Mangoes are loaded with nutritious substances, which is partly why they’re a dietary staple around the world. They’re packed with fiber, vitamins (C, B6, A, E, and more), 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 a butter.

In fact, thanks to its fatty acid profile (it’s chock-full of oleic, stearic, and linoleic acids), mango butter is recommended as a substitute in beauty products for cocoa butter, a long-time skin-softening favorite.

As a topical cream, it can pass along benefits, like softer skin, and may offer UV protection. The same 2020 study mentioned above suggests that wool treated with mango seed oil showed a decreased amount of UV damage — so it may do the same for skin.

Mango butter also performed spectacularly in a small on treatments for cracked heels. A mango butter-based solution worked better than a commercially-produced lotion regarding the reduction of scars and cracks in skin, and in increased shelf-life. It also showed similar or better results in its ability to moisturize.

This is one possible exception to its skin-boosting benefits.

Scour the internet, and you’ll see blogs praising mango butter’s virtues in the fight against acne — but experts aren’t so sure.

Mango oil is fine for most skin types. But some experts,  argue that butters high in oil — like mango butter — may clog your pores and lead to acne (especially if you already have oily skin).

If you experience chronic or severe acne, you may want to speak with your doctor or dermatologist before using products with mango butter on your face.

It can’t permanently get rid of stretch marks

This is another popular claim, but it’s not true.

Antioxidants contained within mangoes, like vitamin C, have been shown to reduce redness and dark marks on skin. But nothing can eliminate stretch marks completely, despite the myriad products that advertise doing just that.

So, while slathering mango butter on your stretch marks isn’t harmful, it’s unlikely to do much.

Mango butter can’t improve your eyesight

While it’s true that mangoes are high in vitamin A — a vitamin that’s helpful in keeping your peepers in tip-top shape — you’re probably better off eating mango than slathering it on your skin if you want to reap any benefits for your eyes.