Protease 4.5 ●
TL;DR. This ingredient functions as an enzymatic exfoliant, loosening surface buildup by breaking down protein links in the outermost skin layer. It is used for smoothing and radiance claims rather than as a scrub, solvent, or preservative.
What does Protease 4.5 do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient functions as an enzymatic exfoliant, loosening surface buildup by breaking down protein links in the outermost skin layer. It is used for smoothing and radiance claims rather than as a scrub, solvent, or preservative.
Is Protease 4.5 clean?
Clean-beauty frameworks generally accept it, with the main caveat that active enzymes can cause stinging or sensitivity on compromised skin. Protein-based materials can also be allergen concerns in powders or aerosols, so finished-product format matters.
Is Protease 4.5 sustainable?
This material is commonly made by controlled microbial fermentation and is biodegradable as a protein. Its footprint is mainly tied to fermentation, purification, and any carrier system rather than environmental persistence.
Is Protease 4.5 COSMOS-approved?
It can be permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when produced from allowed non-GMO microorganisms or compliant natural sources, and when the carrier and preservation system also meet the standard. From a Green Chemistry view, it aligns well because it is catalytic, water-compatible, and biodegradable, though processing inputs still matter.
How does Protease 4.5 work chemically?
This material is a folded protein catalyst that hydrolyzes peptide bonds in keratin and corneodesmosomal proteins, so activity depends on water, temperature, and pH. It is usually used at low active-enzyme levels as a diluted commercial solution, with best performance in mildly acidic formulas around pH 4.0 to 5.5; high heat, strong oxidizers, extreme pH, and some preservative systems can denature it.
Last updated 2026-05-15