Opuntia Regenesis is a scientifically designed oil using the whole of the prickly pear seed. The fruit is hand-harvested from our certified organic farm and the seeds collected are slowly cold-pressed to release nature’s super moisturising oil.

Dr Natalie and her team have developed a method to obtain the nutrients from the whole seed during the extraction process - these contain nutrients that are distinct to those obtained from the oil alone. The result is a texture between a gel and an oil that is light and easily absorbed.  Here is an oil nature has made to address key skin concerns, while strengthening the structural integrity to give you your best skin.

THE SCIENCE:

Prickly pear seed oil is widely known as nature’s super moisturiser packed with antioxidants, fatty acids, sterols, amino acids, vitamins and minerals1. Scientific analysis of the seed has shown that it contains close to 70% linoleic acid2- a fatty acid that delivers moisture into the skin. This along with sterols also fortifies the skin’s barrier to protect against environmental pollutants that contribute to accelerated ageing2. The small molecules of linoleic acid have been shown to be effective in treating acne and restoring the oil levels of skin lacking this fatty acid3,4.

Vitamin K, as well as the amino acids lysine and glutamine found in the seed have been found to be the most effective at targeting hyperpigmentation, scarring and rosacea and helping protect the collagen in skin5.  

Major mineral players found in the seed include calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Calcium protects the skin from drying out and has been shown to slow skin ageing6. Magnesium maintains skin hydration and reduces inflammation in dry skin7,8. Phosphorus is needed for the growth, maintenance and repair of all cells9.

The oil from the seeds contains over twice the amount of Vitamin E compared to Argan oil. This strong antioxidant reduces skin inflammation, suppresses collagen breakdown and protects against photo-ageing to restore elasticity and improve fine lines10.

They also contain other valuable antioxidants11 to fight against skin inflammation and avoid free radical damage to cells12.

 The extra virgin olive oil is included to complement the action of the prickly pear seed as it too contains important skin nutrients. The oil is able to further reinforce the integrity of the skin barrier by being an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial13.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE:

Use in your skincare routine after first cleansing with the Cactus Flower Cleanser. After application it can be followed either by Cactus Flower Day Cream or Cactus Flower Night Cream. Apply a few drops to your fingertips and massage onto face and neck.

This oil can also be used on its own in other areas of the body. Use it to help improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks by rubbing into the affected area daily. One drop smeared along the fingernails and rubbed into the cuticles helps with strengthening of the nails. It can also be used on the ends of hair to prevent split ends and as a beard oil.

INGREDIENTS (*certified organic):

prickly pear seed oil* (Opuntia ficus indica) (85%), extra virgin olive fruit oil* (Olea europaea) (15%)

 30ml

Vegan, cruelty free using hand-harvested ingredients from our certified organic farm.

1.       Daniloski D, D’Cunha NM, Speer H, McKune AJ, Alexopoulos N, Panagiotakos DB, Petroska, A and Naumovski N. Recent developments on Opuntia spp., their bioactive composition, nutritional values and heal effects. Food Bioscience (2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2022.101665.

2.      Ali B, Abderrahim Z, Hassane M, Marianne S, Marie-Laure F, Abdelkhaleq L, Mohammed A, Mohamed B. Chemical Composition of Cactus Pear Seed Oil: phenolics identification and antioxidant activity. J Pharmacopuncture. 2022 Jun 30;25(2):121-129. doi: 10.3831/KPI.2022.25.2.121. PMID: 35837142; PMCID: PMC9240404.

3.      Downing DT, Stewart ME, Wertz PW, Strauss JS. Essential fatty acids and acne. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1986 Feb;14(2 Pt 1):221-5. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(86)70025-x. PMID: 2936775.

4.      Okoro O, Adenle A, Ludovici M et al. Lipidomics of facial sebum in the comparison between acne and non-acne adolescents with dark skin. Sci Rep 11, 16591 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-96043-x

5.      Weiss E, Katta R. Diet and rosacea: the role of dietary change in the management of rosacea. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2017;7(4):31-37. Published 2017 Oct 31. doi:10.5826/dpc.0704a08

6.      Rinnerthaler M, Streubel MK, Bischof J, Richter K. Skin aging, gene expression and calcium. Exp Gerontol. 2015 Aug;68:59-65. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2014.09.015. Epub 2014 Sep 26. PMID: 25262846.

7.      Gröber U, Werner T, Vormann J, Kisters K. Myth or Reality-Transdermal Magnesium?. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):813. Published 2017 Jul 28. doi:10.3390/nu9080813

8.      Proksch E, Nissen HP, Bremgartner M, Urquhart C. Bathing in a magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin. Int J Dermatol. 2005 Feb;44(2):151-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2005.02079.x. PMID: 15689218.

9.      Calvo MS, Lamberg-Allardt CJ. Phosphorus. Adv Nutr. 2015;6(6):860-862. Published 2015 Nov 13. doi:10.3945/an.115.008516

10.    Park K. Role of micronutrients in skin health and function. Biomol Ther (Seoul). 2015;23(3):207-217. doi:10.4062/biomolther.2015.003

11.     Chougui N, Tamendjari A, Hamidj W, Hallal S, Barras A, Richard T, Larbat R. Oil composition and characterisation of phenolic compounds of Opuntia ficus-indica seeds. Food Chem. 2013 Aug 15;139(1-4):796-803. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.01.054. Epub 2013 Jan 30. PMID: 23561175.

12.     Ong LL, Wong PWK, Raj SD, Khong DT, Panda P, Santoso M and Judeh ZMA. New Journal of Chemistry 2022; 46 9710-9717. https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NJ00881E

13.     Vaughn AR, Clark AK, Sivamani RK, Shi VY. Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018 Feb;19(1):103-117. doi: 10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1. PMID: 28707186.