Prickly Pear Oil

Prickly Pear Seed Oil (INCI Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil) is a cold-pressed seed oil with linoleic acid at 55–65%. Among the most expensive carrier oils by volume — roughly a tonne of fruit yields a litre of oil — which is why it appears in ultra-premium mature-skin-positioned serums, dark circle treatments and luxury facial oils. Exceptionally high in tocopherols and sterols.

• Also known as: Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Cactus Seed Oil, Barbary Fig Oil, Opuntia Oil
• Botanical name: Opuntia ficus-indica
• Plant part used: Seed
• INCI name: Opuntia Ficus-indica Seed Oil
• Extraction: Cold-pressed, Unrefined (virgin)
• Form: Carrier oil (liquid)
• Appearance: Pale golden to clear; Very mild, almost odourless
• Grade: Cosmetic-grade
• Origin: Processed in India
• Shelf-life: 18–24 months · below 20 °C · tightly sealed · away from light

Key benefits

• Linoleic acid (C18:2) (55–65%) — Skin-barrier conditioning, soothing, non-comedogenic profile
• Oleic acid (C18:1) (15–20%) — Emollient, moisture retention
• Palmitic acid (C16:0) (10–15%) — Skin conditioning and barrier
• Vitamin E (Tocopherols) (Exceptionally high) — among top 3 carrier oils — primary antioxidant and stability driver
• Phytosterols (beta-sitosterol) (High) — Soothing, skin-barrier conditioning

How to use

• 2–10% in emulsions
• 10–30% in facial oil serums
• 50–100% as standalone carrier or massage base

FAQs

What are the primary formulation applications of Prickly Pear Oil?
Most buyers use it at 2–10% in emulsions; 10–30% in facial oil serums; 50–100% as standalone carrier or massage base. As with any new carrier oil, pilot-test in your specific base before committing to a full production run.

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Also available for bulk export via herbuno.com → · HerbIQ: Botanical Anatomy → · Carrier Oils