The prickly pear seed oil is obtained from the tiny seed of the Opuntia Ficus Indica cactus plant. This plant has been used for hundreds of years by Moroccan people, not just for the oil but also for the edible fruit and as cattle feed. The extraction process is a long time-consuming task involving many fruit pickers who have to use gloves to protect themselves from the prickly nature of the cactus plant. After gathering up the fruits, the tiny seeds are removed. All this is done manually so takes a considerable amount of time. The seeds are then dried and once dry are ready for cold pressing. Once extracted, the oil is then filtered. This process ensures that none of the precious nutrients are lost. 

 

With large amounts of linoleic acid, Vitamin E, phytosterols, and polyphenols, prickly pear seed oil stimulates healthy cell production and turnover, provides protection and helps skin retain moisture. These components make this an extremely rich and skin-nourishing oil. It soothes, hydrates, and reduces inflammation that can damage collagen, and it can prevent skin ageing and wrinkles.

 

SKIN BENEFITS:

• Rich source of fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, and sterols

• Linoleic Acid is the dominating fatty acid, followed by palmitic and oleic acid (the ratio of linoleic to oleic is about 3:1).

• Linoleic acid content: 64% (making it a really good choice for those with break-out prone skin) 

• Very high Vitamin E content

• Rich in Vitamin K1 (which is known to help brighten under-eye circles)

• A high amount of Phytosterols. Phytosterols not only slow the break-down of collagen production, but they actually encourage new collagen production. Applied to skin, research has shown that phytosterols can stop the formation of substances in skin that break down collagen. Since these degrading substances are more prevalent in sun-damaged skin, phytosterols may be a good addition to a skincare routine with a goal to reduce sun damage. 

• Polyphenols are also abundant in the cactus pear. Polyphenols are free radical scavengers. 

• Prickly Pear contains the highest levels of Betalains of any known plant (more than Acai, Pomegranate, Blueberries, Gogi, and Beets). Betalains are super antioxidants with powerful anti-ageing effects

• Light and pleasantly fragrant, it absorbs quickly and leaves your skin smooth and refreshed. 

• Cultivation Method for Virgin, Cold Pressed: South Africa. Responsibly Wildcrafted. Slightly sweet smelling pleasant scent                    (THIS ITEM IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE) 

• Cultivation Method for Organic Cold Pressed: Morocco. USDA Organic, ECOCERT verified farm in Morocco. Ecocert's strict standards ensure sustainable sourcing of raw materials and responsible manufacturing procedures. Earthy, slightly sweet nutty scent.

 

 

•  FUN FACTS:

• The Prickly pear is a member of the Cactaceae (or cactus) family. 

• Known as the miracle plant, for its ability to withstand long droughts and still produce healthy fruit

• Tastes like Watermelon

• Despite its popularity as a Morrocan oil, Prickly Pear is actually native to Mexico. It also flourishes in Africa, India, Australia, and the Mediterranean. 

• The Prickly Pear family of Cacti posed a major weed problem in large areas of northern NSW and central Queensland in the early 1900s. If we only knew then what we know now.

• The prickly pear thrives on neglect. Being part of the cactus family, it grows vigorously in hot, dry conditions, and needs no human intervention produce an abundance of fruit. This also means that fertilisers and pesticide and other synthetic chemicals are not needed to increase crops. 

• It can take as much as half a ton of fruits to produce 1 litre of the precious seed oil.

• Prickly Pear Seed Oil is also known as Barbary Fig Oil or Cactus Oil. 

• Like Argan and Marula oil, the prickly pear has created thousands of jobs for local women co-ops. The collection of fruit and seeds contributes to the livelihood of a large number of people. We love the fact that production is helping support the economy in struggling communities of the world.