These days, food waste is frowned upon almost as much as not doing the recycling. But while we might show off our eco-credentials with a smart ceramic countertop food bin or a steaming compost heap, food waste expert Sophie Trueman, managing director of leading food-saving app Too Good To Go, has other ideas — transforming leftovers and excess food into cost-free, planet-friendly beauty treatments.
So can chickpea brine really make my hair shiny, and will banana peel rejuvenate my face?
Here, I put Sophie’s suggestions to the test, and aesthetic expert Dr Mervyn Patterson gives his professional verdict.
Note: It is recommended that you do a patch test before trying any of these treatments.
RICE WATER BATH
Sophie says: Rice water is famous for its skin and hair benefits — it contains antioxidants such as vitamin C, and the starch can help with irritated skin. Soak rice in cold water for 30 minutes and then drain (or just cook the rice and wait for the water to cool). Eat the rice and add the water to your bath.
Result: Fermented rice wine has been found to help with sun damage and many believe rice water may ease skin irritation. I soak the rice and add the residual water to my evening bath rather than my usual Neal’s Yard Remedies. It smells pleasant enough and feels silky smooth. After half an hour, I emerge like a middle-aged Venus. My dry skin does feel softer and looks less scaly.
Dr Patterson says: There is some evidence that rice water applied topically might have benefits and it’s a popular ingredient in beauty products. 3/5
YOGHURT MASK
Sophie says: We’re throwing away 18 million usable meat and dairy items every week. Greek yogurt can be used as a face mask; lactic acid helps with skin tone, and probiotics boost hydration. Mix a tablespoon of end-of-pot yogurt with a dash of lemon juice to brighten skin and a little honey to gently exfoliate, and apply. After 10 to 15 minutes it can be rinsed off.
Result: Putting what is effectively my leftover breakfast on my face feels rather odd, but it is cool rather than sticky. I use a thin layer, so you can barely see it, and only on half my face. When rinsed off, the right side feels more hydrated and looks a bit brighter than the other.
Dr Patterson says: Lactic acid is a well-known skin brightener, and honey has humectant properties, meaning it’s an effective moisturiser. 4/5
AQUAFABULOUS HAIR
Sophie says: A lesser known use for the brine left over from chickpeas — called aquafaba — is making a hair mask. Aquafaba is full of protein and is said to add thickness and shine to dull hair. Drain chickpeas then whisk the aquafaba till it thickens and froths. Smooth mask over hair and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. Shampoo and rinse.
Result: The smell of chickpea brine on my hair isn’t especially pleasant. I sit fermenting in the kitchen for 20 minutes then wash it off with some relief. Surprisingly, this is possibly the best result of them all — my hair is softer and looks shiny. Well worth a go!
Dr Patterson says: Some hair care products do contain aquafaba; its benefits for strengthening hair seem well documented. 4/5
AP-PEEL-ING FACIAL
Sophie says: Leftover banana peel can create a nourishing face mask containing antioxidants and fruit enzymes to exfoliate and brighten the complexion. Either rub the peel directly on your skin or blend with water to create a paste. Apply to the face, leave for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse.
Result: I’m not a fan of bananas, but banana skin masks have been a huge TikTok trend. I duly blend up the peel of a browning fruit with some water and smear it on my face. I wondered whether it might sting, but all I feel is a little stupid. After 20 minutes I rinse it off. Actually, this is good — my skin is softer and looks to be glowing.
Dr Patterson says: It sounds messy, but there will probably be some exfoliating effect. 3/5
POTATO HAIR RINSE
Sophie says: Potato water is good for gardens, or you can even put it on your hair. Run through damp locks as a post-wash rinse; the nutrients will help give hair extra shine and support follicle health.
Result: I boil some potatoes for lunch and drain off the yellowish water. After washing my hair I comb the potato water through, rubbing it firmly into my scalp. Although the water smells like potato, thankfully my hair doesn’t. It’s not quite a keratin rinse, but my dry hair looks a bit more conditioned. I’m taking this as a win.
Dr Patterson says: I’ve never heard of this — but the act of massage is certainly good for scalp health. 3/5