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Rich in antioxidants, polyphenols and vitamins, mangosteen is a tropical superfruit known for both its nutritional value and skin care benefits. Often called the "Queen of Fruits," mangosteen contains plant compounds that may help protect against environmental stressors, support skin radiance and promote a healthier-looking complexion.
Mangosteen is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia known for its thick purple rind and sweet white flesh. Rich in antioxidants called xanthones, mangosteen is valued in both nutrition and skin care for its ability to help protect against oxidative stress and support healthy-looking skin.
Xanthones are a group of polyphenolic compounds found in plants that have antioxidant properties. Mangosteen’s xanthones are found in particularly high concentrations in the fruit’s rind.
One of the biggest benefits of antioxidants in skin care is their ability to help neutralize free radicals. These unstable molecules can contribute to oxidative stress, which is associated with visible signs of skin aging.
Thanks to its antioxidant properties, mangosteen is a valuable ingredient in skin care products designed to help defend the complexion against environmental stressors. By helping combat oxidative stress, it can support the appearance of firmer, smoother and more youthful-looking skin.
Our skin is constantly exposed to environmental aggressors, including UV radiation and pollution. Research into mangosteen extracts has explored their potential protective effects against UV-related cellular stress. Incorporating antioxidant-rich ingredients into your skin care routine can be another way to help support the skin’s natural defenses against environmental stressors.
Mangosteen also has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit the appearance of stressed or irritated skin. Its naturally occurring compounds have been studied for their potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, making mangosteen a go-to for skin prone to visible redness and blemishes.
Another potential benefit of mangosteen for skin is its ability to promote a more even-looking complexion. Certain naturally occurring compounds in mangosteen have been studied for their ability to inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production.
Because excess melanin can contribute to the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, ingredients that target melanin production can help brighten the look of the skin. Mangosteen may therefore help support a more radiant and even-looking complexion, although additional research is needed to establish its effectiveness as a topical treatment for hyperpigmentation.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients can help skin look healthier and more revitalized. Mangosteen has also been associated with supporting microcirculation, which may contribute to the appearance of a more vibrant, radiant complexion.
In other words, if dull, tired-looking skin is your concern, mangosteen may be a superfruit worth adding to your skin care routine.
The benefits of mangosteen aren't limited to skin care. When consumed as a food, mangosteen provides a strong hit of nutrients including vitamin C and dietary fiber, plus its naturally occurring antioxidant compounds.
Mangosteen contains vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports normal immune function. Its antioxidant compounds may also help protect cells from oxidative stress. However, mangosteen should be considered part of a balanced diet rather than a standalone immune-boosting treatment.
The dietary fiber found in mangosteen can contribute to overall digestive health. Fiber helps support regular digestion and provides nourishment for beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Mangosteen's xanthones and other naturally occurring plant compounds have antioxidant activity. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and may help protect cells from oxidative stress, making antioxidant-rich foods a valuable part of a balanced diet.
Our Mangosteen Collection harnesses the benefits of this superfruit to resurface the complexion, refine pores and revitalize the skin. Formulated to address the root causes of dull and tired-looking skin, these seven products combine the benefits of mangosteen with our proprietary Lactic Acid Complex. Together, they work to unveil naturally luminous skin.
Suitable for all skin types, this collection features products that work from head to toe. The Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate, Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser, Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer and Mangosteen Revitalizing Mist help improve radiance and hydration on the face, while the Mangosteen Body Lotion and Mangosteen Replenishing Hand Cream target the rest of the body.
The collection also features our professional-use-only Mangosteen Lactic Pro Peel 10%, which provides a complete surface-and-pore-refining treatment by removing impurities and dead skin cells while minimizing the appearance of pores and smoothing the look of skin.
Despite the name, mangosteen is in no way related to the mango. Native to Southeast Asia, the fruit eventually made its way into European circles in the 19th century and became prized for its exotic flavor and rarity.
Mangosteen earned its nickname, the “Queen of Fruits,” during the Victorian era. Legend has it that Queen Victoria offered a knighthood to anyone who could bring her the elusive fruit. Whether or not the story is true, mangosteen's reputation as an exotic delicacy has endured.
Part of its appeal came from its distinctive flavor, which has been described as a combination of fruity notes reminiscent of peach, pineapple and citrus. Because fresh mangosteen is highly perishable, transporting the fruit over long distances was historically challenging, adding to its mystique.
Today, mangosteen is cultivated in tropical regions beyond its native Southeast Asia, although fresh fruit remains less widely available in some parts of the world.
What are the benefits of mangosteen for skin? Mangosteen is rich in antioxidant xanthones that can help neutralize free radicals and support the skin against oxidative stress. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help promote a calmer and healthier-looking complexion, while its naturally occurring compounds may support a radiant appearance.
Is mangosteen suitable for all skin types? Mangosteen can be incorporated into skin care products formulated for different skin types. However, individual products contain different combinations of ingredients, so it's important to choose a formula suited to your skin's needs.
What part of the mangosteen is used in skin care? The rind is particularly notable because it contains high concentrations of xanthones and other plant compounds. Skin care formulations may use extracts derived from the fruit or its rind.
How can I add mangosteen to my skin care routine? Look for mangosteen in products such as cleansers, moisturizers, mists and resurfacing treatments. Follow the directions for the individual product and introduce exfoliating formulas gradually if they are new to your routine.
What are the health benefits of eating mangosteen? Mangosteen provides nutrients such as vitamin C and dietary fiber, as well as antioxidant plant compounds including xanthones. These nutrients can support normal immune function and digestive health, while early research is investigating additional potential benefits.
Is mangosteen good for acne-prone skin? Mangosteen has traditionally been used in connection with acne and other inflammatory skin concerns. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help promote a calmer, healthier-looking complexion, although more research is needed to determine its effectiveness as an acne treatment.
Are you interested in discovering mangosteen’s skin benefits for yourself? Visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner to find out which products are right for you.
Karen is the Senior Content Producer for Eminence Organic Skin Care and has been writing about skin care, entertainment and culture for over 20 years. Writing was her first passion and her byline has appeared in publications from the Hollywood Reporter to Surface Magazine.… Read more
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