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Samartha Institute of Pharmacy, Belhe, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Banana peel, generally discarded as agricultural waste, has recently attracted scientific attention due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds and potential applications in dermatology and cosmeceuticals. It contains essential primary metabolites such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and dietary fibre, along with a wide range of secondary metabolites including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, and carotenoids. Additionally, it provides vital micronutrients such as potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which contribute to skin nourishment and protection. These constituents exhibit diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, wound-healing, anti-ageing, and skin-brightening effects. Due to these multifunctional properties, banana peel has been increasingly explored in herbal cosmetic formulations such as scrubs, creams, gels, soaps, and face packs. Various extraction techniques, including solvent-based and advanced methods like microwave-assisted and ultrasonic extraction, are employed to isolate these active compounds. Modern analytical tools such as FTIR, HPLC, GC-MS, and LC-MS play a key role in phytochemical identification and standardisation. Despite its promising applications, challenges such as variability in composition, limited stability, and lack of clinical validation still exist. This review provides a comprehensive and critical overview of the phytochemical composition, extraction strategies, dermatological activities, and future prospects of banana peel as a sustainable and effective cosmeceutical ingredient.
Banana is one of the most widely cultivated and consumed fruits across the globe, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. While the edible pulp is extensively utilised for its nutritional benefits, the peel is commonly discarded, even though it constitutes approximately 30–40% of the total fruit mass. The disposal of banana peel as waste contributes to environmental pollution and highlights the need for effective waste management and resource utilisation strategies.
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the valorisation of agricultural waste into value-added products. Banana peel has emerged as a promising natural material due to its rich phytochemical composition. It contains numerous biologically active compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic substances, tannins, alkaloids, and terpenoids, along with essential vitamins and minerals. These compounds are known to exhibit significant biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties.
The growing demand for natural and plant-based skincare products has further enhanced the importance of banana peel in cosmetic and pharmaceutical research. Unlike synthetic ingredients, herbal compounds are generally associated with better safety profiles and reduced side effects. Banana peel has demonstrated potential in addressing various skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, dryness, ageing, and minor wounds. Therefore, it represents an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable raw material for the development of herbal cosmetic formulations.
Need for Work
Botanical Description of Banana
Banana is one of the most widely grown fruit crops in the world, mainly found in tropical and subtropical climates. It belongs to the genus Musa and is known for its high nutritional value as well as its medicinal and commercial importance. Botanically, the banana plant is considered a large perennial herb and not a true tree because it does not have a woody stem. Instead, it has a pseudostem made from tightly arranged leaf sheaths and large, broad leaves. The fruit is commonly consumed by people of all age groups, while the peel is usually discarded as waste, even though it contains many useful phytochemicals and shows significant therapeutic potential.
Table No:-1
|
Sr. No. |
Classification Level |
Scientific Name |
|
1 |
Kingdom |
Plantae |
|
2 |
Division |
Magnoliophyta |
|
3 |
Class |
Liliopsida |
|
4 |
Order |
Zingiberales |
|
5 |
Family |
Musaceae |
|
6 |
Genus |
Musa |
|
7 |
Species |
Musa paradisiaca, Musa acuminata |
Structure of Banana Peel
Banana peel is the protective outer layer of the fruit that helps prevent physical injury, microbial contamination, and loss of moisture. It accounts for nearly 30–40% of the total fruit weight and is mainly divided into two layers.
Outer Peel (Exocarp):
The outer peel is the firm and coloured external layer of the banana. During the ripening process, its colour changes from green to yellow due to natural pigment changes. It contains fibre, pigments, and several protective phytochemicals.
Inner Peel (Mesocarp):
The inner peel is the soft, white, and fibrous layer found beneath the outer surface. It contains higher amounts of starch, moisture, dietary fibre, and phenolic substances. Because of its soft texture and beneficial compounds, it is commonly used in herbal skin care products.
