Papain (Carina papaya latex protease) as a Topical Active: Mechanisms & Evidence-based Skin Benefits
The product is a special type of Papain that passed through stabilization process allowing the papain solution be stable in all formulation that have pH range 4-6
1. What papain does on skin
Papain is a cysteine endopeptidase that cleaves the peptide bridges binding corneocytes, digests necrotic proteins in wounds and modulates pro-inflammatory pathways (e.g., NF-κB, MAPK). These actions translate into three main skin-care domains: enzymatic exfoliation/brightening, wound debridement & tissue repair, and anti-inflammatory/anti-scarring effects. Optimum activity lies around pH 5–7 and 30–60 °C; activity is quickly lost if the enzyme is not protected (or stabilized).
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| Benefit |
Key findings & models |
Representative studies* |
| Gentle enzymatic exfoliation / surface renewal |
In vitro and in vivo studies show papain loosens corneodesmosomes without the inflammation associated with α-hydroxy acids, leading to smoother texture and better luminosity. |
“An Overview of the Use of Proteolytic Enzymes as Exfoliating Agents,” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022, Li et al. |
| Enzymatic debridement & wound-healing acceleration |
2 % papain gel reduced chronic venous-ulcer area 41 % within 12 weeks versus 18 % in controls (randomised trial, n = 60). Similar benefits shown for diabetic and pressure ulcers. |
A. S. Rodrigues Luiza et al., “Effectiveness of Papain Gel in Venous Ulcer Treatment: Randomized Clinical Trial,” Rev. Latino-Am. Enfermagem 23(3):458-65, 2015. |
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Combined papain-urea ointment produces rapid selective digestion of necrotic tissue while sparing viable dermis. |
A. Alvarez et al., “Evaluation of Papain–Urea for Enzymatic Debridement of Necrotic Tissue,” Advances in Skin & Wound Care, 2024. |
| Anti-inflammatory & barrier-restoring activity |
0.5 % topical papain suppressed IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in house-dust-mite induced atopic-dermatitis mice, normalised TEWL and erythema. |
H-M Kim et al., “Papain Suppresses Atopic Skin Inflammation through Anti-Inflammatory Activities,” Antioxidants 13(8):928, 2024. |
| Scar remodelling |
Elastic liposomes loaded with papain (PEL, 0.1 %) reduced hypertrophic-scar thickness by 38 % and improved collagen alignment after 28 days in a rabbit-ear model. |
Y-Y Chen et al., “A Novel Elastic Liposome for Skin Delivery of Papain and Its Application on Hypertrophic Scar,” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 87:82-91, 2017. |
| Enhanced delivery & reduced irritation via vesicular carriers |
Transferosomes and liposomes delivered active papain through intact stratum corneum while preventing surface erosion seen with free enzyme. |
R. Borghi-Silva et al., “Liposomes and Transferosomes in the Delivery of Papain for the Treatment of Skin Disorders,” Pharmaceutics, 2023. |
Usage: For exfoliating products.
Mixing method: Mix in water (water-phase), avoid heat exceeding 40 degrees.
Usage rate: 1-5%
Product characteristics: Light-colored liquid
Solubility: Soluble in water.
Storage: Can be stored in a cool place (refrigerated recommended). Close the bottle tightly and keep away from sunlight, air or heat. The product has a shelf life of at least 2 years.
INCI Name: Water, Propylene Glycol, Dextrin, Papain, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
