Papaya is a fruit grown in tropical parts of the Western Hemisphere. But you can do more with papaya than eat it.

It’s also used as a beauty product, with many people using papaya soap to improve the health and appearance of their skin. Papaya soap is also believed to be a skin lightener. If you have any discoloration or dark scars, the soap may reduce the appearance of these spots.

What is papaya soap?

Papaya soap is a natural, gentle soap that’s safe to use on different parts of the body, including the face.

A normal bar of soap also cleans and removes dirt. But it may be too harsh for the skin, stripping it of natural oils.

Some soaps contain synthetic detergents and other ingredients that will not only wash away dirt, but also your skin’s natural moisture. This can exacerbate skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and rosacea, increasing dryness and itchiness.

Papaya soap, on the other hand, is made from natural ingredients. It contains the enzyme papain, which breaks down protein.

This enzyme promotes healthy digestion, but it can also act as an anti-inflammatory.

Benefits of papaya soap

Papaya has nutrients to promote healthier skin. Papaya soap is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that can reduce irregular pigmentation and stimulate collagen production.

The soap also contains vitamin A, another important nutrient for the skin. It promotes the production of new skin cells, and may help reduce dark spots, blemishes, and scars.

Uses for papaya soap

Over-the-counter cleansing bars don’t also improve the skin, but a natural skin-friendly product like papaya soap might.

Papaya soap as a skin lightener

If you have hyperpigmentation spots or if you’re dealing with uneven skin tone, papaya soap can help smooth out your skin complexion.

Hyperpigmentation is darkening or discoloration of the skin. Since papaya soap promotes the removal of dead skin cells, the soap may gradually reduce the appearance of dark patches, lightening your skin.

It’s also believed that papaya soap helps curb excessive melanin production. However, this claim doesn’t appear to be scientifically backed with research.

Side effects of Papaya Soap

Even though papaya soap is natural, it may not be safe for everyone.

Before using papaya soap for the first time, test the soap on a small patch of skin. Discontinue use if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as bumps, swelling, itching, or redness.

You should also avoid papaya soap if you’re allergic to papaya or latex. Papain is obtained from the latex of an unripe papaya fruit.