Lipase of rubber seed has been isolated, characterized and its compatibility with different commercial detergents and surfactants is,investigated. The enzyme is found to be compatible with various ionic and non-ionic surfactants, oxidizing agents as well as commercial detergents. Enzyme shows marked activation in the presence of Triton X-100 and Ca2+, and remarkable resistance towards Tween-80, Tween-20 and SDS. The best assay conditions observed for this lipase are found to be pH 8,0 and temperature 40 degrees C. The enzyme is remarkably stable at alkaline pH (8-10) even after 24 h and thermally stable at 30C- 50 degrees C. Wash performance of commercial detergent for the removal of fatty stains improves on addition of lipase. Enzyme ability to function in alkaline pH (8-10) and at low temperature 30 degrees- 40 degrees C, resistance towards various surfactants and tolerance to commercial detergents make this lipase a potential additive for detergent formulations.