Mango Butter, Refined, 100 g

Mango butter softens dry and rough skin and brings a firmer, creamy texture to the formulation, which melts quickly on the skin without leaving a heavy greasy film. It is obtained by pressing the kernels of Mangifera indica fruits and subsequent refining, after which it remains almost odourless and colourless. In the formulation, it therefore does not affect the fragrance or the shade of the finished product.

In the formulation, it works as an oil phase emollient. On the skin, it forms a thin layer that slows down water evaporation, smooths the surface and relieves the feeling of tightness. It is suitable for lip balms, body butters, solid creams, soap and care for dry hair.

Key benefits

• Firm consistency without wax – a high content of stearic acid gives the butter its firmness, while oleic acid provides a smooth glide during application. Solid products therefore hold their shape with less wax.
• Fast absorption – the butter melts at skin temperature and, according to the manufacturer's data, absorbs without a greasy residue.
• Skin barrier support – the occlusive film limits moisture loss, which is especially appreciated for dry, cracked skin on hands, lips or elbows.
• Antioxidant action – according to the manufacturer, it contains antioxidants, supports skin elasticity and reduces the visibility of fine lines. In the finished product, this will manifest depending on the overall composition and dosage.
• Neutral scent and colour – refined butter does not mask essential oils or fragrance compositions and will not colour light creams or balms.
• Hair care – in masks and leave-in creams for ends, it smooths dry hair and makes detangling easier.

Use in formulation

The butter belongs in the oil phase. It melts in the range of approximately 30 – 40 °C; when making emulsions and balms, it is melted together with the other fats and waxes. The processing temperature should not exceed 80 °C, as prolonged overheating damages the accompanying substances in the butter. The recommended dosage range is 1 – 100 %. In creams and body milks, lower proportions are used; in body butters and solid creams, higher ones; in its pure form, it can also be used on its own.

Firmness does not depend on quantity alone. Mango butter is firmer than shea butter and softer than cocoa butter, so in most formulations it serves as a compromise between the two. In lip balms, it replaces part of the wax. In summer months, however, it is worth keeping at least a small proportion of wax in the formulation to prevent the balm from softening in a bag or pocket.

In cold process soap, it increases bar hardness and contributes to a creamy, stable lather. Enter the saponification value of 180 – 195 mg KOH/g into the soap calculator; the exact value for the batch can be found in the analytical certificate of the delivery.

The iodine value of the butter is relatively low, so it resists oxidation better than liquid oils with a high proportion of unsaturated acids. In formulations with linseed, hemp or grape seed oil, firmer butters are combined for exactly this reason, to make the mixture more stable.

Suitable for products such as

• Lip balms and masks – firmness without excess wax and without a scent undertone that would interfere with the aroma.
• Body and whipped butters – the main component of the solid phase; combined with a liquid oil, it gives a lighter texture that absorbs quickly.
• Solid creams and sticks – together with wax and oil, it forms the base of anhydrous hand, elbow and foot creams.
• Creams and milks for dry and mature skin – oil phase emollient in O/W and W/O emulsions.
• Hair masks and leave-in creams for ends – smoothing dry and brittle hair.
• Cold process soap – bar hardness and creamy lather.

Good to know

Anhydrous products – that is, balms, solid creams and body butters without a water phase – do not require a preservative, provided that no water gets into them during production or use. Emulsions with a water phase always require a preservative. An antioxidant, such as tocopherol, will slow down yellowing of the mixture if the formulation contains sensitive liquid oils.

Compatibility is unrestricted; the butter blends with all common vegetable oils, waxes, esters and oil extracts. It does not dissolve in water, so it does not belong in tonics, hydrolate sprays or gels without an emulsifier. The butter holds Vegan and Kosher certification and contains no palm oil ingredients.

Compared to shea butter, mango butter is firmer, less greasy and free from the characteristic nutty scent. Cocoa butter is even harder, melts at a higher temperature and, even in refined form, tends to have a subtle chocolate undertone. The choice depends on the firmness and skin feel you expect from the product.

Frequently asked questions