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Are There Any Risks to the Use of Prickly Pear Oil?

Are There Any Risks to the Use of Prickly Pear Oil?

Prickly pear cactus oil is full of benefits for the skin and hair. As a face oil, it reduces signs of fatigue and scars and awakens dull and tired complexions. In addition, it stimulates the natural hydration process of the cells. However, it has some useful contraindications to know before applying it on the skin.

Summary
Published October 28, 2021, updated on October 2, 2024, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 3 min read
Prickly pear oil

Prickly Pear Oil: What Are the Contraindications?

Resulting from the cold pressing of the seeds of the prickly pear cactus, this oil presents many benefits in topical application. Rich in sterols and vitamin E, it has a powerful antioxidant action and firms up mature skin. In addition, its omega-6 content gives it excellent moisturizing properties. However, its application is not without contraindications:

  • It is contraindicated to people allergic to prickly pear.

  • It is not a tanning oil. Do not apply this care before exposure to the sun.

In any case, if you have a reactive and sensitive skin, it is recommended to carry out a skin test beforehand. To accomplish this, apply a small amount of undiluted pure oil to your wrist or the hollow of your arm. If you have a bad reaction within 24 hours, do not use this product.

Prickly Pear Oil: What Are Suitable Combinations?

Coupled with argan oil, they act in synergy and provide a nourishing and restructuring action on hair, skin, and nails. However, it is not recommended to combine prickly pear oil with almond oil. Their association can lead to a very greasy effect on hair or skin, as almond oil is not very penetrating and generally remains on the surface.

Prickly Pear Oil: What Are the Precautions to Take?

It is essential to be careful on certain points:

  • Your prickly pear oil must be extracted from the seeds via a cold press. Be careful not to confuse the prickly pear oil obtained by this process with its oily macerate from the maceration of seeds in sunflower oil. The macerate is certainly less expensive than the pure oil, but its benefits for the skin and hair are less.

  • Sensitive to oxidation, it must be stored in an airtight amber glass container, away from air, light, and heat.

Sources

  • APREA E. & al. Prickly Pear Seed Oil Extraction, Chemical Characterization and Potential Health Benefits. Molecules (2021).

  • SANTINI A. & al. Opuntia spp. : Chemistry, Bioactivity and Industrial Applications. Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals (2021).

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