Activated charcoal and papain have gained significant attention in pharmaceutical and cosmetic sciences due to their remarkable cleansing, detoxifying, and exfoliating properties1,5 Activated charcoal, a highly porous carbonaceous material, exhibits strong adsorption capacity, enabling it to remove toxins, impurities, heavy metals, and pollutants from biological and environmental systems.2,3 It is widely used in dermatological and pharmaceutical preparations for detoxification, wound management, and skin purification.4,5 Papain, a proteolytic enzyme derived from Carica papaya, plays a crucial role in natural exfoliation by breaking down dead skin cells and promoting cellular renewal. Its enzymatic activity supports skin rejuvenation, improves texture, and enhances product penetration.13,14 The combination of activated charcoal and papain demonstrates synergistic benefits in deep cleansing, detoxification, and natural exfoliation.11-14 Activated charcoal removes impurities from skin pores, while papain facilitates enzymatic exfoliation by degrading keratinized proteins present in the outer skin layer. This review highlights the physicochemical properties, mechanisms of action, therapeutic potential, dermatological applications, safety considerations, and future prospects of activated charcoal and papain. Furthermore, this article discusses their relevance in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations aimed at improving skin health and maintaining hygiene through natural and effective cleansing strategies.
*Maillugari Rajendar Yadav, Tallapureddy Tejal Reddy, Myathari Sandhya, Soha Shareef (Thu,) studied this question.