Protein-digesting enzyme that gently loosens surface dead skin; milder than acid exfoliants. Enzymes can act as sensitisers, particularly as inhaled powder during formulation; finished topical products generally well tolerated
Function & Common Use
Enzymatic exfoliant, keratolytic active
Active Ingredient
Enzyme exfoliating masks and cleansers, powder exfoliants, brightening peels
Plant derived (papaya latex)
Concentration Limits
Not verified in source checked
No limit specified
No limit established
Not verified in source checked
Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified for topical cosmetic use
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Papain safe to use in skincare?
Papain has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Protein-digesting enzyme that gently loosens surface dead skin; milder than acid exfoliants. Enzymes can act as sensitisers, particularly as inhaled powder during formulation; finished topical products generally well tolerated
Is Papain allowed in India?
Papain is currently classified as "Not specifically restricted in source checked; traditional cosmetic/Ayurvedic botanical with long history of use; no known CDSCO restriction" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is Not verified in source checked.
What is Papain used for in cosmetics?
Papain functions as: Enzymatic exfoliant, keratolytic active. It is commonly found in: Enzyme exfoliating masks and cleansers, powder exfoliants, brightening peels.
Can Papain cause an allergic reaction?
Yes. Papain has an allergen flag (Respiratory/skin sensitiser potential (enzyme); patch test advised; avoid inhalation of powder). If you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/contact allergies, patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.
Regulatory Status
Not specifically restricted in source checked; traditional cosmetic/Ayurvedic botanical with long history of use; no known CDSCO restriction
Permitted - listed in EU CosIng; not in Annex II or Annex III
Permitted for cosmetic use; no restriction identified
Not specifically restricted in source checked; general cosmetic ingredient under MFDS negative list system
Permitted as cosmetic ingredient under AICIS; no specific restriction found
Not verified in source checked
EU Annex: None
Identifiers
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