Cactus Oil

Technical Specification Sheet

Cactus Oil (Cold Pressed) – 10g

INCI Name: Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil
Common Name: Cactus Seed Oil
Botanical Source: Opuntia ficus-indica
Plant Part Used: Seeds
Processing Method: Mechanical Cold Pressing
Grade: Cosmetic Grade
Packaging Size: 10g

1. Description

Cactus Oil is a vegetable oil mechanically extracted from the seeds of Opuntia ficus-indica using a cold-press process without chemical solvents.

This cosmetic-grade raw material is intended for incorporation into formulated cosmetic and personal care products. The cold processing method helps preserve the oil’s naturally occurring lipid components.

2. Physical & Organoleptic Characteristics

• Appearance: Clear to slightly cloudy liquid
• Color: Pale yellow to golden
• Odor: Mild, characteristic plant-derived aroma
• Solubility: Oil soluble
• Texture: Light to medium viscosity with smooth spreadability

Natural variations may occur due to harvest conditions and batch differences.

3. General Composition & Functional Profile

Cactus Oil naturally contains:

• High levels of linoleic acid (polyunsaturated fatty acid)
• Oleic acid
• Palmitic and stearic acids
• Naturally occurring tocopherols (vitamin E compounds)
• Phytosterols

Formulation Benefits

Due to its fatty acid composition and tocopherol content, this oil is commonly selected by formulators for:

• Supporting the lipid phase of emulsions
• Contributing to skin-conditioning properties in finished formulations
• Enhancing emollient characteristics
• Improving spreadability and sensory profile
• Assisting in maintaining formulation softness and glide
• Supporting antioxidant presence within oil-based systems

Its relatively lightweight texture makes it suitable for formulations requiring non-heavy oil phases.

All performance characteristics must be validated within the final cosmetic formulation.

4. Recommended Formulation Applications

Suitable for incorporation into:

• Oil-based serums
• Lip Oils
• Eye Oils
• Facial and body emulsions
• Anhydrous balms
• Massage oil blends
• Hair and scalp formulations
• Lipid-rich treatment bases

Inclusion rates must be determined by the responsible formulator following stability, compatibility, and safety assessment testing.

5. Storage & Stability

• Store in a cool, dry environment
• Protect from light and heat exposure
• Keep container tightly closed to reduce oxidation
• Use appropriate antioxidant systems in formulations where necessary

As a natural oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids, proper storage conditions are essential to maintain quality.

6. Handling

This raw material should be handled according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
Appropriate testing should be conducted prior to commercial formulation use.

7. Regulatory Notice

This material is supplied strictly as a raw cosmetic ingredient for further processing.

It is not a finished cosmetic product and is not sold for direct consumer application.

The purchaser is solely responsible for ensuring compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 or any other applicable legislation, including safety assessment, CPSR documentation, PIF compilation, stability testing, labeling, and market notification.

8. Interesting Facts About the Raw Material

• The oil is extracted exclusively from the seeds of Opuntia ficus-indica, not from the fruit pulp.
• Due to the small seed size, large quantities of fruit are required to produce a small amount of oil.
• The plant thrives in arid and semi-arid climates and is cultivated in regions including North Africa and the Mediterranean basin.
• Its naturally high linoleic acid content distinguishes it from many heavier vegetable oils.
• Cold pressing preserves the oil’s native lipid structure without solvent extraction.