Prickly Pear Seed Oil, sometimes referred to as ‘Tuna Oil’ or ‘Cactus Fig Oil’ is revered within skincare as one of the most restoring and healing botanicals. We would even go as far as to say that the luxury associated with organic prickly pear seed oil is unmatched. Prickly Pear Seed Oil is no less than royalty in skincare. In fact, its history in the European continent from the Americas is directly linked with royalty.

Prickly Pear Seed Oil is one of the most soothing and hydrating essential oils. Filled with antioxidants and Vitamin E, it is super potent to treat or prevent any skincare concerns you might have. It is not surprising that it has swiftly become one of the most popular oils on the market given its powerful advantages and numerous uses. 

Fun Fact - Prickly Pear Seed Oil has one of the highest concentrations of Vitamin E!

In this blog, we’ll talk about : 

• What Makes Prickly Pear Seed Oil Special? We explore its history, rarity, and why it’s considered a luxury in skincare.

• How to Choose the Best Quality Oil Learn how to identify pure, organic, and cold-pressed Prickly Pear Seed Oil by examining its extraction method, physical characteristics, and price.

• Skin Benefits & How to Use It Discover the anti-aging, hydrating, and healing properties of this powerful oil, along with tips on incorporating it into your skincare routine.

The Origin of Prickly Pear Seed Oil

Let’s go back centuries- yes, centuries. That’s how long the Prickly Pear Seed has been a superfood for beauty, aesthetics, and healing. At the end of the 15th century, the prickly pear cactus—native to the Americas, especially Mexico, Colombia, and other South American countries—was introduced to Europe. Christopher Columbus is believed to have presented it as a gift to Queen Isabella of Spain.

The plant is said to have adapted incredibly well to the Mediterranean climate of these countries. It has made it a popular cactus to cultivate today in many parts of the world, including Australia, Africa, and the United States. 

Extraction and Sustainability of Prickly Pear Seed Oil

While the prickly pear cacti grow in plenty, the process of extracting its oil is what is most intriguing to any skincare enthusiast. The process is extremely time-consuming and costly. This makes this oil one of the rarest and most sought-after organic oils. Only 5% of the fruit's oil can be recovered from the seeds, which need to be hand-picked from the pulp. 

Fun Fact - About one million seeds and thirty-six hours of labor are needed to produce one liter of oil.

Yet, prickly pear is said to be one of the most sustainable plants due to its cacti nature. It requires minimum water, and its cultivation does not contribute to high levels of destruction to surrounding biodiversity.

How Can You Choose the Best Prickly Pear Seed Oil?

As a first-time consumer, here are some of the more identifiable ways to distinguish between the various grades and qualities of prickly pear seed oil. 

But here’s my #1 rule - before anything check to see if it is organic prickly pear seed oil. If yes, move on to the next steps. 

Step 2: Extraction Method

The oil is extracted from the seed of a prickly pear. There are many ways in which different varieties of this oil are extracted - each serving its own purpose and benefit. 

We use pure 100% cold-pressed Prickly Pear Seed Oil. Cold-pressed prickly pear seed oil retains the oil's incredible benefits while preserving its natural integrity. Cold-pressing preserves the oil's original color, fragrance, and composition by extracting it without the use of heat or additives.

Step 3: Physical Characteristics

Check the physical characteristics of the Prickly Pear Seed Oil. What does it look and smell like? The best quality Prickly Pear Seed Oils should have the following physical characteristics: 

1. Color: Cold-pressed Prickly Pear Seed Oil of the finest quality can be yellow or green. If the oil looks brown or red, it may have already oxidized or be a subpar product. 

2. Fragrance: Prickly Pear Seed Oil's scent is a key factor in determining whether it is truly pure and natural. Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil has a rather pleasant smell replicating that of olive or almond oil. 

3. Consistency: 100% pure Prickly Pear Seed Oil is light and effortlessly absorbs into the skin leaving behind no sticky film.  

4. Price: Prickly Due to its process of extraction and the enormous quantity of seeds required to produce every ounce of the oil, prickly pear seed oil is among the most expensive face oils in the world. Products with 100% Pure Prickly Pear Oil can retail for upwards of $40. 

