Mango Seed Butter Benefits + How To Use It In Skin Care

If two body lotions contained all of the same ingredients except for the base, you'd surely get an entirely different experience. Cacao butter feels different from shea butter, which feels different from coconut butter, etc. 

What's more, they each contain a unique set of nutrients and benefits. One rich butter you may not be familiar with quite yet: mango seed butter. To come, a quick 101 on this vitamin-rich ingredient and where to find it so you can add it to your list of must-haves. 

Now for the fun part: the many benefits of mango seed butter: 

"Mango seed butter is rich in mangiferin, vitamins E and C, all of which have antioxidant properties," board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., FAAD, tells mbg. These vitamins help protect your skin from free radicals that cause oxidative stress in the skin. 

When your skin is in a state of stress for too long, inflammation, breakouts, fine lines, and dark spots may follow. Think of antioxidants like your skin's defense against the environment, and mango butter holds loads of them. 

As king noted, it's naturally high in vitamin C. Vitamin C is a vital part of the collagen production process—without it, your body cannot properly make its own supply of the protein. Collagen is a structural protein that keeps the skin firm, smooth, and strong. However, it declines with age (and due to sun damage, diet, and lifestyle). This is why most derms recommend you finding products with vitamin C so you can protect and promote the collagen synthesis process.

"All skin types can see benefits from mango seed butter, but dry skin especially during the colder months can greatly benefit from its moisturizing properties," plastic surgeon and founder of telehealth dermatology group Cortina Reid Maclellan, M.D., explains. 

"Mango seed butter has a very rich lipid composition (between 8.15% and 13.16%); it's especially rich in oleic acid and stearic acid," says Koestline. "This gives mango seed butter its occlusive and emollient properties that help keep the skin barrier nourished." 

In short, mango seed butter hydrates the skin by filling in the cracks, encouraging a softer canvas, and locking that moisture in. Hence, why it's such an A+ pick for dry skin types. 

Mango seed butter is also rich in vitamin A, says Maclellan. This means it can help speed up cell turnover and promote overall optimal skin function. While it won't act like a retinoid product that's solely composed of vitamin A, it does help support cell turnover on a lower level. 

Both King and Maclellan note this butter is ideal for most skin types. It's gentle and nonirritating, so even those with highly sensitive skin can often use this ingredient topically. However, those prone to reactions should look for a formula that contains little to no fragrance as well. 

"The high lipid content along with the antioxidant, polyphenols, bioactive compounds, and mineral content makes it helpful in treating very dry skin, frost bites, calming dermatitis, rashes, and itchy skin," says Koestline. She adds that it's helpful for eczema-prone skin, giving skin a smoother appearance, and even helps prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

"Although not common, allergic reactions are always possible," King says. Be sure to patch-test any new product you have on a small area of your arm or leg to ensure you don't have an allergy to this botanical butter. 

Another important note: This particular butter is best used on the body rather than the face for most people. "Mango seed butter has a relatively low comedogenicity rating, but it still may not be the best choice for oily and acne-prone skin," King says. 

Now that you know what mango butter is and why it's so great, let's dive in to how to use it in your beauty and wellness routine: 

All in all, mango seed butter is a nutrient-dense ingredient that helps nourish the skin barrier and protect your skin from environmental stressors. You'll most often find this rich emollient in body creams and lotions, as it's a better fit for the body than the face. Ready to stock up on body creams? Start here with a curated list of the best clean options on the market right now.