Common Name(s): Carica papaya enzyme,papaya protease
CAS Number: 9001-73-4
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Gently digests dead keratin proteins for enzymatic exfoliation without acid irritation.
Why It's Used: Gentle enzymatic exfoliant for acid-sensitive skin types requiring exfoliation without ph-dependent aha/bha irritation.
How It Works: Cysteine protease specifically cleaves peptide bonds in keratin proteins at neutral ph, dissolving corneocyte protein bridges without requiring acidic ph. activity is ph- and temperature-dependent (optimal ph 6.5, 37ยฐc). also gently solubilizes sebum plugs.
Typically Found In: Enzyme peels,gentle exfoliants,sensitive skin exfoliants,brightening masks
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ enzyme
Secondary Functions: Protein-specific exfoliation,neutral-ph keratolysis
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%โ10% (active enzyme)
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ from carica papaya latex
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived (papaya, pineapple) or fermentation-derived.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 2/5 โ low to moderate; potential sensitization with repeated exposure
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Patch test recommended; potential for enzymatic sensitization.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Use with caution โ potential sensitization
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Latex allergy cross-reactivity possible. avoid high concentrations on compromised skin.
Works Well With: Ahas (synergistic),hyaluronic acid,ceramides
Avoid Combining With: High concentrations on sensitive or compromised skin
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Papain's specificity for peptide bonds at hydrophobic residues (leu, phe, val) in keratin provides preferential digestion of the abundant hydrophobic corneocyte proteins, causing selective dissolution of corneocyte protein bridges without disrupting the non-protein lipid matrix of the stratum corneum.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,enzyme exfoliant review literature