Prickly Pear Seed Oil

Prickly pear seed oil is also referred to as Indian fig oil, barbary fig oil, and cactus pear oil and is mostly used as a carrier oil. It is cold-pressed from the seeds of prickly pear fruit without any chemical treatment. The oil is pure and is rich in vitamin E, different types of fatty acids, polyphenols (antioxidants and anti-inflammatories), and phytosterols.

 

In fact, research shows that prickly pear seed oil contains the highest percentage of unsaturated fatty acids compared to other beauty oils available in the market. For this reason, it is gaining more popularity in the cosmetic industry.

 

After prickly pear seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds, it is then refined, bleached, and deodorized to stabilize it and improve its keeping qualities. However, this process strips a lot of natural nutrients, color, and flavor from the oil as it is a high heat process, which involves the use of steam or heat. The good news is, you can still use this oil for skincare by mixing it with some essential oil such as geranium and palmarosa to enhance its effects.

 

It is worth mentioning that prickly pear seed oil is quite expensive because it takes a ton of prickly pear fruits to produce just a liter of oil. Nonetheless, the prickly pear is a sustainable crop.

Product Background

Prickly pear seed oil is an incredible ingredient commonly used in natural and organic cosmetics. It is revered for its benefits to the skin, including moisturizing and hydrating the skin, tightening the skin, and reducing pigmentation while being an anti-inflammatory.

 

Prickly pear (Opuntia Ficus Indica) is a cactus species native to Morocco. However, today it is widespread in Latin America, Africa, Southern Europe, and Mediterranean countries. Prickly pear is an evergreen perennial shrub that grows to a height of 5-7 meters and is mostly cultivated for its juicy fruits that can be eaten or made into juice. They are commonly found in Mexican markets, where they are called tunas.

 

Traditionally, the prickly pear was used in various ways, including treating digestive problems, burns, fever, bronchitis, ulcers, and liver problems. Additionally, it was used for culinary purposes, livestock fodder, and a protective hedge for fencing.

Recent studies reveal that prickly pear can also be used to treat diabetes, diarrhea, and colitis.

It is also used to fight viral infections. Currently, prickly pears are mostly consumed for their nutritional properties.

Buy

Prickly Pear Seed Oil Benefits

1.      Moisturizes the Skin

Prickly pear seed oil is an incredible emollient. It is highly moisturizing and softens the skin. Furthermore, it also decreases itching and flaking, making it an excellent option for people with dry skin. After a shower, leave your skin damp and gently massage the oil onto your face. Leave it for a few minutes, then wash it off with lukewarm water. People with dry skin can apply the oil before going to bed and let it stay overnight.

2.      Treats Acne

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the skin pores are clogged with oil, bacteria, or dead skin. There are many acne products available to treat mild to moderate acne, including carrier oils such as prickly pear seed oil.  This oil contains a fair amount of vitamin E that stimulates collagen production, which in turn increases cell regeneration. Therefore, it renews and heals the skin.

 

Additionally, it does not leave any greasy residue on your skin. Thus, it does not clog the skin pores.

3.      Prevents Wrinkles

As you age, your skin starts to develop wrinkles and sag. You can delay the aging signs by using prickly pear seed oil. It is packed with antioxidant properties that may help prevent wrinkle formation by preventing free radicals from breaking down the skin’s elasticity. You can include it in your daily skin regimen as it will leave your skin feeling smooth and looking youthful.

4.      Brightens Dark Spots

Prickly pear seed oil is known for its ability to fade dark spots. It contains antioxidants that help prevent skin damage that causes dark spots and scarring blemishes. Even better, prickly pear seed oil has properties that help prevent hyper-pigmentation. Therefore, it helps in evening out the skin tone. Using a few drops of this oil will help lighten the dark under eyes circles and reduce spider veins’ appearance.

5.      Treats Eczema

Prickly pear seed oil is one of the best natural oils to treat eczema. First, it contains potent anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe itchy and inflamed eczema skin. Also, it is deeply hydrating, making it the perfect natural treatment for eczema. Using a few drops of prickly pear seed oil per day will help soothe the skin and restore the pH balance throughout the skin’s different layers.

Buy

Contraindications

For people under any medication, they should always consult their doctors before starting to use prickly pear seed oil.

 

Prickly seed oil is safe to use topically when pregnant and even after. However, little is known for children and nursing mothers if prickly pear seed oil is safe.

 

It is safe to use prickly pear seed oil on your pets. It contains fatty acids that are important for their health, especially for mature dogs.