Prickly pear, also known as nopal or opuntia is the new buzzing ingredient that can be found in many beauty products. It can be found in many forms like cream, mask, and oil. It is derived from prickly pear cactus, a plant that can be found in many countries such as America, Mexico, and Australia. Even though it is newly introduced to the beauty industry, Mexicans and Native Americans have been using prickly pear as a medicine.
In this article, we will discuss what are the benefits prickly pear offers to the skin and some recommended prickly pear skincare products.
Prickly Pear Skin Care Benefits
- anti-aging
- brightening
- anti-inflammatory
Anti-aging
Prickly pear is rich in vitamin E which consider an antioxidant. Antioxidants are crucial to keep our skin healthy and supple. Our skin produces free radicals from external factors such as pollution and sun exposure every day. Antioxidants slow down free radical production and protect your skin from damage. As a result, your skin will appear radiant as the skin cells are healthy.
Brightening
No matter you have oily skin or dry skin, you might encounter skin dullness. Dullness on skin makes us look tired and older. There are many reasons that might contribute to dullness on the skin such as smoking, lack of sleep, and dehydration. Prickly pear extract contains linoleic acid which is known as an effective component to make your skin brighter. Other than that, it also contains vitamin K which helps to brighten up your eye area. Your eye will look refreshed and energized.
Anti-inflammatory
If you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin, prickly pear skincare products might be beneficial to your skin. Prickly pear is packed with betalains which is scientifically proven as an anti-inflammatory agent(source). It is so versatile, you can use it to relieve almost all skincare problems. For instance, acne, skin allergy, or redness. As mentioned above, prickly pear is also high in Vitamin E which is also effective to relieve inflammation.
Skin Types
- dull skin
- aging skin
We study the ingredients and will only include products independently selected by our team.
Prickly Pear Skincare Products
Huxley Good Night Sleep Mask (link)
Huxley Good Night Sleep Mask is a sleeping mask that uses Sahara’s prickly pear cactus extract as its main ingredient. It has a refreshing texture that won’t leave your face feeling sticky. This sleep mask contains highly hydrating and moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides that will restore your skin hydration level. Additionally, it is also packed with skin-soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica extract. This product is formulated without parabens, synthetic dyes, or mineral oils. It works wonders on dry and dehydrated skin.
Yadah Cactus Cream (link)
Just like the product name, Yadah Cactus Cream is infused with over 70% of prickly pear extract. It is a hydrating face moisturizer that uses as the final step of your skincare routine. It also contains Butylene Glycol and Panthenol that will improve skin appearance and plumpness. It spread on your skin and absorbs easily without feeling heavy. Moreover, this product is free of fragrance, alcohol, and essential oil. It is recommended for those with dry and sensitive skin.
Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil (link)
Youth To The People never cease to amaze us. This nutrient-rich oil is packed with supreme antioxidants like Maqui, Prickly pear extract, Acai and Goji Berry that will deliver amazing results on your skin. On top of that, jojoba oil and squalane oil boost skin hydration and leave skin soft and supple. You can use this oil day and night. Apply a few drops of oils on your hand, warm with your palms then gently press it on your face. You can add a drop to mix with your foundation create a flawless look. It is recommended for all skin types, especially those with dry and dull skin.
Source:
Stylecraze: Prickly Pear Benefits
Sciencedirect: Anti-inflammatory activity of betalains: A comprehensive review
PubMed: Vitamin E Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Allure: A Beginner’s Guide to Vitamin E and What It Does for Your Skin
