Manketti Carrier Oil.
Botanical Name: Schinziophyton Rautanenii.
Family Name: Euphorbiaceae.
Common Name: Mongongo, Manketti.
INCI: Schinziophyton Rautanenii Seed (Mongongo) Oil.
Extraction Method: Cold Pressed.
Parts Used: Nuts.
Appearance: Yellow Gold.
Country of Origin: Namibia.
Comodogenic index: 2
Mongongo oil, sometimes referred to as manketti oil, is a luxurious natural oil derived from the nuts of the Schinziophyton rautanenii tree, commonly called the Mongongo tree. Native to the Kalahari Desert region of southern Africa—particularly Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and parts of Zimbabwe—this remarkable oil has been treasured for centuries by local communities for its nutritive, cosmetic, and protective benefits. In recent years, it has gained global attention in the natural beauty and wellness industry due to its unique fatty acid profile, exceptional stability, and multifunctional applications.
The Mongongo tree is a drought-resistant species that thrives in sandy soils, often in semi-arid regions where few other trees flourish. It can grow up to 15–20 meters tall and produces egg-shaped fruits encasing hard nuts. The nuts are collected seasonally and carefully cracked to extract the highly valued kernels. From these kernels, a cold-pressed oil is produced, maintaining its full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds.
For centuries, the San people and other indigenous groups have relied on Mongongo nuts as a staple food source. The oil-rich kernels are roasted or eaten raw, while the shells are repurposed for fuel or tools. The oil’s ability to remain stable under high heat and prolonged storage made it an invaluable survival resource in harsh desert climates.
Traditional and Cultural Uses:
Historically, Mongongo oil has been employed by the San and Tswana people for a variety of purposes:
Skin protection – applied directly to the skin to shield it from the intense desert sun and dry winds.
Hair conditioning – used as a natural emollient to soften and protect hair from brittleness.
Food preparation – added to meals as a nutritious fat source, similar to how olive oil is used in the Mediterranean.
Medicinal applications – employed in folk remedies for skin irritations, wounds, and to promote overall wellness.
This deep cultural heritage underscores its value not just as a commodity but as part of a holistic approach to survival and self-care in extreme environments.
Mongongo oil is distinguished by its impressive biochemical profile. Its primary constituents include:
Polyunsaturated fatty acids – particularly linoleic acid (up to 40–50%), which supports skin barrier repair and helps regulate sebum production.
Eleostearic acid – a rare conjugated linolenic acid that undergoes polymerization under UV light, forming a protective layer on the skin.
Oleic acid – provides deep nourishment and enhances penetration of other active ingredients.
Vitamin E (tocopherols) – a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals and prolongs the oil’s shelf life.
Sterols and phospholipids – contribute to anti-inflammatory properties and support cellular regeneration.
Physically, Mongongo oil is lightweight, golden-yellow in color, and has a subtle nutty aroma. Its oxidative stability is higher than many other cold-pressed oils, making it ideal for use in formulations that must resist rancidity over time.
Main constituents of fatty acids:
1) Linoleic Acid: 25-45%
2) Oleic Acid: 15-20%
3) Palmitic Acid: 5-15%
4) α-Eleostearic Acid: 20-35%
5) Stearic Acid: 4-9%
Skincare Applications:
Mongongo oil has become a prized ingredient in modern natural cosmetics, owing to its combination of light texture, protective qualities, and rich nutrient profile. Some of its most popular applications include:
1. Facial Care
Mongongo oil is non-comedogenic and quickly absorbed, making it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. The high linoleic acid content helps rebalance sebum production and improve the appearance of blemishes. Its UV-polymerizing property offers a mild natural sun-protective effect, though it should not replace dedicated sunscreen.
2. Body Care
Body oils and butters containing Mongongo oil leave the skin velvety smooth and hydrated. The oil helps lock in moisture, improves elasticity, and reduces the appearance of dryness or flakiness. Its antioxidant content also helps defend against premature aging caused by oxidative stress.
3. Hair Care
Mongongo oil is highly valued for leave-in conditioners, serums, and scalp treatments. It forms a thin, protective film on the hair shaft, shielding it from environmental stressors such as UV radiation and pollution. Regular use promotes shine, reduces breakage, and may improve scalp health by soothing irritation.
4. Lip and Nail Care
Because of its emollient properties, Mongongo oil is excellent in lip balms and cuticle oils, keeping delicate areas soft and resilient.
Sustainability and Ethical Considerations
Mongongo oil production is a sustainable practice that supports rural African communities. Harvesting is done manually, providing employment opportunities, particularly for women. Because the tree grows wild its cultivation has minimal environmental impact. Many cooperatives and suppliers are moving toward fair-trade certification, ensuring that profits return to local producers and contribute to community development.
Comodogenic index:
-Comedogenic level 0: it is non-comedogenic and does not cause pore clogging.
-Comedogenic level 1: there is a small (very low) possibility that the ingredient is comedogenic and may clog pores.
-Comedogenic level 2: in most cases, it will not clog pores. The possibility that it may clog pores is moderate to low.
-Comedogenic level 3: they have a medium chance of clogging pores, depending especially on the skin type.
-Comedogenic level 4: the chance of clogging pores, regardless of the skin type, is quite high.
-Comedogenic level 5: they tend, in almost all cases, to clog skin pores. In fact, very few people tolerate the oils found here.
