Ingredient glossary
Papain
INCI: Papain · Also: Papaya Enzyme
Promising, not proven
Does Papain clash with what you already use? Check it →Early signs are interesting, but the proof is not in yet. Worth watching, not worth a premium.
What it does
- enzymatic exfoliation
- keratolysis
weak evidenceEnzyme peel literature and cosmetic texts describe papain-based peels as providing modest smoothing and pigment benefits at low concentrations with fewer barrier changes than strong acids yet controlled comparative trials are sparse.
On a label: usually effective at 0.1-1%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- normal
- oily
- combo
Approach with care
- very sensitive
- rosacea
- compromised barrier
- papaya allergy
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskModerate
Pregnancy: Check with your doctor before using during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Plays well with
- humectants
- soothing agents
This, for every label you own
One ingredient is easy. A full label is where it gets confusing. The Ingredient Decoder reads any product and tells you the honest truth, ingredient by ingredient.
Educational information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice.