Banana Peel Skincare Trend: Natural Botox or Just a Peel Gimmick?

Express Tribune

31-01-2025

Move over, fancy serums and high-tech facials—Gen Z's latest skincare obsession is as simple as it gets: banana peels.
The trend, which has taken TikTok by storm, involves rubbing the inside of a banana peel on your face to achieve a 'natural Botox effect.'
Influencers claim it exfoliates, tightens, and brightens skin, with videos racking up hundreds of thousands of views. But skincare experts are warning that this hack might do more harm than good.
The trend is straightforward: after eating a banana, users rub the inner side of the peel on their face, leaving the white fibers on their skin for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off.
TikTokers like Kali Thompson, who has 250,000 followers, swear by the results. 'I swear it's made my skin glow more!' she said in a video. Another user, @yourmategingerkate, praised the peel's enzymes, calling it 'brilliant for fine lines and wrinkles.'
However, experts aren't convinced. Dr. Dave Reilly, Head Scientist at Absolute Collagen, warns that using banana peels as an exfoliant is 'far from ideal' and could 'irritate your skin.'
While bananas contain antioxidants like lutein, which can brighten skin, Dr. Reilly explains that these nutrients can't be effectively absorbed through direct application. Instead, he recommends acid-based exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs, which are gentler and more effective.
The trend has also sparked concerns about misinformation.
Despite claims of a 'natural Botox effect,' there's no scientific evidence to back up the idea that banana peels can tighten or rejuvenate skin. In fact, some users, like Millie Margot from Birmingham, reported negative effects, such as eczema flare-ups, after trying the hack.
People are divided when it comes to this trend. Of course, because everybody has a vastly different skin type, trends like this work wonders for some while they turn out to be counter productive for others.
While banana peels might contain beneficial nutrients, experts agree that there are better ways to care for your skin. Antioxidant-rich products like vitamin C serums are more potent and less likely to cause irritation. As Dr. Reilly puts it, 'Exfoliation is an essential step in a skincare routine, but using a banana peel is far from ideal.'
So, before you start rubbing fruit scraps on your face, remember: sometimes, the simplest solutions aren't the best. Stick to proven skincare methods and leave the banana peels for the compost bin.