Bromelain
AKA “Pineapple protease, bromelin
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Bromelain
AKA: Pineapple protease, Bromelin
Synthetic · Keratolytic · EWG: 2
Synthetic
Rx Active
Skin Conditioner
Enzyme
Synthetic
Clean
A natural enzyme from pineapple that gently exfoliates dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath while helping to condition and soften your complexion.
CAS #
9001-00-7, 37189-34-7
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Keratolytic
A pharmaceutical-grade active. These are the heavy hitters — often prescription-strength or regulated for potency.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks in moisture
Supports cell turnover
Unclogs pores
Traditional Use
Extracted from pineapple plants used in tropical regions. Discovered as an enzyme in the 1870s, bromelain was adopted by the cosmetics industry in the late 20th century as a natural exfoliant and anti-inflammatory agent for skincare.
Skin Types
all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Uneven Texture
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
2
CIR
Insufficient
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
ewg-2
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USAunder review
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
The role of Bromelain and Liposomal Vitamin C in the trea...
Giacomo Buso, Paolo Santini, Francesca Ghirardini, Francesca Cannavacciuolo, Adriana Visonà, Beniamino Zalunardo + 2 more
VASA. Zeitschrift fur Gefasskrankheiten, 2025
Bromelain
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Bromelain
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Bromelain: Applications, Benefits, and Mechanisms.
Kansakar U, Trimarco V, Manzi MV, Cervi E, Mone P et al.
Nutrients, 2024
Efficacy and safety of bromelain: A systematic review and...
Nattawut Leelakanok, Arpa Petchsomrit, Thitapa Janurai, Charinrat Saechan, Niti Sunsandee
Nutrition and health, 2023
Efficacy and safety of bromelain: A systematic review and...
Nattawut Leelakanok, Arpa Petchsomrit, Thitapa Janurai, Charinrat Saechan, Niti Sunsandee
Nutrition and health, 2023
Efficacy and safety of bromelain: A systematic review and...
Nattawut Leelakanok, Arpa Petchsomrit, Thitapa Janurai, Charinrat Saechan, Niti Sunsandee
Nutrition and health, 2023
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR