Common Name(s): Subtilisin,subtilisin,cosmetic enzyme active,enzymatic skin treatment
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides enzymatic exfoliation through specific protease cleavage of corneodesmosins — releasing corneocytes through protein bond hydrolysis rather than physical abrasion.
Why It's Used: Enzyme-based treatments provide precision impossible with chemical or physical actives — the enzyme's active site specificity targeting only the intended substrate without collateral tissue damage.
How It Works: Subtilisin serine protease: catalytic triad ser/his/asp cleaves peptide bonds c-terminal to hydrophobic residues in corneodesmosin — the desquamation enzyme mimicking stratum corneum's natural chymotryptic enzyme (scce) providing enzyme-identical exfoliation.
Typically Found In: Enzymatic exfoliants,professional treatments
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Enzyme stability in cosmetics: proteases and oxidoreductases require stabilisation at ph and temperature optimum. encapsulation or two-part formulation systems preserve enzyme activity during storage until application-triggered release.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,subtilisin cosmetic enzyme review