Natural oils are becoming more and more popular among people who want to consciously and naturally take care of their beauty. One of the latest discoveries for Western civilization is the oil extracted from the prickly pear. It is one of the most expensive natural oils used in cosmetics. However, many users claim that its cosmetic properties cannot be overestimated.
How is prickly pear oil produced?
The oil is made from the seeds of the fig prickly pear, which grows mainly in Latin American countries. This plant can also be found in the Mediterranean region – especially in the countries of North Africa, e.g. in Morocco. It is worth knowing that on the market you can also get preparations produced as a result of maceration of opuntia flowers. However, they contain much less nutrients than the product made from the seeds. Opuntia fig seed oil is a relatively expensive product. The most attractive prices are at least PLN 58,75 for 80 ml. All because a liter of this oil is made from about a million seeds, i.e. fruits with a total weight of about 500 kg.
What are the properties of prickly pear seed oil?
The oil obtained from fig opuntia seeds is often called natural botox. That is why it is recommended primarily for the care of mature skin. It can also be used by people with sensitive skin, because opuntia oil perfectly moisturizes the skin and ensures that it does not lose moisture. Linoleic acid, which is one of the components of the oil, cares for the lipid layer of the epidermis. This causes the skin to regenerate faster and is more resistant to various types of irritation. This effect of the oil is also enhanced by phytosterols. They also strengthen the structure of the skin, improve its elasticity and density, thanks to which the oil has a strong anti-wrinkle effect. In addition, fig opuntia oil is also recommended for people who have a problem with oily skin – it normalizes the work of sebaceous glands. The oil is also a rich source of vitamin E, which is called the vitamin of youth – protects the skin against free radicals and delays the aging process of the skin.