PLANT BUTTER
Wild Mango Butter
Irvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter
A firm plant butter from the kernels of the African wild mango tree, naturally solid at room temperature, used to give creams body and leave skin feeling soft and conditioned.
Source
Kernels of the African wild mango (dika) tree
Used for
Dry skin, rich textures
How it works
A firm, rich butter from the dika nut.
Wild mango butter comes from the kernels of Irvingia gabonensis, a fruit tree native to tropical Africa and especially valued in West and Central Africa, where it is also known as bush mango or dika. The kernels are rich in fat, and the fat pressed from them is a butter rather than a liquid oil.
Its texture comes from its fatty acids. Analysis of the kernel fat shows it is highly saturated, made up mainly of lauric and myristic acids, which is why it is solid at room temperature and keeps well; the same analysis found it was stable to oxidation during storage.
In skincare its listed function is skin conditioning. It adds richness and body to creams and balms and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and comfortable, so it suits dry skin and richer textures, morning or night.
Its texture comes from its fatty acids. Analysis of the kernel fat shows it is highly saturated, made up mainly of lauric and myristic acids, which is why it is solid at room temperature and keeps well; the same analysis found it was stable to oxidation during storage.
In skincare its listed function is skin conditioning. It adds richness and body to creams and balms and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and comfortable, so it suits dry skin and richer textures, morning or night.
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01
A firm, rich plant butter that gives creams body
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Leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and conditioned
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Naturally stable, thanks to its mainly saturated fatty acids
Questions
Is wild mango butter the same as mango butter?
No. Wild mango butter comes from the kernels of the African wild mango tree, Irvingia gabonensis, while the mango butter found in many creams comes from the seeds of the common mango, Mangifera indica. They are different plants, and each has its own entry in this dictionary. (COSMILE Europe; Mateus-Reguengo et al., 2020)
Why is wild mango butter solid?
Because its fat is highly saturated. Laboratory analysis of the kernel fat found it is made up mainly of lauric and myristic acids, and its melting behaviour means it is solid at room temperature, which is what lets it add body to a cream. (Zoué et al., 2013; Mateus-Reguengo et al., 2020)
What does wild mango butter do for skin?
In cosmetics it is listed as a skin conditioning ingredient, which means it helps keep skin in good condition. On the skin it feels rich and cushioning and leaves it soft and smooth, which makes it a good fit for creams and balms for dry skin. (COSMILE Europe)
About the plant
Irvingia gabonensis, known as bush mango, wild mango or dika, is a fruit tree native to tropical Africa, and a priority fruit tree in West and Central Africa. Its fruit is eaten fresh, and its kernels are rich in fat that is solid at room temperature. (Mateus-Reguengo et al., 2020)
The European cosmetic ingredient database lists the butter as made from the kernels of the African wild mango, with skin conditioning as its function in cosmetics. (COSMILE Europe)
The European cosmetic ingredient database lists the butter as made from the kernels of the African wild mango, with skin conditioning as its function in cosmetics. (COSMILE Europe)
The research
- COSMILE Europe (Cosmetics Europe) cosmetic ingredient database: Irvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter (African wild mango, dika; kernels; butter (vegetable fat); function: skin conditioning) (opens in a new tab)
- Zoué LT, Bédikou ME, Faulet BM, Gonnety JT, Niamké SL. Characterisation of a highly saturated Irvingia gabonensis seed kernel oil with unusual linolenic acid content. Food Science and Technology International. 2013;19(1):79-87. PMID: 23345325. (opens in a new tab)
- Mateus-Reguengo L, Barbosa-Pereira L, Rembangouet W, Bertolino M, Giordano M, Rojo-Poveda O, Zeppa G. Food applications of Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex. O'Rorke) Baill., the 'bush mango': A review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2020;60(14):2446-2459. PMID: 31366215. (opens in a new tab)
Found In
Type: Face Care
Red Algae Calming Day Moisturiser
50mlRegular price £34.00Sale price Regular price
