Papain

Papain molecular structure

1-2 year old toddlersSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this toddler-safe to use Papain?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 5 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Papain use with caution for 1-2 year old toddlers when used in topical products. Watch for toddler-specific sensitivities.

ℹ️General Overview

For toddlers (1-2 years old), papain can cause skin redness, stinging, or allergic reactions. It can also irritate the eyes and breathing when made into powders or sprays. Because young children have more sensitive skin and airways, this ingredient carries a moderate risk.

What to Do

Avoid products with papain for everyday use on toddlers. If you consider a product that lists papain: do a small patch test on the child’s inner arm and wait 48 hours; do not put it on the face or near the eyes; never use on broken, scraped, or irritated skin; avoid powder or spray forms that could be breathed in; stop use immediately if you see redness, swelling, blisters, coughing, wheezing, or breathing changes and get medical care if breathing is affected.

⚠️Warnings

Papain is classified as a skin, eye, and lung irritant by European hazard labeling rules (EU GHS). There is strong evidence it can cause respiratory allergy in people exposed at work (Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics). The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports allergy cases. Some product-verification programs restrict papain and require evidence before allowing it in approved products. Also note the U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists papain as allowed for limited food uses, and Environment Canada has assessed it for environmental effects. These sources show the main risks are irritation and allergic/respiratory reactions—watch closely for those.

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.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

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 toddler-safe to use Papain?

Use caution with Papain for 1-2 year old toddlers. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the irritant risks of Papain for toddlers?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the immune system risks of Papain for toddlers?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the asthma risks of Papain for toddlers?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the environmental risks of Papain for toddlers?

Possible negative effects on the environment Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What products contain Papain?

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

When can toddlers using products with Papain?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 1-2 year old toddlers. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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