Prickly pear seed oil is perfectly suited for moisturisers, anti-aging product, hair care, nail care and lip care.
Just a few of the many benefits:
Properties:
Prickly pear oil has a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acid and a high content of Omega 6 essential fatty acids. It is rich in vitamin E, minerals and amino acids. A potent anti-oxidant it is a good source of tocopherol and a strong anti-inflammatory.
Skincare:
Thanks to its nutrient-packed profile, Prickly Pear oil offers a myriad of skin-related benefits. Its high concentration of essential fatty acids helps reduce redness and inflammation and may be particularly advantageous for those who suffer from rosacea. Prickly Pear seed oil also boasts the highest concentration of a type of antioxidant known as betalains, which is also found in beetroot and Goji berries. Due to its high betalain content, the oil is also a powerful tool in the anti-ageing arena, helping to shield the skin against wrinkle-inducing free radical damage while its amino acids work to promote collagen production.
Arguably one of its most interesting benefits comes from its vitamin K content, which research has shown to minimise the appearance of stubborn under-eye circles and hyperpigmentation.
In addition to its aforementioned benefits, the oil is widely lauded for its high vitamin E and fatty acid profile (lionleic and oleic acid), with the two in combination working to enable the restoration of elasticity while delivering an intense hit of hydration.
It's also reported as an ideal oil for those who experience frequent acne, as its non-comedogenic and helps prevent sebum from hardening and encouraging acne to develop.
Haircare:
While it's most commonly praised for its role in skin care, it's also an excellent treatment for dry or lacklustre hair. Much like Argan oil, a few drops of the pure stuff goes a long way. As far as incorporating it into your hair care regime goes, you can add a few drops to your existing conditioner, or use a treatment that already contains the oil as a key component.