When managing fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis), choosing the right moisturizer is crucial. Choose a light moisturizer or a serum. The best moisturizers for fungal acne provide hydration and barrier support without feeding the yeast that drives this condition. Look for products that are oil-free, non-comedogenic, and free of esters, polysorbates, and fermented ingredients.

Several dermatologist-recommended products fit these criteria. EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex is a standout because it restores the skin barrier with ceramides and niacinamide—without using oils or esters that fuel Malassezia. It’s lightweight and ideal for sensitive or inflamed skin. Neocutis Hyalis+ Intensive Hydrating Serum uses pharmaceutical-grade hyaluronic acid to boost hydration at the surface and deeper layers of the skin. Because it’s free of fungal-acne triggers, it delivers powerful moisture without clogging pores.

Replenix Caffeine Fortified Calming Serum is another excellent choice. It contains calming green tea polyphenols and caffeine to reduce redness and irritation, and it uses a clean, minimalist formula that avoids problematic oils. Replenix Age Restore Bio-Repair Serum provides anti-aging benefits while remaining fungal-acne safe, thanks to its oil-free, non-comedogenic formula rich in peptides and antioxidants. All of these options offer hydration and skin-repair support while minimizing the risk of Malassezia overgrowth.

If you have fungal acne, it’s important to avoid ingredients that can feed the yeast (Malassezia) responsible for this condition. These include fatty acids, fatty acid esters, and natural oils that contain high levels of long-chain fatty acids—typically those with carbon chain lengths between C12 and C24. Malassezia uses these lipids as a food source, so applying them to the skin can worsen or prolong breakouts. Common examples of long-chain fatty acids to avoid include oleic acid (C18:1), stearic acid (C18:0), palmitic acid (C16:0), and lauric acid (C12:0). Oils rich in these fatty acids—such as coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, argan oil, marula oil, and shea butter—should generally be avoided unless you are under consistent antifungal treatment.

In contrast, short-chain fatty acids like acetic acid (C2), propionic acid (C3), and butyric acid (C4) are not used by Malassezia as a growth substrate and are usually safe for fungal-acne-prone skin.

Humectants are an excellent choice for hydrating skin affected by fungal acne because they draw water into the skin without feeding Malassezia, the yeast responsible for this condition. Unlike occlusives, which form a heavy barrier and often contain oils or fatty acids that can support yeast growth, humectants work by attracting moisture from the environment or deeper skin layers to the surface. This provides essential hydration without creating a lipid-rich environment where Malassezia thrives. Ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, and panthenol are well-tolerated and effective at relieving dryness and maintaining barrier function.

Antimicrobial ingredients like sulfur, selenium sulfide, sodium hypochlorite, and benzoyl peroxide can be effective in reducing yeast counts on the skin, including Malassezia, the organism responsible for fungal acne. Sulfur has natural antifungal and keratolytic properties, helping to exfoliate dead skin cells while directly suppressing yeast. Selenium sulfide, commonly found in anti-dandruff shampoos, works by slowing the growth of Malassezia and disrupting its metabolic processes, making it a strong option for topical use in oily or yeast-prone areas. Sodium hypochlorite, often used in low concentrations in dermatologic cleansers, acts as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, reducing bacterial and fungal load on the skin. Benzoyl peroxide, while primarily known for its antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes, also exerts a drying and oxygenating effect that can indirectly reduce yeast proliferation in clogged follicles.