Manketti Oil
The mongongo or manketti oil is obtained from the mongongo tree (Schinziophyton rautanenii). This tree is native to the African savannah and the Kalahari, where it withstands extreme climatic conditions and provides welcome shade. It can grow up to 20 metres high, its wood is light yellow, very resistant and light. In October and November, it produces pretty yellow flowers. It is worth noting that the tree only bears fruit after about 25 years. The fruits are oval, about the size of a plum and initially green, later yellow-brown to red. They ripen between February and April, their flesh is spongy, relatively dry, tasty and very nutritious. The fruits of the mongongo tree are therefore an important staple food for the native tribes. Archaeological finds even show that they have been part of the traditional diet of the Kalahari inhabitants for more than 7000 years.
Inside the fruit are kernels or nuts. They are so hard that even elephants have trouble cracking them and they can be stored for a long time without spoiling. The seeds inside are up to two centimetres in size, elliptical to round and also very hard. They are used to extract a valuable oil: Manketti oil.
Manketti oil and its benefits
For centuries, African women have used manketti oil for body care. It is considered a true beauty secret and its beneficial properties are passed down from generation to generation. Its composition is indeed impressive: manketti oil is very rich in vitamin E, but also contains significant amounts of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and iron. The unsaturated fatty acids it contains are also worthy of mention.
This cocktail of active ingredients makes manketti oil a wonderful care product for skin and hair. It is highly moisturising and soothing and is completely natural. As an antioxidant, vitamin E prevents premature skin aging by protecting against cell damage. It also helps to regenerate the epidermis. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, in turn, can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, making the skin appear plumper and smoother. The other nutrients also contribute to a fresh, youthful complexion. Manketti oil gives you a vibrant, beautiful appearance and is a real treat for the skin.
But it is just as suitable for hair care. The British star hairdresser Lee Stafford, who has already discovered Manketti Oil for his luxury products, is well aware of this. Manketti oil strengthens the hair, gives it shine and volume and soothes a strained or sensitive scalp. The valuable African oil can even provide a certain degree of protection against harmful UV radiation. Manketti oil is particularly beneficial for brittle hair.
Manketti oil has a wide range of uses. It is suitable for moisturising face creams, body lotions and skin care oils, as well as for shower and bath products, shampoos and hair conditioners. It is also perfect for adding to massage oils.
Sustainable and fair production
For centuries, African women have used what nature has to offer. They have valuable knowledge that has been expanded and added to over time. We can all benefit from this knowledge. We work closely with ‘Namib Desert Jojoba’, a company that places a high value on sustainable and socio-ecological cultivation. It supports local farmers in setting up their own plantation and well over 1,000 Namibian women who live in rural areas of the country. It is usually the women who take over the harvesting of the fruit: a task that is easy to accomplish, since the fruit usually falls from the trees while still green and ripens on the ground. They then just have to be collected. The commitment of our partner offers many local families a secure income and a fair chance of a good future.
In order to obtain a high-quality product at all times, the manketti oil is extracted under special conditions and using German technology. Strict quality controls and laboratory tests are carried out regularly.
Our manketti oil from the Kamasa tribe is native and cold-pressed. It is, of course, free from parabens, mineral oil and PEG. The oil is very well tolerated and leaves the skin feeling very pleasant. However, it is not suitable for human consumption.
Manketti oil profile
English name: Mongongo Oil
Origin and extraction: From the seeds of the Schinziophyton rautanenii tree, which is native to Namibia and belongs to the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae).
INCI: Schinziophyton rautaneii Seed Oil
Description: light yellow oil with a typical nutty smell.
Ingredients: vitamin E (tocopherol), linoleic acid, elaeostearic acid, zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, copper
Effects: moisturising, antioxidant, soothing, regenerative
Applications: creams, lotions, massage oils, massage oils, shower and bath products, hair care products
High-quality manketti oil for sophisticated cosmetics
Manketti oil is currently still considered exotic among cosmetic raw materials, but is increasingly on the rise due to its valuable ingredients and many positive properties. When using it, however, it is essential to ensure fair, sustainable and responsible cultivation under socio-ecological aspects. It is also important that the oil is free of chemical additives. Are you interested in high-quality cosmetic and care products with manketti oil? Cosmacon will be happy to support you in developing modern recipes!
Literature:
Frankova A, Manourova A, Kotikova Z, Vejvodova K, Drabek O, Riljakova B, Famera O, Ngula M, Ndiyoi M, Polesny Z, Verner V, Tauchen J.Molecules. 2021 Aug 27;26(17):5210