The prickly pear, also known as the sabra, opuntia, or barbary, is a cactus native to North America but has also been growing in Israel for more than 100 years. Despite its long history, consumers have only become aware of its amazing properties in recent years.

Starting off as green before turning reddish-pink, the prickly pear is a highly nutritious fruit that is thought of as a superfood. In addition to the nutrients you can get from eating prickly pear, it also provides great benefits when used in beauty products, serving as an alternative to the better-known argan and rosehip oils.

In this article, we are exploring the benefits of the prickly pear for the skin and hair. Read on about how this powerful ingredient can enhance cosmetic products for daily use.

1. Delivers anti-aging benefits

Ideal for mature skin, prickly pear products have anti-aging properties that stem from the fruit’s oil which contains vitamins and good fatty acids. Prickly pear neutralizes the free radicals that cause premature aging signs, while also reducing and preventing wrinkles.

Phenolic compounds, found in prickly pear, can act as antioxidants with healing properties. These can help heal cuts and can be used to treat medical skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Prickly pear also contains linoleic acid which helps prevent clogged pores, one of the causes of blemishes, acne, and spots.

2. Softens the skin

The prickly pear is a good source of many vitamins and minerals. Containing high levels of vitamin C, magnesium, folate, vitamin B6, riboflavin, niacin, iron, calcium, and potassium, prickly pear supports a healthy digestive system. Its oil also contains vitamins that are beneficial for the skin, such as vitamin E and vitamin K, which help soften the skin.

3. Evens skin tone

Properties of the prickly pear can also improve the appearance of skin. Linoleic, oleic, and palmitic fatty acids, all found in prickly pear oil, help nourish the skin, eliminate dullness, and supply the skin with the oils it lacks to help hydrate dry and dull skin. These oils can also brighten skin, reduce the appearance of dark circles, and even the skin tone.

4. Conditions hair and restores shine

The vitamin E contained in prickly pear oil is not just helpful in softening the skin, but also can deeply condition hair. The fatty acids and protein in the oil restore hair’s natural shine, making it smooth and glossy, and improving overall hair health.

5. Soothes scalp

Prickly pear has anti-inflammatory properties that are similar to aloe vera. Prickly pear’s betalains and phenolic compounds, along with its high levels of antioxidants, provide relief from itchy and inflammatory scalp conditions. These compounds can also help stimulate hair growth while preventing hair loss.

The Prickly Pear Collection from Schwartz

Prickly pear is very versatile and has many beneficial properties, which makes it an ideal ingredient for skin and hair care products. Find out more about our brand new range of prickly pear beauty products on our website. Interested in a prickly pear product for your cosmetic line? Reach out to a Schwartz expert for a free consultation.

This blog post is for educational purposes only.