Ingredient review

Lysozyme

INCI: Lysozyme

Lysozyme is a gentle enzyme that helps control unwanted bacteria on the skin, making it a mild alternative to harsher antimicrobial ingredients.

beautyskincareenzyme

In plain English

Lysozyme is an enzyme that your body already makes in tears, saliva, and sweat to help protect against certain bacteria. In skincare, it's used to gently reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin's surface without being harsh or drying. Think of it as a mild, natural helper that supports your skin's own defenses.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

3.8Good
3.8/ 5

Potentially useful with some tradeoffs

The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.

Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.

Source
natural
Evidence
moderate
Irritation
low
Clogging risk
low
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Lysozyme is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.

Plain-English read

Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Lysozyme.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.

Score terms in plain English

Irritation risk

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

Lysozyme is an enzyme (a type of protein that speeds up chemical reactions) that breaks down the cell walls of certain bacteria. It is naturally produced by the human body and is also found in egg whites and some plants. In cosmetics, it is typically derived from natural sources and used for its gentle antimicrobial activity.

How it works

Lysozyme works by cleaving a specific sugar chain in the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls, causing the bacteria to burst and die. This action is selective—it primarily targets Gram-positive bacteria, which are common on skin. In a product, it helps keep the formula and the skin's surface cleaner without disrupting the skin's natural microbiome as much as broad-spectrum preservatives or strong antibacterials might.

Pros

Mild on skin

Lysozyme is gentle and non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive or compromised skin that cannot tolerate stronger antimicrobials.

Naturally derived

Sourced from natural origins (often egg white or microbial fermentation), it appeals to consumers looking for bio-identical or nature-identical ingredients.

Cons and cautions

Limited bacterial coverage

Lysozyme only targets Gram-positive bacteria, so it won't control all types of skin bacteria or fungi, limiting its standalone effectiveness.

Stability challenges

As an enzyme, lysozyme can lose activity in formulations with extreme pH, high heat, or certain preservatives, requiring careful product design.

Best for

  • People with sensitive or reactive skin looking for a mild antimicrobial
  • Those who prefer naturally-derived ingredients over synthetic preservatives
  • Anyone wanting to support a balanced skin microbiome

Use caution if

  • Individuals with known egg allergies (if derived from egg whites)
  • Those seeking a broad-spectrum antibacterial for acne or infection

Usage tips

Use lysozyme in leave-on products like serums or mists for best antimicrobial benefit.
Pair with other gentle antimicrobials (like lactoferrin) for broader coverage.
Store products containing lysozyme in a cool, dark place to preserve enzyme activity.
Check the label for source (egg vs. fermentation) if you have allergies.

Safety summary

Lysozyme is considered safe for topical use with a low risk of irritation or allergy. The main caution is for individuals with egg allergies if the ingredient is derived from egg whites; fermentation-derived versions avoid this concern. It is non-comedogenic and well-tolerated even on sensitive skin.

Research notes

Research supports lysozyme's ability to reduce Gram-positive bacteria on skin and its role in supporting skin barrier function. Studies are mostly in vitro or small clinical trials; larger human studies are limited. It is not a substitute for medical treatment of infections.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
0.01% to 0.1%
Regulatory status
Lysozyme is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products in the US (FDA) and EU (CosIng). It is not a preservative but can support preservation systems.
Common uses
Cleansers, Mists, Masks, Serums
Environmental note
Lysozyme is biodegradable and derived from renewable sources, making it an environmentally friendly choice compared to some synthetic antimicrobials.

Good to know

  • Lysozyme is sometimes listed as 'muramidase' on ingredient labels.
  • It is a common ingredient in oral care products for its natural antibacterial role.
  • The enzyme is most active at a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 5.5–7.0).

Common questions

What is Lysozyme in beauty products?

Lysozyme is an enzyme that your body already makes in tears, saliva, and sweat to help protect against certain bacteria. In skincare, it's used to gently reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin's surface without being harsh or drying. Think of it as a mild, natural helper that supports your skin's own defenses.

What does Lysozyme do in a beauty product?

Lysozyme works by cleaving a specific sugar chain in the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls, causing the bacteria to burst and die. This action is selective—it primarily targets Gram-positive bacteria, which are common on skin. In a product, it helps keep the formula and the skin's surface cleaner without disrupting the skin's natural microbiome as much as broad-spectrum preservatives or strong antibacterials might.

Is Lysozyme safe for most people?

Lysozyme is considered safe for topical use with a low risk of irritation or allergy. The main caution is for individuals with egg allergies if the ingredient is derived from egg whites; fermentation-derived versions avoid this concern. It is non-comedogenic and well-tolerated even on sensitive skin.

Who should be careful with Lysozyme?

Individuals with known egg allergies (if derived from egg whites) Those seeking a broad-spectrum antibacterial for acne or infection

Research sources

CosIng - European Commission ingredient databaseOpenPubMed - Lysozyme and skin microbiomeOpenFDA - Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for food useOpenDermatology review - Enzymes in skincareOpen

Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.