Papaya in cosmetics - properties, effects and use in care

Papaya in cosmetics is an ingredient that has been gaining popularity in recent years, both among cosmetic manufacturers and people who care about conscious skin care. Papaya, also known as the "fruit of angels", comes from the tropical regions of Central and South America. It is characterized not only by its juicy, sweet flesh, but also by its extremely rich composition, which makes it widely used not only in the kitchen, but also in body and face care.

Recently, papaya has increasingly appeared as an ingredient in modern skin care cosmetics. Its unique properties are appreciated by both cosmetologists and consumers looking for effective, yet natural solutions. The fruit enzymes present in papaya, especially papain, have a strong exfoliating and regenerating effect, making papaya an excellent choice for daily skin care.

Papaya in skin care brings a number of benefits that make it worth reaching for regardless of skin type. Thanks to the content of vitamins, minerals and enzymes, papaya helps lighten discolorations, smooth the skin's structure, and support its hydration and regeneration. In the rest of the article, we will take a closer look at the properties of papaya, its uses in cosmetics and check for whom this exotic fruit will be the best choice.

What is papaya?

Papaya is an exotic fruit that has been appreciated for centuries not only for its taste, but also for its richness in nutrients. Known by its Latin name Carica papaya , it originates from the tropical regions of Central and South America. Today, papaya is grown in many warm corners of the world, including Southeast Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. This fruit is distinguished by its characteristic, oval shape, yellow-orange skin and juicy, orange flesh full of black seeds.

Papaya, apart from its taste and aroma, contains an extraordinary wealth of active ingredients that are extremely valuable from a cosmetology perspective. First of all, it is a source of enzymes, the most important of which is papain – a natural substance with a strong exfoliating and smoothing effect on the skin. In addition to enzymes, papaya also contains vitamins A, C and E, which are famous for their antioxidant effects and supporting skin regeneration processes.

In traditional folk medicine, papaya was used both for consumption and for skin care, e.g. in the form of compresses with crushed pulp or masks. Today, the properties of papaya have been confirmed by scientific research, thanks to which its use in modern cosmetics is becoming more and more common.

Papaya is a fruit whose composition and effects are appreciated by people looking for natural and effective care methods. That is why papaya in cosmetics enjoys growing interest and is an excellent answer to the needs of skin requiring nourishment, regeneration and illumination.

Papaya's active ingredients are important in cosmetics

Papaya is a real treasure trove of active ingredients, which makes this fruit widely used in modern cosmetics. The substances contained in it support the natural processes of skin renewal, protect it from the harmful effects of external factors and contribute to improving its condition. The most important of them are enzymes, vitamins and antioxidants.

Papain – a natural enzyme with unique effects

Papain is a proteolytic enzyme that is one of the most valuable components of papaya. It is estimated that the papain content in fresh papaya pulp is from 0.1% to 0.5%. Papain acts as a natural enzymatic peeling - it dissolves dead skin cells, gently exfoliates and smoothes the skin without causing irritation. Thanks to this, it supports skin regeneration, cleanses it and prepares it for better absorption of nutrients from other cosmetics.

Rich in vitamins - nourishment and skin protection

Papaya is a source of numerous vitamins that play a key role in skin care:

• Vitamin C: 100 g of fresh papaya contains as much as 60 mg of vitamin C, which covers over 66% of the daily requirement for this ingredient. Vitamin C has a strong antioxidant effect, lightens discolorations, supports collagen synthesis and protects against free radicals.
• Vitamin A (beta-carotene): Papaya contains about 47 µg of vitamin A per 100 g of fruit. This vitamin supports skin regeneration processes, accelerates the healing of minor wounds and helps maintain smooth, firm skin.
• Vitamin E: Present in smaller amounts (approximately 0.3 mg per 100 g), it has a protective effect, strengthens the skin's lipid barrier and inhibits the ageing process.

Antioxidants and minerals

In addition to vitamins, papaya contains numerous antioxidants, including flavonoids, lycopene, and minerals such as potassium (257 mg per 100 g), magnesium, and calcium. These substances help protect the skin from oxidative stress, strengthen its immunity, and help maintain proper hydration.

