Bromelain, an enzyme from pineapple, has been studied for swelling and inflammation. [1][2] When six placebo-controlled trials were pooled, it reduced facial swelling after wisdom tooth surgery. [3] ClearDerm with Probiotics includes bromelain as the enzyme in its 22-ingredient formula, to help promote clear skin. [4] Here is what the research shows.
On this page
From Anirva, the maker of ClearDerm with Probiotics. This article is general information, not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
- Bromelain reduced swelling after wisdom tooth surgery. Pooled results from six placebo-controlled trials showed less facial swelling. [3]
- Acne research is very early. In the lab, bromelain slowed acne bacteria. [5] A small scar trial combined it with curcumin, and the groups did not differ significantly. [6]
- ClearDerm provides 50 mg of bromelain, [4] alongside zinc, curcumin and probiotics.
Facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ingredient | Bromelain, a group of enzymes from pineapple [7] |
| Amount in ClearDerm | 50 mg a day, in 2 capsules [4]. Activity units (GDU): [AMOUNT REQUIRED] |
| What it does | Breaks down proteins [7] |
| Kinds of evidence | Surgery and skin-procedure swelling trials, reviews of inflammation markers, lab work, and one small acne scar trial [3][8][2][9][5][6] |
| Last reviewed | [DATE] |
What is bromelain?
Bromelain is a group of enzymes that break down proteins. It comes from the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant, and it is also called pineapple enzyme. [7]
It is sold as a supplement for sinus problems, osteoarthritis, muscle soreness after exercise and pain after wisdom tooth removal. Sinus research is too thin to recommend it. A prescription form is used on the skin to remove dead tissue from severe burns. [7]
How bromelain relates to swelling and inflammation
In lab studies of immune cells that were already inflamed, bromelain lowered IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, three signals that drive inflammation. [9]
In people, the results are mixed. A 2023 review of seven trials found that bromelain, alone or with other compounds, often reduced inflammation markers. The overall effect was inconsistent. [2]
Some bromelain is absorbed. In 19 healthy men, small amounts of bromelain, still partly active, were found in the blood after oral doses. [10] The research is still growing: no study has shown what this means for the skin.
What the studies show
Swelling after surgery
A 2019 meta-analysis pooled six placebo-controlled trials after lower wisdom tooth surgery. Bromelain reduced facial swelling at 2 to 3 days and at one week. It eased pain at one week but not earlier. [3]
After skin procedures, 5 of 7 oral bromelain trials reported less swelling or bruising, but a 2016 review judged the data insufficient. [8]
Acne: lab work and one scar trial
In a 2021 lab study, bromelain from pineapple peel slowed the growth of S. aureus and the acne bacterium P. acnes. [5]
In a 2024 trial, people with acne scars took bromelain with curcumin, bromelain with a different curcumin form, or placebo for 4 weeks. Everyone also used an exfoliating acid product. Of 76 people enrolled, 57 finished; six stopped because of allergic reactions. [6]
The group taking bromelain with standard curcuminoids had lower scar scores and less self-reported redness than at the start. Scar area and spot counts did not change significantly. The groups did not differ significantly from each other, and the trial could not separate bromelain from curcumin. [6]
How much bromelain is in ClearDerm?
Two capsules provide 50 mg of bromelain. [4] The label does not list activity units (GDU): [AMOUNT REQUIRED].
Is bromelain safe?
Oral bromelain seems well tolerated, according to NCCIH, part of the NIH. Stomach upset and diarrhea are the most common side effects. [7] A 2023 meta-analysis reported no major health risks. Side effects included gas, nausea and headache. [11]
- Allergy. In a worker exposed to bromelain on the job, it caused allergic reactions, including asthma. Eating pineapple also set off her asthma. Most workers already allergic to papain, a papaya enzyme, also tested positive for bromelain. [12]
- Blood thinners. A 2001 review reports that bromelain may slow platelet clumping, a step in blood clotting. [1]
- Antibiotics. The same review reports that bromelain may raise the absorption of some medicines, especially antibiotics. [1]
- Pregnancy and nursing. Little is known about safety in pregnancy or while nursing. [7]
Bromelain is one part of ClearDerm
ClearDerm with Probiotics is a daily two-capsule skin supplement with 22 ingredients: vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, an enzyme and six probiotic strains. They were chosen to promote clear skin, support a clear complexion and support the gut–skin connection. [4]
Bromelain is the enzyme. It sits alongside zinc, curcumin, green tea and the probiotic strains. [4]
ClearDerm has not been clinically tested as a finished product. When you take it, you are not relying on one ingredient alone.
