This is our review of Cocoa Butter vs Shea Butter vs Mango Butter.

When it comes to skincare products, we assume they’re made for only women. You may be right because most women care about their skin compared to men. But do you know they are skincare products that both women and men can use too? Yep, butter products!

Cocoa, shea and mango butter are among the best organic butter for skin, cosmetic and food production.  When it comes to your skin, you may be wondering whether to choose cocoa, shea or mango butter because of so much information out there. 

We’re glad you’re here! Because this is the right and factual information you need on cocoa, shea or mango butter.

In this article, we discuss the various features, differences and best cases to help you choose what’s better for you.   

Also Read: 11 Best Cocoa Butter Lotion: For a Natural and Perfect Skin!

Cocoa Butter vs Shea Butter vs Mango Butter

i. Melting 

When you melt a substance, it means you’re changing the state of the substance from solid to liquid using fire or hot temperature.  For example, ice melts when the temperature is warm or hot.

Cocoa butter is more valuable for its melting properties; it withstands fragility despite rising in temperature. Containing 57-63 % saturated acid, cocoa butter’s brittleness has made it one of the most stable fats. As such, manufacturers use cocoa butter in coating chocolate to keep it firm until dissolved in the mouth.

Thus to get a liquid raw cocoa butter, it is best to melt it by placing the cocoa butter in an inner pan placed in hot water or boiling water.

Unlike cocoa butter, shea butter melts at room temperature between 31-38 degrees celsius and often becomes liquid as the temperature rises. As such, many vendors in the open market in Ghana would efficiently pour ice cold water on it to keep it solid.

Meanwhile, Mango butter has a high melting point so it’s not ideal for making sweets. This means you will find manufacturers using mango butter to produce moisturizing and softening cosmetics products.

Consequently, when it comes to melting characteristics of cocoa, mango and shea butter, cocoa butter takes the lead in comporting itself against rising temperature

iI. Fatty acids

Fatty acids are the building blocks of the fat in our bodies and in the food we eat, according to KidsHealth. In simple terms, fatty acids help our bodies to store energy.

Cocoa butter has roughly 25% palmitic acid, 3% linoleic acid, 35% stearic acid, 35% oleic acid, and 2% other fatty acids. While stearic and palmitic acids are saturated fatty acids, oleic is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, and linoleic acid is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

These fatty acids in cocoa butter aid in developing a protective barrier in moisturizing and keeping the skin from dryness.

Unequally, raw Shea butter contains five main fatty acids, including palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and arachidic acid. Both stearic and oleic acid together amount to about 85-90%, providing firmness, brittleness and softness of shea butter on the skin.

Comparatively, mango butter contains more fatty acids making it a more intense moisturizer than shea and cocoa butter.

It contains antioxidants and Omega-rich fatty acids, including 7-10% Palmitic Acid, 30-45% Stearic Acid, 38-50% Oleic Acid (Omega 9) and 3-7% Linoleic Acid (Omega 6).

III. Healing properties

Cocoa butter is traditionally proven to aid in healing wounds and restoring the skin to its original state. Similarly, due to its rich moisture and protective oil-based, it’s best used in treating skin conditions such as eczema, easing itching.

Similarly, shea butter is also known for its healing properties due to the presence of fatty acids as discussed above. Raw or pure shea butter is favourable for treating skin conditions such as rashes, scars, stretch marks and acne.  

However, collagen in mango protects and moisturizes your skin, while fortifying your bones. You can use mango butter on your face for a smoother feel because of its high content of collagen, oleic acid and monounsaturated fats.

It also helps ease dry skin conditions and slows down the degeneration of skin cells.

While every skin type or condition will require unique properties of either cocoa, mango or shea butter, it’s best to use shea butter for both skin and face. However, the nutrients in mango make it more favourable for your skincare and facial scrub needs.

Also Read: Does Cocoa Butter help with Stretch Marks?

IV. Vitamins.

There’s a high amount of Vitamin D in Cocoa butter; the same vitamin that the body can receive from just exposure to the early morning sun. Also, cocoa butter contains a small amount of vitamin K, which helps to build strong bones.

