea Butter and Stearyl Alcohol)
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads (14 Pads) is a exfoliant by ELEMIS. Key ingredients include Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Lactic Acid.
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Eucerin
Eucerin Sun Gel Cream Dry Touch SPF50+ 200ml
Moisturizer
$20.96200ml · $0.10/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Stearyl Alcohol and Glyceryl Stearate); Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance)
Eucerin
Eucerin Sun Gel Cream Dry Touch SPF50+ 200ml
Moisturizer
$20.96200ml · $0.10/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Stearyl Alcohol and Glyceryl Stearate); Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance)
Eucerin Sun Gel Cream Dry Touch SPF50+ 200ml is a spf moisturiser by Eucerin. Key ingredients include Water, Homosalate, Alcohol Denat.
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Set up your skin profileLancôme
Rénergie Multi-Action Lift And Firm Anti-Aging Night Cream Moisturizer - 2.6 oz
Moisturizer
$180.0076.9ml · $2.34/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate and Stearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum)
Lancôme
Rénergie Multi-Action Lift And Firm Anti-Aging Night Cream Moisturizer - 2.6 oz
Moisturizer
$180.0076.9ml · $2.34/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate and Stearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum)
Rénergie Multi-Action Lift And Firm Anti-Aging Night Cream Moisturizer - 2.6 oz is a peptide serum by Lancôme. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol.
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Set up your skin profileKate Somerville
EradiKate 3% Sulfur Daily Foaming Cleanser - 4.0 oz
Cleanser
$46.00118.3ml · $0.39/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Stearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance)
Kate Somerville
EradiKate 3% Sulfur Daily Foaming Cleanser - 4.0 oz
Cleanser
$46.00118.3ml · $0.39/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Stearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance)
EradiKate 3% Sulfur Daily Foaming Cleanser - 4.0 oz is a water cleanser by Kate Somerville. Key ingredients include Coco-Glucoside, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin.
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Set up your skin profileFresh
Lotus Youth Preserve Line & Texture Smoothing Moisturizer - 1.6 oz
Moisturizer
$59.0047.3ml · $1.25/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol); Rosacea (Citrus Oils and Limonene)
Fresh
Lotus Youth Preserve Line & Texture Smoothing Moisturizer - 1.6 oz
Moisturizer
$59.0047.3ml · $1.25/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol); Rosacea (Citrus Oils and Limonene)
Lotus Youth Preserve Line & Texture Smoothing Moisturizer - 1.6 oz is a antioxidant serum by Fresh. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol.
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ELEMIS
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash (200ml)
Cleanser – for Dryness
$57.00200ml · $0.28/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance); Seborrheic Dermatitis (Glyceryl Stearate, Shea Butter and Stearyl Alcohol)
ELEMIS
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash (200ml)
Cleanser – for Dryness
$57.00200ml · $0.28/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance); Seborrheic Dermatitis (Glyceryl Stearate, Shea Butter and Stearyl Alcohol)
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash (200ml) is a water cleanser by ELEMIS. Key ingredients include Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine.
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ELEMIS
Elemis Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator (100ml)
Exfoliant – for Dryness
$80.00100ml · $0.80/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Sweet Almond Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol and Jojoba Oil); Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance and Menthol)
ELEMIS
Elemis Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator (100ml)
Exfoliant – for Dryness
$80.00100ml · $0.80/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Sweet Almond Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol and Jojoba Oil); Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance and Menthol)
Elemis Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator (100ml) is a exfoliant by ELEMIS. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sweet Almond Oil.
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Lancôme
Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Lift Night Cream 50ml
Moisturizer
$92.4650ml · $1.85/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate and Stearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum)
Lancôme
Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Lift Night Cream 50ml
Moisturizer
$92.4650ml · $1.85/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate and Stearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Petrolatum)
Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Lift Night Cream 50ml is a peptide serum by Lancôme. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol.
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Estée Lauder
Moisturizer
$57.1550ml · $1.14/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Linoleic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate and Stearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Isopropyl Myristate and Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance)
Estée Lauder
Moisturizer
$57.1550ml · $1.14/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Linoleic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate and Stearyl Alcohol); Perioral Dermatitis (Isopropyl Myristate and Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance); Melasma (Fragrance)
Estée Lauder DayWear Sheer Tint Release Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer SPF15 50ml is a spf moisturiser by Estée Lauder. Key ingredients include Octinoxate, Octisalate, Dimethicone.
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Wella Professionals Care
Wella Professionals Care Oil Reflections Luminous Reboost Mask 150ml
Serum
$29.97150ml · $0.20/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Stearyl Alcohol and Cetyl Alcohol); Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Propylene Glycol); Rosacea (Propylene Glycol and Linalool)
Wella Professionals Care
Wella Professionals Care Oil Reflections Luminous Reboost Mask 150ml
Serum
$29.97150ml · $0.20/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Stearyl Alcohol and Cetyl Alcohol); Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Propylene Glycol); Rosacea (Propylene Glycol and Linalool)
Wella Professionals Care Oil Reflections Luminous Reboost Mask 150ml is a antioxidant serum by Wella Professionals Care. Key ingredients include Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Panthenol.
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Set up your skin profileEducational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.