Protease

Protease

What does protease do and why is it found in so many household products that contain enzymes?
  • Derived from: Plants
  • Pronunciation: (\ˈprō-tē-ˌās\)
  • Type: Naturally-derived

What Is Protease?

Protease is a naturally-occurring enzyme that helps plants grow and develop by acting as a defense mechanism against disease and pests.[1] It also helps to break down proteins into smaller molecules.[2]

It's important to note that there are different varieties of proteases which occur in plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi.[3] However, Puracy only utilizes plant-based proteases in its products.

Where Does Protease Come From?

Protease occurs throughout the natural world, but the primary commercial method involves extracting it from plants and animals is the primary method of obtaining protease commercially.

To produce bacterial and fungal proteases, fermentation occurs either by submerging enzyme-secreting microbes (usually organisms in the genus Bacillus) in a fermentation broth or via solid-state fermentation.[4] Proteases are then purified and homogenized[5,6].

Protease Uses

Protease in skin care is often used as a skin conditioner to remove dry skin flakes. This is a major reason for why it's often found in products like facial cleansers and makeup removers).[7] It is also a common ingredient in laundry detergents and presoak products.

Why Puracy Uses the Protease Enzyme

Puracy uses protease because it is an excellent enzymatic cleaner that helps to remove protein stains like food, grass, blood, meat, egg, urine, feces, and blood.
Is Protease Safe?

The FDA has deemed the ingredient generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food. [8] Whole Foods has deemed the ingredient acceptable in its cleaning product quality standards.[9]

Several studies also show that enzymes such as protease in detergents do not result in contact skin sensitization.[10,11,12,13]

The 30 Days of Cleaning with Puracy