Picture this: the lush tropics, where the air is thick with the sweet scent of ripe mangoes. Now, imagine capturing that essence and infusing it into your skincare routine. Enter... mango butter, the tropical secret to radiant, nourished skin.

There is nothing sweeter than a rich, juicy slice of fresh mango!!  But, beyond their distinct, sweet flavor, mangoes can also be effective for soothing and hydrating skin.

Mangifera Indica Seed Butter – aka mango butter – is a rich, natural fat extracted from the seeds inside the pits and cold-pressed into a creamy butter. While mango butter is softer than Shea and cocoa butter, it has a higher concentration of fatty acids, making it a more intense moisturizer (without being greasy). Mango butter is a powerhouse ingredient, just as these other butters, and has more than earned its time in the spotlight!

Below, I will share with you a brief history about the mango tree and this beautiful butter, as well as some of the uses and benefits of this impressive, natural ingredient.

 

A Brief History

The mango tree itself is considered to be India’s “King of Fruits,” where it has been cultivated and harvested for thousands of years. It wasn’t until around 1700 that these trees were introduced to the Western Hemisphere – initially planted in Brazil and eventually making their way to the Americas.

The mango fruit has been used for over 4,000 years in Asia in traditional medicine to speed up the wound-healing process and support skin health. It’s long believed that the mango fruit has the ability to strengthen the heart, improve brain activity, and increase the body’s immunity.

In the 1930’s, mango butter was considered as an alternative to cocoa butter for confectionery products; but was soon discovered to be an effective ingredient in skincare due to its significant amounts of tocopherol (vitamin E), phytosterols, and triterpenes (natural, chemical compounds described as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antitumoral agents).

Interesting side-note:  Akbar the Great, a prominent Mughal Emperor in India, is said to have planted approximately 100,000 mango trees in the eastern parts of India. According to Buddhist tradition, a high-class courtesan is believed to have generously donated her mango grove to the Buddha and his companions to provide them with a place to rest. Legend has it that in this orchard, the Buddha continued to impart teachings to his monks on concentration, morality, and wisdom.

The Benefits of Mango Butter

Over time, the popularity of mango butter spread across the globe, finding its way into modern skincare formulations. While actual scientific studies on mango butter are minimal, the power of this butter is the  various compounds it contains and its ability to protect the skin and enhance healing.

Intense Moisturization: Mango butter is packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins A and E, which deeply penetrate the skin, locking in moisture and restoring elasticity. It is a powerful emollient that glides on smoothly, absorbs beautifully, and feels ahhh-mazing on your skin! Say goodbye to dry, flaky skin and hello to a dewy, hydrated complexion.

Skin Healing: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, mango butter helps soothe irritated skin and reduce symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. It also aids in the repair of damaged skin, reducing redness, inflammation, and signs of aging. The rich antioxidants fight free radicals in your skin, preventing wrinkles - yay! - and it's a powerhouse ingredient for promoting skin regeneration and healing.

UV Protection: Mango butter contains natural emollients that form a naturally occlusive, protective barrier on the skin, shielding it from harmful UV rays. While it's not a replacement for sunscreen, incorporating mango butter into your skincare routine can provide added protection against sun damage.

Non-Comedogenic: Unlike some heavy oils and butters, mango butter is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores or cause breakouts. Mango butter is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Skin Regeneration: As mentioned above, this nutrient-right butter is abundant in vitamins A, E, and C, which supports skin repair and regeneration. Vitamin A aids in cell turnover, promoting a fresher complexion. Vitamin E acts as a potent antioxidant, combating free radicals that contribute to premature aging. Vitamin C supports collagen production, enhancing skin elasticity and firmness. Collagen is the most common protein in your skin and gives your skin its structure, but production decreases as we age. Boo.

Uses in Skincare

With its emollient prowess and natural healing attributes, mango butter nourishes, softens, and supports skin health, making it a versatile ingredient in skincare formulations:

Moisturizers & Lotions: Mango butter is a star ingredient in moisturizers and body lotions, where it provides long-lasting hydration and nourishment. Look for products that feature mango butter high on the ingredient list for maximum benefits.

Lip Balms & Lip Scrubs: Say goodbye to chapped lips with mango butter-infused lip balms and scrubs. Its emollient properties soften and smooth the delicate skin of the lips, keeping them kissably soft all year round.

Body Butters & Creams: Treat your body to the ultimate pampering experience with mango butter body butters and creams. Massage into damp skin after a shower to lock in moisture and leave your skin feeling silky-smooth and supple.

Hair Masks & Conditioners: Don't let your skin have all the fun—mango butter works wonders for your hair, too! Mango butter incorporated into hair masks and conditioners can nourish and hydrate dry, damaged strands, leaving your locks shiny and lustrous.

Embrace Mango Butter for Self-Care

Incorporating mango butter into your skincare routine isn't just about achieving glowing skin—it's also an act of self-care. Taking the time to pamper yourself with luxurious, nourishing products can have a profound impact on your overall well-being, boosting your mood and confidence.

So why not indulge in a little tropical escape with mango butter-infused skincare? Treat yourself to the ultimate self-care ritual and discover the transformative power of this tropical treasure for yourself. Your skin—and your soul—will thank you for it.