Although fairly recent to the industry, Prickly Pear Seed Oil has earned a great deal of recognition for the benefits of its outstanding active constituents when used in body/skin care and cosmetic applications. Our organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil is a rich-textured, nourishing oil that quickly and easily moisturizes the skin; it is a fine source of vitamins A, E and K, antioxidants, fatty acids, phytosterols, and polyphenols, including linoleic acid (Omega 6), palmitic acid, oleic acid, and stearic acid.[1] Prickly Pear Seed oil is beneficial in formulations for dry skin, hair and nails, facial serums for mature skin, and in nourishing body and massage oils. It is filtered and unrefined.

The Prickly Pear plant - also known as Barbary fig, cactus pear, and a host of other common names - is a species of cacti that is probably indigenous to Mexico; it has been naturalized and widely cultivated in the southern United States, the Mediterranean region, and other arid to semi-arid parts of the world. In the Northern Hemisphere, flowers appear from spring to early summer, followed by fruits that ripen from summer through late fall, the seeds of which are the source of this amazing oil. Because very small amounts of oil are contained in the seeds (about 5%[2]), one metric ton of fruit is required to produce one liter of Prickly Pear Seed Oil, thus the explanation for its relatively high cost.[3]

Want to know more about how to use Prickly Pear Seed Oil as a base for your essential oil blends? Read Dilution Solutions to learn about essential oil to carrier oil ratios and how to mix essential oils with carrier oils.