FAQ

Unlike heavily fragranced oils, pure prickly pear seed oil has a naturally earthy, nutty aroma; a true reflection of its unrefined nutrient profile and minimal processing.

Typically, a bottle will last 1-2 months when used twice daily.

It is generally considered well-tolerated by all skin-types! It’s lightweight, high in vitamin E, linoleic acid and low on the comedogenic scale. As with any new product, patch-test before use is recommended.

Apply your products from the lightest textures to the richest. Begin with your cleanser, followed by any water-based serums or treatments, then apply cactus seed oil before moisturiser to help lock in hydration and support the skin barrier.

For a richer evening ritual, press 2–3 drops into damp skin before your moisturiser. During the day, use 1–2 drops for a nourished, radiant finish.

Our prickly pear seed oil is sourced from our farm in South Africa, where the cactus thrives naturally in harsh, dry conditions with minimal water requirements.

Cactus seed oil is one of the rarest and most valuable oils in the world. Each tiny seed holds only a small drop of oil, meaning it takes nearly a ton of cactus fruit to produce just a single litre. The process from hand-harvesting to carefully separating, drying, and cold-pressing the seeds is slow, delicate, and highly labour-intensive.

In contrast to oils such as argan, cactus seed oil is available only in limited quantities, since the seeds are gathered annually during a short harvest season. What makes it worth it, is its extraordinary potency: exceptionally rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants, this oil delivers unparalleled hydration, radiance, and skin protection.

Prickly pear seed oil is one of the most labour-intensive beauty oils in the world. Each fruit contains only a small number of tiny seeds, which must first be separated, cleaned, dried and then cold-pressed to produce the oil.

Approximately 1 tonne of prickly pear fruit yields around 25kg of seeds - producing just 1 litre of pure cold-pressed cactus seed oil.

This rarity is part of what makes prickly pear seed oil so precious, nutrient-dense and highly valued in skincare rituals.

Yes. We source our prickly pear seed oil directly from our farm in South Africa, allowing us to remain closely connected to every stage of the process - from the cultivation of the cactus to the harvesting of the fruit and the cold-pressing of the seeds.

Cactus thrives in some of the harshest environments on earth - adapting through resilience, water retention and natural protection against environmental stress. At Cactiskin, we believe skin deserves the same approach.

Rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamin E, prickly pear seed oil is one of the world’s most nutrient-dense beauty oils. We formulate with cactus not only for its rarity, but for what it represents: resilient, nourished and balanced skin.

Cactiskin was founded by a mother and daughter duo who personally fell in love with the power of cactus and felt it deserved far more space in the wellness and skincare world.

Inspired by the resilience of the cactus plant, we created Cactiskin around a slower, more intentional approach to skin health; one that focuses on nourishment, balance and supporting the skin barrier rather than overwhelming it.

More than skincare, Cactiskin is a reflection of our belief that resilient skin begins with mindful rituals, purposeful ingredients and a deeper connection to wellness.

Resilient skin is skin that feels balanced, nourished and supported. That is able to maintain hydration, recover from environmental stress and protect itself effectively over time.

Modern skin is often exposed to over-exfoliation, stress, pollution and overly aggressive routines, which can leave the skin barrier compromised and reactive. At Cactiskin, we believe resilience comes from supporting the skin rather than constantly stripping or correcting it.

Through nutrient-dense botanical ingredients, barrier-focused formulations and intentional daily rituals, resilient skin is nurtured through consistency, simplicity and care. The goal is not perfect skin, but healthy skin that feels calm, strong and naturally radiant.

Cactiskin was inspired by our personal journey with cactus and the way it transformed our understanding of skin health and wellness. We were drawn not only to the remarkable properties of prickly pear seed oil, but to what the cactus itself represents - resilience, nourishment and the ability to thrive in harsh conditions.

Being two women from different generations, we have unique perspectives about what works for the skin at different stages in life.