Phytochemical Profiling of Banana Peel
Table No -2
|
Section |
Component |
Information |
|
Primary Metabolites |
Carbohydrates |
Provide energy and support structural composition of the peel |
|
Primary Metabolites |
Proteins |
Help in tissue repair and support biological activities |
|
Primary Metabolites |
Lipids |
Maintain skin moisture and support barrier function |
|
Primary Metabolites |
Fibers |
Useful in exfoliating formulations like scrubs |
|
Secondary Metabolites |
Flavonoids |
Show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects |
|
Secondary Metabolites |
Phenolic Compounds |
Help prevent oxidative stress and skin damage |
|
Secondary Metabolites |
Tannins |
Possess antimicrobial and astringent properties |
|
Secondary Metabolites |
Alkaloids |
Contribute to antimicrobial and healing actions |
|
Secondary Metabolites |
Saponins |
Help in cleansing and provide antimicrobial benefits |
|
Secondary Metabolites |
Glycosides |
Support therapeutic and protective skin functions |
|
Secondary Metabolites |
Terpenoids |
Show anti-inflammatory and healing properties |
|
Secondary Metabolites |
Carotenoids |
Help in skin protection and improve skin appearance |
|
Minerals and Vitamins |
Potassium |
Maintains skin hydration and softness |
|
Minerals and Vitamins |
Magnesium |
Supports skin repair and reduces inflammation |
|
Minerals and Vitamins |
Vitamin C |
Promotes collagen formation and skin brightening |
Methods of Banana Peel Extraction
Drying and Powder Preparation
Fresh banana peels are thoroughly cleaned to remove dust and unwanted materials. They are then sliced into smaller pieces and dried by shade drying, sunlight exposure, or using a hot air oven. Once fully dried, the peels are crushed into a fine powder and preserved in airtight containers for future extraction procedures.
Various solvents are used to separate active phytochemicals from banana peel powder.
In this method, water is used to obtain water-soluble compounds such as sugars, proteins, and certain phenolic substances.
Ethanol is widely preferred for extracting flavonoids, phenolics, and antioxidant compounds due to its effectiveness and safer nature.
Methanol is useful for extracting a broad range of phytochemicals, especially phenolic compounds and antioxidants, with high extraction efficiency.
This method uses a combination of water and alcohol to improve the recovery of both polar and non-polar constituents, resulting in higher phytochemical yield.
Modern extraction techniques help improve yield and reduce processing time.
It is a continuous hot extraction process in which the solvent repeatedly flows through the sample to maximise compound extraction.
Microwave energy helps break plant cells rapidly, allowing faster release of active compounds and improving extraction efficiency.
Ultrasound waves assist in releasing phytochemicals from plant tissues, leading to better extraction with lower solvent consumption.
Dermatological Activities of Banana Peel
Improve the skin barrier and keep the skin soft, smooth, and healthy.
Banana peel shows strong antioxidant activity due to the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These compounds help in scavenging free radicals and protecting the skin from oxidative stress. This action helps prevent premature skin ageing, wrinkles, and dullness.
The peel possesses antimicrobial properties that help inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. It is effective against acne-causing bacteria and also shows antifungal effects, making it useful in treating skin infections and maintaining skin hygiene.
Banana peel helps reduce skin inflammation and irritation due to its anti-inflammatory compounds. It provides a soothing effect on inflamed skin and helps in reducing redness, swelling, and discomfort.
Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make banana peel useful in acne management. It helps control excess sebum production and reduces bacterial growth on the skin, thereby minimising pimples and acne breakouts.
Banana peel helps improve skin tone by reducing pigmentation and tanning. It supports the removal of dead skin cells and promotes a brighter and healthier skin appearance.
The presence of healing compounds in banana peel supports tissue repair and regeneration. It helps in faster healing of minor wounds, cuts, and skin damage by promoting skin recovery.
Banana peel contributes to anti-ageing benefits by reducing wrinkles and fine lines. It supports collagen production and helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness.
Banana peel provides hydration and nourishment to the skin due to its moisture content, vitamins, and minerals.
