Mangosteen

What Is Mangosteen in Skincare?

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical fruit whose thick purple rind, the pericarp, is rich in antioxidant polyphenols called xanthones, especially alpha-mangostin. In skincare, mangosteen peel extract is used as an antioxidant and calming botanical that helps skin look more balanced and less stressed by its environment. Much of the extract used today is upcycled from fruit rinds left over from food processing.

EWG Skin Deep rating for Mangosteen

Mangosteen Quick Facts

How Mangosteen Works on the Skin

Sun, pollution, and everyday stress create free radicals in the skin, unstable molecules that break down collagen and leave skin looking dull, uneven, and older. Mangosteen rind is one of the richest known plant sources of xanthones, which act as antioxidants and help neutralize those free radicals. That is the main reason it appears in cleansers, toners, and serums aimed at a calmer, clearer-looking complexion.

Human research on topical mangosteen is still limited, but one controlled study is worth knowing. In a double-blind, randomized study by Djawad and colleagues (2020), 31 healthy adults had creams with 5%, 10%, or 20% mangosteen pericarp extract, a base cream, and control sites placed on the back, then exposed to UVB light. Twenty-four hours later, a Chromameter measured skin redness. The sites with the 10% and 20% creams showed redness no different from skin that had not received UVB, while the base cream and UVB-only sites were redder. This was a short test of redness after one UVB dose; it does not make mangosteen a sunscreen, and you still need SPF.

There is also research on mangosteen taken by mouth. In a study by Ohno and colleagues (2015), volunteers took 100 mg a day of a hot water extract of mangosteen pericarp for three months; the researchers measured lower skin autofluorescence (an estimate of glycation end products, which stiffen collagen) and improved skin elasticity and moisture. That was an oral supplement, so it tells us about the plant's compounds rather than about a cleanser or cream.

How to Use Mangosteen

• Use a mangosteen cleanser or serum once or twice daily as part of your regular routine.
• It layers well with vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, and gentle exfoliating acids.
• Follow with broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning; antioxidants and sunscreen work best together.

Formulating Notes

• Add water-soluble mangosteen extracts to the water phase, or at cool-down (below 40°C / 104°F) for emulsions, to protect the polyphenols from heat.
• Follow your supplier's range; for Spec-Chem's peel extract that is 1.0-10.0%.
• Expect some natural color. Xanthone-rich extracts can tint a formula yellow to brown.
• Protect finished products from light and air with opaque, airless packaging, and use a broad-spectrum preservative.

Who Mangosteen Suits

Mangosteen is gentle and suits most skin types. It is a natural fit for oily and blemish-prone skin in cleansers, and for anyone who wants extra antioxidant support. If you have sensitive skin, patch test first (inner arm, 24 hours) and start at the lowest rate in the range, then work up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does mangosteen do for your skin?

Its xanthones act as antioxidants, helping skin look calmer, clearer, and more even in tone as part of a daily routine. It is light enough for cleansers, toners, and serums.

What is alpha-mangostin?

Alpha-mangostin is the most studied xanthone in mangosteen rind. It is largely responsible for the extract's antioxidant activity.

Is mangosteen good for oily skin?

Yes. It is light, non-greasy, and commonly used in cleansers and toners for oily and combination skin.

Is mangosteen good for sensitive skin?

Mangosteen extract is generally gentle. Patch test any new product on the inner arm for 24 hours, and start at the lowest rate if you formulate with it.

Can mangosteen replace sunscreen?

No. A study measured less redness after UVB exposure with 10-20% mangosteen creams, but that does not make it a sunscreen. Use broad-spectrum SPF daily.

Is mangosteen better in skincare or as a supplement?

They are studied separately. A topical cream was tested for redness after UVB, while a 3-month oral study measured skin elasticity; neither result transfers to the other form.

Shop Mangosteen Products

Find mangosteen with raspberry, lactic acid, and salicylic acid in our Alpha Hydroxy Probiotic Cleanser Chirally Correct. Learn about its exfoliating partner on our lactic acid page, explore more on our antioxidants page, and read Antioxidants Serum Face Guide to build an antioxidant routine.

Sources

• Djawad K, Wahab S, Wibisono O, et al. Protective effect of mangosteen pericarp extract cream against UVB-induced erythema. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020;13(10):E59-E65. JCAD article
• Ohno R, Moroishi N, Sugawa H, et al. Mangosteen pericarp extract inhibits the formation of pentosidine and ameliorates skin elasticity. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2015;57(1):27-32. doi:10.3164/jcbn.15-13
• Spec-Chem, Ingredients Catalogue 2026 V1, SpecPure MSE Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract (supplier data).

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About the Author
Written by Kari Thomas, cosmetic formulator and founder of Skin Perfection.