Both argan oil and prickly pear oil are becoming ever popular treatments for the hair and skin. So, how can you decide between the two if you want to use them yourself? Which of these two oils holds the most benefits? Should you use argan oil or prickly pear oil? Learn which of these oils is best for you as we go over the basics.
What Is Argan Oil?
Argan oil comes from a special tree that is only grown in Morocco and is very rare. The oil is derived from the kernels of this tree. The health benefits of argan oil come from both consuming the argan oil, as well as from applying it topically to the hair and skin. Obviously, the best benefits of argan oil for skin come from applying it directly to the area. This is also true when considering the benefits of argan oil on hair.
Argan Oil Suggestions
Commonly referred to as “The Gold of Morocco,” Pure Argan Oil is a rich source of vitamin E and essential fatty acids– a “super food” for the skin and hair. An organic plant extract, which will penetrate to moisturize, soften, smooth, and intensify without leaving an oily residue.
This incredible and natural ingredient is derived from the kernels of the Argan Tree, a rare tree endemic to Morocco. The oil extracted from the fruit kernels of the Argan tree contain a rich blend of unsaturated fatty acids, Squalene and Vitamin E that protects, conditions and invigorates the skin with sensational effect.
This golden substance is renowned for diminishing the appearance of fine lines. It also restores youthful moisture levels in skin, as well as adding vigor and strength to dull and damaged hair.
Argan oil is naturally rich in vitamin E, phenols, carotenes, squalene, and essential fatty acids to deeply moisturize, nourish, and soften. Argan oil’s restorative nutrients are beneficial for application all over the body, including the face, around the eyes, décolleté, hands, and even your hair.
Works wonders as a skin moisturizer to hydrate and soften skin. Pairs wonderfully with jojoba oil, overall healing to the skin
What Is Prickly Pear Oil?
Prickly pear oil comes from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus. Although this cactus grows in other regions, the most abundant and beneficial variety grows in Morocco. This cactus fruit is also often called the barbary fig or Indian fig. To get the most benefits of the prickly pear oil, be sure it was derived from the Moroccan variety of prickly pear cactus.
Benefits of Argan Oil on Skin
Argan oil has long been used to treat acne, as it helps to equalize the sebum (the body’s natural skin moisturizer). This is especially good if you are prone to having oily skin or a high production of sebum. The good thing about argan oil is that unlike some chemical products, treating the oiliness shouldn’t lead to drying out the skin.
Argan oil can also be used as a skin moisturizer. Expect argan oil to leave your skin feeling refreshed and soft. You can also use argan oil to treat rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, and many other skin conditions. To gain these benefits, you can consume the argan oil or apply it topically, depending on the desired result.
Benefits of Prickly Pear Oil on Skin
Cactus oil or prickly pear can help restore the elasticity in your skin. You can also use it to achieve a more even or shiny skin tone. Prickly pear oil can also help you make your skin softer and healthier. It can also tighten up those pores. If you frequently have dark circles under your eyes, use prickly pear oil to reduce their appearance. You can also use the Moroccan prickly pear oil to reduce fine lines and prevent premature wrinkles. For the best results, be sure you are choosing the Moroccan variety of prickly pear and that it is full strength without additives.
Health Benefits of Argan Oil
Argan oil has a wide variety of health benefits, as it contains many important vitamins and other essential nutrients. These benefits can be obtained by eating the argan oil regularly or by applying it topically to the face, other areas of the skin, or to the hair.
Vitamins and nutrients found in argan oil include:
- Essential fatty acids (both oleic and linoleic acids, also known as Omega-9 and Omega-6)
- 200% more Tocopherol (Vitamin E) than olive oil
- D-7 Stigmasterol, which is very rare
- Ferulic Acid
- Polyphenols
- Squalene
- Triterpene Alcohols
- Other Natural Antioxidants
Health Benefits of Prickly Pear Oil
Prickly pear oil has become popular for treating the skin, especially on the face. This is because it holds countless benefits. Moroccan prickly pear oil has the most nutrients of all varieties. Does the prickly pear hold more benefits than argan oil?
The prickly pear fruit contains these essential minerals and vitamins:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
- Copper
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Linoleic acid (also known as Omega-6)
- Oleic acid (or Omega-9)
- Palmitic acid
- Stearic acid
Because of these many vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and vitamins, the prickly pear cactus can be used to treat many skin conditions, hair loss (aids in regrowth), and hair damage.
Which of These Beneficial Oils Should You Choose?
Choosing the appropriate oil treatment for your skin is important. As you can see from comparing the benefits of prickly pear cactus vs the benefits of argan oil, both of these oils have excellent health benefits. The nutrients are very different, even though both can be used for a few of the same reasons. Therefore, instead look at the nutrients and benefits of each. Then, base your decision on exactly what you are looking to achieve.
For instance, if you are looking for shiny skin, both argan oil and prickly pear oil will work. However, argan oil is the best choice if you have rosacea. If you’re looking for the omegas, both oils contain them. However, prickly pear has a higher concentration. Look over all of the benefits and nutrients carefully before making a final decision. You might even decide to try both for different reasons!
Prickly Pear Oil Suggestions
Our organic Prickly Pear Seed oil is a rich-textured, nourishing oil that is quickly and easily absorbed by the skin; it is a fine source of vitamins A, E and K, fatty acids, phytosterols, and polyphenols, including linoleic acid (Omega 6), palmitic acid, oleic acid, and stearic acid.
Use organic prickly pear oil to moisturize dry & irritated skin. Apply barbary fig seed oil for face to tighten skin & balance tone, or massage prickly pear organic onto hair roots to promote better hair health. Packed with linoleic acid, prickly seed oil intensely hydrates dry & irritated skin, relieving redness & rosacea along the way.
Prickly Pear is nourishing, softening, and high in linoleic acid. This makes the oil ideal for dry AND oily, acne-prone skin. Prickly Pear Seed’s high oleic acid content also combats free radical damage, reducing the appearance of dark spots that can occur over time.
Luxurious and soothing, it is a popular ingredient in body care lotions, crèmes and herbal balms that boost skin tone and elasticity.
This readily absorbed oil penetrates deep below the surface to restore skin’s balance and create a luminous glow. It addresses signs of aging, lightening discoloration and plumping up fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to its high fatty acid content.