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Why prickly pear seed oil deserves a starring role in your beauty routine

This incredible oil does it all

By Sukriti Wahi

November 09 2020

As far as beauty goes, we'll be the first to say that a well-honed skin care routine filled with powerhouse ingredients is the key to a glowing visage.

And that's why when the words 'prickly pear seed oil' floated across our radar, we couldn't help but be intrigued.

Fast gaining popularity for a vast and varied array of skin-boosting properties, we investigated the roots behind the trending ingredient's rise to find out exactly what it does.

Where does prickly pear oil come from?

Originating in Morocco, prickly pear seed oil, also known as 'barbary fig oil' comes from the seeds of the Optunia Ficus Indica cactus. A beloved beauty secret of Morocco's native Berber women for many centuries, it's highly regarded for its potent moisturising properties.

Most notably, it contains the highest amount of vitamin E of all the beauty oils on the market, boasting 150 per cent more than argan oil.

What are the reported benefits of prickly pear oil?

Thanks to its nutrient-packed profile, prickly pear seed 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 it's non-comedogenic and helps prevent sebum from hardening and encouraging acne to develop.

How do you use prickly pear seed oil?

Prickly pear seed oil is best incorporated into your beauty routine as a night serum. Fast-absorbing and ultra-hydrating, simply massage a few drops into the face after cleansing, then continue with your moisturising as per usual. You don't have to use it in its purest form to reap results, either, with several serums on the market offering prickly pear oil as a core ingredient.

And 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.

What are the best prickly pear oil skin care products on the market?

Keen to give your skin (and hair) the prickly pear oil treatment? Scroll on for the best products on the market right now.

#1/ Carter + Jane The Everything Oil, approximately $84 to $185 from Carter + Jane