Prickly pear oil: why it’s the latest skincare secret

This clean, pure, all-natural oil is increasingly talked of as the new skincare saviour. The prickly pear is a member of the cactus family, meaning that - unlike other plants - it can flourish during dry weather. When used for skin nourishment this built-up resilience translates to higher potency — and better results.

The plant produces small black seeds, and it’s from these seeds that high quality and potent oil is extracted through a laborious and time-consuming process; meaning that a vast amount and seed and fruit is needed to produce the precious oil.

Known for its anti-inflammatory, barrier-boosting and hydrating properties, Rare by Nature’s Prickly Pear Oil is wild harvested from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, making it one of the rarest oils on earth.

The prickly pear fruit that has long been praised for treating diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and hangovers, it's also touted for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. A staple in Mexican and Southwestern cuisines and households for generations, while the magnesium, potassium, and calcium in prickly pears are key nutrients for healthy blood pressure, the high vitamin C content plays an important role in immune system health. 

Rare by Nature source the world's finest prickly pear from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Wild prickly pear is brimming with antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients essential for the nourishment and regeneration of skin cells. Prickly pear seed is rich in tocopherols and omega-6 fatty acids that nourish and protect the skin, while amino acids  stimulate natural collagen and improve skin elasticity.

The oil also contains three times as much vitamin E as skincare favourite argan oil – which offers antioxidant protection from free radicals, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties – and vitamin K, which not only helps contributes to skin elasticity, but also may help brighten under-eye circles. 

Packed with antioxidants and fatty acids, prickly pear oil is generally suitable for all skin types, though it can be particularly beneficial for anyone with dry, mature, and sensitive skin, and even those who suffer from pigment issues such as rosacea. While results can take up to eight weeks to show – due to the slow turnover of skin cells – the benefits of prickly pear oil are impressive. From refined and tightened pores, to reduced skin inflammation and redness, there are a wealth of benefits that come from incorporating this easily absorbed, incredibly highly moisturising, skin-softening oil into your daily skincare regime. 

Boasting an abundance of potent compounds known to have hydrating, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, research suggests that the contents of prickly pear oil can also prevent skin damage and acne, as well reducing the visible appearance of dark and unsightly spots.