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Papaya Extract
At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about papaya extract. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Papaya extract comes from the fruit of Carica papaya. It contains the enzyme papain, carotenoids, and vitamin C. In ORY® products, it helps skin look smoother and brighter through gentle enzyme exfoliation. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Papaya’s composition and traditional uses are well described. We found no controlled clinical trials of papaya extract as a cosmetic exfoliant.
Citations:
- Vij, T., & Prashar, Y. (2015). A review on medicinal properties of Carica papaya Linn. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 5(1), 1–6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=A%20review%20on%20medicinal%20properties%20of%20Carica%20papaya%20Linn
- What it shows: Review of papaya’s compounds and uses.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2025). Safety assessment of Carica papaya (papaya)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 44(3 Suppl), 36S–56S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251358218
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment of papaya-derived ingredients.
- Vij, T., & Prashar, Y. (2015). A review on medicinal properties of Carica papaya Linn. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 5(1), 1–6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=A%20review%20on%20medicinal%20properties%20of%20Carica%20papaya%20Linn
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Papaya extract is made from the fruit. Papain is a protein-digesting enzyme collected from the latex of unripe fruit. Papaya seed oil is a separate ingredient. |
Verification: Supported. Papaya chemistry is well documented.
Citations:
- Vij, T., & Prashar, Y. (2015). A review on medicinal properties of Carica papaya Linn. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 5(1), 1–6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=A%20review%20on%20medicinal%20properties%20of%20Carica%20papaya%20Linn
- What it shows: Describes papain and other compounds.
- Vij, T., & Prashar, Y. (2015). A review on medicinal properties of Carica papaya Linn. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 5(1), 1–6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=A%20review%20on%20medicinal%20properties%20of%20Carica%20papaya%20Linn
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Papaya extract suits normal, oily, and combination skin. Sensitive skin and anyone with a latex allergy should use caution. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. FDA has reported serious allergic reactions to papain, and people allergic to latex may also react to papaya. Enzyme products can irritate sensitive skin.
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and answers about FDA’s enforcement action regarding unapproved topical drug products containing papain (2008). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/unapproved-drugs/questions-and-answers-about-fdas-enforcement-action-regarding-unapproved-topical-drug-products
- What it shows: FDA reports allergic reactions to topical papain, including in people with latex allergy.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and answers about FDA’s enforcement action regarding unapproved topical drug products containing papain (2008). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/unapproved-drugs/questions-and-answers-about-fdas-enforcement-action-regarding-unapproved-topical-drug-products
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, papaya extract is used only in rinse-off scalp masks and pre-shampoo treatments, not on the hair itself. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We found no clinical studies of papaya on the scalp. Enzymes can weaken hair protein, so ORY® keeps papaya off the hair fiber. ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff.
Citations:
- Vij, T., & Prashar, Y. (2015). A review on medicinal properties of Carica papaya Linn. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 5(1), 1–6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=A%20review%20on%20medicinal%20properties%20of%20Carica%20papaya%20Linn
- What it shows: Describes papain’s protein-digesting action.
- Vij, T., & Prashar, Y. (2015). A review on medicinal properties of Carica papaya Linn. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 5(1), 1–6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=A%20review%20on%20medicinal%20properties%20of%20Carica%20papaya%20Linn
5. Benefits
Claim: Papaya extract helps skin look smoother and more radiant. |
Verification: Limited evidence. Papain’s ability to break down protein is well documented, which supports its use as a gentle exfoliant, but we found no controlled cosmetic trials. Studies of papaya or papain for wounds and burns are medical uses. In 2008, FDA ordered unapproved topical papain drug products for wounds off the market after serious allergic reactions. ORY® does not make wound, scar, or burn claims.
Citations:
- Vij, T., & Prashar, Y. (2015). A review on medicinal properties of Carica papaya Linn. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 5(1), 1–6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=A%20review%20on%20medicinal%20properties%20of%20Carica%20papaya%20Linn
- What it shows: Review of papaya’s properties.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and answers about FDA’s enforcement action regarding unapproved topical drug products containing papain (2008). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/unapproved-drugs/questions-and-answers-about-fdas-enforcement-action-regarding-unapproved-topical-drug-products
- What it shows: FDA action on topical papain drug products.
