Prickly pear oil

Prickly pear oil is one of the finest oils in the world. It is obtained from the fruit or seeds of the prickly pear, which originally comes from Mexico. These fruits, the prickly pears, have an egg-shaped form and taste sweet to slightly sour. Their tiny seeds contain the valuable oil. Extraction is very simple. After the seeds have been separated from the flesh and then washed and dried, they are cold-pressed. However, up to 1000 kilograms of fruit are required to obtain one litre of prickly pear oil.

The properties of Prickly pear oil

It contains a large number of valuable essential fatty acids, most of which are unsaturated. The proportion of linoleic acid is particularly high at around 70 per cent. Linoleic acid is a component of the epidermis and fulfils an important barrier function. Its task is also to stabilise the structure of the cell membranes and the skin. Vitamins C and E (tocopherol) are also abundant in prickly pear oil. They act as antioxidants and effectively scavenge free radicals. These in turn are held responsible for the skin ageing process. As prickly pear oil can render free radicals harmless, so to speak, it is an ideal natural anti-ageing skincare oil.

The oil is able to reduce small wrinkles and prevent premature wrinkle formation. It regulates the skin’s own water balance and protects against dehydration. The skin becomes firmer, smoother and fresher. But the plant-based active ingredients (phytosterols) contained in prickly pear oil can do even more. They have revitalising and moisturising properties, are anti-inflammatory and soothe any itching. Prickly pear oil is therefore highly recommended as a treatment for very sensitive or irritated skin. It can even provide positive results for neurodermatitis.

However, it is generally suitable for all skin types.

What to consider when buying?

However, it is important to pay attention to the quality when buying. This is not that difficult, as good as this oil can be recognised by a few distinctive features. For example, the colour should be green-yellow and the smell should be as natural to slightly “grassy” as possible. It is also helpful to look at the list of ingredients. High-quality pure prickly pear oil does not contain any other ingredients, so that the list only includes the name “Opuntia ficus-indica seed oil”. Furthermore, the oil should be neither deodorised nor refined.

Genuine prickly pear oil should also never be confused with the significantly inferior cactus oil or prickly pear flower oil. These two variants are not obtained by cold pressing the seeds. Instead, the flowers of the prickly pear are placed in simple oil so that certain substances are released from them. However, the macerate has nothing to do with real prickly pear oil.

How is prickly pear oil used?

The application of pure, clean prickly pear oil is very simple. Simply apply a few drops to the desired areas of skin and then massage in gently. It is also possible to mix the oil with your usual day cream and then apply both together.

However, it is easier and more convenient to incorporate prickly pear oil directly into appropriate formulations. It can be easily integrated into creams and lotions, and there are now even hair care products (shampoos) on the market that contain prickly pear oil. The oil also nourishes and moisturises the hair and provides it with strong protection against dangerous free radicals.

The good results on the skin are visible after a relatively short application time. Skin impurities quickly disappear, pores are less noticeable and the skin appears much rosier and more vital overall.

This oil can also be used in the kitchen, although it is not suitable for frying. If you like, you can add a few drops to your salad.

Characteristics

CAS number: 90082-21-6

INCI: Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil

Properties: Yellow-green colour, naturally tart smell, somewhat reminiscent of grass

Most important ingredients: up to 88 per cent unsaturated fatty acids, 70 per cent of which are linoleic acid. Also vitamin E (tocopherol) and vitamin C

Effect: protects against free radicals, reduces wrinkles and prevents premature skin ageing, helps against irritation and blemishes, tightens the skin.

We like to work with these oils or active ingredients containing them:

The oil from the seeds of the prickly pear is not so precious for nothing: the valuable ingredients with their many positive properties are a boon for any skin.

Ask us and we will develop a top product with this precious oil for your brand.

Literature:

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant, Antiviral, Antifungal, Antibacterial and Anticancer Potentials of Opuntia ficus–indica Seed Oil.

Alqurashi AS, Al Masoudi LM, Hamdi H, Abu Zaid A.Molecules. 2022 Aug 25;27(17):5453

Prickly Pear Seed Oil Extraction, Chemical Characterization and Potential Health Benefits.

Al-Naqeb G, Fiori L, Ciolli M, Aprea E.Molecules. 2021 Aug 19;26(16):5018

Chemical Characterization of Different Products from the Tunisian Opuntiaficus–indica (L.) Mill.

Albergamo A, Potortí AG, Di Bella G, Amor NB, Lo Vecchio G, Nava V, Rando R, Ben Mansour H, Lo Turco V.Foods. 2022 Jan 7;11(2):155

Enrichment of rice-based extrudates with Cactus Opuntia dillenii seed powder: a novel source of fiber and antioxidants.

Rayan AM, Morsy NE, Youssef KM.J Food Sci Technol. 2018 Feb;55(2):523-531