Why TikTokers are rubbing banana peels on their faces — and whether it works, according to doctors

Don’t want to wind up with egg on your face? What about banana?

Ashton Hall — a fitness influencer and self-styled life coach — recently went viral for sharing his seemingly insane morning routine, which includes a 4 a.m. wake-up call, mouth tape, dunking his face into a bowl of Saratoga ice cold water and — perhaps most bizarrely — rubbing a banana peel on his face.

And he’s not the only influencer to tout the supposed skincare trick.

It was a post that launched a thousand parody videos — but Hall is by no means the first to give himself a fruit facial.

Influencers have been doing these DIY “banana peel scrubs” for some time now, touting them as “natural Botox” that tightens and brightens up their skin.

And now, thanks to Hall, other TikTokers are going bananas for this skincare ritual.

The probanana contingent

But as a-peel-ing as it is, does it actually work? Or is this trendy fad just another slippery slope?

“What makes the banana peel beneficial for skin is its high nutrient content,” said Benjamin Bunting, a sports nutritionist and the founder of BeForm Nutrition.

“Banana peels contain antioxidants and various B vitamins that may hydrate and protect skin when applied straight to it. The inside of a banana peel also has mild exfoliating properties, helping to get rid of any dead skin cells.”

To get the full effects, he recommends rubbing the inside of a ripe banana peel on your face using circular motions, leaving it on for 15 minutes and then rinsing with cool water.

It’s simple and — perhaps more importantly in this economy — free.

“What we’re seeing is more people wanting to embrace natural and affordable wellness regimes that they can easily add to their daily routine,” he said.

And the antibanana argument

But not everyone is as quick to jump on this banana boat.

Dr. Kate Jameson, a cosmetic doctor and founder of Youth Lab Australia, acknowledges that bananas are packed with nutrients that could offer some benefits — but she’s a bit skeptical that this trend is more than skin-deep.

“Banana peel contains antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and lutein, which are known to have anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties,” she said.

“For some, applying the inside of the peel to the skin may help calm mild irritation or provide a short-term soothing effect, especially on dry patches.”

However, there are limitations and potential downsides.

“There is very little scientific evidence to back up its effectiveness as a skincare treatment, and unlike professionally formulated products, banana peel is not stabilized or designed for topical use,” she said.

“There’s also a risk of skin irritation or bacterial contamination, particularly for those with sensitive or broken skin.”

Jameson notes that banana peels have been used as natural home remedies for other issues — such as warts — but even that could be an old wives’ tale.

“Some believe the enzymes in the peel can help soften and break down the tissue of a wart over time,” she said. “But again, the evidence is purely anecdotal. If someone is struggling with warts or other skin concerns, it’s best to speak with a qualified practitioner rather than rely on viral trends.”

And, in general, she encourages people to treat these TikTok trends with caution.

“Natural doesn’t always mean safe or effective — and what works for one person online may not work for others, especially when it comes to skin health.”