Why Is Beauty Going Bananas?
Move over strawberries, blueberries, and açai — bananas are having their big beauty moment. From Ashton Hall’s banana peel hack going viral on TikTok to Prada launching its new Balm in Banana Yellow, this humble fruit has suddenly swung into the spotlight as the unexpected ‘it’ ingredient we didn’t know we needed.
According to Erica Marie Gatt, aesthetician and founder of EM Skin Studio, there’s good reason for skincare’s banana renaissance. “Bananas help to brighten the skin thanks to their high antioxidant content and lutein, which helps with sun damage prevention and boosts hydration and skin elasticity,” Gatt told BeautyNewsDaily. “Potassium also helps to hydrate and lock in moisture, while the fruit’s vitamin C and E content reduces inflammation, eliminates free radicals, and calms redness.”
The best part? You don’t even need an expensive serum to get started. Gatt says you can swipe the inside of a banana peel straight over skin for a quick, calming fix: “Instead of disposing of a banana peel after eating, use the inside to soothe the skin. It can calm redness from sunburn or even help heal dry skin due to eczema,” she explains.
It’s this DIY trick that sent bananas viral earlier this year. But like most trends, Gatt predicts it may be short-lived. “Bananas are most likely a trend of the moment and may or may not last,” she says. The real takeaway? Skip the hype and focus on what bananas genuinely bring to the table: hydration, brightening, and antioxidant support. And, if you’re allergic, Gatt warns it’s best to steer clear entirely.
The banana craze isn’t limited to skincare, either. It’s slipping into fragrance, too. Jun Lim, founder and creative director of Borntostandout, explains, “After years of predictable florals and safe fruity notes, people are ready for something a little wild. Banana’s creamy, quirky sweetness hits that sweet spot. What used to feel like a joke now feels fresh. We’re all craving a playful olfactory twist, and banana delivers.”
Beauty’s clearly in its banana era — and we’re not complaining. In fact, we’ve rounded up our favourite banana-laced beauty buys below.
Kayali Maui Sweet Banana | 37
Kayali transports you to tropical paradise with Maui Sweet Banana, a solar floral fragrance from its Vacay in a Bottle collection. Sweet banana and coconut cream meet sunny gardenia and jasmine, while rum, sandalwood, and vanilla bourbon create a warm, blissful base.
Daily Doux BHA Exfoliating Serum
This daily exfoliating serum combines banana enzymes, fruit-derived AHAs, willow bark BHA, and hydrating hyaluronic acid to clarify congested pores, smooth texture, and boost radiance. Gentle yet effective, it’s ideal for breakout-prone or sensitive skin types seeking brighter, clearer-looking skin without vitamin C or retinol.
Glossier Balm Dotcom Banana Pudding
Glossier gives its cult Balm Dotcom a sweet New York twist in this mouth-watering collaboration with Magnolia Bakery. This limited-edition banana pudding flavour blends vanilla cream and wafer notes with the brand’s classic hydrating balm formula, packed with antioxidants and emollients for up to 12 hours of moisture.
Borntostandout Nanatopia
Nanatopia bottles the aroma of boozy banana bread, spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon. Creamy tonka bean adds depth, while cypriol and musk leave a sultry trail. Playful yet seductive, it’s a gourmand fragrance for those who love their sweetness with a mischievous edge.
TonyMoly Banana Hand Milk
This quick-absorbing hand milk hydrates while delivering the cozy scent of freshly baked banana bread. Formulated with a concentrated dose of banana extract, nutrient-rich milk proteins, and a trio of nourishing oils, including shea butter, coconut, and macadamia, it replenishes dry hands, leaving them smooth, soft, and sweetly fragranced.
Prada Balm in Banana Yellow
Prada brings a playful nod to its fashion heritage with the latest evolution of its cult lip balm. Housed in Prada’s signature triangle-shaped, refillable case, this new edition features a pastel yellow bullet infused with a juicy banana scent and a sheer golden finish that melts effortlessly onto lips or cheeks. Enriched with bifidus extract and jojoba oil, it delivers up to 24 hours of hydration while adding a warm, summer glow.
27 87 Hakuna Matata
Hakuna Matata, 27 87’s joyful, banana-led scent, is inspired by the East African philosophy of living fully in the present. Perfumer Rodrigo Flores-Roux layers green banana peel and ripe banana with jasmine, orange flower, and broom absolutes, capturing a honeyed white floral heart. Warm honey, labdanum, and soft musk ground the composition, creating a playful yet confident fragrance that celebrates resilience, optimism, and the beauty of nature.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème
This bestselling vitamin C eye cream brightens and hydrates while targeting dark circles, fine lines, and fatigue. Infused with collagen-boosting vitamin C, nourishing oils, and antioxidant-rich colloidal gold, its sorbet-like texture helps firm and illuminate for fresher-looking under-eyes.
Too Faced Hangover Pillow Balm
Designed to hydrate day or night, Too Faced’s Hangover Pillow Balm melts onto lips with a rich, cushiony texture. Infused with hyaluronic acid, fruit oils, and conditioning butters, it locks in moisture, leaving lips soft, smooth, and plump with a healthy-looking sheen.
Lush Banana Conditioner
Lush’s Banana Conditioner is a rich, creamy treatment for dry or damaged hair in need of revival. Packed with fresh banana, soya yoghurt, and over 35% agar gel, it deeply softens and adds shine, while argan and olive oils help strengthen strands. The banana-scented formula restores bounce and volume without weighing hair down, leaving it silky and nourished.