Mango oil, also known as mango seed oil, mango kernel oil, or mango kernel fat, comes from the seeds, or pit, of the mango. Mangos are a fruit that is well known for their plethora of nutritional properties, including high fiber and antioxidant concentrations. Mango oil is an excellent source of these nutrients, as well as many other essential vitamins and minerals. As the benefits of this fruit and its oil are discovered, its popularity has exponentially increased.
Benefits of Mango Oil
As previously mentioned, mango seed oil has a lengthy list of benefits. This list begins with the many benefits of mango oil as skincare. This oil has excellent moisturizing properties and is very effective when it comes to restoring a broken skin barrier. Mango butter also contains a plant compound, mangiferin, that has known antioxidant properties. This compound fights collagen- and elastin-breaking enzymes, which in turn battles the effects of aging on the skin. In addition, mango seed oil can be beneficial for:
- itchy skin
- dry skin
- irritation
- rashes
- cracked skin
- acne
- redness
The minerals and fatty acids in this oil are also very healing for dry or damaged hair. The moisturizing properties that apply to the skin will also moisturize hair, and mango oil may even thicken hair and prevent hair loss.
It may be possible that mango oil’s antioxidant properties are enough to fight conditions like oxidative stress, and even cancer. A lab study tested the effects of mango seed oil on breast cancer cells. Surprisingly, the mango extract killed the cancer cells when applied in test tubes. Not enough research has been done to confirm this, but these lab results are promising!
Mango Oil Extraction
Mango kernel extract can be obtained in one of two ways: pressure extraction or solvent extraction. Pressure extraction utilizes industrial machinery that applies hydraulic pressure to the mango kernel. This high level of pressure physically pushes the fat/oil out of the pit. Solvent extraction involves a few more steps than pressure extraction. These steps are as follows:
- Dry the mango seeds. Before any extraction can begin, the mango pits must be dried to the point where the moisture content is below 15%. This is usually done in the sun.
- Remove the seed husk. The seeds are then decorticated, usually by hand.
- Crush the kernel into smaller pieces. Once the seed is removed from the hull, it is crushed in a hammer mill.
- Heat the seed pieces. Heating the pieces of kernel softens the material, making it easier for the next step.
- Feed the kernel into a flaking roller. This step prepares the seed for contact with the solvent.
- Apply the solvent. Hexane is sprayed onto the prepared kernel, which dissolves the oil from the material.
- Distillation. The solvent-soaked material is placed into a vacuum to separate the oil from the solvent. The remaining oil is pure mango oil.
Need a Solvent for Extraction?
With such a straightforward extraction process, getting your hands on fresh mango oil isn’t too difficult given the right solvent. Our team here at Extraction Grade Solvents is ready to assist you in purchasing the best solvent to fit your needs. Contact us here or browse our shop if you know exactly what you’re looking for!