The Fungal-Acne-Safe K-Beauty Shelf

For about a year I treated the little bumps on my forehead as acne. I used everything you'd use on acne. They got worse, and in summer they got a lot worse.

They weren't acne. This is the fungal acne safe skincare shelf I ended up with once I figured that out, and it's much shorter than the one I started with.

Okay, so what it actually is

Fungal acne isn't really acne. It's a yeast that already lives on everyone's skin, quietly overgrowing, usually somewhere warm and sweaty. The tell is that the bumps are all the same small size, they itch a bit, and they come in clusters instead of one angry spot.

The annoying part is that a lot of very good skincare feeds it. Plenty of oils and esters are basically snacks for the yeast, so the richer my routine got, the happier the bumps were. What finally worked was taking things away.

The boring cleanser doing most of the work

Beplain Mung Bean cleansing foam and SKIN1004 centella ampoule foam — Beplain Mung Bean foam on the shelf

Sweat and oil have to come off, but a harsh cleanser wrecks your barrier and then everything afterwards stings. Beplain Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam is low-pH, so skin gets clean without that tight feeling.

It's the least exciting thing I own. The trick for me was timing: wash the same evening you sweat, not the next morning. Sleeping in it is what sets off a flare.

The one I've repurchased the most

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule, the serum step of a fungal-acne-safe routine — SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule

Centella takes redness and irritation down without feeding the yeast, so it's close to ideal here. The plain SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule is thin and goes under anything.

I pat two or three drops onto damp skin right after cleansing, and that covers my whole face. Someone stuck a very dramatic label on it for our shoot photo. I didn't write it, but I'm not going to argue.

For the nights I can't be bothered

Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam (125ml) by Skin1004 at Baerry — Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam (125ml)

If you'd rather not add another layer at all, the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam puts the centella into the wash step instead.

Just know it replaces your cleanser, it doesn't go on top of it. I made the mistake of double foaming with this and the mung bean one for a week and my skin felt squeaky in the bad way.

Water, not oil

Purito Wonder Releaf Centella Toner Unscented on the shelf — Purito Wonder Releaf Centella Toner Unscented

When skin is irritated, the instinct is to put something rich on it. With fungal acne that usually backfires. You want water, not oil.

Purito Wonder Releaf Centella Toner Unscented is the layer I stopped skipping. Unscented matters when your barrier is already annoyed. I press it in with my palms while my face is still damp, or use a cotton pad if I'm feeling fancy.

A gel, because July

Purito Oat-in Calming Gel Cream, a light gel rather than a rich cream — Purito Oat-in Calming Gel Cream

A gel cream seals the water in and feels like nothing, which in July is the only kind of moisturiser I'll actually use. Oat is calming, and the gel texture means you're not layering oils back onto the problem.

Purito Oat-in Calming Gel Cream needs less than you think. Thin layer, patted in. If your face still feels tacky after five minutes, you used too much.

Exfoliating, but gently (I learned)

Once things calm down, a little exfoliation stops dead skin building up over the bumps. Mandelic acid is the big, slow, least irritating acid, which is exactly what you want.

This is not the moment for a strong acid. I tried that and it set me back a month. By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid Gentle Exfoliating Toner twice a week at night is plenty, and I skip it on any night my skin already feels tight.

Or just use a pad

Same step, less thinking. EQQUALBERRY Swimming Pool Toner Pads are for when you want it done in one swipe.

One pad, one pass, and don't go back over the same spot. Re-swiping is how gentle stops being gentle. Twice a week, same as the toner.

The stuff that wasn't a product

Two things helped more than any bottle: changing my pillowcase way more often, and not sitting around in a damp gym top after class.

And if it isn't getting better after a few weeks, please see a dermatologist. Fungal acne often needs an antifungal to properly clear, and skincare can only take it so far.

If you want to poke around for your own version of this shelf, here's all our skincare.

FAQ

What is fungal acne?

It's an overgrowth of yeast in the hair follicles that looks like small, uniform, itchy bumps. It responds to gentle, non-feeding skincare rather than typical acne products.

Which ingredients should I avoid?

Many oils, esters and fatty acids can feed it. Lightweight, barrier-calming formulas like centella and mild toners are safer bets.

Is centella good for fungal acne?

Centella (cica) soothes redness and supports the barrier without feeding the yeast, which makes it a popular fungal-acne-friendly ingredient.

How fast will Baerry ship these?

Usually about 5 to 7 business days, direct from Seoul with no surprise customs fees.

Written by Esther Kim

Esther has been working inside Korean beauty brands for five years—since before K-beauty became the global phenomenon it is today. She’s watched it go from a niche discovery overseas to something everyone wants a piece of, with plenty of launches, viral moments, and overhyped products along the way. She brings that insider perspective to Baerry, along with very ESTP energy, a love for all things cute, and a desk that’s always overflowing with snacks.