Pa
Papaya Extract
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit ExtractExfoliant
Fruit extract carrying the enzyme papain. Mild proteolytic exfoliant; gentler than acid exfoliants.
What it does
Papaya extract carries papain, a proteolytic enzyme that loosens dead skin proteins. As a topical exfoliant it's milder than AHA or BHA acids and tolerated by sensitive skin that finds glycolic acid too irritating. Common in masks and gentle daily exfoliants. Effects are gradual — enzymes need time to work.
The evidence, graded
strongAHAs and BHAs show texture and brightness improvements in 2–4 weeks. Deeper benefits — acne reduction, fine line softening, pigmentation lightening — take 8–12 weeks of consistent use.Smith 1996 · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ↗
Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.
Also known as
carica papaya
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