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Prickly Pear Seed Oil
Commonly known as:
Prickly Pear Oil, Nopal Oil, Opuntia Oil, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil (I.N.C.I.)
Botanical name:
Opuntia ficus indica.
Extraction process:
First cold press.
Family:
Cactaceae.
Part of the plant extracted:
Seeds / Pips.
Location:
Originally from Mexico but also found around the Mediterranean basin.
Flowering:
From spring to summer.
Provenance, origin:
Morocco.
Phytochemical composition:
Tocopherol (Vitamin E), polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid, linolenic acid), monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid, palmitoleic acid), saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid, stearic acid), sterols (beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol).
Sensorial properties:
Appearance: Oily liquid; Color: Yellow to green depending on the harvest region; Scent: Natural (characteristic of cold pressing and dissipates very quickly after application), slightly acidic and pungent; Feel: Dry (absorbs very quickly into the skin).
Physical characteristics:
Quality: 100% pure, virgin, and of natural origin ingredients; Density: 0.9 - 0.93 g/cm3; Insoluble in water; Comedogenicity index: 0 (non-comedogenic); Saponification index: 180 - 195 mgKOH/g; Oxidative potential: Stable with an induction time of 8.3 (110°C, 10 L/h).
Benefits:
Tightening, firming, softening, regenerating, antioxidant, toning, nourishing, revitalizing, anti-aging, emollient.
Concerns:
All skin types can benefit, but it is particularly recommended for mature, sensitive, and dehydrated skin. It can also help with dark circles and puffiness. It is beneficial for dry, brittle, and weakened hair, as well as for brittle nails.
Details
Usage
Facial serums and creams, eye contour creams, face masks, shampoos, conditioners, stretch mark preventive treatments, after-sun care, and restorative hair masks.
Preservation Method
Stable vegetable oil. Store at room temperature between 50 - 77°F, protect from light and moisture in airtight containers. Do not leave near sources of heat and humidity. Keep in an opaque glass bottle which helps to slow down the oxidation of the vegetable oil and preserve its properties.
Contraindications, Usage Precautions
It is contraindicated for individuals allergic to Prickly Pear.
This is not a tanning oil. Do not apply this product before sun exposure.
It can be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as babies under 3 years old.
Find out more
The extraction of a single liter of prickly pear oil requires 30 kilograms of seeds, which equates to a ton of prickly pears! Each seed contains approximately 5% pure oil. The sometimes high cost of prickly pear oil is thus due to this low yield and the harvesting of the fruits, which can prove to be tedious due to the injurious thorns.
