Question 1

What does Protease Subtilisin A do in a cosmetic formula?

Accepted Answer

This ingredient is an enzymatic exfoliant and skin-smoothing agent. It breaks down protein bonds in surface keratin, helping loosen dead cells in peels, masks, cleansers, and foot-care products.

Question 2

Is Protease Subtilisin A clean?

Accepted Answer

Clean frameworks generally treat it as acceptable but caveated: active enzymes can irritate skin or eyes and can be sensitizing, especially as aerosols or powders. Finished cosmetics usually manage this with low use levels and non-spray formats.

Question 3

Is Protease Subtilisin A sustainable?

Accepted Answer

This material is typically made by controlled fermentation, then purified and stabilized for formulation. As a protein-based material, it is expected to biodegrade readily and has low environmental persistence.

Question 4

Is Protease Subtilisin A COSMOS-approved?

Accepted Answer

It can fit COSMOS-natural when produced by accepted fermentation and purification methods, with non-GMO and processing-aid controls; it is not inherently COSMOS-organic unless the full supply chain qualifies. From a Green Chemistry view, it scores well for catalytic efficiency, aqueous processing, and biodegradability, with the main caveat being sensitization management.

Question 5

How does Protease Subtilisin A work chemically?

Accepted Answer

The molecule is a folded serine enzyme with an active-site catalytic triad that hydrolyzes internal peptide bonds in keratin-rich surface proteins. Cosmetic use is usually low and supplier-potency driven, often well under 1% active enzyme, with activity favored near neutral to alkaline pH and reduced by high heat, strong acids, oxidizers, or destabilizing chelation.