Papain

Papain molecular structure

0-6 month old newborns • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Papain?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 7 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Papain not recommended for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For infants (0-6 months), papain can irritate the skin, eyes, and breathing and may cause allergic reactions. Because babies have very thin, sensitive skin and developing lungs, this ingredient is not a good choice for newborns and young babies.

✅What to Do

Avoid using creams, wipes, lotions or cleansers that list papain on babies under 6 months. If you find a product with papain and think you must use it, check with your child’s pediatrician first. Do not apply it to the face, around the eyes, or broken skin. If the product accidentally touches your baby’s skin, wash the area gently with water and stop using it.

⚠️Warnings

Do not use papain on infants if you can avoid it. Papain is officially classified as a skin, eye, and lung irritant (EU GHS), and experts have reported it can act as a respiratory allergen (Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics). There is also limited evidence of allergic reactions in people (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Some product programs restrict its use without further safety proof. Watch for redness, swelling, blisters, persistent rash, coughing, wheezing, noisy breathing, or any trouble breathing after exposure — stop use and contact your pediatrician or seek emergency care if breathing problems occur.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Irritant: Papain is classified under EU GHS hazard codes as an irritant to skin, eyes, and lungs, and the ingredient record flags a high concern for irritation. This means it can cause skin redness, stinging or rashes, watery or sore eyes, and breathing irritation on contact.
Immune system: There is moderate evidence that papain can trigger immune or allergic reactions. A review in the U.S. National Library of Medicine notes immune/ allergy concerns, and occupational health experts (AOEC) report strong evidence that papain can act as a human immune and respiratory allergen. This can cause hives, swelling, or other allergic responses in some people.
Asthma: Papain is identified as a respiratory toxicant/allergen and is listed as a lung irritant by occupational health sources and EU GHS. Because of this, it can worsen breathing problems or trigger asthma attacks in sensitive children.
Environmental: An environmental agency (Environment Canada) lists papain as an uncertain environmental toxin. That means its effects on wildlife or ecosystems are not well known and could be harmful, so there is an environmental concern.

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Alternative Names for Papain

This ingredient may also be listed as:

papainVERMIZYMVELARDONVEGETABLE PEPSINSUMMETRINNEMATOLYTCAROIDARBUZPAPAINEPAPAINASEPAPAIN

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Common Questions About Papain

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Papain?

Papain is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the irritant risks of Papain for newborns?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the immune system risks of Papain for newborns?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the asthma risks of Papain for newborns?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the environmental risks of Papain for newborns?

Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Papain?

Papain is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Papain?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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