The Prickly Pear is the fruit of the Nopal -or Prickly Pear cactus-. This fleshy berry contains seeds that are used to produce Nopal oil, known for its firming properties. From this cactus, it is also possible to extract native cells referred to under the INCI name of "Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract".
How is the prickly pear used according to your skin type?
Summary
Published on October 4, 2024, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 5 min of reading
The nopal: a plant rich in water and essential nutrients.
The Prickly Pear cactus produces a fleshy berry known as the Prickly Pear, nopal or cactus pear. This plant is native to Mexico and Central America, but it grows wildly in regions with semi-arid or arid climates. As a result, it is quite prevalent in Tunisia, Africa, Australia and the Mediterranean region. On the outside, the Prickly Pear cactus is covered with a prickly and dry skin. However, the inside is made up of tissues that store a significant amount of water essential for the survival of this plant.
In cosmetics, various parts of the Prickly Pear cactus are utilised. This includes the flowers, mucilage, fibres, cladodes, and fruits. They contain significant amounts of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that help combat various skin disorders. Cold pressing the seeds yields a Prickly Pear vegetable oil with multiple cosmetic virtues. Its comedogenicity index of 0 makes it compatible with all skin types. Its I.N.C.I. name is "Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil". From the nopal, it is also possible to extract native plant cells with numerous benefits for the skin. They are referenced under the I.N.C.I. name "Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem extract".
Nopal skincare: for which skin types?
The prickly pear, the ally of mature skin.
Whether in the form of vegetable oil or cellular extract, the prickly pear is rich in tocopherol and acts as a firming treatment with tightening properties. It helps to reduce both deep and superficial facial wrinkles, particularly in mature skin. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it also protects DNA and slows down damage caused by UVB rays. Furthermore, it limits alterations in pigmentation caused by overexposure to the sun.
The nopal, a solution for dry and dehydrated skin.
This plant is also rich in essential fatty acids, particularly omega-6, which aid in skin repair by promoting the regeneration of epidermal cells. An excellent emollient, it softens and protects the skin from dehydration.
The nopal for dull skin.
It is also recommended for reviving dull and tired complexions, thanks to its composition of unsaturated fatty acids that restructure the skin to give it more luminosity.
Our treatments with prickly pear.
Typology has developed three treatments based on nopal, particularly recommended for mature skin:
Thevegetable oilof pure prickly pearis recommended for reducing wrinkles and fine lines, preventing skin sagging and firming the epidermis. It is derived from cold pressing the seeds of prickly pears that are cultivated and harvested in Morocco.
The firming night mask nourishes the skin deeply, regenerates and firms the epidermis for a smooth and even appearance upon waking. It contains nopal vegetable oil as well as immortelle essential oil, an active ingredient that stimulates collagen synthesis.
Thenight tensioning serumwith nopal is a botanical blend that helps to firm the skin thanks to the toning and regenerating actions of 7 botanical extracts, including immortelle essential oil. This treatment contains both prickly pear vegetable oil and native nopal cells, to effectively combat wrinkles
Sources:
SANTINI A. & al. Opuntia spp. : Chemistry, Bioactivity and Industrial Applications. Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals (2021).
