Papain

Papain at a Glance

• An enzyme derived from papaya latex
• Has exfoliating properties when applied topically
• Can sensitize and irritate skin since it just keeps exfoliating
• Promotes dryness through increasing transepidermal water loss

Papain Description

Papain is an enzyme derived from latex found within papaya fruits. It’s typically used in skin care as an exfoliating agent.

Papain breaks down the adhesive proteins to help relieve skin’s surface of dead, dull cells. Exfoliation of dead skin cells can improve skin’s texture and promote an even tone. The catch? It must be a controlled experience, and that’s not the case with papain. Applied to skin, it just keeps “eating” cells, and that can lead to visible problems.

Although touted as a gentle, natural exfoliant, papain is a proven skin-sensitizer and can cause redness, itchiness, itchiness and dryness when applied topically. A study published in 2015 that explored papain’s impact on skin revealed that the ingredient can compromise the skin barrier, increase transepidermal water loss, cause visible reactions and degrade skin proteins.

It’s especially sensitizing when used in high concentrations or when applied directly from raw papaya.

As a raw material papain appears as a white-to-light-yellow powder. Supplies of papain recommend using 0.1%-0.5% concentrations of the ingredient in daily usage products and 0.5%-2.0% in more intense, weekly use products. We advise avoiding it in any amount!

Papain References