Papain
Proteolytic enzyme from papaya. Gently dissolves keratin of dead cells and works as a gentle alternative to acid peels.
Evidence by route
Topical application
The enzyme works more gently than acids, but some users develop contact urticaria. Allergy risk runs higher in people sensitive to latex and bromelain.
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Medium
- Allergen risk
- Moderate
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Suitable for
- Normal, Oily, Combination
- Use with caution
- Sensitive
About this ingredient
Papain is a proteolytic enzyme from the latex of papaya fruit and leaves (Carica papaya). In pharmaceuticals used for burns and surgical necrectomy. In cosmetics – a mild enzymatic peeling agent. Mechanism. Cleaves peptide bonds in stratum corneum proteins – dead corneocytes, without affecting living cells. An alternative to chemical AHA/BHA peels, milder in tolerance. Where applied. Enzymatic peels, masks, cleansing powders, scrubs. Concentration 0.1–2%. In Spain in Sesderma Acglicolic, Mesoestetic. Evidence base. Traversa 2013 RCT (n=30) showed texture and brightening improvement over 4 weeks with 1% papain. Less effective than glycolic and salicylic acids but better tolerated. No systematic review. Safety. CIR confirmed safety at cosmetic concentrations. In 5–10% of patients causes irritation and contact dermatitis. Cross-reaction in patients with latex and kiwi allergy. Pregnancy and lactation – use with caution. Oral papain and raw papaya are contraindicated in pregnancy – latex contains uterotonic components (carpaine). Topical use at cosmetic concentrations is likely safe, but AAD 2023 and SEGO 2023 recommend avoiding the face and abdomen. Alternative – PHA (gluconolactone), azelaic acid.
Frequently asked questions
Is Papain safe during pregnancy?
Papain should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
What skin types is Papain for?
Papain suits: normal, oily, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.
Can Papain irritate the skin?
Papain has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
What is Papain and what does it do in cosmetics?
Proteolytic enzyme from papaya.
What's the INCI name for Papain?
The INCI name is Papain.
See Papain in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar in action
Explore by category
Published: · updated: