What Is Mango Butter?
Mango butter is the natural oil or fat derived from the mango kernel (the white part inside the seed). The mango kernel is rich in antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds and may help in nourishing and hydrating skin to improve skin elasticity(1). However, mango butter is not non-comedogenic and may clog pores. Therefore, avoid using it if you have oily skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and combination skin. Now, let’s take a look at the other benefits of mango butter. What Are Its Benefits? Rich in vitamins and polyphenols, it helps combat aging signs, skin dryness, and stretch marks. Who Can Use It? Can be used by all skin types. How Often? Daily or as recommended by a healthcare professional. Caution May cause irritation or allergy in some individuals. Consult a doctor before using it if you are allergic to mangoes.
Benefits Of Mango Butter For The Skin
1. Prevents Signs of Aging
The mango kernel contains vitamins A, E, C, and K, and polyphenols like gallic and ferulic acids, mangiferin, and tannins. All these antioxidants protect the skin from UV damage and photoaging and neutralize harmful free radicals to prevent early signs of aging (1), (2). It is rich in vitamin C that promotes collagen synthesis to improve the skin texture and elasticity (3), (4), (5). Mango butter leads to the firming of the skin and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
2. Improves Dry Skin Conditions
Mango butter contains phytosterols, fatty acids (triglycerides), and tocopherols and has excellent emollient properties. This helps in softening and improving skin texture. Mango butter has anti-inflammatory properties and may help soothe skin irritation and itching caused by dry skin conditions (1), (6). It can condition your skin by preventing moisture loss and may also help in soothing eczema and psoriasisi Itchy, scaly, and painful patches on the scalp, elbows, and knees triggered by stress, cold, or infections. flare-ups.
3. It May Heal Wounds
Mango butter has wound healing properties. Studies found that this naturally occlusive ingredient could protect the skin barrier and repair damaged and cracked skin (1).
4. May Prevent Stretch Marks And Scars
Mango butter works as a moisturizer for the skin and improves skin elasticity. Massaging the abdominal area with it during pregnancy may help prevent stretch marks. Moreover, massaging mango butter on fresh stretch marks and scars may also improve their appearance as this butter has wound-healing abilities and promotes collagen development.
5. May Help In Skin Lightening
Mango butter is rich in vitamin C, which may contribute to its potential for skin lightening. While there is no scientific evidence to verify this claim, anecdotal evidence suggests that it may indirectly help improve skin tone by keeping the skin hydrated and improving its radiance and texture. All these effects may make your skin appear healthy and brighter. You may use raw mango butter or mix it with other ingredients to prepare body butter and other DIY products. Scroll down to learn how to use mango butter for your skin.
How To Use Mango Butter For The Skin: DIY Recipes
1. DIY Mango Body Butter
What You Need
1 cup of mango butter 1 teaspoon of cold-pressed coconut oil 2-3 drops of any essential oil (optional)
Process Why It Works Coconut oil moisturizes the skin and can help protect the skin barrier (7), (8). This organic body butter can keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness and flaking.
2. Mango Butter Lip Balm
What You Need
½ teaspoon of mango butter ½ teaspoon of shea butter 2 teaspoons of sweet almond oil 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil 1 teaspoon of beeswax (alternative: shea butter) 1 drop of tea tree oil ¼ teaspoon of vitamin E oil
Process Note: Avoid beeswax and essential oils if you are allergic to them. Why It Works Shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties, while vitamin E, castor and almond oils, and beeswax keep the skin moisturized and hydrated (8), (9), (10), (11), (12). Lavender and tea tree oils have antiseptic properties and may help heal chapped lips (13), (14). This lip balm can keep your lips smooth and soft.
3. Mango Citrus Body Butter
What You Need
2 tablespoons of beeswax 2 tablespoons of cocoa butter 3 tablespoons of shea butter 5 tablespoons of mango butter 1 teaspoon of almond oil 1 teaspoon of vitamin E 5-10 drops of citrus essential oil (for fragrance)
Process Why It Works Beeswax, shea and cocoa butters, and almond oil soften the skin, have emollient properties, and prevent UV damage (11), (15), (16), (17). Vitamin E promotes collagen development (2). Citrus essential oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (18). This body butter can soothe your skin, reduce dryness, and keep it protected.
4. Mango Butter Lotion Bar
What You Need
1/3 cup of mango butter 1/3 cup of coconut oil 1/3 cup of beeswax 5-10 drops of peppermint essential oil 1 tablespoon of menthol crystals ½ teaspoon of arnica oil (optional)
Process Why It Works Coconut oil moisturizes the skin and may soothe atopic dermatitisi A condition that causes skin inflammation and dryness on the arms and the back of the knees due to allergens or irritants. . It may prevent UV damage (7), (8). Peppermint essential oil promotes wound healing, and menthol crystals can help relieve pain (19), (20). Arnica oil has analgesici A class of drugs that are formulated to treat pain ranging from headaches to injuries to diseases. , anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties (21). Mango butter is versatile and can be beneficial beyond skin care, with many people also using mango butter for hair for its deep conditioning and strengthening properties. Montina, a vlogger, shared a tutorial on making whipped mango butter. She advised using the slow melting process and mixed the partially solidified mango butter with coconut oil, honey, vitamin E, and flour. She noted from her personal experience, “I use this on my hair. I use this on my skin; it’s great for stretch marks (i).” Mango butter can also soothe sunburns and bug bites. You may use any of the recipes to keep your skin moisturized and healthy. Mango butter is often compared with shea butter. Both have similar properties. If you are confused about which one is better, find out in the next section.
Is Mango Butter Better Than Shea Butter?
Both have similar properties, with some minor differences.
Mango butter is lightweight compared to shea butter. Both contain the same fatty acids but in different proportions. Mango butter has a low melting point and contains a high amount of oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids (22). Shea butter takes more time to melt when rubbed between your palms. Both mango and shea butters are used in skin care products to moisturize the skin and prevent dryness. Mango butter has a subtle sweet scent, while shea butter has a nutty and smokey fragrance. Both shea and mango butter may cause allergic reactions. Avoid shea butter if you have nut allergy, and avoid mango butter if you are allergic to urushiol (a chemical found in mango sap that may trigger contact dermatitis).
You may choose any of the butters depending on your preferences. While mango butter is generally considered safe for the skin, it may sometimes cause side effects in some individuals. Let’s take a look!
Side Effects Of Mango Butter On Skin
It is heavy and may leave residue, which could potentially clog the skin pores and may cause breakouts. It may also exacerbate existing acne. People allergic to mango butter may experience symptoms like skin irritation, redness, hives or itching. It might make the skin appear greasy. Therefore, people with oily skin should avoid using mango butter or use it in moderate amounts.
Learn how to use mango butter in your skin care routine. Discover the amazing benefits it can have on your skin and how to incorporate it into your daily routine. Does mango butter help treat hyperpigmentation? Anecdotal evidence suggests that mango butter may help reduce hyperpigmentation and give radiance to your skin and lead to a brightening of the complexion. However, more research is warranted in this regard. Can I mix shea butter and mango butter and use on the skin? Yes. You can mix shea butter and mango butter to create a custom body butter for your skin. Is mango butter antifungal? Yes, mango butter is antifungal as it is derived from mango seeds that are known to have antifungal properties (23). Anecdotal evidence suggests that due to these properties, it may be beneficial for your scalp health. Is mango butter a natural sunscreen? Yes, anecdotal evidence suggests that mango butter is a natural sunscreen. However, there may be limits to the amount of UV protection it can provide. Therefore, always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen while stepping out in the sun, even if you use mango butter.