It is also rich, significantly,  in minerals such as potassium, iron, and zinc for lower blood pressure, supporting red blood cells’ immune health activities. 

Similarly, raw shea butter contains vitamin A, F and E which helps to treat skin conditions such as dermatitis, premature ageing and keeping your skin soft.

Nutrient-dense, mango butter contains more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than shea and cocoa butter.

Mango butter is packed with fibre, vitamins C, B6, A, E, and minerals. They’re also a good source of folate, potassium, calcium, and beta carotene. Many of the vitamins found in mango hold skin-improving powers, so it makes sense to blend it into butter for skincare.

Thus mango butter contains more beneficial vitamins that are excellent for skin and face than cocoa butter and shea butter

V. Hair treatment

Cocoa butter improves the texture of hair by making them softer and more manageable. It deeply penetrates and nourishes your hair, while soothing and supporting scalp health.

On the other hand, Mango butter rich in vitamin A and E makes an excellent hair conditioner because it absorbs quickly, keeping the hair hydrated and healthy. It fortifies strands, from the inside out, softens dry hair, reduces breakage and smooths split ends.

Meanwhile, shea butter contains vitamin A and E with essential fatty acids which are believed to add moisture and shine to hair. It’s not greasy and softens dry brittle hair.

vI. Face treatment

When it comes to facial treatment, the nutrients in Mango butter make it the perfect choice for moisturizing your face and keeping it smooth. You can trust mango butter as an effective moisturizer that may help soften your skin. The abundance of Vitamin E and Vitamin C in mangos may help protect your skin and face from environmental stressors like sunlight, pollution, and even blue light from screens.

Cocoa butter, although it’s an excellent skin moisturizer, works perfectly on your overall skin. However, when it comes to your face, you might consider using mango butter instead. This is because cocoa butter is greasy and may not be favourable to an oily face as it may clog your pores, causing acne.

Meanwhile like cocoa and mango butter, shea butter is an excellent choice for your face too. Its high concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins make it an ideal cosmetic ingredient for softening skin. Shea butter also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that can, can condition, tone, and soothe your skin and face.

Also Read: Does Cocoa Butter Clog Pores?

vII. Lifespan

Mango butter has a short lifespan between 4-and 6 months. As such it is recommended to use it within three months to avoid going bad.

Cocoa butter on the other hand doesn’t go bad quickly because of its high resistance to oxidative rancidity. It has a lifespan of 2-5 years.

Shea butter on the other hand has a lifespan of about one to two years, losing its effectiveness over time due to the breakdown of its natural ingredients.

What is mango butter?

Mango butter is a fat that originates from mango seeds. The product exists in refined and unrefined forms. Mango butter is semi-solid at room temperature but melts when it touches the skin.

Like cocoa butter, mango butter nourishes your skin and hair and supports your overall skin health. Some forms of mango butter are also edible; mango butter is included as an ingredient in chocolates and other snacks.

Mango Butter is made by cold-pressing the pulp found inside the seeds from the tropical Mango Tree and has a melty, creamy texture.

Also Read: Mango Butter vs Cocoa Butter: Which Is Better for Your Skin?

Mango butter benefits for the skin

1. Moisturizes skin

Mango is a richer source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that keep your skin moisturized than cocoa butter. Just 100 grams of mango contains most of your daily recommended dose of Vitamin C, which produces collagen. The high amount of antioxidants also helps to prevent ageing and your skin’s health.

Again, mango butter is a great source of Vitamin E, Vitamin A, folates, and copper. 

2. Hydrates dry scalp and keep it moisturized

Mangoes also support hair health, as they provide a good amount of vitamin A. Vitamin A helps provide sebum, which moisturizes the hair. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including the skin and hair.

3. Gives your skin a younger skin tone

The abundance of Vitamin E and Vitamin C in mangos helps protect your skin from direct sunlight, and pollution. Consistent exposure to sunlight can lead to damage and premature ageing.

Beyond this, the high levels of Vitamin A in mangos also help reduce sun damage, a powerful catalyst for premature ageing.

You can reap the skin benefits of mango butter’s richness of vitamins by using mango butter topically or as an oral supplement.

