It is often called "Morocco's liquid gold". Prickly pear seed oil (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a rare and precious plant oil. Cold-pressed from the tiny seeds inside the cactus fruit, it is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E and phytosterols. Here are 7 reasons to make room for it in your beauty routine.

Good to know: according to our producer Targanine, it takes nearly a tonne of prickly pears to obtain about one liter of oil, because the seeds contain only a small proportion of oil. That explains both its rarity and its price.

1. Naturally rich in vitamin E

Vitamin E (tocopherols) is a natural antioxidant. Published analyses show that prickly pear seed oil is naturally rich in it, mainly in the form of gamma-tocopherol, at levels in the same range as argan oil.

These antioxidants also help protect the oil itself from oxidation. Used regularly, it nourishes the skin, which looks suppler and more radiant.

2. Rich in omega-6 to nourish the skin barrier

Rich in linoleic acid (omega-6), which makes up around 60 to 70% of its fatty acids according to studies, prickly pear seed oil is particularly well suited to dry skin or skin in need of comfort. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid naturally present in the lipids of the skin barrier.

It nourishes the skin and helps maintain its hydrolipidic barrier: skin feels suppler and softer, and looks visibly smoother. Its light texture also suits combination skin.

3. A gentle treat for the eye area

This is one of its best-loved uses. The skin around the eyes is thin and tends to dry out. A few drops of oil, gently patted on, nourish and soften it.

Applied gently around the eye contour, it brings comfort and softness to this delicate area. Avoid direct contact with the eyes.

4. A light, non-greasy texture

It's often the first objection: "I don't want to look shiny." Prickly pear seed oil has a light texture that absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy film. It also suits combination skin.

Routine tip: after cleansing, apply 2 to 3 drops to slightly damp skin – the oil spreads more easily. You can then apply your sunscreen or makeup base on top.

5. A more radiant complexion

Used regularly, it brings radiance: the complexion looks brighter, and the skin feels softer and smoother.

6. A friend to mature skin

Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E and phytosterols, it nourishes mature and dry skin, restoring suppleness and comfort.

It fits easily into an anti-aging routine, on its own or under your usual cream. Note: it does not protect against the sun, so keep using sunscreen in the morning.

7. Suitable for most skin types

A single ingredient: prickly pear seed oil, nothing else. It suits most skin types and can also be used around the eyes or on the lips. It also nourishes dry hair and damaged ends. As with any new skincare product, do a patch test on a small area before first use, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Ready to try it?

Atlas Pure: 100% pure oil, cold-pressed from prickly pear seeds by a Moroccan women's cooperative holding Ecocert organic, Cosmos and Fair for Life certifications.

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Sources: Ramadan M. F. & Mörsel J.-T. (2003), "Oil cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L.)", Food Chemistry 82(3), 339-345; Ennouri M. et al. (2005), "Fatty acid composition and rheological behaviour of prickly pear seed oils", Food Chemistry 93(3), 431-437; Al-Naqeb G. et al. (2021), "Prickly Pear Seed Oil Extraction, Chemical Characterization and Potential Health Benefits", Molecules 26(16), 5018; GIE Targanine, "Prickly pear seed oil" product sheet (targanine.com).