Abstract
Cracked heels, medically termed heel fissures, are a prevalent dermatological condition characterized by excessive dryness, loss of elasticity, and painful fissuring of the plantar skin. Conventional treatments often rely on synthetic emollients and keratolytic agents, which provide temporary relief but may cause irritation or hypersensitivity with prolonged use. In response to increasing demand for natural, sustainable, and biocompatible skincare solutions, herbal formulations incorporating banana peel extract and honey have emerged as promising alternatives. Banana peel (Musa spp.) is rich in phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, tannins, and potassium, which confer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-stimulating properties essential for skin regeneration and hydration. Honey, a natural humectant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing agent, complements these effects by maintaining moisture, preventing microbial infections, and promoting epithelialization. The synergistic combination of banana peel extract and honey in topical cracked heel creams enhances dermal repair through three mechanisms—hydration, antimicrobial protection, and regeneration—while aligning with the principles of green cosmetology. This review summarizes the pharmacognostic, dermatological, and formulation aspects of banana peel and honey-based cracked heel creams, discussing their pathophysiological relevance, formulation optimization, safety profile, and regulatory considerations. It also highlights the challenges in standardization, stability, and clinical validation while emphasizing future prospects for nanoformulations and sustainable commercialization. Collectively, the evidence supports banana peel–honey formulations as effective, eco-friendly, and affordable alternatives to synthetic cracked heel products, offering holistic care for xerotic and fissured skin.
Keywords
Cracked heels, banana peel extract, herbal formulation, xerosis, wound healing, skin regeneration
Introduction
Cracked heels, or heel fissures, are a common manifestation of xerosis cutis — a condition characterized by excessive dryness and loss of skin elasticity, often leading to discomfort, pain, and secondary infections [1]. The prevalence of cracked heels is significant, particularly among populations exposed to dry environments, poor foot hygiene, or prolonged standing [2]. Xerosis affects up to 20–40% of adults globally, with higher rates observed in women and elderly individuals due to reduced epidermal hydration and altered keratinization [3]. The condition may also result from systemic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and nutritional deficiencies [4]. Current management strategies for xerosis and cracked heels rely heavily on synthetic emollients and keratolytic agents such as urea, salicylic acid, and petroleum-based formulations [5]. Although these agents temporarily restore skin moisture, prolonged use can lead to skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, or rebound dryness [6]. Furthermore, the high cost and environmental impact of petrochemical-based creams limit their long-term sustainability [7]. Consequently, there has been a paradigm shift toward eco-friendly, biocompatible, and cost-effective herbal alternatives for dermal care [8]. Herbal dermatology has gained momentum due to the growing consumer demand for products derived from natural, renewable, and minimally processed sources [9]. Plant-based extracts rich in phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidants exhibit potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing activities [10]. Honey, aloe vera, turmeric, neem, and banana peel extracts are being increasingly explored as natural emollients capable of restoring skin barrier function [11]. In particular, banana peel extract is recognized for its high content of lutein, polyphenols, and potassium, while honey acts as a natural humectant and antimicrobial agent [12]. Banana peel (Musa spp.) contains several bioactive compounds including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids known to enhance epithelial regeneration and collagen synthesis [13]. These phytoconstituents promote keratinocyte proliferation, essential for repairing fissured heels [14]. Moreover, the antioxidant properties of banana peel combat oxidative stress that exacerbates skin dryness [15]. Honey, on the other hand, has been used in traditional medicine as a natural moisturizer and wound-healing agent due to its hygroscopic nature, which attracts and retains skin moisture [16]. Its low pH and hydrogen peroxide production inhibit microbial growth, preventing secondary infections commonly associated with cracked heels [17]. The synergistic action of banana peel extract and honey offers an integrated approach to dermal repair—moisturizing, antimicrobial, and regenerative [18]. The objective of this review is to comprehensively analyze the therapeutic potential, formulation strategies, and mechanisms of action of a herbal cracked heel cream composed of banana peel extract and honey. This review synthesizes findings from pharmacognostic, dermatological, and formulation research to highlight their synergistic efficacy and sustainable applications in natural skincare products [19].
2. Pathophysiological Perspectives
2.1 Structure and Function of the Skin on the Heel
The skin of the heel is specialized to withstand mechanical stress and weight-bearing pressure. It consists of a thickened stratum corneum, supported by dense collagenous and elastic fibers that provide rigidity and resilience [20]. The epidermis of the heel has five distinct layers — stratum basale, spinosum, granulosum, lucidum, and corneum — with the stratum corneum being the thickest due to constant friction and pressure [21]. The dermis contains sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and blood vessels responsible for thermoregulation and hydration. However, the heel area lacks sebaceous glands, leading to limited natural oil secretion, predisposing it to dryness [22]. The skin barrier function in this region depends on the balance between lipid matrix composition and natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) within keratinocytes [23]. When these components are depleted due to environmental stress or poor hydration, the skin becomes brittle and fissured, leading to the condition commonly referred to as cracked heels or heel fissures [24].
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Vaibhav Jagtap
Corresponding author
MGV's Pharmacy College, Nashik, Maharashtra, India
Priyanka Chaudhari
Co-author
MGV's Pharmacy College, Nashik, Maharashtra, India
Vaibhav Jagtap*, Priyanka Chaudhari, A Comprehensive Review on Banana Peel and Honey-Based Herbal Cracked Heel Cream: An Eco-Friendly Approach to Skin Repair and Hydration, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2025, 2 (11), 182-198. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17548945
10.5281/zenodo.17548945