Fruit acids (AHA)

Papaya contains natural fruit acids (alpha-hydroxy acids, AHAs), which gently exfoliate the epidermis, facilitate pore cleansing and improve skin texture. AHA acids in papaya are gentler than synthetic acids used in chemical peels, making them suitable even for sensitive skin.

Papaya provides the skin with a unique combination of active ingredients: exfoliating enzymes, regenerating vitamins and antioxidants that protect against ageing. It is thanks to them that papaya is gaining the title of "superfood" for the skin and is increasingly used in modern care cosmetics.

Properties of papaya in skin care

Exfoliating action (Papaya enzyme peeling)

Papaya owes its exfoliating effect primarily to the enzyme papain. Papain, present in fresh papaya pulp at a concentration of about 0.1-0.5%, acts as a natural enzymatic exfoliant. It dissolves dead skin cells without damaging the healthy layer of skin.
Scientific studies confirm the effectiveness of papain as an ingredient supporting skin cell renewal. An experiment published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2010) showed that regular use of papain preparations leads to improvement of skin texture, smoothing and reduction of roughness of the epidermis by up to 22% after 4 weeks of use.

Lightening of discolorations (papaya for discolorations)

Papaya contains a high dose of vitamin C – 100 g of fresh fruit contains as much as 60 mg, which is 66% of the daily requirement. Vitamin C is one of the most effective ingredients for lightening discolorations and improving skin tone, because it inhibits excessive melanin production.
According to a review of studies published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2017), topical application of vitamin C can reduce the appearance of discolorations by up to 25–30% after a few weeks of regular care. The presence of papain additionally supports skin brightening by removing dead cells and smoothing the skin surface.

Moisturizing and nourishing the skin

Papaya contains numerous nutrients that intensively moisturize and regenerate the skin. In addition to vitamin C, we can also find vitamin A, E and minerals such as potassium (257 mg/100 g) and magnesium (21 mg/100 g).
According to a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food (2012), regular use of papaya extract improves skin hydration levels by up to 15–18% after 2 weeks of use, which is mainly due to the presence of natural sugars and fruit acids that support water binding in the epidermis.

Supporting skin healing and regeneration (skin regeneration)

Papaya has long been used in traditional medicine as a means of accelerating wound healing. It owes this not only to papain, which has anti-inflammatory and cleansing effects, but also to the presence of vitamin A, which supports the regeneration of the epidermis.
In vitro studies published in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology (2011) have shown that papaya extract accelerates the skin cell regeneration process by up to 20% compared to the control group. Other clinical studies using papain ointment confirm its effectiveness in treating wounds, burns and scars.

Anti-aging effect (anti-aging papaya)

Papaya is also an effective ingredient in anti-aging cosmetics. The high content of vitamin C (60 mg/100 g), vitamin E and beta-carotene means that papaya neutralizes free radicals and inhibits the skin's aging processes.
According to a study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2016), regular use of papaya antioxidants can reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity, by up to 18–20% after 12 weeks of using papaya extract preparations.

All of the above-described mechanisms of action of papaya extract have been fully utilized in the development of formulas for the Orientana Hello Papaya cosmetics series, and additional active ingredients guarantee the effectiveness and innovation of these cosmetics.

papaya in orientana cosmetics

Orientana has combined papaya extract and enzymes with ethylated vitamin C. This combination guarantees better discoloration brightening effect.

Orientana Hello Papaya – Micro-exfoliating night cream with vitamin C and plant enzymes

This cream is an innovative combination of vitamin C, plant enzymes and papaya extract, which work together to renew the skin while you rest overnight.

How Hello Papaya Micro-Exfoliating Cream Works :

• Exfoliation: Plant enzymes, including papain from papaya, gently remove dead skin cells to improve skin texture.
• Brightening: Vitamin C helps reduce discoloration and even out skin tone.
• Regeneration: The formula supports the skin's natural regenerative processes, contributing to its renewal.
• Seboregulation: Helps regulate sebum secretion, which is beneficial for oily and combination skin.

For whom: Suitable for all skin types, especially recommended for people struggling with uneven skin tone, discolorations and those in need of gentle exfoliation.