ClearDerm is made in Phoenix, Arizona, in a cGMP-certified facility. Every ingredient is listed on the label, and the probiotic blend is given as one total. [4]
Bromelain comes from the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant. [7] A few points help you use ClearDerm well: take ClearDerm with food and water, as the directions say; [4] and if you are allergic to pineapple or papain, take a blood thinner, an antibiotic or any other medicine, or are pregnant or nursing, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you start. [7][12][1]
22 ingredients, including bromelain and zinc
ClearDerm with Probiotics is a daily two-capsule supplement that pairs bromelain with zinc, curcumin and other vitamins, minerals and plant extracts chosen to support clear skin. Every ingredient is listed on the label.
See ClearDermIf you are deciding
Bromelain reduced swelling after wisdom tooth surgery in pooled placebo-controlled trials. [3] Its effect on inflammation markers in people is mixed, [2] and acne research is early. [5][6] Bromelain is one of 22 ingredients chosen to promote clear skin. [4]
The short version
Bromelain is a pineapple enzyme studied for swelling and inflammation. ClearDerm includes it as one part of a formula to help promote clear skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is bromelain good for acne-prone skin?
Does bromelain reduce swelling?
When six placebo-controlled trials were pooled, bromelain reduced facial swelling after wisdom tooth surgery. [3]
Is bromelain safe?
How much bromelain is in ClearDerm?
Two capsules provide 50 mg of bromelain. [4]
References
- Maurer HR. Bromelain: biochemistry, pharmacology and medical use. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2001;58(9):1234-1245. doi:10.1007/PL00000936. PMID: 11577981.
- Pereira IC, Sátiro Vieira EE, de Oliveira Torres LR, Carneiro da Silva FC, de Castro E Sousa JM, Torres-Leal FL. Bromelain supplementation and inflammatory markers: a systematic review of clinical trials. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2023;55:116-127. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.02.028. PMID: 37202035.
- Liu S, Zhao H, Wang Y, Zhao H, Ma C. Oral bromelain for the control of facial swelling, trismus, and pain after mandibular third molar surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2019;77(8):1566-1574. doi:10.1016/j.joms.2019.02.044. PMID: 30986376.
- Anirva. ClearDerm with Probiotics Supplement Facts label and product page. https://anirva.com/pages/clear-derm-with-probiotics (accessed October 13, 2026).
- Abbas S, Shanbhag T, Kothare A. Applications of bromelain from pineapple waste towards acne. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2021;28(1):1001-1009. doi:10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.11.032. PMID: 33424393.
- Shojaan S, Andarzbakhsh K, Jalalian Targhi H, Namvar S, Shiehmorteza M, Ghoreishi Rad H, et al. Evaluating the efficacy of bromelain and curcumin in treating acne scars: a randomized clinical trial. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod. 2024;19(2):e144048. doi:10.5812/jjnpp-144048.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Bromelain. Last updated November 2024. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/bromelain (accessed October 13, 2026).
- Ho D, Jagdeo J, Waldorf HA. Is there a role for arnica and bromelain in prevention of post-procedure ecchymosis or edema? A systematic review of the literature. Dermatol Surg. 2016;42(4):445-463. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000000701. PMID: 27035499.
- Alves Nobre T, de Sousa AA, Pereira IC, Carvalho Pedrosa-Santos ÁM, Lopes LO, Debia N, et al. Bromelain as a natural anti-inflammatory drug: a systematic review. Nat Prod Res. 2025;39(5):1258-1271. doi:10.1080/14786419.2024.2342553. PMID: 38676413.
- Castell JV, Friedrich G, Kuhn CS, Poppe GE. Intestinal absorption of undegraded proteins in men: presence of bromelain in plasma after oral intake. Am J Physiol. 1997;273(1 Pt 1):G139-G146. doi:10.1152/ajpgi.1997.273.1.G139. PMID: 9252520.
- Leelakanok N, Petchsomrit A, Janurai T, Saechan C, Sunsandee N. Efficacy and safety of bromelain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Health. 2023;29(3):479-503. doi:10.1177/02601060231173732. PMID: 37157782.
- Baur X, Fruhmann G. Allergic reactions, including asthma, to the pineapple protease bromelain following occupational exposure. Clin Allergy. 1979;9(5):443-450. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2222.1979.tb02507.x. PMID: 498486.
