Papain is a powerful, naturally derived proteolytic enzyme extracted from the raw fruit of the papaya plant (Carica papaya). Its key cosmetic efficacy lies in its ability to selectively digest dead keratin proteins on the skin’s surface, providing gentle, non-abrasive exfoliation. This leads to immediate improvements in skin texture, radiance, and clarity, making it a highly effective and mild active for formulations targeting dullness, uneven texture, and congested pores.
| INCI Name | Papain |
|---|---|
| CAS No. | 9001-73-4 |
| Origin | Extracted from Carica papaya fruit |
| Appearance | Light yellow to pale beige powder |
| Enzyme Activity | ≥ 1000 U/mg (customizable) |
| Odor | Mild characteristic fruity scent |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in water, suitable for aqueous formulations |
| Recommended Usage | 0.1% – 1% |
| pH Stability | 4.0 – 7.0 |
| Packaging | 1kg / 5kg / 25kg foil bags or fiber drums |
In the current prestige skincare market, formulators face an ongoing compromise: select harsh chemical exfoliants (AHAs/BHAs) that provide results but risk compromising the skin barrier, or choose botanical extracts that are too unstable and weak to offer meaningful turnover. For high-end R&D, this inconsistency is the primary bottleneck in developing truly effective, non-irritating resurfacing treatments. Our high-activity Papain is the professional-grade solution. Unlike commodity enzymes that suffer from rapid activity decay, our standardized Papain offers high-precision proteolytic performance, enabling your team to formulate stable, enzymatic peels and polishing treatments that deliver professional-grade desquamation with the gentleness required for reactive, sensitive skin.
Precision Proteolytic Performance: Scientifically standardized to specific enzyme activity units (USP/FCC), ensuring the selective hydrolysis of keratinized protein bonds. This provides a uniform, controlled desquamation of the stratum corneum that is significantly gentler than acid-based peeling.
Controlled Cell Turnover: Clinical trials demonstrate a measurable increase in the rate of corneocyte desquamation, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion immediately following application without damaging the underlying viable epidermal layers.
Enhanced Bioactive Penetration: By effectively dissolving the “dead cell” barrier, our Papain prepares the skin matrix for optimal absorption of subsequent high-potency actives (e.g., Vitamin C, Peptides), maximizing the overall ROI of your treatment formulations.
Low-Irritation Profile: Validated for superior compatibility with compromised or highly sensitive skin, providing an elegant, non-acidic resurfacing mechanism that minimizes post-exfoliation erythema.
| Parameter | Specification |
| Active Marker | High-Activity Papain (Standardized Units) |
| Enzyme Class | Cysteine Protease |
| Physical Form | High-Activity Powder |
| Solubility | Water soluble |
| Recommended Dosage | 0.1% – 2.0% |
| pH Stability | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Storage | Cool, dark, dry place |
Accelerate your R&D pipeline with these strategically optimized pairings designed to deliver market-leading, high-performance exfoliation:
The “Anhydrous Enzyme” Polish: Combine with Kaolin and Rice Starch in a water-free powder formula. This is the ultimate stability solution; the Papain remains inactive in the anhydrous state and only activates upon contact with water at the moment of use, ensuring maximum potency for every application.
The “Refining Barrier” Treatment: Pair with Allantoin and Bisabolol. This synergy allows for powerful enzymatic resurfacing while simultaneously calming the skin; the Papain clears pore congestion, while the Allantoin and Bisabolol neutralize irritation, making it perfect for sensitive/redness-prone skin.
The “Dual-Action” Brightening Mask: Integrate into Niacinamide-rich gels. By pairing Papain with Niacinamide, you create a comprehensive radiance system: Papain removes the dull, dead cell surface, and Niacinamide improves barrier cohesion and uniformity, resulting in a smooth, luminous, and refined skin texture.
Our production standards reflect the precision required by global beauty brands, ensuring total supply chain confidence:
ISO 9001
ISO 22000
COSMOS
HALAL
IQNET
Our comprehensive technical dossier—including TDS, MSDS, and COA—is available to support your regulatory and safety assessment requirements.
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