4. Smoothes rough patches of skin like eczema or burns

While mango butter contains properties that help in treating skin conditions like eczema, it also has excellent softening properties so it’s ideal for moisturizing dry patches like the elbows, knees and heels.

5. Supports collagen production

Mango butter contains high concentrations of Vitamin C, which stimulates the production of collagen. Collagen is a compound found in your skin and in the connective tissues that make up your tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

Collagen is the most common protein in the body; it helps structure your skin, fortify your bones, and support joints.

Best cases to use Mango butter on your skin

Soothe existing acne

Mango butter does not clog pores on your face, which means it’s still a great moisturizing option for people with acne-prone skin. It is also the butter you need to soothe existing acne on your face by using it as a scrub or moisturizer.

What is cocoa butter?

Cocoa butter is simply a vegetable fat that comes from raw cocoa beans. Manufacturers extract cocoa butter by roasting, stripping, and then pressing cocoa beans to separate the fat. Cocoa butter is ideal for skincare, chocolate production and hair health.

Also Read: What is Cocoa Butter Made of? Everything You Need to Know!

Cocoa butter benefits for skin

1. Moisturizes skin 

Raw cocoa butter is high in fatty acids and deeply hydrates the skin by forming a protective barrier to hold in moisture. It also contains oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, all of which nourish the skin. This makes cocoa butter a wonderful addition to moisturizers, body lotions, and lip balms.

Also Read: 18 Best Cocoa Butter Lotion for Black Skin: For a Natural and Perfect Skin!

2. Hydrates dry scalp 

Cocoa butter deeply penetrates and nourishes your hair, especially natural hair by soothing and supporting scalp health. It provides an easy way to manage your hair and helps maintain long-lasting hydration. Using a scalp treatment with cocoa butter is especially nourishing for natural hair.

Also Read: Top Cocoa Butter Benefits For Hair: A Quick Guide!

3. Can soothe eczema

Fats in cocoa butter help form a protective layer on the skin, preventing moisture from escaping, and therefore stopping the skin from drying out.  In this way, the skin is moisturized, protecting it from skin conditions like eczema.

4. Contain Vitamins and Minerals

A significant number of nutrients and vitamins can be found in pure cocoa butter: vitamin E and vitamin K, choline, magnesium, copper, and iron. Iron is usually found in green leafy foods like spinach and broccoli and is a great resource for a glowy complexion. Copper is a popular skincare ingredient for supporting healthy collagen and elastin levels for supple, bouncy skin.

Also Read: 5 Best Organic Cocoa Butter: Pure and Unadulterated!

Best cases to use cocoa butter on your skin

During aromatherapy;

It is best to use cocoa butter due to its natural pleasant chocolate scent.

Cocoa butter is a natural moisturizer and has been used as an aromatherapy agent for centuries. It is a rich source of flavonoids, including the antioxidant epicatechin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation. Cocoa butter oil can also be used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and stress relief.

To treat skin rashes

Also, Cocoa butter contains cocoa mass polyphenol (CMP), which plays a major role in easing

dermatitis and skin rashes. In some cases, the CMP may reduce the growth of tumours and cancerous cells. Continuous use of cocoa butter will lighten stretch marks and may even prevent their formation.

So if you have stretch marks due to weight gain, the use of certain cosmetics or childbirth, you should consider using cocoa butter on your skin.

Also Read: Does Cocoa Butter Lighten Skin?

What is shea butter?

Shea butter is fat that’s extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It’s solid at warm temperatures and has an off-white or ivory colour. It has a nutty smoked smell.

Shea butter works like an emollient. It helps soften or smooth dry skin. Shea butter also contains nutrients that can reduce skin swelling. This might help treat conditions associated with skin irritation such as eczema.

Also Read: Cocoa Butter vs Shea Butter: Which Is Better for Your Skin?

Shea butter benefits for your skin

1. Repairs dry skin

Shea butter is known to be a natural moisturizer, which is why it has been used in African traditional medicine for centuries. Shea butter is also a great treatment for dry skin because it contains anti-inflammatory agents and lipids that help restore the skin’s natural lipid barrier. In addition, Shea butter is said to be effective at treating psoriasis, eczema and other skin conditions.

