Many of us love a good facial oil treat which explains our obsession with rosehip seed oil and Moroccan argan oil. However, there is a great do-it-all facial oil called prickly pear oil with excellent moisturising properties. It is derived from a cactus called Opuntia Ficus Indica, used in herbal supplements for weight loss.

Pricky pear oil, also known as barbary fig seed oil, is native to Morocco just like argan oil. The process of extracting the fruit from the seeds is a lengthy operation, which can take three to four days. It is a manual operation and the season only lasts for a few months. It is worth noting that half a ton of these cactus fruits only produce one litre of prickly pear seed oil. Each seed only contains 5% oil and it is these combination of factors that makes prickly pear seed oil one of the most expensive beauty oils in the world.

What’s so special about prickly pear oil?

Prickly pear oil contains the highest amount of vitamin E of any other beauty oil on the market. In fact it contains 150% more vitamin E than argan oil. This oil is also extremely rich in essential fatty acids including omega 6 and 9, antioxidants, polyphenols, amino acids and vitamin K.

Prickly Pear Oil’s Benefits

Prickly pear oil's skin benefits has a high content of essential fatty acids which help calm down any inflammation and redness especially for those prone to rosacea. The oil is easily absorbed into skin and penetrates quickly without leaving any greasy residue.

Prickly Pear seed oil's skin benefits are also because it contains effective and potent antioxidants known as betalains which are red and yellow pigments found in plants. Prickly Pear contains the highest amount of betalains than any other plant including beetroot, Goji berries and Acai. These super antioxidant pigments help to protect skin against ageing from various types of damaging radicals which would otherwise encourage wrinkle formation.

Aside from its content of betalains, this prickly pear oil contains amino acids which may help stimulate collagen production. Containing vitamin K, prickly pear oil helps to brighten hyperpigmentation areas such as dark spots as well as being of benefit for under-eye dark circles.

The fatty acid profile of linoleic acid and oleic acid replenish lost lipids within skin which helps moisturise and restore skin’s elasticity. The high linoleic acid content, roughly 62%, ensures that even the most dehydrated skin is moisturised.

Sufferers of acne usually have higher levels of oleic acid in skin compared to linoleic acid. It is therefore beneficial to use a non-pore clogging oil rich in linoleic acid to help achieve balance in skin. Enter prickly pear seed oil – its high linoleic acid content helps prevent sebum from hardening and thus prevents blocked pores which would lead to acne and spots. Prickly Pear Oil may be used as a night time treatment two or three times a week.

Other benefits of prickly pear seed oil

Prickly Pear Oil is an excellent choice for dry, dull and lacklustre hair. As a hair treatment, simply use one or two drops and massage into hair every night; leave for 15 minutes before washing. Prickly Pear Oil for hair revitalises your hair to give it shine, volume, treats a dry scalp, and may also encourage hair growth. 

When cold pressed prickly pear oil is applied regularly to the nail cuticles, it works to strengthen nails making them less prone to breakage.

From anti-ageing to the treatment of acne, the versatility of prickly pear oil makes it a superb treatment face oil suitable for all skin types and a great night time treat.

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