Banana Peel in Herbal Cosmetic Formulations
Banana peel is commonly included in herbal cosmetic products because of its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-enhancing properties. Its phytochemical richness makes it an effective natural ingredient for different types of skincare preparations.
|
Sr. No. |
Formulation Type |
Purpose |
|
1 |
Face Scrub |
Exfoliation and brightening |
|
2 |
Face Pack |
Moisturizing and detanning |
|
3 |
Soap |
Cleansing and antimicrobial |
|
4 |
Body Scrub |
Skin polishing and rejuvenation |
|
5 |
Cream |
Hydration and anti-aging |
|
6 |
Gel |
Acne control and soothing |
|
7 |
Herbal Cubes |
Easy-to-use solid skincare product |
Comparative Review of Previous Studies
|
Sr. No. |
Author and Year |
Title of Study |
Objective |
Methodology |
Key Findings |
|
1 |
Dhana Lakshmi B et al., 2022 |
Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Soap Using Natural Ingredients |
To prepare and evaluate herbal soap using natural ingredients including banana peel |
Preparation of herbal soap followed by evaluation of pH, foam retention, stability, and skin irritation |
Herbal soap showed good cleansing action, acceptable pH, and skin-friendly properties |
|
2 |
Muralidhar A et al., 2020 |
Preparation of Soap Using Banana Peel and Olive Tree Ashes |
To develop soap using banana peel as a natural ingredient |
Soap preparation using banana peel extract and evaluation of physical properties |
Banana peel-based soap showed good antimicrobial and cleansing properties |
|
3 |
Pratyusha N.S. et al., 2019 |
Formulation and Evaluation of Polyherbal Face Scrubber for Oily Skin in Gel Form |
To formulate a polyherbal face scrub for oily skin treatment |
Preparation of gel scrub and evaluation of spreadability, pH, and anti-acne activity |
Effective oil control and improved skin cleansing were observed |
Advantages of Banana Peel in Dermatology
Banana peel is a plant-based ingredient and is generally considered safer for skin use, with fewer side effects than many synthetic cosmetic substances.
Using banana peel in skincare products helps reduce organic waste and supports environmentally responsible product development.
As a by-product of banana consumption and processing, banana peel is affordable and does not require high production costs.
Because bananas are commonly consumed across the world, banana peel is easily accessible in large amounts throughout the year.
The use of banana peel in cosmetic formulations supports waste utilisation and encourages the development of sustainable and herbal skincare products.
Limitations
The phytochemical content of banana peel can differ based on the banana variety, stage of ripening, and method of extraction, which makes it difficult to maintain uniform quality.
Active compounds present in banana peel extract may degrade over time because of exposure to air, heat, light, and moisture, which can reduce product effectiveness.
Herbal formulations prepared with banana peel generally have a limited storage period due to the absence of strong chemical preservatives.
Even though banana peel is a natural material, detailed toxicity and safety studies are important to ensure its safe use for long-term skin applications.
Most available research is based on laboratory studies, while large human clinical trials are still limited, making it difficult to confirm complete safety and therapeutic effectiveness.
Future Perspectives
Upcoming research may explore nano-sized formulations of banana peel extract to enhance product stability, improve absorption through the skin, and increase therapeutic efficiency.
Additional studies involving human participants are necessary to verify the safety, effectiveness, and long-term dermatological benefits of banana peel-based products.
Due to its beneficial skin properties, banana peel can be further developed for large-scale cosmetic products such as soaps, creams, scrubs, gels, and face masks.
New and unique formulations prepared using banana peel extract may provide scope for patent registration in the fields of herbal cosmetics and pharmaceutical sciences.
Using banana peel as a cosmetic ingredient encourages sustainable product development by transforming agricultural waste into useful and eco-friendly skincare formulations.
CONCLUSION
Banana peel is an important natural source of many beneficial phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenols, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, carotenoids, essential vitamins, and minerals. These active compounds are responsible for several skin-related benefits, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, wound healing, skin brightening, anti-ageing, and moisturising activities. Due to these multiple dermatological properties, banana peel has become useful in the preparation of herbal cosmetic products like face scrubs, face packs, soaps, creams, gels, body scrubs, and solid skincare formulations. Its natural availability, affordability, and environmentally friendly nature make it a suitable ingredient for sustainable cosmetic development. Even though banana peel has shown promising results in skincare and pharmaceutical applications, more detailed research is still required for proper standardisation, improved stability, safety assessment, and large-scale clinical evaluation. With continuous advancements in herbal formulation techniques, banana peel has strong future potential as a valuable ingredient in cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical industries.
REFERENCES
Nisha More, Kajal Walunj, Sayali Panmand, Sharad Narhe, Phytochemical Profiling and Multifunctional Dermatological Activities of Banana Peel, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2026, Vol 4, Issue 5, 7514-7522. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20422810
10.5281/zenodo.20422810