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Lean on the ingredient for hydration, brightening, and more.
It seems like every other day we’re inundated with a new beauty ingredient that does wonders for our skin—it’s hard to keep up! And one of the latest buzzy ingredients to hit our desks has without a doubt been prickly pear.
It’s been in tons of recent beauty launches and is listed as a key ingredient in products you might already be familiar with. From Om’s Prickly Pear + Schisandra Youth Concentrate to Novara’s Ultra Hydrating Cream, Vitamasques’ Hydrate Hyaluronic Cactus Face Sheet Mask , and even Carter + Jane’s The Everything Oil, we think it’s safe to say that prickly pear is here to stay.
Meet the expert
- Vince Spinnato is a cosmetic chemist, certified nose, and perfumer.
- Glenicia Nosworthy, MD, is an internal medicine physician and the founder of Glo By Glen.
- Reshona Jessamy is the CEO and founder of Novara Beauty.
Prickly pear has loads of incredible benefits for skin, from improving elasticity and hydration to brightening and decreasing inflammation. Intrigued? We tapped skin-care experts to share everything you need to know regarding prickly pear and its benefits. Continue below to find out why prickly pear is so amazing for skin.
Boosts Hydration
One of prickly pear’s most well-known and talked-about benefits is that it boosts hydration. Since it has “high water content and natural humectant properties,” according to Glenicia Nosworthy, MD, founder of Glo By Glen, it provides skin with the necessary tools to retain moisture, instead of simply staying on the surface. Deeply penetrating and rich in electrolytes, “prickly pears are filled with minerals like magnesium and potassium to support hydration and regulate cellular processes while promoting a glowing and healthy complexion,” says Spinnato. “These nutrients nourish, hydrate, and protect your skin, leaving it radiant and youthful.”
Jessamy agrees. “These nutrient-dense benefits will give you a more plump, smooth, and radiant complexion, making prickly pear an invaluable ingredient for anyone seeking to boost their skin’s hydration levels," says Jessamy. Prickly pear is just the thing if you’re searching for hydrating properties, and it even “contains natural humectants—substances that attract and retain moisture from the environment,” adds Dr. Nosworthy. “These humectants help draw water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and preventing water loss, which can lead to dryness and dehydration."
Reduces Inflammation
Raise your hand if you’re familiar with betalains! If not, all you need to know is that they're an anti-inflammatory plant compound. And prickly pear is full of them. “Betalains help neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and inhibit inflammatory pathways in the body, which can help alleviate inflammation in the skin and other tissues,” shares Dr. Nosworthy. Spinnato adds: “The extract is also found in a lot of skin-redness products as it is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.”
Prickly pear is also great for those with sensitive skin, as it not only calms and soothes, but also “helps to mitigate inflammatory responses and promote a healthier, more balanced complexion,” says Jessamy. And if you're dealing with any inflammatory conditions, prickly pear “can help reduce chronic inflammation in the skin and support overall skin health,” adds Dr. Nosworthy.
Prevents Environmental Damage
Prickly pear is loaded with vitamins E and C which “help protect the skin from [ultraviolet damage] UV caused by sun exposure,” says Dr. Nosworthy. “UV radiation can lead to premature aging, including wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin. By shielding the skin from UV-induced damage, prickly pear contributes to a more youthful appearance.”
Improves of Skin Elasticity
Prickly pear also promotes collagen and elastin production, improving skin elasticity. “By encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin cells, prickly pear contributes to improved skin texture, firmness, and elasticity," says Dr. Nosworthy. And if you like to get into the nitty-gritty of ingredients Jessamy details that prickly pear is full of essential fatty acids, like linoleic acid, saying it “helps to fortify the skin’s lipid barrier, which is essential for maintaining elasticity.”
Brightens Discoloration
The last notable benefit of prickly pear for skin is the fact that it helps brighten discoloration, thanks to regenerative vitamin K. If you're managing dark spots, sun spots, or even tired-looking eyes, using prickly pear can help. “Prickly pear contains natural compounds that can help reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone, promoting a more radiant and uniform complexion," says Dr. Nosworthy.