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Papaya Extract
ORY® product lines:
☑ Skincare
☑ Haircare (scalp exfoliation; limited)
☑ Handmade Soap (fruit purée; enzyme inactive)
☑ Cosmetics (limited: exfoliating primers/masks) — dual-use ingredient with enzyme-stability limits
Papaya extract comes from the fruit of Carica papaya and is best known for papain, a proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzyme that dissolves the keratin bonds holding dead surface cells — a gentle, acid-free alternative to AHA exfoliation. Papain and papaya latex have demonstrated wound-healing and debriding activity in animal models [1], and the fruit is rich in vitamin C, carotenoids (lycopene, beta-carotene), and flavonoids with antioxidant and brightening effects [2]. Papaya is a mainstay of enzyme masks and peels for dull, congested skin and is used in scalp exfoliants. Because papain is deactivated by heat, alkaline pH, and time, it works in fresh masks, low-temperature leave-ons, and powders — not in cold-process soap, where papaya contributes fruit sugars and label appeal only.
What is Papaya Extract made of?
Papaya extract is prepared from ripe or green fruit (green fruit and latex are richer in papain) by juicing, water/glycerin extraction, or freeze-drying; papain is separately purified. Constituents [2]:
- Papain and chymopapain (cysteine proteases): Enzymatic exfoliants; wound-debriding.
- Vitamin C: Antioxidant, brightening, collagen-supporting.
- Carotenoids (lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene): Antioxidant, photoprotective; orange color.
- Flavonoids and phenolic acids: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant.
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (malic, citric) and sugars: Mild exfoliation and humectancy.
- Papaya seed oil (separate): Oleic-rich emollient.
What skin type is best suited for Papaya Extract?
Papaya is an exfoliant for dull, congested, and uneven skin; sensitivity dictates frequency:
- Oily: Enzymatic exfoliation clears congestion without acids.
- Combination: Brightening enzyme masks.
- Normal: Weekly glow treatment.
- Acne-prone: Loosens dead cells and sebum plugs; anti-inflammatory flavonoids.
- Mature: Smooths texture and brightens; vitamin C and carotenoid antioxidants.
- Dry: Gentle exfoliation in a hydrating base; rinse promptly.
- Sensitive: Gentler than acids but papain can irritate; short contact, patch test; avoid on active eczema.
What hair type is best suited for Papaya Extract?
Papaya enzymes exfoliate the scalp and dissolve buildup:
- Dandruff-prone scalp: Enzyme scalp masks loosen flakes and dead cells.
- Oily scalp: Dissolves protein/sebum buildup.
- Straight and wavy: Pre-shampoo enzyme scalp treatment.
- Curly and coily: Occasional buildup-clearing scalp mask; condition after.
- Sensitive scalp: Short contact, low level.
- Dry or damaged, color-treated, mature or thinning: Scalp-only, occasional; keep enzymes off the fiber (protein digestion can weaken hair).
What are the benefits of Papaya Extract?
Papaya’s benefits combine enzymatic exfoliation with antioxidant nutrition [1–3]:
- Enzymatic exfoliation: Papain digests dead surface keratin for smoother, brighter skin without acids.
- Wound healing and debridement: Papaya latex and papain accelerated healing in burn models [1].
- Brightening: Vitamin C and turnover reduce dullness and dark marks.
- Antioxidant: Carotenoids and vitamin C protect against oxidative stress [2].
- Anti-inflammatory: Flavonoids calm irritation.
- Antimicrobial support: Papaya extracts inhibit skin bacteria [3].
- Pore clearing: Loosens sebum plugs.
- Scalp exfoliation: Dissolves flakes and buildup.
Dual use across ORY® product lines
Papaya’s enzyme activity requires cool, mildly acidic, fresh conditions, which limits its role in soap and heat-processed cosmetics.
| ORY® line | Dual use? | How it is used | Typical level |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ORY® Skincare |
Yes |
Enzyme masks and powders, exfoliating cleansers, brightening serums (extract), peel pads; papaya seed oil in face oils. |
1–5% extract; 0.1–1% papain |
|
ORY® Haircare |
Limited |
Scalp enzyme masks and pre-shampoo exfoliants; not on the hair fiber. |
0.5–2% extract; 0.1–0.5% papain |
|
ORY® Handmade Soap |
Yes |
Papaya purée as partial water replacement for creamy lather and fruit positioning (enzyme inactivated by lye; carotenoid color fades). |
25–50% of water phase as purée |
|
ORY® Cosmetics |
Limited |
Exfoliating primers or makeup-prep masks (cool-processed); not in base makeup. |
0.5–2% |
Pros and cons of Papaya Extract
Pros
Cons
- Acid-free exfoliation: Gentler alternative to AHAs for many.
- Wound-healing evidence: Animal models [1].
- Antioxidant and brightening nutrients: Vitamin C, carotenoids.
- Natural and familiar: Strong consumer appeal.
- Affordable: Widely cultivated.
- Enzyme instability: Papain loses activity with heat, alkaline pH, and age; needs cool processing and fresh formulas.
- Papain allergy: A documented respiratory and contact allergen; latex-allergic individuals may cross-react; patch test.
- Over-exfoliation: Prolonged contact irritates; keep masks to 5–15 minutes.
- Not for hair fiber: Proteases can weaken keratin.
- Limited controlled clinical trials: Cosmetic evidence is mainly mechanistic and traditional.
What is the best application of Papaya Extract?
Papaya is a periodic exfoliant and a brightening support:
- Enzyme mask: Weekly, 5–15 minutes on damp skin, rinse; with pineapple (bromelain) or oat.
- Enzyme cleansing powder: Activated with water 2–3 times weekly.
- Brightening serum: Papaya extract (enzyme-free) with niacinamide.
- Peel pads: Papain and low-level lactic acid.
- Scalp enzyme mask: Pre-shampoo, 10 minutes, every 1–2 weeks.
- Soap: Papaya-purée bars.
- Cosmetics: Exfoliating primer/mask.
Peer-reviewed references
- Gurung S, Škalko-Basnet N. Wound healing properties of Carica papaya latex: in vivo evaluation in mice burn model. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2009;121(2):338–341.
- Vij T, Prashar Y. A review on medicinal properties of Carica papaya Linn. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease. 2015;5(1):1–6.
- Aravind G, Bhowmik D, Duraivel S, Harish G. Traditional and medicinal uses of Carica papaya. Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies. 2013;1(1):7–15.
Disclaimer:
The information on this page is provided by ORY International, LC for educational purposes only. It summarizes published research about papaya extract as an ingredient, including laboratory and animal studies and clinical studies of formulas that may differ from ORY® products. Results from these studies may not apply to every person or to ORY® products. This page is not medical advice and does not replace advice from a dermatologist, physician, or other qualified healthcare provider.
ORY® Skincare, Haircare, Handmade Soap, and Cosmetics products are cosmetics. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease or condition, including wounds, burns, ulcers, scars, acne, hyperpigmentation disorders, or infections. References to FDA or Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) findings describe the ingredient, not ORY® products, and do not mean FDA has reviewed or approved any ORY® product.
Results vary by skin and scalp type, formulation, and use. Papaya and its enzyme papain can cause allergic reactions, especially in people allergic to latex, and enzyme products can irritate if left on too long. Any cosmetic can cause irritation, sometimes from other ingredients. Always patch test, follow label directions, and stop use if irritation occurs. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, consult a healthcare provider before use.
ORY International, LC works to keep this page accurate and current but makes no warranty as to its completeness. To the fullest extent permitted by law, ORY International, LC is not liable for any loss or injury arising from reliance on this information or from use of any product contrary to its label directions. To report a reaction, contact us at [insert contact email / phone].
