Protease and Subtilisin
Protease and subtilisin are gentle enzymes used in skincare to break down and remove dead skin cells, acting like a natural exfoliator. They help reveal smoother, brighter skin without the harshness of physical scrubs. Commonly found in exfoliating cleansers, masks and peels, they are especially popular in UK beauty routines for their kind-yet-effective approach.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics, protease and subtilisin function as proteolytic enzymes that selectively break the peptide bonds in the proteins of corneodesmosomes, which hold together the outermost dead skin cells. This enzymatic action promotes gentle desquamation, smoothing skin texture and improving the absorption of other active ingredients without disrupting the skin barrier. Subtilisin, in particular, is valued for its stability and targeted performance in leave-on and rinse-off formulations, making it a favourite in modern British exfoliating products.
Key benefits
- Gently exfoliates dead skin cells
- Smooths rough or uneven skin texture
- Brightens dull complexion
- Improves absorption of other skincare ingredients
- Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines
- Suitable for sensitive skin exfoliation
Best for
dull skin, mature skin, sensitive skin, dry skin, combination skin
Where it comes from
Subtilisin is a protease originally derived from the fermentation of Bacillus subtilis bacteria, while other proteases can be sourced from plant extracts such as papaya or pineapple. In cosmetic use they are typically produced through controlled fermentation processes.
Products with Protease and Subtilisin
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Protease and Subtilisin than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.