Do Coconuts Cause Tree Nuts Allergies?

Do coconuts and mango butter cause tree nut allergies?

At Island Thyme Soap Company, we often receive questions about the oils and butters we use in our soap, such as coconut oil, mango butter, olive oil, avocado oil, and more.  While we don't make food products, we are aware that many people suffer from nut allergies. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 requires that major allergens, including tree nuts, be listed on all packaged goods.

According to the FDA, tree nuts include almonds, beech nuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, chestnuts, coconuts, filberts, and more.

Are Coconuts a tree nut?

While coconut is considered a tree nut for food labeling purposes in the US, it is actually the fruit of a palm tree. Most people with tree nut allergies are able to tolerate coconut, but a small number may be allergic to it.

What About Shea Butter Allergies? 

Shea butter is derived from the seed or kernel of the Shea tree and is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. However, there have been no reports of allergies to shea butter, even among those with nut allergies. 

Mango Allergies

Mango butter is found in many of our soap bars and is made from the cold-pressed shelled fruit kernel, the seed of the mango. Mangoes are unique in that they belong to the plant family that also contains poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac. They all contain urushiol, an oil found within the Anacardiaceae plant family. This oil can cause contact dermatitis. Urushiol is also found in the sap, skin, stem, and leaf of mangos but not in the seed. It is high in fatty acids and antioxidants,

General Guidance

If you have a severe anaphylactic type reaction to any of the ingredients in our products, we advise you not to use them. People with sensitivities to any listed ingredient may want to avoid our products that contain tree nut oils. Our complete list of ingredients can be found listed under each product.

Island Thyme Soap Company is not responsible for individual reactions to any ingredient. If you experience any adverse effects, please discontinue use.