Last Updated on January 20, 2026 by Giorgia Guazzarotti
Have you heard? There’s a new exfoliant on the skincare block. Word on the street is that it works just like glycolic acid – minus the irritation. Plus, it’s natural, too. Meet Bromelain. It’s been used in folk medicine to treat all kinds of ailments and now it’s helping our skin become brighter and smoother, too… Or not? Here’s everything you need to know about bromelain in skincare:
What Is Bromelain?
Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple stem and pineapple juice. Enzymes are chemicals that speed up the rate of chemical reactions by lowering their activation energy. For example, enzymes allow reactions that would literally take millions of years to occur in just a few milliseconds! Or reactions that would normally require dangerously high-temperatures occur at normal body temperatures when enzymes are around to do their job. Cool, huh? But… what does this mean for your skin?
Bromelain Benefits: What Does It Do For Skin?
Bromelain is used in skincare products for two reasons:
1. Bromelain Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Until a few years ago, Bromelain was mostly known for its anti-inflammatory properties. When taken orally, it’s often used as a remedy for arthritis and digestive problems and even as a complementary treatment for cancer patients. In skincare, it’s mostly used to help reduce the pain, bruising and redness that results from invasive cosmetic procedures. If you’re ever going under the knife in the name of beauty, your doctor may prescribe you a bromelain cream to help you during the recovery process.
2. Bromelain Exfoliates Skin
In recent years, bromelain has found its way into skincare products for another reason: it has exfoliating properties, too. Like exfoliating acids (think glycolic and salicylic), bromelain breaks down the proteins that hold your skin cells together. Once this glue loosens up, dead cells “fall off” your skin.
The difference? Glycolic acid & co are very pH dependant. If the pH is too high or too long, they won’t work. Bromelain isn’t as fussy. It also doesn’t penetrate as deeply into the skin, so it’s less likely to irritate it. Mind you, if you have sensitive skin, it may still irritate it – with your skin type, you never know what may trigger the alarm.
The real problem with bromelain? There’s very little research it works as an antioxidant. Research shows that 35% bromelain helps wound debridement in rats. But in your exfoliants and serums, bromelain is more likely present at a 1% or lower concentration. Way, way lower! What does this mean? Bromelain may be an effective exfoliant – we just don’t know for sure yet. In the meantime, I’m sticking to salicylic acid.
Related: The Complete Guide To Enzyme Exfoliants: What They Are, What They Do, And How To Use Them
Does Bromelain Has Any Side Effects?
Bromelain can cause irritations and allergies. If that happens, ditch bromelain (and pineapples) and never get close to it again. It’s also recommended that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding don’t use Bromelain without consulting their doctor first.
Related: Skin Irritation Or Allergy? How To Tell The Difference
FAQs
Can I use bromelain with retinol or vitamin C?
Yeah you can layer it with most stuff. Since bromelain doesn’t go super deep into your skin like acids do, it’s pretty chill about playing nice with other actives. Just maybe don’t go crazy and use it with glycolic acid at the same time because that’s just overkill and your skin will hate you. With retinol or vitamin C? Should be fine. Just introduce stuff one at a time so if your skin freaks out you know what did it.
How’s bromelain different from papain or those pumpkin enzymes everyone’s obsessed with?
They’re all enzymes so they work pretty similarly – breaking down dead skin without being as harsh as acids. Papain (from papaya) is probably the most popular enzyme exfoliant and honestly there’s more research on it than bromelain. Pumpkin enzymes are gentler but also weaker. The thing is, we don’t really know which one is “best” because there’s not enough solid research comparing them. Companies just throw them in products and call it a day.
How often should I actually use this stuff?
Depends on your skin but most people can handle it 2-3 times a week. If you’ve got tough skin you could probably do it more. If your skin’s sensitive start with once a week and see what happens. It’s not as aggressive as glycolic so you’ve got more wiggle room but still don’t go nuts with it every single day unless your skin proves it can handle that.
Does it work for everyone or just certain skin types?
It’s supposed to be good for people who can’t handle acids – so sensitive skin, rosacea-prone, that kind of thing. But honestly sensitive skin is weird and unpredictable so some people with sensitive skin will still react to it. It’s not gonna fix acne like salicylic acid does because it doesn’t get deep enough. Best for dullness, texture, making your skin look brighter. Not really targeting specific concerns like hyperpigmentation the way acids do.
Can I just rub pineapple on my face instead of buying products?
I mean you COULD but it’s gonna be messy and kinda gross and you have no idea what concentration you’re getting. Plus fresh pineapple has other stuff in it that might irritate your skin. The pH is gonna be all over the place. Products are formulated to be stable and actually work. Just buy the product, don’t waste your groceries on your face.
How long before I see results?
If it’s actually working you should see smoother skin pretty fast – like within a week or two. Your skin should look brighter and feel softer. But again this assumes the concentration in your product is high enough to actually do something, which we don’t know because companies don’t tell us. If you’re not seeing anything after a month it’s probably not doing much and you should just switch to an acid that actually has research behind it.
What Are The Best Skincare Products With Bromelain?
- Kate Sommerville Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment ($85.00): Available at Cult Beauty, Nordstrom, SpaceNK and Ulta
- Oak Essentials Renew Face Polish Gentle Exfoliator ($58.00): Available at Ulta
The Bottom Line
Derived from pineapple, bromelain has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that soothe redness and relive pain. It may also exfoliate skin, but if it’s too soon to tell if it’s better than acid exfoliants like glycolic.
Ive tried exfolikate and love it! I didnt realize it had bromelain. It also has a little lactic and a microderm type scrub. Didnt bother my sensitive skin and i could even scrub a little as long as i avoid my cheeks. My other goto exfoliant is a papaya enzyme mask from alba botanicals. Base of aloe so very soothing.