I create many of my own health and beauty products, with body butters such as cocoa butter and shea butter being essential items in my collection. However, there are other body butters with unique benefits for hair and skin. Mango butter is my new preferred choice to experiment with. It offers a moisturizing, soothing, and luxurious experience. Believe it or not, it truly comes from a mango!
Curious? Let’s explore…
What is Mango Butter?
Mango butter is derived from the mango seed (pit). It is similar to cocoa butter or shea butter and is commonly used in body care products as a base that hydrates without feeling greasy. Its mild scent makes it a great companion to essential oils.
Mango has been valued in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, believed to offer rejuvenating effects, improve heart health, enhance brain function, and boost immunity.
Benefits of Mango Butter for Hair and Skin
Mango is widely appreciated in skincare, haircare, and cosmetics. Its benefits include:
Nutrients
Mango butter is packed with nutrients that refresh hair and skin, leaving them soft and smooth. This butter includes:
- Vitamin A
- A large amount of vitamin C
- Vitamin E
Mango butter also contains antioxidants and essential fatty acids such as:
- Palmitic acid
- Arachidic acid
- Linoleic acid
- Oleic acid
- Stearic acid
These nutrients make mango butter an excellent moisturizer for hair and skin, much like how nutrients help the body internally, they bolster exterior health when applied externally.
Emollient & Moisturizing
A key advantage of this body butter is its ability to hydrate the skin. A study from 2008 confirmed mango butter as a superb emollient that rebuilds the skin’s natural barrier, replenishing moisture and leaving skin silky, smooth, and hydrated.
Its moisturizing properties make it beneficial for conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, and it helps diminish scars, fine lines, and stretch marks. The nutrients present in mango butter contribute to its soothing and hydrating effect on skin and hair.
Anti-inflammatory & Antimicrobial
The 2008 study also indicated that mango butter has anti-inflammatory characteristics, along with antimicrobial properties that inhibit bacterial reproduction. These qualities help in soothing and repairing damaged skin and hair and may assist with skin and scalp issues like eczema or dandruff.
Non-Comedogenic
Mango butter does not clog pores, making it suitable for all skin types. Unlike cocoa butter, it is ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin. I appreciate its richness without greasiness, which also makes it suitable for children’s skin.
Ways to Use Mango Butter
With its various advantages for skin and hair, mango butter has several applications. Here are some of my preferred methods:
- Sunburn – Mango butter is soothing for sunburn, and I find it incredibly comforting when used in this way.
- Frostbite – While frostbite requires professional medical attention, mango butter can be soothing for the skin afterward.
- Lotions and body butters – Mango butter is excellent for hydrating dry skin, so I often add it to homemade lotions and moisturizers, including lotion bars.
- Eczema relief – Helpful for eczema, psoriasis, or other skin issues needing deep hydration. I incorporate it into an eczema relief lotion bar.
- Men’s lotion – Its mild aroma makes it a great addition to men’s skincare recipes.
- Acne – An excellent moisturizer for acne-prone skin because it won’t block pores, and it offers anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.
- Anti-itch balms – Effective in soothing itchy skin, it’s a beneficial component in bug bite balms and lotions.
- Lip balm – Replace shea or cocoa butter in lip balm recipes with mango butter for its moisturizing effects, especially on sunburned or chapped lips.
- Scars – Using pure mango butter can enhance the appearance of scars; I find it especially helpful on newer scars.
- Fine lines – Many individuals report improvements in fine lines with mango butter’s use.
- Stretch marks – Consistent application may help with prenatal stretch marks or others by daily massaging onto the skin.
- Hair – Helps in smoothing frizzy hair and dealing with dandruff or other scalp conditions.
- Face moisturizer – It serves as a great facial hydrator.
Mango butter is such a good hydrating agent that I frequently include it in my homemade products. Occasionally, I also use it alone to great effect.
Is Mango Butter Edible?
Indeed, mango butter is edible! It can substitute for cocoa butter in recipes, including homemade chocolates. However, be sure only to consume food-grade mango butter, as many skin care types are not suitable for ingestion.
Is Mango Butter Superior to Other Butters?
Mango butter and shea butter have similar makeup and are both excellent moisturizers, often interchangeable in formulations. Cocoa butter is comparable but more likely to clog pores. I appreciate mango butter for being firm (though not as firm as cocoa butter) and having a minimal scent.
Where to Find Mango Butter?
I purchase high-quality mango butter for skincare and haircare from a local natural shop or online. It’s vital to choose pure mango butter without additives. I prefer buying from a trusted company that I rely on for my essential oils.
This text has been medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Walker, an internist. As usual, this is not personal medical advice, and you should consult your doctor or work with a physician from SteadyMD.
Have you tried mango butter? What are your thoughts on it?
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