Protease ●
TL;DR. This ingredient acts as a biocatalytic exfoliant, helping loosen protein-rich bonds between surface dead skin cells for smoother texture. It may also support cleansing or softening effects in rinse-off formulas.
What does Protease do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient acts as a biocatalytic exfoliant, helping loosen protein-rich bonds between surface dead skin cells for smoother texture. It may also support cleansing or softening effects in rinse-off formulas.
Is Protease clean?
Clean-beauty frameworks generally accept this ingredient when it is well purified and used at controlled levels. Its protein nature can cause stinging, redness, or sensitization in some users, especially in leave-on exfoliating products or high-activity formulas.
Is Protease sustainable?
This material is commonly made by microbial fermentation, plant extraction, or animal-derived sourcing, so origin and traceability matter. As a protein-based material, it is expected to break down readily in wastewater and is used at low levels.
Is Protease COSMOS-approved?
It is generally permitted in COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic products when sourced and processed under approved rules, including GMO and solvent limitations. It fits Green Chemistry well when fermentation-derived because it is catalytic, effective at low dosage, and biodegradable.
How does Protease work chemically?
The molecule is a folded protein catalyst that hydrolyzes peptide bonds in keratin and other proteins, so performance depends on water, pH, temperature, and compatible preservatives. Typical cosmetic use is often around 0.1% to 2% in exfoliating cleansers, masks, and treatments, and heat, extreme pH, strong oxidizers, or incompatible surfactants can reduce activity.
Last updated 2026-05-13