Orientana Hello papaya - Energizing face cream with vitamin C and AVOCADO OIL

Light cream is a suggestion for people who expect immediate hydration, visible radiance and an energizing start to the day. After opening the package, you will feel a stimulating, fresh scent that will improve your well-being and give you energy for the whole day.

Action:

• Brightening: Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, brightening the complexion and adding radiance.
• Nourishment: Avocado provides the skin with essential nutrients, supporting its healthy appearance.
• Moisturizing: The cream formula provides the right level of hydration, protecting the skin from drying out.

For whom: Perfect for those looking for an energizing, brightening and moisturizing cream, suitable for all skin types.

Orientana hello papaya – Serum with VITAMIN C and TRANEXAMIC ACID brightening discolorations

Hello Papaja Vitamin C and Tranexamic Acid Serum is an intensive injection of brightening ingredients that effectively improve the appearance of uneven skin tone. The product was created for daily care of skin prone to discoloration, loss of radiance and elasticity.

Action:

• Concentrated brightening effect: Highly stable form of vitamin C (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) effectively brightens discolorations, evens out skin tone and stimulates collagen synthesis, which translates into firmer, more elastic skin. Tranexamic acid, a recognized ingredient of modern cosmetology, intensively inhibits the formation of new pigmentation changes and supports the brightening of existing spots and discolorations.
• Brightening and improving elasticity: Thanks to the synergy of vitamin C and tranexamic acid, the serum visibly brightens and refreshes the complexion. The contained papaya extract (Carica Papaya Fruit Extract) additionally supports the process of exfoliation of dead skin cells, smoothing and revitalizing the skin surface.
• Antioxidant: Both ingredients have an antioxidant effect, protecting the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals.

For whom: Serum recommended for all skin types, especially for people struggling with discoloration, gray skin and loss of radiance.

Orientana hello papaya – Brightening cream-mask with VITAMIN C and SQUALANE

This cream combines the action of vitamin C with squalane, known for its revitalizing properties.

Action:

• Brightening of discolorations and evening out of skin tone: The mask is based on a combination of modern, stable vitamin C (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid) and tranexamic acid, which effectively brighten discolorations, improve skin tone and support its regeneration. The brightening effect is visible after just a few applications, and regular use of the product makes the complexion visibly radiant and full of glow.
• Intensive hydration and smoothing: The addition of squalane provides intensive hydration and smoothing of the skin. Squalane, known for its light consistency and excellent emollient effect, rebuilds the hydrolipid layer, protecting against drying and the negative impact of external factors. The skin becomes soft, elastic and resistant to irritation.
• Soothing, soothing and regenerating the epidermis: The formula has been enriched with precious oils - from wild rose ( Rosa Moschata Seed Oil ) and sweet almonds ( Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil ), which support regeneration, soothe and accelerate the reconstruction of the epidermis. Papaya extract additionally has an exfoliating and smoothing effect, supporting the skin renewal process.

For whom: Suitable for people looking for a cream with firming and brightening effects, ideal for mature and tired skin.

Each of these Orientana creams has been created with specific skin needs in mind, combining natural ingredients with modern formulas to ensure effective and safe care.

How to choose a papaya cosmetic – what to look for?

Papaya cosmetics are becoming increasingly popular due to their exfoliating, brightening and moisturizing properties. However, to fully benefit from their beneficial effects, it is worth paying attention to a few key aspects when choosing a papaya product.

INCI Composition – Look for papaya high on the list

The most important criterion is the INCI composition (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients). Look for names such as Carica Papaya Fruit Extract , Carica Papaya Fruit Water , Carica Papaya Leaf Extract or Papain (papaya enzyme).

Type and concentration of active ingredients

Check if the product contains other ingredients that support its action, such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vegetable oils or antioxidants, in addition to papaya. If you are looking for a cosmetic with an exfoliating effect, pay attention to the presence of papain or fruit acids (AHA).

Purpose and type of product

Think about what your skin needs: are you looking for a mask, serum or cream for daily care? Papaya cosmetics are available in many formulas – choose the one that best suits your skin needs and care style.

Skin type and needs

Papaya works effectively on various skin types, but products with strong exfoliating effects may not be suitable for very sensitive or reactive skin. If you have skin that is prone to irritation, choose cosmetics with milder formulas. The Hello Papaya series is gentle but effective. All cosmetics can also be used by oozy with sensitive skin.

