When formulating my skincare products, a lot of thought goes into the ingredients that I choose. I want to incorporate the least amount of ingredients while creating a supportive, effective product that is wonderful to use; and of course the ingredients must be ethically and organically produced. Mango butter is one of the perfect ingredients that checks all the boxes, though I do wish I could grow Mango trees where I live.
Medicinal Mangos?
Mangos originated in India, where they are considered the King of Fruits. Through international trade and travel, mangos found their way around the world. They’re now grown in tropical and subtropical climates of all kinds, and prized for their sweet fruit and rich butter, created from pressing the shelled pits.
Ayurvedic medicine has been making use of mangos for over 4000 years. The different parts of the mango fruit and tree are believed to help strengthen the heart, have nourishing and calming effects on the body, improve skin complexion and tone, and help wounds heal faster. Those last ones are pretty interesting to a natural skincare expert, don’t you think?
Mango butter is full of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and Vitamins A, C, and E. Each of these comes with a long list of skin-loving properties of their own, but they create something special in mango butter. Science seems to agree. In one mango butter skincare study, it was found that it “boosted natural skin regeneration and increased skin hydration” and that it’s an excellent alternative for “mineral and petroleum based emollients because of its appreciable contents which are very important as a source of skin active ingredients.”
Mango Butter Skincare Benefits
The same study went on to describe further benefits of mango butter for the skin:
- High antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.
- The high percentage of tocopherols, phytosterols and triterpenes in the mango butter significantly reduce wrinkles and roughness of the skin.
- Clinical studies showed no irritancy, sensitivity towards the skin in all the human volunteers.
- Excellent emolliency in the formulation rebuilt a natural, protective skin barrier and actively replenished moisture, leaving the skin looking silky smooth and hydrated.
- While testing mango butter’s healing ability, it was found to effectively reduce scar formation, signifying better skin regeneration and thereby its repair. They concluded that the repairing and protecting properties open up possibilities to formulate caring products for sensitive skin.
It’s always exciting when science figures out how something works, while reinforcing the behaviours and beliefs of the people who’ve been using natural methods for (quite literally) millenia. Understanding how my ingredients work with the skin, both scientifically and through experience, guides the careful creation of each of my products.
Mango Butter in Skincare
The mango butter I use is certified organic, cold-pressed, and unrefined. This helps maintain the skin-supporting and healing benefits found within. I like mango butter because it’s scent is very mild. This allows me to use it in unscented products, or as a base when I want to include other, more scented ingredients.
Mango butter is an amazing emollient that works well with all skin types, and is gentle enough to use on children. Because it melts at skin temperature, this creamy butter absorbs quickly, leaving lasting, nourishing moisture. And since it’s absorbed so fast, it’s an ideal ingredient when you don’t want to be left with that greasy feeling that other plant butters (such as coconut or macadamia) are known for.
You can find mango butter in my Neroli & Lemon Balancing Moisturizer. It’s designed for all skin types but especially for oily, combination, and blemished. It’s a light, oil balancing moisturizer that’s perfect for calming redness and healing scars.
I’ve also included it in all my tinted moisturizers for a nourishing, light base. All that’s left behind after it melts softly into your skin is a hint of colour and zinc-oxide for UVA and UVB protection. Mango butter’s healing and antioxidant properties are also very welcome in a product designed to protect your skin from the sun. Check out my guide to Tinted Moisturizers.
After all this talk about mangos, you’re probably craving tropical fruit as much as I am. If so, you’ll also want to try the Tropical Fruit & Coconut Rejuvenating Mask. This 2021 CertClean Beauty Finalist contains mango, coconut, pineapple, and apple powders for a tropical scent and powerful exfoliation. The mango powder supports the skin’s structure by boosting collagen and elastin, and contains valuable skin-loving antioxidants and vitamins.
And now, it’s time to find myself a fresh mango to eat!
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
https://www.planetayurveda.
https://www.
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