What is prickly pear seed oil?

Prickly pear seed oil is a vegetable oil extracted by mechanical pressing from the tiny seeds of the prickly pear fruit (Opuntia ficus-indica), a cactus emblematic of Morocco. Its colour ranges from pale yellow to green depending on the batch, and its fine texture sets it apart immediately from more common vegetable oils such as argan or sweet almond oil.

It is naturally rich in vitamin E, phytosterols and polyunsaturated fatty acids - a composition that explains both its skin benefits and its status as a rare, precious oil.

Where does Hendiya® prickly pear seed oil come from?

The prickly pear cactus grows across several regions of Morocco, from the Rif to Beni Smir, on land where Opuntia ficus-indica cacti have been cultivated for generations. The fruit is harvested between July and September. To learn more about this plant and its history in Morocco, our article Prickly Pear: A Natural Treasure of Morocco traces its origins and traditional uses.

The benefits of prickly pear seed oil for the skin

This oil is best known for its targeted anti-ageing action: its concentration of vitamin E and phytosterols helps preserve skin firmness and elasticity, fight free radicals and revive dull or tired-looking skin. It is also recognised for its healing properties, useful in fading blemishes, marks and small scars, and for its ability to regulate sebum production - which makes it suitable for most skin types, including combination-to-oily skin, contrary to a common misconception.

Mainstream beauty press has also taken an interest in this active: Elle describes it as "the natural anti-ageing treatment with precious benefits", and Marie Claire devotes a full breakdown to its beauty uses.

For a full breakdown of this oil's extraordinary benefits, see our article Prickly Pear Seed Oil Benefits: 5 Myths You Need to Know.

Why is prickly pear seed oil so expensive?

It is often the most expensive vegetable oil in the world, and that is not a marketing claim: it takes roughly one tonne of prickly pears, cold-pressed over 48 hours, to obtain a single litre of pure oil. This extremely low yield, combined with a demanding extraction process, explains a price that can reach up to €3000/L for a quality pure oil. At Hendiya®, the freshness of the seeds, batch consistency, cold-pressing time and a short, controlled production chain are the four factors that guarantee the quality of Le Sérum Absolu: our 100% pure prickly pear seed oil. The full breakdown of quality and pricing criteria is available in our article Everything About the Price of Prickly Pear Seed Oil.

Prickly pear seed oil vs argan oil: what's the difference?

These are the two most emblematic vegetable oils of Morocco, but they don't play the same role in a routine. Prickly pear seed oil, more concentrated in vitamin E and phytosterols, is better suited to a targeted anti-ageing action on the face and eye contour. Argan oil, richer in oleic and linoleic fatty acids, is better suited to overall hydration of the face, body and hair. The two are complementary rather than competing, and can perfectly coexist in the same routine. The detailed comparison, with composition data, can be found in our article Prickly Pear Seed Oil or Argan Oil: Which One to Choose?

Sourcing and commitment

The prickly pear seed oil used in Hendiya® skincare comes from a local supply chain, sourced directly from Moroccan cooperatives based in the Inzegane and Aït Ba Amrane region, rather than from industrial intermediaries. This choice limits the number of steps between harvest and bottle, and reflects the brand's responsible sourcing approach, consistent with its Ecocert organic certification.

Prickly pear seed oil, a key active in Hendiya®'s performance

This rare active is at the heart of several of the brand's best-sellers, where it acts as a performance ingredient rather than a marketing mention. In Le Sérum Absolu, it is used pure and concentrated for a targeted anti-ageing action on the face. In La Crème Lumière, it is paired with honey to hydrate the skin and revive its glow daily. In Le Soin Régénérescence, it is paired with rosehip oil to plump and visibly smooth the eye contour. In L'Huile Divine, it works alongside argan oil to firm and nourish the skin of the body, in a soft texture scented with orange blossom.

Frequently asked questions about prickly pear seed oil

What is the best prickly pear seed oil?

The best prickly pear seed oil is a pure oil (not blended with other oils), certified organic, obtained by first cold pressing, with a discreet, plant-like scent - a strong scent can signal added fragrance. Le Sérum Absolu by Hendiya® meets these criteria: 100% pure, Ecocert organic certified, first cold pressed.

Where to buy certified organic prickly pear seed oil from Morocco?

Hendiya® prickly pear seed oil (Le Sérum Absolu) is available online at hendiya.com, shipped throughout Morocco and internationally, as well as in Hendiya® boutiques and select partner retailers.

Which Hendiya® products contain prickly pear seed oil?

Prickly pear seed oil is present across a large part of the Hendiya® range: the pure oil (Le Sérum Absolu), several face care products (La Crème Lumière, La Crème Satinée, Le Soin Volupté, Le Soin Régénérescence), body care (L'Huile Divine, Coffret Fusion Divine), hair care, a men's range, and several organic makeup products such as Le Baume d'Amour.

Why is prickly pear seed oil more expensive than other vegetable oils?

Its high price is explained first by an extremely low yield: it takes roughly one tonne of fruit to obtain a single litre of pure, cold-pressed oil. But this price also reflects its intrinsic value: it is one of the vegetable oils most concentrated in vitamin E, phytosterols and essential fatty acids, with anti-ageing and repairing benefits sought after and loved by women all over the world.

Does prickly pear seed oil replace argan oil?

No, the two oils are complementary rather than competing: argan for overall hydration of the face, body and hair, prickly pear seed oil for a targeted anti-ageing action on the face and eye contour.

Is Hendiya® prickly pear seed oil certified organic?

Yes, the prickly pear seed oil used in Hendiya® skincare is certified organic by Ecocert, and comes from a local supply chain sourced from Moroccan cooperatives in the Inzegane and Aït Ba Amrane region.

To learn more, discover the Hendiya® universe and Hendiya® in the press.