Bromelain

INCI: BROMELAIN

CAS Number
9001-00-7
Function
Proteolytic enzyme from Ananas comosus (pineapple). Hydrolyses keratin protein bonds for controlled exfoliation with lower irritation than acid peels. Activity quantified in GDU/CDU units. Demonstrates effective proteolytic activity for stratum corneum removal. Formulation instability (pH- and temperature-dependent enzyme activity) remains a key technical challenge. EU CPSR compliance requires enzyme activity unit documentation and shelf-life stability data.
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes CIR documented 2.3% sensitisation rate, higher than papain (0.8%). Formulation stability required. Contraindicated on compromised skin. Not appropriate for individuals with latex allergy due to documented cross-reactivity.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
negligible
Sensitization
high

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

Bromelain is an effective proteolytic exfoliant with a documented sensitisation rate of 2.3%, significantly higher than papain, compounded by cross-reactivity risk in latex-allergic individuals. Stability validation throughout shelf life is mandatory, and use is contraindicated on compromised skin or in latex-sensitive consumers.

โš ๏ธ
Concern Level: High

Regulatory Flags

sensitizer latex-cross-reactivity ige-mediated-allergy-risk enzyme not-for-compromised-skin stability-critical not-for-latex-allergic higher-risk-than-papain rinse-off-preferred fda_food_additive jecfa_safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bromelain safe in cosmetics?

Bromelain is an effective proteolytic exfoliant with a documented sensitisation rate of 2.3%, significantly higher than papain, compounded by cross-reactivity risk in latex-allergic individuals. Stability validation throughout shelf life is mandatory, and use is contraindicated on compromised skin or in latex-sensitive consumers. The EU classifies Bromelain as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Bromelain allowed in the EU?

Bromelain EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Bromelain do in cosmetics?

Bromelain functions as: Proteolytic enzyme from Ananas comosus (pineapple). Hydrolyses keratin protein bonds for controlled exfoliation with lower irritation than acid peels. Activity quantified in GDU/CDU units. Demonstrates effective proteolytic activity for stratum corneum removal. Formulation instability (pH- and temperature-dependent enzyme activity) remains a key technical challenge. EU CPSR compliance requires enzyme activity unit documentation and shelf-life stability data.. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 9001-00-7.

What is the Margin of Safety for Bromelain?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

๐Ÿ“ฑ

Is Bromelain in Your Products?

Scan any product label with Piro โ€” our free ingredient scanner. Point your camera at the ingredients list and get instant safety scores for every ingredient.

Try Piro Free โ†’

Analyze Your Full Ingredient List

Paste any INCI list into the Decoder for instant safety analysis, or calculate the Margin of Safety for Bromelain in your formulation.