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Is papain safe for baby skin?

Reviewed by · Last reviewed

Baby skin
papain
NO KNOWN RISKS
93
/100

Also relevant: pregnancy safety

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Gentle products containing papain

Sources & references

Authoritative references used to score this ingredient.

IngredientsPregnancy-Safe Ingredients Database — 28,000+ Ingredients Rated

See also

Frequently asked questions

Is papain safe for baby skin?
No evidence of reproductive or developmental toxicity. Adult dermal systemic exposure is effectively negligible for a protein enzyme, but infant skin has an immature barrier and higher surface-area-to-weight ratio so exposure potential is higher; therefore exposure score increased to 1 for 0–3 yr skin. Note: papain is a known skin and respiratory sensitiser/irritant (ECHA harmonised H315, H319, H334) and may cause local irritation or allergic reactions in children.
Is papain safe for newborns?
No evidence of reproductive or developmental toxicity. Adult dermal systemic exposure is effectively negligible for a protein enzyme, but infant skin has an immature barrier and higher surface-area-to-weight ratio so exposure potential is higher; therefore exposure score increased to 1 for 0–3 yr skin. Note: papain is a known skin and respiratory sensitiser/irritant (ECHA harmonised H315, H319, H334) and may cause local irritation or allergic reactions in children.
Can I use papain on a baby under 6 months?
We don't have baby-skin-specific data for papain. Stick to ingredients we've marked no known risks for babies until more evidence is available.
What are safer alternatives to papain for babies?
See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to papain based on similar function and a no-known-risks safety band.
How does VeriMom rate papain for baby skin?
VeriMom scores papain at 93/100 (no known risks) based on EU CosIng status, ECHA hazard classifications, and peer-reviewed PubMed studies. Our scoring pipeline is fully transparent.

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Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Safety scores are based on publicly available data and may not reflect all risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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