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Prickly pear seed oil

Prickly Pear Seed Oil

The prickly pear is part of the Cactaceae family, also known as prickly pear and nopal, originally from Mexico, which has naturalized on other continents, notably the Mediterranean basin and in South Africa and North Africa.

The oil is extracted by cold pressing the seeds, requiring eight tons of cactus fruit to produce 1 liter of oil, which explains its high price. It contains phytosterols, linoleic acid, and vitamin E. It helps to moisturize, nourish, and protect skin health. It has a high content of tocopherols which helps to balance cell membranes and protect the tissues of the eyes, skin, and breasts. It is also rich in tocopherols and omega-6 fatty acids, which help maintain skin health.

Although the origin of the prickly pear is uncertain, it is thought to have come from a country in South America, Mexico. It was imported to America in the 16th century. It can be found in semi-arid areas such as South America, South Asia, Southern Europe, Australia, and temperate climate islands. It has been included in the global database on invasive species. Moreover, it has an additional function to support livestock and people during famine and drought. Prickly pear was introduced to northern Ethiopia for this purpose. Today, its plantation covers an estimated area of 350 hectares. It was a threat to animals and plants.

Scientific name: Opuntia ficus-indica

Higher classification: Paddle cactus

Family: Cactaceae

Class: Magnoliopsida

Extraction process: Cold first press

Part of the plant extracted: Seeds

Prickly pear oil has powerful anti-aging properties. It is used for medicinal purposes in pharmaceutical laboratories.

Health Benefits

Vitamin E: 100mg/100g versus 60mg/100g for argan oil

Sterols: 1000mg/100g versus 130mg/100g for argan oil

Powerful anti-aging: Prickly pear oil offers an extraordinary rejuvenation for your skin. It blocks skin aging and boosts cell renewal. As a result, it reduces wrinkles, targets unsightly dark circles, and offers protection against daily skin aggressions.

Absorption

Prickly pear oil contains about 60% essential fatty acids of linoleic acid. It is easily absorbed by the skin. It penetrates deeply into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.

Skin Elasticity

Due to its antioxidant activity, it stimulates the renewal of skin cells and reduces hyperpigmentation and redness.

Nourishing the Skin

Prickly pear oil helps to moisturize the skin and is useful for mature and dry skin types. The high content of linoleic acid calms dehydrated skin by penetrating it deeply.

Tightening and Unclogging Pores

Prickly pear oil contains essential fatty acids that moisturize the skin's collagen layer and tighten pores. Thanks to its richness in linoleic and oleic acid, it does not clog pores or cause breakouts.

Brightening the Skin

Prickly pear oil helps to lighten dark spots and brighten the skin, it eliminates dark circles and lightens the eye contour.

Eliminates Free Radicals

Prickly pear oil contains large amounts of vitamin E which eliminates free radicals and helps to renew cells. It reduces wrinkles and adds firmness by preventing free radical damage.

Soothes Inflammation

Prickly pear oil has a soothing, deeply nourishing, and non-irritating activity that helps to calm inflammation.

Oleic acid 20.6%

Linoleic acid 60.5%

Stearic acid 3.2%

Palmitic acid 13.9%

Tocopherol 895 mg/kg (almost 150% more tocopherol than argan oil)

Traditional Uses

Slows down aging activities and prevents the risk of premature wrinkles.
Promotes skin elasticity.
Effectively moisturizes the skin without a sticky effect.
Used to moisturize damaged and dry hair by restoring the health of cuticles and nails.
Promotes skin regeneration as well as its restructuring.
Useful for damaged and mature skin.
Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and scars.
Helps to restore firmness, elasticity, and hydration of the skin.
Tightens pores making the skin texture smoother.
Reduces sagging under the eyes.
Treats rosacea, balances the skin's natural oil production, and soothes sunburns.
Repairs scars and stretch marks.
Helps to calm skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.