What Is Bromelain?
Bromelain (CAS 9001-00-7; INCI: Bromelain) is a proteolytic enzyme complex obtained from the stem and fruit of pineapple (Ananas comosus). Commercial material is a white to pale yellow, free-flowing powder that is standardised by enzymatic activity rather than by mass — typically 1,200–2,500 GDU/g for cosmetic grades and 2,400–5,000 GDU/g for food and supplement grades. For procurement teams, the specification that matters is GDU/g, not a nominal percentage: two lots with the same weight can differ several-fold in performance.
Mechanism of Action
Bromelain is a cysteine protease. Its active-site thiol group cleaves peptide bonds on the carboxyl side of basic and aromatic residues, hydrolysing proteins into smaller peptides and free amino acids. Applied topically, this activity digests the desmosomal proteins that hold corneocytes together, producing controlled desquamation without the low-pH requirement of AHAs or the photosensitivity associated with retinoids — which is why formulators position it in sensitive-skin peels and enzyme masks.
Internally, bromelain is studied for its influence on inflammatory mediators including bradykinin, prostaglandins and selected cytokines, and for supporting gastric protein digestion. That dual profile — enzymatic debridement plus mediator modulation — explains its presence in both beauty-from-within and joint-comfort formulas.
Five Key Application Areas
- Enzyme exfoliants and peels — controlled desquamation for reactive or rosacea-prone skin.
- Anti-inflammatory skincare — post-procedure recovery and redness-prone formulations.
- Digestive enzyme supplements — protease blends targeting protein breakdown.
- Joint and recovery formulas — frequently paired with quercetin or turmeric.
- Food processing — meat tenderising, protein hydrolysis and beverage clarification.
VeraVita Supply
VeraVita Biotech supplies cosmetic- and food-grade bromelain at ≥99% purity, with activity verified by GDU assay and heavy-metal and microbial limits tested per lot. COA and MSDS are available on request. We support OEM/ODM projects — custom activity levels, mesh size, and packaging from 1 kg foil bags to 25 kg fibre drums. For specifications, samples or a quotation, contact info@veravitabio.com.