What is Prickly pear seed oil?
The oil is derived from the seeds of the fruit from the prickly pear cactus plant. Native to the United States, Mexico and South America this plant can grow up to 2 metres and height and thrives in several arid and hot places of the world and most successfully in Morocco. It withstands dry weather and the scarcity of water.
The Cactus word is synonymous with dry, desert conditions, pain, and definitely a plant that should be avoided! So it seems counterintuitive that a desert plant could be beneficial for the skin. But cactus is known for its soothing, restorative and hydrating properties. The plant produces fruit pods that contain small seeds, and these seeds are filled with a nutrient-rich oil that’s extracted and used more and more in skincare.
How is Prickly pear seed oil extracted?
This silky, lightweight oil is cold-pressed and unrefined, obtained by pressing the tiny seeds from the fruit. When choosing the best oil for your face, you should always opt for unrefined as that helps the oil to retain most of its skin beneficial properties. Although the prickly pear fruits contain about 150-300 seeds each on average, the seeds themselves are tiny and only contain about 5% oil. So It takes a lot of prickly pear seeds to produce prickly pear oil and the oil tends to be on the pricier side…. But it is well worth it, and here is why.
What does Prickly pear seed oil do for the skin?
Prickly pear seed oil is potentially highly moisturizing, skin-softening oil. Early findings suggest the contents of prickly pear oil can boost skin health across different skin types.
Prickly pear is rich in antioxidants
Cacti are extremely high in essential fatty acids, omega-6 and -9. It’s also rich in amino acids, which help boost collagen production and cell turnover. It contains a lot of natural antioxidant vitamin E. As we know, antioxidants are well known to prevent skin damage from sunlight, ageing, and other stressors.
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
Because cacti are high in antioxidants and fatty acids, they have an anti-inflammatory and calming effect. The fatty acids in prickly pear cactus seed oil help calm inflammation and redness. An added benefit is that the oil is easily absorbed into the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. The high linoleic acid content of prickly pear seed oil is thought to help with acne, as it can prevent sebum from hardening and clogging pores
Prickly pear is an effective carrier oil
It is in fact a suitable and safe carrier oil for delivering other nutrients that can’t be directly applied to the skin. For example, prickly pear works well with Vitamine C, Vitamine A or retinol which might otherwise cause irritation when used alone.
Prickly pear is good for skin hydration
Prickly pear is barrier-boosting. Research on the chemical properties of prickly pear oil reveals that it contains a high content of Linoleic acid, which helps the skin retain water. Evidence suggests that it’s highly effective at hydrating the skin by boosting the skin’s water-retaining properties.
When to use Prickly pear seed oil?
You can use it alone undiluted (two or tree drops into the palm of your hand, and gently rub the oil into your skin) or mixed with other oils and part of a skincare routine.
It’s safe to use during both your morning and evening skincare routine as Prickly Pear seed oil is non-comedogenic. In the morning for a glowing complexion: prickly pear seed oil will never leave a greasy residue and instantly absorbs into your skin. In the evening for extra hydration: you will immediately feel the skin-softening effects.
It is a great oil for all skin types and especially great for mature skin. For both people who want to start preventable care for anti-ageing and people who address the signs of ageing.
The prickly pear’s versatility is truly extraordinary.
Used for healing and culinary purposes for centuries: The Aztecs used it to treat burns, Native Americans ate the fruit and made syrup out of it to treat whooping cough and asthma. In traditional Mexican medicine it was also used to treat diabetes and high cholesterol. More recently, prickly pear seed oil has become popular for use in skin care.
Are you ready to try cactus skincare for yourself?
