what is Banana Peel Extract?
Banana peel extract is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and bioactive compounds that protect against oxidative stress, slow aging, and boost collagen production. It brightens skin, hydrates, reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and provides antimicrobial action against acne. With anti-inflammatory and healing effects, it soothes irritation, offers natural sun protection (SPF ~10), and, through vitamin C and other antioxidants, helps prevent wrinkles and pigmentation.
Effects on Skin Hydration and Barrier Properties
- Antioxidant Protection: Dopamine, vitamin C, and polyphenols neutralize free radicals and reactive oxygen species, preventing oxidative damage that accelerates skin aging.
- Anti-Aging & Collagen Support: Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis, while antioxidants reduce fine lines and wrinkles by stabilizing skin structure.
- Brightening & Anti-Pigmentation: Vitamin C and phenolics inhibit tyrosinase and melanin synthesis, reducing dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and sun-induced discoloration.
- Hydration & Barrier Repair: Polysaccharides and minerals support water retention, improve skin elasticity, and enhance barrier function for smoother skin.
- Antimicrobial Action: Banana peel extract shows activity against Propionibacterium acnes and other bacteria, reducing breakouts and promoting a clearer complexion.
- Anti-Inflammatory & Healing Effects: Flavonoids and tannins calm irritation, reduce redness, and accelerate wound healing.
- Natural Sun Protection: Banana peel provides mild photoprotection with an SPF value of approximately 10, offering a natural defense against UV damage.
- Anti-inflammatory action in skin conditions: In vivo and in silico studies demonstrated that banana peel extract reduced inflammation in acne vulgaris by suppressing bacterial growth and lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α). Extracts also promoted faster healing of lesions.
- Antibacterial / anti-acne effects: Ethanolic banana peel extracts showed antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes with measurable inhibition zones. Activity was concentration-dependent, with higher extract levels producing stronger antibacterial effects.
- Antioxidant potential from banana peels: Banana peel contains dopamine, vitamin C, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, contributing to strong antioxidant activity. Extracts show significant radical scavenging (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS) comparable to other fruit wastes. Polyphenol-rich fractions provide protection against oxidative stress and skin aging.
- Anti-aging creams and serums: To reduce wrinkles and boost collagen.
- Brightening formulations: To diminish pigmentation and improve skin tone.
- Moisturizers and masks: For hydration and barrier repair.
- Acne treatments: Leveraging antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Sun care products: As a supplementary natural UV-protective agent.
- Healing ointments: To soothe inflamed or irritated skin.
Conclusion
Banana peel extract represents a sustainable and potent source of natural antioxidants, vitamins, and bioactive compounds with diverse dermatological benefits. By combating oxidative stress, reducing pigmentation, hydrating skin, and protecting against microbial and UV damage, it has broad potential for incorporation into modern skin care formulations.
References
Savitri D. et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of banana (Musa balbisiana) peel extract on acne vulgaris: in vivo and in silico study. (2023) PMC10492217
Rizky F.A. et al. Antibacterial Activity of 50% and 96% Ethanol Extract of Horn Banana Peel against Propionibacterium acnes. (2022) Indonesian Pharmacopeia Journal
Avram I. et al. Functional Compounds from Banana Peel Used to Decrease Oxidative Stress Effects. Processes, 2022. MDPI
