It seems like every week there is a new skincare craze. This week it is Prickly pear seed oil. However, this oil is not

new at all. It has been used as an acne treatment in Mexico for decades, but it has only recently started to gain popularity in the United States. The big question is - Does it really live up to all of the hype?

Here’s everything you need to know about using prickly pear seed oil and whether or not you should add it to your skincare routine!

What is prickly pear seed oil?

First discovered in Mexico, prickly pear seed oil is an ingredient that you might see in a lot of your favorite face creams, lipsticks, and lotions. It is derived from a cactus plant (Opuntia ficus-indica). Naturally rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and E, Opuntia ficus-indica’s seeds also contain a host of skin-friendly nutrients. Today, it’s frequently used in products ranging from moisturizers to anti-aging serums. Although some skincare aficionados are skeptical about O.

Why should you care about prickly pear seed oil?

It's a rich source of fatty acids and antioxidants that can help protect your skin from UV damage and improve acne. On top of that, it has naturally anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help reduce inflammation and redness associated with skin conditions like eczema. Now for some negatives: prickly pear seed oil isn't widely available just yet and there aren't any clinical studies on its efficacy as a skincare ingredient. This makes it hard to know if those claims are true or not.

Where can you buy prickly pear seed oil products?

Let’s take a quick look at some of these prickly pear seed oil products. If you are wondering where you can buy safe and effective prickly pear seed oil, it’s a good idea to avoid online retailers who claim that their product is raw, cold-pressed, or organic—which might be true for other oils but not for prickly pear seed oil. As explained above, extracting an oil from prickly pear seeds requires pressing them in incredibly high heat; even if your retailer claims otherwise, you should really steer clear of those raw or cold-pressed varieties.

What are some reviews and final thoughts on this skincare craze?

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding prickly pear seed oil, which is derived from Opuntia ficus-indica, also known as a cactus. But how can you be sure that what people are saying about it is true? Do some research and see if other people have tried it for themselves, share their thoughts about it on social media or review sites like Amazon. The more information you can find, then better your own opinion will be. The truth is out there!

How to make your own DIY face masks with prickly pear seed oil

You don’t need to buy an expensive face cream with prickly pear seed oil in it to benefit from its many skincare properties. At home, you can make your own DIY face masks and creams at home with prickly pear seed oil. Because it’s so heavily moisturizing, simply adding prickly pear seed oil straight into your Shea Butter will increase its effectiveness. Also, because prickly pear is a natural exfoliant, you could add some prickly pear seed oil straight onto your skin. Mix 1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil with 4 drops of mild rosemary essential oil and 2 teaspoons of prickly pear seed essential oil; apply directly to your skin for rejuvenating effects.