New Study Highlights the Protective Antimicrobial Role of Lysozyme in Human Health

A study published in Clinical and Translational Medicine highlights the important role of lysozyme. Lysozyme is naturally occurring enzyme that forms a key part of the body’s innate immune defense system. It’ naturally present in human secretions such as saliva, tears, and mucus, where it helps protect tissues from microbial invasion. According to the researchers, lysozyme functions by breaking down bacterial cell walls, particularly those of gram-positive bacteria. This enzymatic action disrupts microbial structures and prevents bacterial growth. It helps in maintaining microbial balance on surfaces that frequently interact with the external environment.

Lysozyme is a naturally occurring antimicrobial enzyme. It plays an important role in the body’s first line of defense against microorganisms. It is widely found in protective secretions such as tears, saliva, and mucus, where it helps prevent microbial colonization on exposed tissues. Lysozyme functions by breaking down the structural components of bacterial cell walls, particularly those of gram-positive bacteria, thereby disrupting their growth and survival. In addition to its antimicrobial activity, lysozyme also contributes to maintaining microbial balance on the skin and other epithelial surfaces. By supporting natural defense mechanisms lysozyme helps protect tissues from infection and inflammation. Because of these protective properties, lysozyme is increasingly studied for its potential role in personal care formulations designed to support skin hygiene, tissue protection, healing, and healthy microbial balance.

Beyond its antimicrobial activity, the study also emphasizes that lysozyme plays a role in supporting immune responses. It also helps maintaining epithelial tissue protection. By regulating microbial populations and assisting the body’s natural defense systems, lysozyme contributes to maintaining healthy tissue environments. It helps in reducing the risk of inflammation caused by microbial imbalance.

These findings have important implications for topical and personal care applications, particularly in products designed to support skin health and healing. Natural antimicrobial components such as lysozyme are increasingly being studied for their ability to help maintain a balanced microbial environment on the skin while supporting natural healing processes.

Recognizing the potential of nature derived defense mechanisms early on, H2Ocean began incorporating lysozyme into its formulations in 2001. By combining it with mineral rich sea salt and other natural ingredients H2Ocean develop products designed to support skin health, hygiene, and recovery through science backed formulations.

Reference: Wang L, Dong Q, He F, Gu Z, Sun A. Beyond bacterial defences: the role of lysozyme in cancer. Clin Transl Med. 2026;16:e70575.