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Exfoliant

Papain

A cysteine protease enzyme from papaya fruit that gently dissolves dead skin cells by breaking down keratin proteins — a natural enzymatic exfoliant with brightening and anti-inflammatory properties.

Enzymatic ExfoliantBrighteningKeratolyticNatural Enzyme
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

A papaya-derived protease enzyme that selectively dissolves dead keratin protein in the stratum corneum — a natural, pH-flexible enzymatic alternative to acid exfoliants.

Enzymatically dissolves dead skin cell keratin for gentle exfoliation and brightening, without the pH sensitivity of acid exfoliants — also reducing bradykinin-mediated inflammation.

Key Benefits

✦
Enzymatic Exfoliation
Selectively cleaves denatured keratin in dead skin cells — removing dullness without disrupting living epidermal cells.
◈
pH Flexibility
Active at near-neutral pH — can exfoliate effectively in leave-on products without the acid irritation risk of AHAs.
✧
Brightening
Accelerated cell turnover and reduction of PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) through regular enzymatic exfoliation.
◉
Anti-Inflammatory
Degrades bradykinin (inflammatory mediator) — reducing skin inflammation and sensitivity associated with acne and rosacea.

Suitable for

Dull skinSensitive skin (as alternative to acid exfoliants)Acne-prone skinSkin with PIH

Main Actions

✓ Enzymatic exfoliation✓ Keratolytic✓ Brightening✓ Anti-inflammatory
Compatibility Note

Papain is deactivated by peroxide (avoid with benzoyl peroxide formulations) and by very high temperatures. Not suitable for latex-allergic individuals (cross-reactivity possible). Works well combined with bromelain for enhanced enzymatic exfoliation.

CategoryExfoliants

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Papain do for skin?
Enzymatically dissolves dead skin cell keratin for gentle exfoliation and brightening, without the pH sensitivity of acid exfoliants — also reducing bradykinin-mediated inflammation.
Who should use Papain?
Papain is suitable for: Dull skin, Sensitive skin (as alternative to acid exfoliants), Acne-prone skin, Skin with PIH.
Are there any warnings about Papain?
Papain is deactivated by peroxide (avoid with benzoyl peroxide formulations) and by very high temperatures. Not suitable for latex-allergic individuals (cross-reactivity possible). Works well combined with bromelain for enhanced enzymatic exfoliation.

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