If mango butter (INCI name: Mangifera Indica Seed Butter) is commonly used to formulate skincare and haircare products, it is primarily due to the active ingredients it contains. Discover in this article the biochemical composition of mango butter and its connection with the properties of this ingredient.
The biochemical composition of mango butter.
Summary
Published on October 4, 2024, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 7 min of reading
Themes:
Mango Butter: What is it?
The mango butter is a semi-solid yellow fat at room temperature, obtained by cold pressing the kernel of the fruit. However, it melts quite easily when it comes into contact with the skin or is heated to a temperature above 30°C.
There is a recurring confusion between mango butter and mango oil. In fact, they are the same ingredient. Mango oil is the name given to mango butter when it is melted. The only difference between these two compounds is therefore their consistency.
The biochemical composition of mango butter.
Mango butter is incorporated into many hair treatments and skin care products, due to its composition rich in active ingredients that have beneficial properties for the skin and hair.
Mango butter is rich in saturated fatty acids.
Mango butter is composed of saturated fatty acids, such asstearic acid, making up about 50%. These actives have a film-forming effect on the skin and contribute to the maintenance of the hydrolipidic film, present on the surface of the epidermis and protecting it from dehydration and external aggressions (wind, cold, UV radiation...). Moreover, these compounds have a structure similar to that of the molecules structuring the epidermis, which allows them to easily integrate into it and facilitate its restoration. Skincare products containing mango butter are thus recommended for dry or atopic skin. They help the skin to restore its lipid composition after prolonged exposure to the sun or pollution.
Mango butter contains squalene.
Mango butter contains squalene, a molecule that also has a biomimetic structure. Indeed, this compound is part of the composition of sebum. The production of sebum by the sebaceous glands is essential as this substance is present in the hydrolipidic film. Squalene thus contributes to skin protection and is considered a emollient.
Mango butter contains phytosterols.
Mango butter contains phytosterols, compounds that contribute to maintaining the skin's barrier function and have soothing properties. These molecules also have an anti-inflammatory activity and regulate certain inflammation processes. However, the mechanism by which these molecules work has not yet been fully elucidated and further research is still required. Mango butter can thus be used to relieve itching and certain redness.
Mango butter contains polyphenols.
Several polyphenols can be found in mango butter, including catechins and epicatechins. Polyphenols are antioxidants. They protect skin cells from free radicals, reactive oxygen species responsible for premature skin ageing or weakening of the hair follicle. They work by donating an electron to the free radicals, which helps to stabilise them. Polyphenols also help to prevent the degradation of collagen and elastin, compounds essential to the structure of the skin, by free radicals. These active ingredients are therefore excellent allies for preventing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the eye contour or split ends and white hair.
Typology skincare products containing mango butter.
Typology has incorporated the mango butter (INCI name: Mangifera Indica Seed Butter) into three treatments.
Lip Repair Mask : Composed of 98% natural ingredients, this treatment combines the lipid-replenishing action of ceramides (INCI name: Ceramides NG) with the moisturising effect of hyaluronic acid (INCI name: Sodium Hyaluronate) to repair chapped lips. After 15 minutes of application, the lips are more comfortable and supple.
Hair Repair Mask : this treatment is enriched with biomimetic ceramides (INCI name: Behenyl/Stearyl Aminopropanediol Esters) which deeply repair and nourish the hair fibre to soften the hair and prevent the appearance of split ends. This mask should be used 1 to 2 times per week. Its creamy texture instantly coats the hair fibre and softens the hair without weighing it down. It should be applied to washed and towel-dried hair from mid-lengths to ends. Allow it to work for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Radiance Mask : containing turmeric (INCI: Curcuma Longa Rhizome Powder), lemon verbena hydrosol (INCI: Lippia Citriodora Leaf Water) and yellow clay (INCI: Kaolin), this treatment is an ally for restoring skin radiance. The synergy of these ingredients revitalises the epidermis and protects it from the effects of oxidative stress, by neutralising free radicals. Moreover, this mask prevents the appearance of pigmentation spots, for a uniform and luminous complexion. After application, it leaves the skin soft.
Sources
DURAN DE BAZUA M. & al. Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Seed and Its Fats. Nuts and Seeds in Health and Disease (2011).
OMAR A. & al. Mango (Mangifera indica L.) by-products and their valuable components: a review. Food Chemistry (2015).
NOMURA M. & al. Evaluation of the fatty acid composition of the seeds of Mangifera indica L. and their application. Journal of oleo science (2015).
GLAVAC N. & al. Vegetable butters and oils in skin wound healing: scientific evidence for new opportunities in dermatology. Phytotherapy Research (2020).
