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Moumoujus

CHYMOTRYPSIN.

Questionable CAS 9004-07-3 / SKIN CONDITIONING

Chymotrypsin is a proteolytic enzyme belonging to the serine protease family, precisely engineered to break down proteins by hydrolyzing specific peptide bonds. On the skin, its enzymatic action targets dead or damaged protein structures, facilitating their removal and supporting improved tissue conditions.

Summary

Exfoliant Skin-conditioning agent Proteolytic enzyme

Science

Mechanism of Action

This enzyme functions by hydrolyzing peptide bonds, preferentially cleaving those adjacent to large hydrophobic amino acids such as tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine, or leucine. Its action on the skin aids in the breakdown of necrotic tissue, reduces inflammatory exudates and edema, and can enhance tissue permeability. This precise enzymatic activity is driven by a covalent hydrolysis mechanism involving a catalytic triad.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 7.5 – 9
0 7 14

Stability

Chymotrypsin exhibits optimal activity within a pH range of 7.5-9.0, with peak activity around pH 7.8. It is significantly inhibited below pH 6 and fully denatured at pH 4. Autolysis can occur at higher pH values, necessitating careful pH control. The enzyme maintains thermal stability across a broad pH range of 3.0-8.8, with maximum stability between pH 5.0 and 8.8. The presence of calcium ions (Ca2+) acts as both an activator and a stabilizer. Freezing results in inactivation of the enzyme.

Synergies

  • Calcium ions (Ca2+)

Conflicts

  • Cu2+
  • Hg2+
  • Freezing
  • Extreme pH variations (outside 3.0-8.8 for stability, or 7.5-9.0 for optimal activity)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Moderate

Chymotrypsin carries several GHS hazard statements, including H315 (Causes skin irritation), H319 (Causes serious eye irritation), H334 (May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled), and H335 (May cause respiratory irritation). It is identified as a California Safe Cosmetics Program (CSCP) Reportable Ingredient due to respiratory toxicity. While considered LIKELY SAFE as a prescription ophthalmic medicine, and POSSIBLY SAFE orally with trypsin for short-term use, there are no specific CIR or SCCS opinions for cosmetic application, and insufficient scientific evidence for many other uses.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

While chymotrypsin demonstrates potent proteolytic activity beneficial for tissue breakdown and potential anti-inflammatory effects, significant safety concerns, including documented skin irritation and potential respiratory sensitization, coupled with a lack of cosmetic-specific safety assessments, render its use questionable for precision skincare formulations.

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