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Sure, it is just one of the ingredients used in beauty products industry. However, the plethora of products that thrive on mango kernel oil and butter extraction makes it a business worth exploration

Let’s disclose some intriguing figures first. The current size of India’s cosmetic and toiletries market is approximately US$ 950 million.

The skincare market is about US$ 180 million, and the hair-care market comes to about US$ 200 million.The herbal cosmetics segment is estimated at US$ 100 million. According to news reports, a beauty salon like Lakme attracts about six lac footfalls per annum, in its chain of 93 salons across 37 cities.

These are just some of the segments in which the potential for mango kernel extracts lies. We are talking about the mango seed that contains oil so rich in nutrients, that it is becoming an ideal beauty ingredient. So, while an average person is sitting and relishing this fruit, there are entrepreneurs who can actually make money out of the kernels they dispose off on a daily basis!

Mango-licious
Mango kernel extracts are hidden treasures! Because the kernel, when cold pressed, renders mango kernel butter, not oil. This butter itself is highly prized and could pose as a good substitute for cocoa or shea butter. Being an excellent source of essential fatty acids, rich in minerals and vitamins, mango kernel butter exhibits beneficial moisturizing properties for skin lotions and lubricants. It is solid at room temperature, smells sweet and nutty in its pure form and has a smooth creamy color.

So, how is mango kernel oil produced then? Simply put, semi-solid mango kernel oil is obtained during the refining of mango kernel butter. This soft-yellow-colored oil is said to have a stronger odor than the butter, and has a melting point of around 23-27° C, meaning that it effectively melts when it comes in contact with skin.

DARE/Similar extracts

Similar extracts worth exploring Aloe Vera butterApricot kernel oil Avocado oil Cocoa butter Cranberry seed oil Emu oil Grape seed oil Kokum butter Macadamia butter Neem oil Sal butter Shea butter

Awaken your senses
Be it for aromatherapy or for creamy body wraps and facials, mango kernel butter and oil are being used increasingly in various luxurious beauty products and treatments. The powerful antioxidant and exfoliating properties of these extracts, makes them perfect for all skin types, leaving the skin soft, hydrated and youthful. This makes it an exceptional ingredient for making soap and other toiletries, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Upto 3% to 12% of mango kernel oil is generally used in the manufacturing of mango-based lotions, creams, balms, soaps and hair conditioners. Besides being an ingredient in the aforementioned products, the oil can also be used in its pure form. The pure form is typically tossed into bathing water, the aroma of which awakens all the senses, while the oil works its magic to rejuvenate the body.

These extracts even have natural healing properties a la high oxidation, healing and regeneration. Dermatologists recommend mango kernel oil to protect against ultraviolet radiation, to clear blemishes and wrinkles, and to treat skin disorders like eczema. Besides this, it effectively treats dry skin, skin allergies, skin peeling and prevents stretch marks.

DARE/Scope

Cosmetic products that use mango extracts Baby creamsBar soaps Bath and shower gel Body butters Body lotions Body scrubs Cuticle cream Fragrance oils Hair conditioners Lip balm Lipsticks Liquid hand wash Mango bath fizzy Massage creams Massage oils Shaving cream Sun-care lotions… and more

A fruitful investment
India is one of the largest mango producing countries with a reported export of 79,061 metric tons of fresh mangoes in the year 2006-2007, accounting for Rs 14,194 lacs (Source: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority). The domestic consumption supercedes these export figures manifold.

Now, if we keep the export of mango as a fresh fruit aside, the other main mango products that we export are mango pulp, mango pickles and chutneys. Clearly, the residue of these industries, the kernel in particular is not being utilized to its full commercial potential. An average mango kernel contains about 8% to 15% extract potential (butter and oil). This seed, which is usually discarded, can be used in cosmetics and beauty products.

The seed inside peach is already being processed for oil in the cosmetics industry. When the seed of peach, which is much smaller than mango kernels and therefore yields much less oil is being commercially exploited, then why not mango kernel?

Some say that this is possibly because of lack of knowledge, skill and technology that is required in its extraction. Some believe that collecting all these millions of disposed kernels is a Herculean task. However, what is overlooked is the price premium that mango kernel extracts hold in the cosmetic, wellness, and beauty industries. So, is there a business opportunity in producing these extracts? Well, dig in to find out.

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