Enzymes (Protease, Amylase, Lipase)

What are enzymes and what do they do?

Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in living things. Those used in detergents are usually produced by microorganisms through fermentation. Each enzyme targets a particular type of stain: protease breaks down protein stains such as blood, egg and sweat, amylase starchy food residues and lipase grease stains; cellulase, meanwhile, reduces fuzzing on cotton fabrics, keeping colours bright.

Thanks to enzymes, laundry can be cleaned well even at low temperatures such as 30–40 °C, which reduces energy consumption. Once they have done their job, they break down easily like other proteins.

Which products contain them?

• Powder and liquid laundry detergents, pods
• Dishwasher tablets and powders
• Stain removers and pre-wash sprays
• Some sink and drain care products

Under EU detergent legislation, enzymes are listed on detergent labels as “enzymes” without stating the amount; some products also state the type (such as protease or amylase). The packaging may carry the warning “may cause allergy or asthma symptoms if inhaled”.

Are they harmful? The scientific assessment

Under the EU CLP classification, pure detergent enzymes are labelled may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled (H334). This means enzymes can sensitise the immune system when inhaled as dust or aerosol. Some enzymes also carry eye and skin irritation warnings.

Historically this risk was seen in workers in detergent factories. The industry largely brought the problem under control by switching to enzymes in encapsulated granules that do not create dust and by monitoring workplace air. For consumers, allergy linked to enzymes is considered rare in normal use.

The very small amount of enzyme left on the skin causes no problems under normal conditions. However, scooping powder detergent with your hands or breathing in the dust while pouring it from the box is unnecessary exposure.

Who should be careful?

• People with asthma or respiratory allergies: Liquid detergent, gel or pods may be preferable; with powder products, take care not to breathe in the dust when pouring.
• People with eczema: Rinsing laundry well and wearing gloves when hand-washing reduce irritation.
• Wool and silk: Protease enzymes can damage animal protein fibres; special enzyme-free detergents are used for these fabrics.

What to do when you see them on a label

Enzyme (“biological”) detergents offer strong cleaning at low temperatures, so they have advantages for both laundry and energy use. When opening powder detergent, keep it away from your face, pour it with the measuring cup and store it out of children's reach. Pods getting into the eyes or being put in the mouth is dangerous mainly because of the surfactants rather than the enzymes; in such a case, call your local poison control centre (in Türkiye: UZEM, 114).