Why Are People Rubbing Banana Peels on Their Faces?

TikTok trends have done a lot for our skin care routines, and not all of it good. The social media platform has given rise to some truly bizarre fads, from rubbing your face with beef tallow to basking in the odor of a mayonnaise-based mask. The latest craze is sure to sound bananas — pun definitely intended, because that’s exactly what it is. People are rubbing the inside of banana peels on their faces, saying it works as well as Botox in eliminating fine lines and wrinkles. Many insist doing so can also reduce inflammation and remove dark circles. Before you buy a bundle of bananas or finally make use of the not-so-ripe-looking bunch sitting on your counter, here’s what you should know. 

Are There Benefits to Rubbing Banana Peels on Your Face?

There are many reasons to incorporate bananas into your diet. They’re packed with vitamins C and A as well as other antioxidants that “[fight] oxidative stress from free radicals and environmental factors, including UV rays, pollutants, and chemicals,” says Dr. Ava Shamban, a board-certified dermatologist, clinician, researcher, and author.

Studies have shown the peel itself has even greater levels of antioxidants. However, “there is zero scientific evidence to suggest rubbing a banana peel on your face will help with any … skin conditions or signs of cellular aging,” Dr. Shamban says. She adds that the “banana or peel won’t penetrate the matrix or that skin barrier.”

The comparison to Botox is also faulty. Botox is derived from a toxin produced by bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The targeted injections weaken or paralyze facial muscles, temporarily reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the forehead and around the mouth and eyes. Banana peels — no matter how often you rub them on your face — won’t replicate that. 

“Beauty creators on TikTok look for trends, views, and virality, not necessarily science-backed solutions,” Dr. Shamban says. “If banana peels could really rid us of our wrinkles similar to a neuromodulator [like Botox], Dole and Chiquita would already be star players in the aesthetics business.”

Are There Risks to Rubbing Banana Peels on Your Face?

Fortunately for those creators, there aren’t any major risks to giving this trend a try. If you feel compelled to do so, just make sure you use a fresh peel — a decomposing peel can quickly attract fruit fly larvae and other insects. 

Be aware, too, that the peel itself can be rough, which can irritate your skin, as could any chemical pesticides on the peel. You also risk “atopic dermatitis and even increased breakouts,” Dr. Shamban warns. You should avoid this trend if you have an allergy to bananas or if your skin is highly sensitive. If you notice hives, swelling of the lips or tongue, or a burning sensation, these are all signs of an allergic reaction — stop right away and contact your health care provider. 

Ultimately, according to Dr. Shamban, it’s better to eat the banana and then incorporate products with antioxidants into your skin care routine. She recommends skin care products with ingredients such as “vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), vitamin E (tocopherol), resveratrol, ferulic acid, and niacinamide, among others.” These products can be found everywhere from your local drugstore to your favorite luxury brands to your dermatologist’s office, and they’re “all backed by years of research, development, and clinical data.”

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