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Common Name(s): Papaya extract,papaw extract
CAS Number: 94349-61-8
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides papain-based enzymatic exfoliation alongside natural vitamin c and carotenoid antioxidants.
Why It's Used: Tropical enzyme exfoliant with natural vitamin c, beta-carotene, and papain for combined brightening and enzymatic renewal.
How It Works: Papain provides keratin-specific enzymatic exfoliation (see papain entry). beta-carotene provides photoprotective antioxidant activity. vitamin c from fresh papaya provides brightening and collagen cofactor activity.
Typically Found In: Tropical enzyme peels,natural brightening masks
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ brightening / tyrosinase inhibitor
Secondary Functions: Melanin inhibition,hyperpigmentation reduction
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%โ15%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ from carica papaya fruit
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Synthetic or plant-derived.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. use with spf for maximum efficacy. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Niacinamide,vitamin c,alpha-arbutin,tranexamic acid,spf
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Fresh papaya fruit extract contains both functional papain enzyme and ~75mg/100g vitamin c โ more than oranges. processing conditions determine whether both activities are preserved: high-heat processing destroys both, while aqueous cold extraction can retain both, making processing conditions critical for extract bioactivity.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cir safety assessment