Shea butter can treat many skin issues ranging from dry skin because of it’s anti-inflammatory properties. Prolonged use of shea butter evens your skin tone from sunburn.

2. Shea butter reduces diaper rash in babies

Also, shea butter can reduce diaper rash, blemishes, itching, wrinkles, and dryness, as such it is best to use it on newborn babies. Many mothers in Ghana use shea butter from the first three to five years on their new babies, resulting in smooth, soft and shiny skin.

3. Shea butter reduces razor burns and scars

It can also be used as a shaving cream to reduce razor burns. Shea butter does not stick on the skin and may help reduce acne, scars, and the appearance of stretch marks.

4. Shea butter contains Vitamin A, E and K

Essential vitamins that are needed by the skin, such as vitamins A, E and K, are found in shea butter, helping to maintain healthy and clear skin. Omega 3 fatty acid, also present in shea butter, protects and revitalizes your skin.

5. Shea butter has saturated fatty acids.

Mostly Oleic, stearic, fatty acids, and palmitic acids, Shea butter helps repair the lost lipids in our skin’s barrier, or stratum corneum. Again, Shea butter is a great emollient moisturizer and barrier repair cream.

The oleic property in  Shea butter may even have some healing properties useful in the

treatment of burn wounds, although there is no scientific research to back this claim, traditional use for the said purpose in Africa has proven true.

6. Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer for your scalp and hair too.

Shea butter can be used as a moisturizer for dry scalp and hair treatment. 

Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer for your scalp and hair too. Shea butter is a natural oil that comes from the nut of the shea tree. It has a high concentration of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and proteins which make it a great moisturizer for the scalp and hair. Shea butter can help to improve elasticity, promote hair growth, and soothe the scalp.

Best cases to use shea butter on your skin

i. For skin repair

Shea butter is a natural oil found in the nuts of the shea tree. It is used for skin repair because of its high content of fatty acids, vitamins A, E and B5, and minerals like magnesium and zinc.

These nutrients help to nourish and protect the skin from damage. Shea butter can be used as a standalone moisturizer or as part of a skincare regimen that also includes other ingredients that help to improve the skin’s appearance.

iI. To reduce skin inflammation

Some studies indicate that using shea butter for skin adds cinnamic acid, which reduces skin inflammation and keeps tumours away.   Shea butter also acts as a natural sunscreen, protecting you from the strong ultraviolet radiations in the hot sun in Africa, as well as potential skin damage.

iII. To get rid of dark spots

Dark spots are a common problem for many people. Some people have them and never know it, while others get them frequently. Dark spots can be caused by a variety of things, but one of the most common ones is sun exposure.

If you want to get rid of dark spots, you can use shea butter. Shea butter is a natural product that is derived from the nuts of the shea tree. It is used to treat a variety of skin problems, including dark spots.

You can also get rid of skin discolouration, rashes, and dark spots using shea butter.

Over to You!

While mango butter is softer than shea and cocoa butter, it contains more fatty acids making it a more intense moisturizer. It has little to no odour. Mango butter is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants; it helps ease dry skin conditions and slows down the degeneration of skin cells.

On the other hand, cocoa butter contains a high amount of fatty acids, which make it well-suited as a primary ingredient in skin cream. Fatty acids help to hydrate the skin. The fat in cocoa butter creates a protective barrier that holds in moisture and prevents your skin from drying.

Meanwhile, the high concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins make shea butter an ideal cosmetic ingredient for softening skin. Shea butter also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Using shea butter on your body, especially your face, can condition, tone, and soothe your skin.

You can buy mango butter, cocoa and shea butter on ……

 References;

• Isabella.
• (2019). The Difference Between Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter. Better Shea Butter.
• Lindberg,
• S. (2020). Shea Butter vs. Cocoa Butter: How Do They Compare? HealthLine.
• Products,
• M. E. (2018). Cocoa Butter Versus Shea Butter. Mother Earth Products.
• Ruddock, D.
• V. (n.d.). Effects of Cocoa Butter on African American Skin. Love to Know.
• Trent, D.
• J. (2021). Shea Vs. Cocoa Butter in Skin Care. Zelen Life.

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