Prickly pear seed oil comes from prickly pear which, despite the name, is actually a type of cactus. It has large yellow flowers and produces white, yellow, or reddish-purple fruits—which is where the seeds that are turned into this oil come from.

Prickly pear seed oil is rich in antioxidants, helping protect the skin against the free radical damage that ages your skin—breaking down collagen and elastin production and causing fine lines and wrinkles. The polyphenols and vitamin E in prickly pear (amongst its complex phenolic profile of over 20 antioxidant compounds) are particularly helpful at protecting the skin.

Alongside its antioxidant abilities, prickly pear is also particularly effective in treating acute inflammation, largely thanks to its bioactive compounds, including fatty acids, vitamin E, and phytosterols. Prickly pear seed oil is also antimicrobial, which helps keep our skin’s natural microbiome happy.

Prickly pear seed oil’s high linoleic acid (omega-6) content also makes it good at fighting acne, since it helps to regulate sebum production. It’s also a source of vitamin K, which is good for wound and scar healing.