Although not as popular as its famous cousins – cocoa and shea butter – mango butter ( Mangifera indica ) has irreplaceable beneficial properties for maintaining healthy and beautiful skin and hair. In addition, unlike shea and cocoa butter, it has a low comedogenic index (2) and is not as likely to clog pores. Mango butter’s fatty acid profile is different and contains higher concentrations of nutrients – especially vitamins C, E and A.

Mango butter is a rich natural fat derived from the seeds contained in the pits of the mango fruit. It contains no compounds known to irritate the skin, making it extremely suitable for sensitive skin. Contrary to expectations, pure mango butter does not have the sweet, slightly sour aroma of the fruit, as it is extracted from the core of the nut.

Mango oil enhances the skin's natural glow while reducing the appearance of dark spots. It can also be applied directly to insect bites, rashes and eczema to soothe itching, and to facilitate the healing of small cuts or cracks caused by excessive dryness.

Harvest
from April to May

Part of the plant
The nuts

Extraction method
High pressure pressing

An interesting fact is that mango butter and shea butter have the same fatty acid content, but in different proportions. For example, mango butter has a higher amount of oleic acid, which melts more easily, while curry butter takes longer to melt in your hands. But what are its useful qualities?

It protects against harmful external influences and has an anti-aging effect

The abundance of vitamin E and vitamin C in mango oil protects the skin from harmful external influences. These stressors can lead to damage and premature aging.

There are several reasons why mango oil is a great anti-aging agent. It's full of antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals (damaging particles in the air). It also has strong moisturizing properties, and well-hydrated skin is smooth, elastic and better protected from harmful external influences.

Most importantly, mango oil contains vitamin A, an antioxidant that stimulates the skin's natural renewal process. It encourages the skin to produce new, healthy skin cells, improves its texture and elasticity, and protects it from damage caused by UV rays. All this results in fewer wrinkles, fewer fine lines and tighter skin.

High content of vitamins A, C and E

Most notably, mango oil is rich in vitamins C and E. A study shows(1) that when combined, these two ingredients provide skin protection against damage from harmful external influences.

Vitamin C is known for its strong antioxidant properties. In addition, it promotes collagen synthesis, which gives the skin a smoother appearance. Brightens and evens out the skin tone. Protects the skin from the noticeable effects of pollution. Significantly improves the moisture content of the skin, thus maintaining a youthful appearance for a longer period of time.

Vitamin E Stimulates circulation, repairs scars and skin blemishes, prevents moisture loss from skin and hair, soothes skin after burns. Deeply cleanses pores and balances oiliness.

Vitamin A Protects the skin from damage caused by UV radiation. Delays the appearance of aging by smoothing wrinkles and fine lines and stimulating collagen production.

It also stimulates cell regeneration to keep the skin healthy and firm. Facilitates faster healing of wounds. It protects the skin from toxins and bacteria and promotes cell production, thus boosting immunity. Lightens unwanted blemishes and dark spots, thereby balancing skin tone to create an even glow. It slows the production of oil in the skin and clears the pores, thus preventing the appearance of acne.

Soothes dryness, cracking, restores cells

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties of mango oil make it an effective soothing agent for skin affected by dryness, eczema and dermatitis. By restoring and maintaining moisture levels and by enhancing cell regeneration, mango oil makes skin soft and visibly younger.

On contact with oxygen, mango oil produces salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is an excellent exfoliant that works by softening a specific protein in the skin called keratin. This helps to remove the top layer of skin that has become itchy and dry.

It is also widely used to treat symptoms of eczema, psoriasis and other dry skin conditions. Its composition and qualities make it an ideal ingredient in products for sensitive skin.

A wonderful moisturizing oil for skin after sun exposure

As we said, mangoes contain salicylic acid and antioxidants, which are known to protect against the harmful effects of the sun's rays. The oil can be applied directly to the skin after sun exposure to restore its balance and soothe redness.

Thanks to its high vitamin content, the oil protects the skin from severe environmental stressors and damage caused by excessive exposure to harmful UV radiation.

Its ability to easily absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy residue makes mango oil an ideal ingredient in after-sun care products, conditioners and hair products.

Restorative hair therapy, nourishes the scalp and prevents hair loss

It is no accident that mango oil is found in many hair products. By maintaining moisture and promoting cell regeneration, mango oil supports the growth of stronger, healthier hair.

Its beneficial properties, as an effective scalp conditioner, seal in moisture and reduce breakage and hair loss by strengthening hair follicles. They also protect hair from drying out, add volume, help hair look and feel soft, lush and shiny.

The mango hair mask before exposure to the sun exhibits sun protective properties that protect strands from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Recipes with mango butter

Soothing ointment after sun exposure

Chill for 15 minutes in the refrigerator before using a hand mixer to blend until creamy. Gently massage into sunburned or irritated skin. Store in the refrigerator for no more than 4–5 days.

Hair conditioner against dandruff, dryness and other scalp irritations

1 tbsp. mango butter
5 drops rosemary essential oil

Gently massage the mixture into your scalp, then wrap your hair in a warm towel for 1 hour. Rinse your hair with a mild, sulfate-free shampoo.

Conclusion

Mango butter is a universal vegetable fat with a low comedogenic index – suitable for sensitive skin, after-sun and hair care. Choose a quality cold-pressed oil and do a tolerance test for sensitive skin.

The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Sources: (1) www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583891/
www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/all-about-mango-butters.html
www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/mango-butter-benefits#how-it-works
www.skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/mango-butter-for-skin
Wikipedia, Aromaweb.com
Photos: Depositphotos, Alteya Organics, makasa.org
Written by: Kremena Petrova