Prickly Pear Seed Oil: The Ultimate Anti-Aging Oil

The Benefits of Prickly Pear Oil for Skin

In Morocco, we use this oil because it firms skin, calms inflammation, and helps even out skin tone. The seed oil is a rich, fatty product suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. [0]

It is perfect for deep hydration and protection of the face in any environment. Prickly Pear Oil is normally used on the face around the eye area to smooth out lines and wrinkles.

Furthermore, the oil is suitable for acne-prone skin. With regular use on the face, it can help reduce breakouts and keep spots under control. It also has a gentle lightening effect that may help toward the lightening of dark spots.

Moreover, it has a healing effect that can help mend fine lines and scars.

The most important benefits and uses of Prickly Pear Seed Oil are:

• Intensive anti-aging effect on wrinkles on the face.
• Reduces dark circles under the eyes.
• Firms skin under & around eye area.
• Contains Vitamin K which can reduce spider veins and “dark circles.”
• Calms inflamed, red or blotchy skin.
• Gently lightens dark skin marks to even out complexion.
• Restores skin elasticity.

What is Prickly Pear Cactus Oil?

Prickly Pear Seed Oil is a natural product extracted from the seeds of the fruit of the Opuntia ficus Indica cactus.

This cactus grows up to 2 meters in height and needs little water. They thrive in hot, arid areas of the world like Morocco. The Opuntia Ficus Indica cacti produce beautiful bright yellow and pink flowers in the spring.

By the end of summer, they make ovoid fruits. These fruits are slightly soft, 5 to 8 cm in length, and have a green to reddish-purple colour. Each prickly pear fruit is full of tiny black seeds which are used to make the oil.

How is Cactus Seed Oil Made?

Authentic Moroccan prickly pear oil is a labor of love. Because the seeds are incredibly hard and contain less than 5% oil, the process must be precise to preserve the nutrients.

In the first step, the cactus fruits are hand-selected at just the right ripeness. Next, the seeds are extracted from the pulp and slowly dried in the sun until the moisture content is perfect.

After this, a gentle hand toasting of the cactus seeds is performed. This traditional Berber step significantly increases the content of volatile compounds that give the oil its unique aroma, flavor, and complex nutrient composition.

Finally, the oil is extracted using a low-heat screw press process.

This is followed by natural filtration or sedimentation which purifies the oil from solid plant material without the use of chemicals. This yields a clear, golden-green liquid gold.

To put this in perspective: We have to harvest 1,000kg of prickly pear fruits to extract 30kg of seeds, which finally yields just 1 litre (34 fl oz) of pure oil.

What is in Pure Cactus Seed Oil?

Cactus seed oil contains 150% more Vitamin E than Argan oil, making it one of the most potent antioxidants available for skin care.

Why Prickly Pear Oil Firms Skin – The Science

Because Prickly Pear Seed Oil is so rich in Linoleic Acid (60.5%), it does more than just sit on the surface; it acts as a “metabolic signal.” Your skin uses specialized enzymes (ELOVL) to take these C18 chains and elongate them into ultra-long chain lipids (C30+).

Furthermore, Linoleic acid is a known agonist of PPAR-α. When triggered, it signals the skin to “build more barrier.” This process leads to the production of Ceramide EOS—massive molecules that act like “rivets” to staple the skin’s lipid layers together, creating a waterproof seal that firms the face. [15]

How to Use Cactus Seed Oil for Skin

Apply this seed oil to wet or dry skin after cleansing. Put a drop or two on your fingertips and gently massage it into any areas that need treatment. The oil will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Use the oil on facial areas that need extra care at once a day. Focus on areas around the eyes, lips, and any areas with wrinkles. Ideally, apply it before going to bed to allow the seed oil to work overnight.

Prickly Pear Oil for Hair

Prickly Pear Oil is probably a bit expensive to use as a full hair oil treatment. However, in Morocco, we often use small amounts to repair damaged hair tips and prevent hair-splitting.

Since this only involves the tips of the hair (the “split ends”), it does not require too much product. To treat the tips of the hair with this oil, put a few drops on your fingertips, then squeeze and press it into the hair ends. Next, leave it as long as possible (ideally overnight), then you can shampoo out any excess product.

If your hair is frizzy and damaged, try a very light coat of Prickly Pear Oil. Put a few drops of the oil in your palms, rubbing together until it is warm. Then run your fingers lightly through your hair to distribute a very light coating of the oil throughout. Repeat a few times as needed. The hair frizz and split hairs should just be “calmed down” and not look very oily.

Alternatively, use a hairdryer on a low to medium heat just to warm your hair a little and help the product to spread evenly. Leave it on as long as possible, then shampoo out the excess if necessary. You can also use the oil for dry or scaly skin patches on the scalp.

Prickly Pear Seed Oil vs Argan Oil?

Both oils are incredible for skin, but they excel in different areas. Argan Oil is the best choice for general moisturizing, hair health, and body skin. Prickly Pear Seed Oil is a “super-serum” best reserved for the face and eyes due to its high nutrient density and cost.

Compare Prickly Pear and Argan Oil in Detail ⯈