A guide to choosing the best prickly pear seed oil

Hey Beauties!

Grab a cup of your favorite tea and settle in because today, I’m spilling all my secrets about my latest skincare and haircare obsession - prickly pear seed oil! If you’re on a quest for that radiant, natural glow and luscious locks, you’re on the right path. Let’s uncover the magic behind this miraculous oil and how to ensure you’re getting the best prickly pear seed oil out there.

Why Prickly Pear Seed Oil is a Skincare Superstar:

If you’ve been following my skincare journey, you know I’m all about natural, effective products. Enter prickly pear seed oil - this little bottle of wonder is brimming with skin-loving nutrients like vitamins E and K, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. It’s a hydration powerhouse, perfect for moisturizing dry skin, smoothing out fine lines, and giving you that enviable glow.

Haircare Benefits Too? Yes, Please!

This versatile oil has been my go-to for taming frizz and adding shine to my hair. Just a few drops and my hair feels rejuvenated, looking shinier and healthier than ever. I often like to use it as a scalp treatment, leaving it in overnight, and waking up with a nourished, moisturized scalp. It’s like a spa day for your hair in every drop!

 How to Spot the Best Prickly Pear Seed Oil-And the Worst:

Cold-Pressed is Non-Negotiable: The crème de la crème of prickly pear seed oil is always cold-pressed. This method ensures all the nutrient-rich goodness is preserved. Any heat used during extraction degrades all the natural beauty boosting attributes, so only cold pressed will do.

The best oil boasts a beautiful light golden-yellow hue. It should feel luxurious on the skin, not greasy or overly thick. If it is clear or green, it's not authentic. It must be a golden color to be the real deal.

Price Matters: Think that $26 an ounce prickly pear seed oil is the real deal? It's highly unlikely. Why? Because it takes about a ton of prickly pear fruit to produce just one liter of oil.  That’s why authentic, high-quality prickly pear seed oil is a bit of a luxury, and the most expensive carrier oil in the world. You will find prices range from $40-150 from brands that carry real Moroccan prickly pear seed oil. Look for brands that have less fancy packaging, as they are able to keep the price point more reasonable. 

Natural Aroma: A good quality prickly pear seed oil has a mild, slightly nutty scent. Don't let that scare you, it's very subtle and quite nice. Anything fragranced is a huge red flag to other, (most likely synthetic) ingredients. 

Region of Origin: Like fine wine, the best prickly pear seed oil often hails from regions known for their prickly pears. Morocco's climate and soil conditions are perfect for growing prickly pear cacti. The warm, arid climate and well-drained soil in regions like the Souss Valley provide optimal growing conditions. These factors contribute to the development of prickly pear fruits with a higher concentration of nutrients, essential for the best efficacy.

Certifications are Key: Look for labels like ECOCERT USDA organic and unrefined. These are indicators that you’re getting a pure, high-quality product, as the qualifications are stringent. 

Sustainability Matters:

As we embrace natural beauty products, it’s also important to think about sustainability. I love brands that source their prickly pear seed oil ethically and support local communities. It’s about beauty with a conscience!

There you have it, my loves – the full spectrum on prickly pear seed oil. It’s not just a trend; it’s a skincare and haircare staple that’s here to stay. So, let’s embrace natures gifts and enjoy the journey to healthier skin and hair.