Prickly Pear Care: How To Use It According to Your Skin Type.

The nopal cactus produces a fleshy berry called prickly pear or cactus pear. This plant is native to Mexico and Central America, but it grows wild in regions with semi-arid or arid climates. Therefore, it is quite present in Tunisia, Africa, Australia and the Mediterranean region. On the outside, the prickly pear is covered with a prickly and dry skin. On the other hand, the interior is made up of tissues that store a significant amount of water essential to the survival of this plant. 

For cactus skincare products, various parts of the prickly pear are exploited. These include flowers, mucilage, fibers, platyclades or fruits. They contain significant amounts of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that help fight against various skin disorders. The cold pressing of the seeds allows obtaining a prickly pear cactus oil with multiple cosmetic benefits. Its comedogenic index of 0 makes it compatible with all skin types. Its INCI designation is “Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil”. From nopal, it is also possible to extract plant stem cells from the prickly pear with numerous virtues for the skin. They are referenced under the INCI name“Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem extract”.

• Nopal, the ally of mature skin.

Whether in the form of cactus oil or cellular prickly pear extract, nopal is rich in tocopherol and constitutes tensor skincare products with firming benefits. It helps to reduce deep and superficial wrinkles on the face, especially on mature skin. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it also protects the DNA and slows down the damage induced by UVB. Moreover, it limits pigmentation alterations caused by overexposure to the sun.

• Nopal, a remedy for dry and dehydrated skin.

This plant is also rich in essential fatty acids, particularly omega-6, which contribute to skin repair by promoting the regeneration of epidermal cells. An excellent emollient, it softens and protects the skin from dehydration.

• The nopal for the dull skins.

It is also recommended to give a blow of brightness to the dull and tired complexions thanks to its composition of unsaturated fatty acids which restructure the skin to give him more luminosity.