Mango Butter

Tropical Origins

Mango butter comes from the large, flat seed (or kernel) inside the mango fruit. After the fruit is eaten or processed for juice, the seeds are collected, dried, and the inner kernel is removed and pressed to extract the butter. The resulting product is a soft, white to ivory-colored butter with a very mild, slightly sweet scent.

India, which produces nearly half the world's mangoes, is the primary source of mango butter. The extraction process is typically mechanical (cold-pressed), which preserves the naturally occurring vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids. As with most specialty skincare ingredients, unrefined mango butter retains more bioactive compounds than its refined counterpart.

Skincare Profile

Mango butter contains high levels of oleic acid (40-50%) and stearic acid (35-45%), with smaller amounts of palmitic and linoleic acids. This fatty acid mix gives it a balance between richness and absorbability: it is noticeably softer and easier to spread than cocoa butter, and slightly lighter than shea butter.

Vitamins A and E are naturally present in mango butter. Vitamin A (retinol precursors) supports skin cell turnover and collagen production. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting skin cells from oxidative damage. Together, these vitamins make mango butter particularly suited for anti-aging and skin-repair formulations.

Mango butter also contains triterpenes and phytosterols that have shown anti-inflammatory properties in studies. For people with sensitive or irritated skin, these compounds help reduce redness and soothe discomfort without introducing synthetic anti-inflammatory agents.

Our Use

We use mango butter in our Silken Glow Facial Balm, where it works alongside kokum butter and argan oil. The mango butter provides a soft, creamy texture to the balm that makes it easy to apply and pleasant on the face. Its mild character means it plays well with the other ingredients without adding competing scents or heaviness.