- Vij, T., & Prashar, Y. (2015). A review on medicinal properties of Carica papaya Linn. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 5(1), 1–6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=A%20review%20on%20medicinal%20properties%20of%20Carica%20papaya%20Linn
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Papaya extract is used in all four ORY® product lines, mainly in rinse-off products. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. The CIR Expert Panel concluded that papaya fruit, fruit extract, fruit juice, and fruit water are safe as used in cosmetics. CIR found the data insufficient for papaya leaf extract, and its review did not cover papain. ORY® does not use papaya leaf extract. Lye inactivates papain in soap.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 1–5% fruit extract; 0.1–1% papain (rinse-off) | Enzyme masks, exfoliating cleansers, and serums (extract only). |
| Haircare | 0.5–2% extract | Rinse-off scalp masks and pre-shampoo treatments. |
| Handmade Soap | 25–50% of water as purée | Papaya purée replacing part of the water. |
| Cosmetics | 0.5–2% | Makeup-prep masks. |
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2025). Safety assessment of Carica papaya (papaya)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 44(3 Suppl), 36S–56S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251358218
- What it shows: CIR conclusions for papaya ingredients.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2025). Safety assessment of Carica papaya (papaya)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 44(3 Suppl), 36S–56S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251358218
7. Pros
Claim: A gentle, fruit-based exfoliating option with a CIR safety conclusion for the fruit extract. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Exfoliating benefit is based on papain’s known action rather than cosmetic trials.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2025). Safety assessment of Carica papaya (papaya)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 44(3 Suppl), 36S–56S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251358218
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2025). Safety assessment of Carica papaya (papaya)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 44(3 Suppl), 36S–56S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251358218
8. Cons
Claim: Papaya can cause allergy, enzymes lose activity quickly, and papain has no CIR assessment. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Allergy. Papain can cause serious allergic reactions; latex-allergic people are at higher risk.
- Irritation. Enzymes can irritate if left on too long.
- Instability. Enzymes lose activity with heat and time.
- Data gaps. CIR has not assessed papain or found enough data on papaya leaf extract.
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and answers about FDA’s enforcement action regarding unapproved topical drug products containing papain (2008). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/unapproved-drugs/questions-and-answers-about-fdas-enforcement-action-regarding-unapproved-topical-drug-products
- What it shows: FDA safety concerns.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2025). Safety assessment of Carica papaya (papaya)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 44(3 Suppl), 36S–56S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251358218
- What it shows: Data gaps.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and answers about FDA’s enforcement action regarding unapproved topical drug products containing papain (2008). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/unapproved-drugs/questions-and-answers-about-fdas-enforcement-action-regarding-unapproved-topical-drug-products
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- If you are allergic to latex or papaya, do not use this product.
- Rinse off enzyme masks within the time on the label.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and answers about FDA’s enforcement action regarding unapproved topical drug products containing papain (2008). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/unapproved-drugs/questions-and-answers-about-fdas-enforcement-action-regarding-unapproved-topical-drug-products
- What it shows: FDA safety concerns.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and answers about FDA’s enforcement action regarding unapproved topical drug products containing papain (2008). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/unapproved-drugs/questions-and-answers-about-fdas-enforcement-action-regarding-unapproved-topical-drug-products
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2025). Safety assessment of Carica papaya (papaya)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 44(3 Suppl), 36S–56S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251358218
- Vij, T., & Prashar, Y. (2015). A review on medicinal properties of Carica papaya Linn. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 5(1), 1–6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=A%20review%20on%20medicinal%20properties%20of%20Carica%20papaya%20Linn
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and answers about FDA’s enforcement action regarding unapproved topical drug products containing papain (2008). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/unapproved-drugs/questions-and-answers-about-fdas-enforcement-action-regarding-unapproved-topical-drug-products
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap