Prickly Pear: The treasure of the Moroccan desert

Also Known as “Sabra”, the prickly pear, a succulent fruit hidden behind a protective layer of spines, comes from the Opuntia ficus-indica cactus that thrives in the arid and semi-arid regions of Morocco. Its name is rooted in the Berber people, who discovered its countless virtues. Beyond its flavor, its use in cosmetics and its numerous benefits for the skin and hair make it a natural treasure that marocMaroc has placed at the heart of its formulas.

A summer harvest honoring tradition

The prickly pear is primarily harvested between July and September, during a season filled with sunshine and heat, when the fruits reach full maturity. The most renowned regions for cultivating this cactus? The southeastern part of Morocco, particularly the provinces of Tata, Guelmim, and Agadir. Respecting ancestral traditions, local farmers use traditional techniques to pick the fruits, carefully protecting their hands from sharp spines with thick gloves and special tongs. Once harvested, the precious prickly pear can be consumed fresh or transformed into various derivative products, such as juices, jams, and most importantly, into precious skincare products with multiple cosmetic properties.

From plant to skin

What makes prickly pear oil so valuable? It’s the meticulous production process that requires as much expertise as patience. This golden nectar is obtained by cold-pressing the tiny seeds nestled in the fruit’s pulp, after they have been cleaned, dried, and ground. It takes about a ton of figs to produce a liter of oil, which explains its rarity and high cost. At the core of cosmetic formulas, it delivers its exceptional virtues, known for millennia and now confirmed by science. As a botanical shield against skin aging, it carries its anti-radical tocopherols, multiple essential fatty acids (especially omega-6 to limit skin water loss and omega-9 for nourishing and protective benefits), and soothing sterols. It has been proven to restructure collagen, those essential fibers for the proper quality of skin tissues. This is why marocMaroc has integrated it at an exceptional concentration (10-13%) into the formulas of its Cactéa range, combining it with other sources of omegas for a complementary and highly effective action.

The benefits of prickly pear oil

A well-aging star, prickly pear oil is renowned for its effects on the signs of aging. Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants, it intensely nourishes the skin, aids in cellular regeneration, and effectively fights all signs of aging. Across the entire body, it is also known to reduce scars, stretch marks, and dark spots, making the skin softer and more radiant. Highly sensorial, this natural plant oil is quickly absorbed without leaving a greasy residue, making it ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

And for the hair? It acts as a natural conditioner by deeply hydrating the scalp, strengthening brittle hair, and giving it shine and suppleness. It is particularly beneficial for dry and damaged hair, helping to repair split ends.

Prickly pear: an endless cosmetic source

Did you know that besides the oil, other parts of the fruit and cactus are used in cosmetics? Mucilage, a viscous substance extracted from the cactus's cladodes (leaves), is often incorporated into moisturizing creams and masks for its soothing and hydrating properties. This natural gel is very effective in calming irritations, redness, and sunburns.

At marocMaroc, prickly pear water from its yellow and orange flowers, which crown the cactus in spring and early summer, is also used. Once dried and infused, this flower has therapeutic virtues. The Berber tradition consumes it in the form of a hot drink against digestive ailments. In cosmetics, this pure water is obtained through a steam distillation process to isolate the active molecules, which are very different from those of the seed. Slightly astringent, hydrating, and refreshing, this water infuses all the emulsions in the Cactéa range.