Characteristics
- INCI
- Papain
- CAS
-
9001-73-4
This is the substance number in the Chemical Abstracts Service registry. The CAS number uniquely identifies a substance regardless of language, trade name, or synonyms.
- EC
-
232-627-2
This is the substance number in the European chemical identification system (EC number), used in European regulatory databases including ECHA/CosIng.
- Functions
- antistatic, hair conditioning, skin conditioning
- Irritancy
-
0 / 5
Irritation potential: 0–5, where 5 is the highest irritation rating for the ingredient.
More detail → - Comedogen.
-
0 / 5
Comedogenicity index: 0–5. A non-comedogenic ingredient (0–1) is unlikely to cause cosmetic acne.
More detail →
Who it's for
Description
Papain is a natural enzyme extracted from papaya fruit. In skincare, it’s best known as a gentle exfoliating ingredient: it helps break down dead surface cells and loosen the buildup that can make skin look dull or feel rough. Because it works enzymatically rather than by scrubbing, papain is often found in cleansers, masks, and peels aimed at smoothing texture and boosting radiance.
For skin, papain can be a good fit if you want a softer, brighter-looking complexion or if you prefer exfoliation without gritty particles. It may also help other products absorb more evenly by clearing away surface debris. In hair care, papain is sometimes used in scalp products to help remove buildup and support a cleaner-feeling scalp. People with sensitive skin may still want to be cautious, since any exfoliant can be irritating for some.
Caveat: papain is derived from papaya, so anyone with a known papaya or latex-related sensitivity should check labels carefully. As with many active ingredients, how it feels depends on the formula and how often it’s used.
Products with Papain (944 total)
Most often found in Dewytree products (14 items)
