Subtilisin ●
TL;DR. This ingredient functions as an enzymatic exfoliant and proteolytic skin-conditioning agent. It helps loosen protein bonds in the outermost dead-cell layer, supporting smoother-feeling skin without relying on acid-driven exfoliation.
What does Subtilisin do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient functions as an enzymatic exfoliant and proteolytic skin-conditioning agent. It helps loosen protein bonds in the outermost dead-cell layer, supporting smoother-feeling skin without relying on acid-driven exfoliation.
Is Subtilisin clean?
Clean-beauty frameworks generally treat this ingredient as acceptable, with caveats for irritation and sensitization potential, especially in powders, aerosols, or high-activity formulas. Finished-product testing matters because performance and tolerability depend on enzyme activity, dose, contact time, and delivery format.
Is Subtilisin sustainable?
This material is typically made by controlled microbial fermentation, often using renewable carbohydrate feedstocks. As a protein-based enzyme, it is expected to biodegrade readily and has low persistence concerns compared with many synthetic film-formers or silicones.
Is Subtilisin COSMOS-approved?
It can be permitted under COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic when the grade meets biotechnology, non-GMO, and processing requirements, but acceptance is formulation- and supplier-specific. From a Green Chemistry view, fermentation-based production and biodegradability are strengths, while downstream purification and stabilization additives need review.
How does Subtilisin work chemically?
This compound is a serine endopeptidase protein, using a catalytic serine, histidine, and aspartate triad to cleave peptide bonds in surface proteins. Cosmetic use is activity-based rather than nameplate-percentage-based, and it is generally more stable near neutral to mildly alkaline pH while losing activity with high heat, extreme pH, strong oxidizers, or incompatible proteinaceous co-ingredients.
Last updated 2026-05-13