What it is
Opuntia ficus-indica seed oil is extracted from the small seeds of the prickly pear cactus fruit and is notably rich in unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid, along with vitamin E. It is used as a lightweight emollient that softens skin and reinforces a smooth feel. Because the yield from the seeds is low, it is typically a premium-positioned oil in formulas.
Safety & warnings
Prickly pear seed oil is generally well tolerated and, being high in linoleic acid, tends to be lighter and lower on the comedogenic scale than more oleic-rich oils. Its high content of unsaturated fatty acids makes it susceptible to oxidation, so antioxidant stabilization helps maintain quality.
Origin & sourcing
Plant-derived. It is cold-pressed or solvent-extracted from the seeds of the prickly pear cactus, Opuntia ficus-indica, often cultivated in arid regions such as North Africa.
Questions everyone asks
Is prickly pear seed oil heavy on the skin?
No. It is a relatively light oil rich in linoleic acid, so it tends to feel lightweight and absorbs without a heavy residue.
What is prickly pear seed oil made from?
It is pressed from the seeds of the prickly pear cactus fruit, Opuntia ficus-indica.