Benefits of Prickly Pear Seed Oil for Mature Skin

1. Anti-aging: Rich in antioxidants, prickly pear is great for wrinkles and combats free radicals. Encouraging the synthesis of collagen, prickly pear seed oil increases the firmness and suppleness of the skin while reducing the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines.

2. Regenerative Properties: Prickly Pear heals wounds, scars, and skin damage by encouraging the skin's cells to regenerate. It promotes a smoother, younger-looking complexion by quickening the skin's natural regeneration process.

3. Brightening of the Skin: has inherent skin-brightening qualities. It increases luminosity, evens skin tone, and reduces the visibility of hyperpigmentation evident in menopause.

4. Healing and Calming: It relieves irritated and inflamed skin because of its anti-inflammatory qualities. Because it facilitates the healing process, it is advantageous for rosacea, eczema, and acne.

5. Hydrating and Moisturising: Very hydrating, supporting the skin and hair's hydration and nourishment. Prickly pear seed oil prevents moisture loss and leaves the skin and hair feeling smooth and soft.

6. Antioxidant-rich: Abundant in antioxidants, it protects the skin from environmental stresses, scavenging free radicals and fostering a more youthful look. Additionally, it promotes a bright, rejuvenated complexion, decreases oxidative damage, and increases skin resilience.

7. Absorbs Straightaway: Such a boon for mature skin because prickly pear absorbs into the skin quickly and doesn't leave a greasy aftereffect. It is lightweight, guarantees quick penetration, and provides vital minerals and moisture. 

This is not an exhaustive list. We’ve highlighted the Prickly Pear Seed Oil benefits in detail in our dedicated blog. 

How To Use Prickly Pear Seed Oil

• Use the facial oil twice daily on freshly cleansed skin.

•  Simply dispense a few drops, warm them in your hands, and gently press them onto your face. 

• For added moisture, you can also apply any excess oil on your hands to the tips of your hair. 

We highly recommend trying Empress Naturals 100% Pure Prickly Pear Seed Oil, which contains cold-pressed organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil. When it comes to menopause-specific skincare, Prickly Pear Seed Oil can be helpful with combating acne, wrinkles, hydration, and dark spots. 

For more detailed information on using Prickly Pear Seed Oil, you can refer to our dedicated blog.

Why choose Empress Naturals? 

It is imperative to pick Prickly Pear Seed Oil products that are Certified Organic, natural, and clean so you know that you are getting the purest product. 

It's important to choose conscious skincare products that are truly 100% natural and have ingredient lists that are simple to comprehend. Your skin is unique, and keeping it young, elastic, and radiant calls for talent and purity!

Key Takeaways

1. How can I tell if Prickly Pear Seed Oil is high quality?

Look for cold-pressed, organic oil with a light texture, yellow-green color, and a mild, nutty scent similar to olive or almond oil. Avoid products that appear brown, red, or overly thick, as they may be oxidized or impure.

2. What are the main skincare benefits of Prickly Pear Seed Oil?

This oil is packed with antioxidants and Vitamin E, making it a powerhouse for hydration, anti-aging, skin brightening, and healing. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, making it ideal for all skin types, especially mature skin.

3. How should I use Prickly Pear Seed Oil in my skincare routine?

Apply a few drops to clean skin morning and night, pressing it gently into your face. It pairs well with other skincare ingredients like Rosehip Oil and Vitamin C for enhanced hydration and radiance.

Empress Naturals’ Menopause and Perimenopause Skincare with 100% Pure Prickly Pear Seed Oil

At Empress Naturals, we believe in year-round wellness and skin nourishment, healing, and repair focused on perimenopause and menopause care. Our Rosehip oil-based skincare line is meticulously formulated by industry experts that cater to the specific needs of mature skin ensuring ageless radiance and luminous skin.

Our Best-selling products - Anti-aging Face Serum and Luxe Night Elixir Serum are all you need to cover the essentials when it comes to aging skin.

Our mission is to provide 100% pure and organic skincare products that make you feel incredible in your skin, regardless of what stage it is at. We carefully cultivate our ingredients from sustainable farms worldwide that harvest the highest quality without the use of hazardous preservatives or pesticides. Our products are non-toxic, clean, cruelty-free, and formulated with 100% Organic ingredients. 

Experience the power of clean skincare and wellness with Empress Naturals.

*Disclaimer: We highly recommend that you contact a trained health professional, before introducing any products into your routine especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.