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Prickly Pear Seed Oil Supplier
Afrika Botanicals is the leading supplier of Prickly Pear Seed oil throughout South Africa and globally.
The Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) Seed oil ingredient is an exclusive ingredient used in cosmetic products and formulations.
What is Prickly Pear Seed oil? And why is it so different?
Prickly Pear Seed oil is extracted from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus. The oil is made by cold pressing the oil out of the seeds of the fruits. The process of pressing removes the outer shell, which gives the oil its distinctive colour. Over time, the colour of the oil changes from a greenish hue to a subtle yellow colour. It is one of the most expensive natural oils on the market due to the fact that it takes 500 kgs of seed to produce one litre of oil.
Where does Prickly Pear Seed oil come from?
Our Prickly Pear Seed oil is sourced from the Free State Province in South Africa.
Southern Africa has an ideal climate for planting and cultivating the Opuntia ficus-indica plant. Although not indigenous to Africa, it has established itself as an essential crop for feed stock, fruit, seed oil and fuel for energy.
The Waterkloof farm outside Bloemfontein currently produces some of the most sort-after Prickly Pear Seed oil.
Top Benefits of Prickly Pear Seed Oil
Prickly Pear Seed oil is used in many skin care products and has tremendous benefits. It is a natural antioxidant and has properties that make it ideal for use as an anti-ageing treatment. Here are some reasons why you should start using Prickly Pear Seed oil in your daily routine:
- Prickly Pear Seed oil is rich in vitamin E, which is known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- It can be used to soothe the skin and treat acne. It is also used to treat minor cuts, bruises, and sunburn.
- Vitamin E is also an excellent antioxidant that helps fight the signs of ageing. Use it on your face and body to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- It has been known for years that the oil from the cactus is an effective natural deodorant.
- The oil is also an effective natural antiseptic. It is commonly used in hospitals as a disinfectant and can be used to treat infections. Always consult your doctor before applying to infections.
- Treatment for diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal disorders. Prickly Pear Seed oil is known to soothe digestive problems.
Quick Highlights
- Intensely hydrates the skin.
- Suitable for all skin types but works particularly well on dry, mature skin.
- Brightens skin and gets rid of dark spots. Reduces wrinkles and adds firmness.
- Highly effective moisturiser.
- Easily absorbed into the skin.
- Does not clog pores.
- Calms down any inflammation and redness, especially for those prone to rosacea.
- Brighten under-eye circles and minimises spider veins.
- The fatty acid profile of linoleic acid and oleic acid replenish lost lipids within the skin which helps moisturize and restore skin elasticity.
- Sufferers of acne usually have higher oleic acid levels in the skin than linoleic acid.
- Its high linoleic acid content helps prevent sebum from hardening and thus prevents blocked pores which lead to acne and spots.
Other Uses
- People with arthritis and rheumatism use Prickly Pear Seed oil. It is believed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and strengthen joints.
- Natural Insect Repellent. It can be used on your clothes or in your car to keep away insects.
- The oil is effective when used as a toothpaste and helps remove stains and prevent tooth decay. Speak to your dentist before applying.
- Prickly Pear Seed oil is also used to treat hair loss. It encourages hair growth and prevents baldness. It is excellent for dry, dull, and lacklustre hair. For hair treatment, use one or two drops and massage into the hair and leave for 15 minutes before washing.
- Prickly pear seed oil treats cuts, bites and wounds. It has a soothing effect on the skin and helps to promote healing.
- Extremely rich in essential fatty acids, including omega 6 and 9, antioxidants, polyphenols, amino acids and vitamin K.
- Strengthens nails when applied regularly to the nail cuticles.
- Weight Loss. Prickly Pear Seed oil is also used in herbal supplements for weight loss. Speak to your doctor before using.
What is Opuntia Oil (Opuntia ficus-indica)?
Opuntia ficus-indica oil is known as Prickly Pear Seed oil, Barbary Fig Seed oil, Indian Fig oil, and Cactus oil. It contains more natural Vitamin E than any other plant oil – even more than Argan oil – and is non-irritating and ideal for sensitive skin.
