Prickly pear oil has several extraordinary properties for the production of highly valued cosmetic products in skin care. What is really surprising, however, is the fact that, on physico-chemical analyzes, it turns out that the characteristics of this oil make it perfect for natural cosmetics, even more than other oils made famous by the large cosmetic manufacturers, such as oil. d’Argan.

CHARACTERIZING ELEMENTS OF PRICKLY PEAR OIL AND ARGAN OIL

Let’s see specifically the principles contained in the two oils. In fact, by analyzing the elements, it turns out that prickly pear oil contains:

• 1. High content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega6): 75 -80% of the total content of fatty acids, on average double that of argan oil
  2. Considerably lower content of saturated fatty acids, 50% less than argan oil
  3. High content of gamma-tocopherol (vitamin E) (up to 0.7 g / kg), while Argan oil has 0.4 g / kg
  4. High content of phytosterols (up to 900 mg / kg) of which β-sitosterol is present up to 630 mg/kg.

Argan oil, with a phytosterol content of 180 mg / kg, does not detect the presence of β-sitosterol.

Thanks to the vitamin content, the presence of sterols and polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega 6, prickly pear oil is therefore more useful for skin care than Argan oil.

SOME APPLICATIONS OF PRICKLY PEAR OIL TO SKIN CARE

• • PRODUCTS FOR THE FACE AND FOR THE BODY

The use of prickly pear oil in cosmetic products for the face / body is indicated as a moisturizing agent for particularly dry skin thanks to the presence of essential unsaturated fatty acids, especially omega-6. In fact, it has been observed that a greater intake of linoleic acid (Omega-6) is related to the reduction of skin dryness and the improvement of senile atrophy.

• • ANTI-AGE PRODUCTS

Prickly pear seed oil is considered a powerful anti-aging, as it not only has a deep moisturizing action, but is rich in carotenoids and vitamin C and vitamin E (Tocopherols) which perform an antioxidant action that limits the damage caused by photoaging, in fact, responsible for deep and marked wrinkles.

• • PRODUCTS FOR IMPURE SKIN

Linoleic acid is one of the main constituents of the sebum that forms the external lipid layer whose deficiency is replaced by oleic acid by the sebaceous glands, resulting in the formation of more solid and dry sebum. In oily and acne-prone skin, the sebum produced by the sebaceous glands can clog the hair follicles reducing normal skin transpiration. All this involves an inflammatory reaction and the proliferation of some bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes which stimulates lipid hydrolysis followed by an increase in free fatty acids, inflammation amplification and damage to the follicle. Linoleic acid and phytosterols present in prickly pear oil fight and contrast acne and oily skin that mainly affect young skin

PURE PRICKLY PEAR OIL

Prickly pear seed oil plays an important role in the physiology of the skin since, thanks to the content of essential fatty acids (Omega-6 and Omega-3), phytosterols, Vitamin K and tocopherols, it supports natural cell turnover, carrying out the action of restoring the epidermis barrier. Its constant use is useful in reducing skin imperfections, restoring elasticity to the skin.

HAIR PRODUCTS

hair oil with prickly pear oil, argan oil(100 ml)

Prickly pear seed oil is recommended for hair care, as a “tonic” after long exposure to the sun or frequent washing as fatty acids and vitamin E compact the outer wall of the hair giving it brightness, consistency and volume

comparison between prickly pear oil(opus ficus indica seed oil) and argan oil

We report the results of a recent research by ISHS, the International Society for Agricultural Sciences, an independent body of great authority that has examined the two oils from a physical / chemical point of view. The evidence is overwhelming:

Lipids composition		Opus ficus indica seed oil %	Argan Oil %
Fatty acids	LINOLEIC ACID C18:2 (ꙍ6)	60,69	31
	OLEIC ACID	21,42	42
	PALMITIC ACID	12,76	15

Vitamine

Tocopherols	Opus ficus indica seed oil mg/kg	Argan oil mg/kg
Total	1200	900
ɣTocopherol	700	450

		Opus ficus indica seed oil mg/kg	Argan oil mg/kg
	Sterols	905	180
	β-sitosterol	630	assent