Pineapple: A Natural Enzymatic Therapy for Skin Health

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) has significant potential in topical applications due to its exfoliation and antibacterial properties. The primary active compound, bromelain, is a proteolytic enzyme that aids in skin exfoliation by breaking down proteins, promoting cell turnover, and enhancing skin texture, Additionally, pineapple peel contains flavonoids and tannins, which exhibit antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Effects on Skin Hydration and Barrier Properties

Proteolytic Exfoliation

• Bromelain is a mixture of thiol endopeptidases that hydrolyze peptide bonds in proteins, facilitating the breakdown of keratin and other structural proteins in the skin.
• This process facilitates removal of dead skin cells, reduces pore blockage, and enhances absorption of moisturizers and therapeutic actives.

Antioxidant Mechanisms

• Bromelain provides moderate antioxidant protection by scavenging free radicals and neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS). 
• Demonstrates activity in DPPH and FRAP assays. 
• Reduces oxidative stress and protects skin from damage • Supports anti-aging and photoprotective applications.

Antibacterial Effects

• Bromelain shows activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by hydrolyzing peptide bonds in bacterial cell walls.
• Helps manage acne-prone skin.
• Prevents wound infections
• Supports skin purification and protection

Research Insights

Anti-inflammatory action in skin conditions

• Study shows in a 12-week, double-blind, randomized clinical study (n=40), topical bromelain (1.0 mg/cm²) significantly reduced redness and inflammation in skin disorders (e.g. acne, eczema, rosacea), compared with placebo. Skin texture and quality also improved.

Antibacterial / anti-acne effects

• Pineapple peel extract was effective against Propionibacterium acnes (now Cutibacterium acnes) in antibacterial tests; higher concentrations (≥ ~50-100%) gave medium to strong inhibition zones.

Antioxidant potential from pineapple peels / waste

• Pineapple peel extracts show strong antioxidant activities: high phenolic content, high capability to scavenge free radicals (e.g. DPPH, hydrogen peroxide), using both macerated and microwave-assisted extraction.

Hydration & Cleansing

• Peel-derived bromelain provided stable activity and mild foaming when formulated into face wash bases.

Formulation Stability

• Bromelain retained efficacy in formulations with pH adjustment (5.3–5.9) and gentle washability.

Applications

• Enzyme Peels & Exfoliants: Promotes gentle removal of dead skin cells for smoother texture.
• Acne Control Products: Antibacterial action against P. acne helps manage breakouts.
• Wound Care & Healing: Supports enzymatic debridement by removing necrotic tissue.
• Anti-Aging Skincare: Antioxidant activity reduces oxidative stress, delays premature aging.
• Photoprotection: Can complement sunscreens with added antioxidant/UV-protective benefits.
• Face Wash Formulations: Peel-derived bromelain recommended for mild, effective cleansing.

References

Abbas, S., Shanbhag, T., & Kothare, A. (2021). Applications of bromelain from pineapple waste towards acne. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 28(1), 178–184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.11.032

Abdul Muhammad, Z., & Ahmad, T. (2017). Therapeutic uses of pineapple-extracted bromelain in surgical care: A review. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 67(1), 121–125. Retrieved from http://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_surg_surg/533

Manzoor, Z., Nawaz, A., Mukhtar, H., & Haq, I. (2016). Bromelain: Methods of extraction, purification and therapeutic applications. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, 59, e16150010. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4324-2016150010

Mamo, J., & Assefa, F. (2019). Antibacterial and anticancer property of bromelain: A plant protease enzyme from pineapples (Ananas comosus). Current Trends in Biomedical Engineering & Biosciences, 19(2), 556009. https://doi.org/10.19080/CTBEB.2019.19.556009

Marissa, Z., Mita, S. R., Kusumawulan, C. K., & Sriwidodo, S. (2025). Antioxidant and photoprotective activity of bromelain cream: An in vitro and in vivo study. Cosmetics, 12(2), 41. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12020041

Venetikidou, M., Lykartsi, E., Adamantidi, T., Prokopiou, V., Ofrydopoulou, A., Letsiou, S., & Tsoupras, A. (2025). Proteolytic enzyme activities of bromelain, ficin, and papain from fruit by-products and potential applications in sustainable and functional cosmetics for skincare. Applied Sciences, 15(5), 2637. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052637