Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes extracted from pineapple stems and fruit. Unlike acid based exfoliants, which loosen the bonds between dead skin cells through pH driven chemical reactions, bromelain works enzymatically, directly breaking down the keratin proteins that hold dead cells on the skin's surface. This gives it a gentler, more selective exfoliating action that many people find less irritating than acids, since it targets damaged surface proteins rather than altering the skin's overall pH.
Research on bromelain has also identified notable anti inflammatory activity, including the ability to modulate inflammatory signaling involved in wound healing, which may help explain why enzyme based exfoliants are often marketed toward sensitive or reactive skin. Because enzymes lose activity when exposed to heat and light, bromelain containing products are typically formulated as powders or single use treatments to preserve potency.
Bromelain References
Proteolytic Enzyme Activities of Bromelain, Ficin, and Papain from Fruit By Products and Potential Applications in Sustainable and Functional Cosmetics for Skincare, Applied Sciences (MDPI), 2025
Properties and Therapeutic Application of Bromelain: A Review, BioMed Research International, 2012
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