Opinions and recommendations

Before purchasing, it is worth reading the opinions of other users and recommendations from specialists.

Papaya in home care – DIY

Papaya is a fruit that works great not only as an ingredient in ready-made cosmetics, but also in homemade skincare recipes. Thanks to its exfoliating, brightening and moisturizing properties, papaya for the face is a natural way to achieve healthy and radiant skin.

Recipes for homemade papaya masks and scrubs

Papaya face mask
Ingredients:

• a piece of ripe papaya (about 2–3 tablespoons of pulp)
• a teaspoon of honey or natural yogurt (optional, to enhance the moisturizing effect)

Preparation method:
Mash the papaya pulp with a fork until smooth, mix with honey or yogurt. Apply to cleansed face for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. This papaya mask gently exfoliates dead skin, brightens and smooths the complexion.

Papaya Enzymatic Peeling
Ingredients:

• papaya pulp (2-3 tablespoons)
• a few drops of lemon juice (to enhance the brightening effect)

Preparation method:
Combine papaya pulp with lemon juice, gently massage into facial skin in circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 5–10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. Homemade papaya scrub gently removes dead cells and smoothes the skin.

Safety of Using Papaya on Your Skin at Home

Although homemade papaya cosmetics are generally safe, there are a few rules to keep in mind:

• Before first use, conduct an allergy test – apply a small amount of the prepared mask or scrub to a section of skin behind the ear or on the forearm and observe the reaction for 24 hours.
• Papaya contains strong enzymes (papain) that may cause irritation in people with very sensitive skin or prone to allergies.
• Do not apply homemade papaya masks to damaged, irritated or freshly exfoliated skin.
• Use homemade papaya cosmetics no more than 1–2 times a week.

What skin types is papaya suitable for?

Papaya for the face is especially recommended for people with skin:

• oily and combination skin – it has a cleansing effect, regulates sebum secretion, smoothes and tightens pores,
• with discolorations and uneven skin tone – naturally brightens and improves skin glow,
• dry and gray - moisturizes, nourishes and restores a healthy appearance,
• mature – supports regeneration and improves skin elasticity.

Homemade papaya masks and scrubs are a simple and effective way to refresh and improve the condition of the skin. However, it is always worth being careful, observing the skin's reaction and adjusting the frequency of use to individual needs.

Contraindications and possible side effects

Although papaya is valued for its versatile skincare properties, it is worth remembering that, like any active ingredient, it can cause adverse reactions in some people. Before introducing papaya into your daily skincare routine, consider potential contraindications and follow safety guidelines.

Allergy to papaya

Papaya allergy is rare but possible, especially in people who are allergic to other exotic fruits or latex (cross-allergic reactions). Symptoms of an allergy may include:

• reddening,
• itch,
• rash,
• burning skin,
• and in case of a stronger reaction – even swelling or hives.

If these symptoms appear after using a papaya product, discontinue use immediately and consult a dermatologist.

Hypersensitivity to fruit enzymes

Papaya contains the enzyme papain, which is responsible for its exfoliating effect. Hypersensitivity to fruit enzymes may manifest as irritation, burning, a feeling of tension, flaking of the skin or excessive redness - especially in people with sensitive or atopic skin. In the event of an adverse reaction, discontinue further use and choose milder care formulas.

Tips for testing new products

To minimize the risk of adverse reactions, it is recommended to follow a few simple safety rules when using papaya :

1. Allergy test – Before using a papaya cosmetic for the first time, apply a small amount of the product to the skin behind the ear or on the inside of the forearm. Leave for 24 hours and observe for any irritation or allergy symptoms.
2. Avoid using on damaged or irritated skin – Papaya may then cause more irritation or an allergic reaction.
3. Gradual introduction – If this is your first time using papaya in cosmetics, use the products every few days and observe your skin’s reaction.
4. Consult a dermatologist – If you have problematic, atopic or allergic skin, it is worth consulting a specialist before using a new ingredient.

Papaya is not only a tasty fruit, it is also a great ingredient in cosmetics. Our series with vitamin C and papaya are effective cosmetics that lighten discolorations, give the complexion shine and brightness.