Pa
Papain
PapainExfoliant
An enzyme from papaya that breaks down the proteins holding dead skin cells together, so they shed. Careful if you’re allergic to latex.
What it does
It exfoliates by breaking down the proteins that hold dead skin cells together, instead of using acid or scrubbing. How well it works depends on the product’s pH, heat and packaging. If you’re allergic to latex, be careful: people with a latex allergy have reacted to papain, though it’s uncommon.
The evidence, graded
emergingPapain's proteolytic activity on skin proteins is demonstrated in vitro, and electron micrographs showed exfoliating activity on skin surface. Its activity is strongly dependent on concentration, pH and contact time — and keratin was the LEAST readily hydrolyzed of the substrates tested, not the most.Trevisol 2022 · International journal of cosmetic science ↗
Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.
Also known as
papaya enzyme, carica papaya enzyme, papaya extract enzyme
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