Formulation and evaluation of banana peel-based herbal cream for antibacterial and antifungal applications in cosmetic products

In response to growing demand for natural and sustainable ingredients in cosmetics, this study investigates the formulation and evaluation of banana peel-based herbal creams for antibacterial and antifungal applications. Banana peels, often discarded as agricultural waste, are rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, essential oils, and lignocellulosic biopolymers, which can serve as antimicrobial agents. The researchers prepared creams using either fresh banana peel (FBP) or dried banana peel (DBP) extracts, applying standardized cosmetic formulations.

The antimicrobial efficacy of the creams was tested against four common pathogenic organisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger, using the agar well diffusion method. Results revealed that the FBP cream exhibited significant antibacterial activity, especially against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, while the DBP cream was more effective against fungal strains, highlighting the influence of peel processing on bioactivity. The study also measured key physical and cosmetic parameters, including pH, spreadability, homogeneity, texture, color, odor, and stability, comparing the formulations with a commercial cream. FBP-based creams showed superior spreadability (34.0 g·cm/s), uniformity, and user-friendly texture, whereas DBP formulations displayed enhanced antifungal potency.

This comparative approach emphasizes how processing methods—fresh versus dried—affect both antimicrobial performance and cosmetic suitability. The study suggests that blending fresh and dried banana peel extracts may offer broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection while maintaining favorable physical properties. Beyond demonstrating efficacy, the work aligns with environmental sustainability goals by valorizing banana peel waste for high-value cosmetic applications. While direct chemical characterization of bioactive compounds was not performed, the research highlights practical formulation strategies and provides a foundation for future studies to isolate and quantify active constituents, optimize formulations, and validate mechanisms of action.

Overall, the study confirms that banana peel-based creams are a promising, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents in skincare, offering targeted antibacterial and antifungal activity, good cosmetic properties, and potential for commercial application. It bridges the gap between natural waste utilization, sustainability, and innovative cosmetic product development, opening avenues for further research into plant-derived functional ingredients in topical formulations.