In our reference data, Palm Oil can feed Malassezia (fungal acne).
Palm oil is a plant-derived fatty oil rich in palmitic and oleic acids, used in skincare as an emollient, occlusive, and base for soaps and creams. It softens skin and helps reduce moisture loss but offers no specific therapeutic action.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Comedogenicity (clogged pores) | Common | High palmitic acid content can promote pore blockage, especially in acne-prone skin. |
Contact irritation | Uncommon | Mild irritation possible, often related to impurities or processing residues rather than the oil itself. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization to palm oil or its derivatives is infrequently reported. |
Worsening of seborrheic or oily skin conditions | Uncommon | Occlusive heavy oils may aggravate already oily or congested skin. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.