Papain

Papain molecular structure

5+ year old children • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Papain?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 3 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Papain is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For children aged 5 and up (school-age kids, tweens), papain is usually low risk but can irritate skin, eyes, or lungs and can cause allergic reactions in some children.

✅What to Do

If you use a product with papain on a 5+ year old: do a small patch test on the inside of the forearm and wait 24 hours; avoid using on broken or red skin; keep products away from the eyes and mouth; do not use powders or sprays that the child could breathe in; start with low frequency (e.g., once) and stop if any redness, swelling, coughing, wheeze or breathing changes occur. If the child has a history of allergies, asthma, or occupational exposures to enzymes, be extra cautious or choose a product without papain.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin redness, stinging, blistering, eye irritation, or breathing problems. These warnings are based on official hazard classifications that list papain as an eye, lung, and skin irritant (EU GHS) and on clinical/occupational reports showing it can be a respiratory allergen (Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics). Regulatory sources note limited food uses (FDA) and mixed environmental notes (Environment Canada). Some product verification programs restrict its use unless manufacturers provide safety substantiation; avoid products that spray or create dust containing this enzyme.

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 kid-friendly to use Papain?

Yes, Papain is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.

What are the irritant risks of Papain for children?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.

What are the immune system risks of Papain for children?

Could weaken or confuse immune system.

What are the asthma risks of Papain for children?

Can make breathing issues like asthma worse in babies and kids.

What are the environmental risks of Papain for children?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What products contain Papain?

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

When can kids start using products with Papain?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 5+ year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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