Where does Prickly Pear Oil come from?
It is a thorny cactus that grows in arid and semi-arid regions. It most likely originated in Mexico yet has become a critical domesticated crop important to the agricultural economies of many other countries, including South Africa.
Growing in the Free State and Northern Cape regions mainly, South Africa is now producing world-class quality that is pure and cold-pressed.
Extracting the fruit from the seeds is a lengthy operation, which can take three to four days. It is a manual operation, and the season lasts only a few months. It is worth noting that half a ton of these cactus fruits only produce one litre of Prickly Pear Seed oil.
The seeds contain only 5 percent oil, making extraction difficult with low yields per batch. Thus, it is one of the most expensive oils available.
This oil has been around for over a thousand years thanks to its antioxidant, regenerative, moisturizing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties.
What is the difference between Opuntia Oil (Prickly Pear Seed Oil) and Argan Oil?
Argan oil is extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, a large evergreen tree that grows in the mountains of northern Morocco. It has been used for centuries as an antiseptic and cosmetic treatment. It is also widely used in the Middle East and in Europe. The oil is harvested by hand after the kernels have been dried, crushed and mixed with a solvent to extract the oil.
Prickly Pear Seed oil contains 65% polyunsaturated fatty acids (nourishing) while Argan oil contains 33 % polyunsaturated fatty acids. Prickly Pear Seed oil contains 150% more vitamin E than Argan oil.
Contact Afrika Botanicals for any information regarding the supply of Prickly Pear Seed oil
Afrika Botanicals is your trusted source for Prickly Pear Seed oil supply. We supply the world's most sort-after oil to businesses and entrepreneurs. We must emphasise that we only cold-press 20 litres of the Prickly Pear seeds on-demand. Customers ordering more than 20 litres may expect a three-week delay while new seeds are freshly pressed.
GET A QUOTEAfrika Botanicals Prickly Pear Seed Oil FAQ
1. What is Prickly Pear Seed oil?
Prickly Pear Seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the prickly pear cactus.
2. How is Prickly Pear Seed oil different from other oils?
Prickly pear seed oil is different from other oils because of its high content of antioxidants.Prickly Pear Seed oil contains 65% polyunsaturated fatty acids.
3. How long does it last?
Prickly pear seed oil is generally stable and if stored correctly in a dark and cool environment it should have a minimum of a two-year shelf-life. It is best stored in a glass container.
4. What is the best way to use it?
The best way to use it is to massage it into your skin. It’s great for all skin types, including dry, oily, and combination.
5. Where can I buy it?
You can buy bulk quantities of Prickly Pear Seed oil from Afrika Botanicals. Contact us for further information. Our minimum order quantity is one litre.
6. What is the best way to apply it?
The best way to apply it is to massage it into your skin. It can be mixed with hydrosols and other complementary essential and carrier oils. You can also add it to your bath water.
7. Who is the leading Prickly Pear Oil supplier in Africa and South Africa?
Afrika Botanicals is considered a leader in the supply of Prickly Pear Seed oil worldwide. We are located in South Africa and specialise supplying locally and worldwide.
8. How long does it take to work?
It usually takes 30 minutes for the effects to start.
9. Why deal with Afrika Botanicals for Prickly Pear Seed oil Supply.
Afrika Botanicals are experts in supplying and distributing Prickly Pear Seed Oil.
Afrika Botanicals understands the export and import process and will assist with all documentation.
All batches have their own Certificate of Analysis and a Safety Material Data Sheet
10. Is there any research on its effectiveness?
Yes, there is research on its effectiveness. Studies have shown that it effectively treats sunburn and other skin conditions. A lot more research is being conducted worldwide, making Prickly Pear Seed oil an exciting and versatile oil to have in any formulator’s toolbox.
Afrika Botanicals is a leading supplier of African botanical prodducts and natural oils.