Exfoliant
TRYPSIN
Safety score · 0–100
Moderate
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
A serine protease enzyme (CAS 9002-07-7). Legitimate exfoliating action but raises real barrier-damage and occupational-allergen concerns.
Trypsin (CAS 9002-07-7) is a pancreatic serine protease, traditionally sourced from porcine or bovine pancreas. Its cosmetic role is enzymatic exfoliation, softening keratinised plugs and degrading proteins on skin or hair. Active proteases pose a mechanism-based risk: they can hydrolyze corneodesmosomes and disrupt the stratum-corneum barrier if over-used or mis-formulated. Trypsin is a documented occupational airway sensitizer (HSE/NIOSH lists) — powder handling is the primary risk, less so topical finished products. CIR has reviewed proteolytic enzymes with cautious recommendations on concentration and pH.
Function
Skin benefits
- Proteolytic enzyme — used for gentle enzymatic exfoliation
- Clinical/pharma use history
- Helps soften and turnover surface proteins
Known concerns
- Active protease — can break down skin-barrier proteins
- Recognised occupational inhalation allergen (asthma in bakers/pharma workers)
- Instability and activity variation between batches
- Typically porcine/bovine origin
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry: regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
Related exfoliants
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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve, so always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.