What is prickly pear seed oil?
Prickly pear seed oil is extracted from the seeds of Opuntia ficus-indica. The PureOil® variety is cold-pressed from prickly pear seeds, originates from Morocco, and has a slightly nutty, fairly neutral scent. It is a concentrated plant-based skincare oil for which you usually only need a few drops.
Why is prickly pear seed oil special?
Producing seed oil requires a large quantity of small prickly pear seeds. This partly explains why this oil is often sold in smaller packaging and at a higher price. However, an exotic origin or a high price is no guarantee of better performance; always look at product quality, freshness, and composition.
How is prickly pear seed oil made?
The PureOil® product information specifies cold pressing of prickly pear seeds. With a good cold-pressed oil, color and scent may vary slightly per batch. Store the oil carefully to limit oxidation.
Prickly pear seed oil for the face
Use one to three drops on clean, slightly damp skin. Due to the small amount required, it is wise to try two drops first and increase later. The oil can be used pure or mixed with jojoba, rosehip, or argan.
For dry skin
Apply after a moisturizer or water-based serum as an oily finishing step.
For combination skin
Mix one part prickly pear seed oil with two parts jojoba to make the texture lighter.
Prickly pear seed oil for hair
Use one or two drops on dry ends. For a richer hair oil, you can mix it with argan. For fine hair, a minimal dosage is important.
Combining with other oils
Jojoba, argan, and rosehip are logical combinations. A blend can consist of 50% jojoba, 30% prickly pear, and 20% rosehip. Adjust the ratio based on how your skin feels.
Practical routines
Evening oil
Two drops on slightly damp skin after cleansing.
Hair serum
One drop of prickly pear mixed with one drop of argan in the hair ends.
Massage
Because prickly pear is relatively expensive, you can add a small amount to jojoba or almond oil.
What to look for regarding quality?
Check for the botanical name Opuntia ficus-indica seed oil, cold pressing, origin, dark packaging, and a fresh scent. Do not confuse genuine seed oil with a highly diluted or perfumed product.
Storage and safety
Store in a cool, dark place and keep tightly closed. For sensitive skin, test locally first. More oil does not automatically yield a better result.
Prickly pear seed oil from PureOil®
View PureOil® Prickly Pear Seed Oil for current product specifications.