Prickly pear oil is brimming with beneficial compounds for the skin. Extracted through cold pressing, it is rich in potent antioxidants. These limit the proliferation of free radicals that cause skin aging. A true ally for mature skin, it provides a tightening effect and smooths wrinkles and fine lines.
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Everything you need to know about prickly pear oil.
Summary
- Prickly Pear Oil: Origin, Composition, Use
- The benefits of Prickly Pear Oil
- Our treatments based on Prickly Pear oil
- Sources
Published October 28, 2021,
updated on October 4, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
5 min read
Prickly Pear Oil: Origin, Composition, Use.
The Prickly Pear, botanically known as Opuntia ficus-indica, is a succulent plant originating from Mexico and belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is now found in warm and sunny places, particularly around the Mediterranean basin (North Africa, Spain, Italy...). It produces an edible fruit called the Prickly Pear. Cold pressing its seeds yields an oil with multiple cosmetic virtues. Its comedogenicity index of 0 makes it compatible with all skin types.
Be careful not to confuse prickly pear oil obtained by cold pressing with its oily macerate, which is derived from the maceration of the seeds in sunflower oil. The macerate is indeed less expensive than the pure oil, but its benefits for the skin and hair are less significant.
Rich in sterols and vitamin E, prickly pear oil shields the epidermis from the harmful effects of free radicals and oxidative stress, thus preventing skin aging. It also contains a significant proportion of omega-6 , which gives it excellent moisturizing properties.
Prickly pear oil exerts a firming, hydrating, and sebum-regulating function. It can be used to care for one's skin, nails, or even hair.
The benefits of Prickly Pear Oil.
Rich in moisturizing and antioxidant agents, this vegetable oil has numerous virtues for maintaining skin, hair, and even nails and cuticles.
In facial care, it is an excellent ally for mature skin. Its antioxidant actives such as sterols and vitamin E assist cells in fighting against the proliferation of free radicals and oxidative stress, thereby slowing down the phenomenon of skin aging. Rich in omega 6, it also prevents dehydration. It is also recommended to revitalize dull and tired complexions thanks to its composition of unsaturated fatty acids that restructure the skin to give it more radiance. Finally, its soothing virtues are of excellent help to reduce the marks of stretch marks and imperfections.
Regarding hair, prickly pear oil provides nourishment and shine. To enjoy its benefits, apply a few drops to the lengths and ends. If you tend to have oily hair, you can apply a few drops to your scalp as it has excellent sebum-regulating properties.
For nails, it is recommended to perform regular massages with prickly pear oil to strengthen them and make them less brittle.
Our treatments based on Prickly Pear oil.
Typology has developed several galenic formulations based onoil cold-pressed from organic prickly pear seeds derived from organic farming:
ThePrickly Pear Seed Oil is suitable for all skin types, and particularly for mature, flaky, and dehydrated skin. It is recommended for reducing wrinkles and fine lines, preventing skin sagging, and firming the epidermis. Apply a few drops on clean, dry skin and massage your face and neck in circular motions. Since vegetable oils are sensitive to oxidation, keep this product away from heat and light in its amber bottle, tightly closed.
The firming night mask with prickly pear oil is suitable for all skin types and is applied in a thin layer on the face once or twice a week, before bedtime. Enriched with shea butter to deeply nourish the skin, it regenerates and firms the epidermis for a smooth and even appearance upon waking. It also contains essential oil of immortelle, an active ingredient that stimulates collagen synthesis.
The eye cream for wrinkles and fine lines is concentrated in coenzyme Q10 and prickly pear oil. It hydrates and prevents the appearance of the first wrinkles around the eye.
Our botanical firming blend with nopal is a night serum that helps to tighten the skin through the toning and regenerating actions of 7 botanical extracts, including theessential oil of immortelle.
Sources:
APREA E. & al. Prickly Pear Seed Oil Extraction, Chemical Characterization and Potential Health Benefits. Molecules (2021).
SANTINI A. & al. Opuntia spp. : Chemistry, Bioactivity and Industrial Applications. Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals (2021).
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