What Is Mango Butter?

Mango (Mangifera indica) is a tropical tree originating from regions including Bangladesh, Myanmar, India and Indonesia. It is now commercially cultivated in many tropical regions around the world.

The mango fruit contains one large seed, from which Mango Butter is obtained. The seeds contain approximately 9–13% butter.

Mango Butter has a distinctive triglyceride composition characterised by a balanced proportion of predominant stearic and oleic acids. It also contains phytosterols, which may account for up to 7% of the butter.

The melting point is approximately 35°C. Mango Butter is relatively stable against oxidation and has a yellow to light-brown colour with a characteristic sweet, oily odour.

Key Properties of Mango Butter

Emollient Properties

Mango Butter is primarily used as an emollient ingredient in cosmetic formulations. It helps provide a soft, smooth and conditioned skin feel.

Rich in Phytosterols

The relatively high phytosterol content is an important characteristic of Mango Butter. These naturally occurring compounds contribute to its interest in cosmetic formulations focused on skin conditioning and antioxidant properties.

Alternative to Shea Butter

Because of its fatty acid composition, Mango Butter is particularly similar to Shea Butter and is often considered a useful alternative. Mango Butter is slightly more solid and contains less unsaponifiable matter than Shea Butter.

Mango Butter in Cosmetic Formulations

Skincare Products

Mango Butter is used in skin care products where emollient and conditioning properties are desired, particularly in formulations for dry or stressed skin.

Haircare Products

It can be incorporated into skin and hair cleansing products as well as hair-conditioning formulations.

Lip Care Products

Its rich, semi-solid consistency makes Mango Butter suitable for lip care products where a smooth and conditioned feel is desired.

Decorative Cosmetics

Mango Butter can also be used in decorative cosmetic formulations, contributing emollience and a pleasant texture.

Massage Products

Its consistency and melting characteristics make Mango Butter particularly suitable for massage formulations.

Mango Butter and Skin Conditioning

The phytosterol content of Mango Butter may contribute to its antioxidant properties and its ability to support the skin's lipid barrier.

Research described in the original A&T content has also investigated Mango Butter in emulsions in relation to skin recovery. These findings support its interest as a cosmetic ingredient for skin-conditioning formulations.

Raw Material and Processing Considerations

Mango seeds can contain up to 50% water and therefore need to be dried rapidly after harvesting. High moisture levels can promote microbial growth, particularly during the humid conditions that can coincide with the mango harvesting season in producing regions.

Microbial activity can also lead to degradation of triglycerides and an increase in free fatty acids. For this reason, appropriate drying, processing and storage of the raw material are important for maintaining the quality of Mango Butter.

Ingredient Information

INCI: Mangifera Indica Seed Oil

References

Source: Modern Cosmetics – Dr. Damjan Janeš and Dr. Nina Kočevar Glavač.