2023
StudyNot provided in brief.
Not provided in brief.
Topical application of this extract demonstrated notable effects on matrix proteins, inhibiting collagenase and elastase while helping support normal-appearing collagen fiber structure.
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem/Fruit Extract
Prickly Pear Cactus Extract is a powerful botanical active, offered by Formulate Labs as a standard or concentrated hydroglycerin stock, rich in water-binding polysaccharides and antioxidant phenolic compounds like piscidic and eucomic acids. Formulate Labs delivers a standardized Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem/Fruit Extract, differentiating from varied trade-name materials.
The iconic desert succulent known for its hydrating and protective properties.
Formulate Labs offers Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem/Fruit Extract, derived from the iconic Prickly Pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica), also known by trade names such as Prickly Pear Extract and Nopal Extract. While the plant is colloquially referred to as cactus or nopal, we provide the standardized INCI material, ensuring consistent performance for formulators, rather than specific supplier SKUs.
Dual mechanism: This multifunctional botanical active operates primarily through water-binding polysaccharides and mucilage, acting as potent humectants that enhance skin hydration, support the lipid barrier, and reduce transepidermal water loss. Concurrently, it's rich in antioxidant phenolic compounds, including piscidic and eucomic acids, which chelate iron to neutralize reactive oxygen species and help protect keratinocytes from environmental stressors like UVA exposure, while also contributing to a soothing effect by dampening neurosensory inputs.
Use levels: - Formulate Labs' Standard or Concentrated hydroglycerin stock is recommended at 0.5% – 5.0% of the final formulation, offering flexibility for various product types and desired intensity of effect.
Market context: - Formulate Labs positions its standardized Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem/Fruit Extract as a core multifunctional active for formulators who prioritize evidence-based performance. We differentiate from "AquaCacteen™-class" actives focused on neuro-cosmetic soothing, "OPUNTIA EXTRACT PNBN-class" materials emphasizing traditional heritage and hydrating benefits, and "Herbasol® Extract-class" actives competing on naturalness and specific carriers. Our offering highlights the broad utility of the INCI active over competitor-specific marketing stories.
We ship standard or concentrated extract stock with selectable preservation - ready to meter into finished formulas at the use rates in the formulation guide below.*
Formulate Labs provides the standardized INCI name material, not trade-name classes (e.g., AquaCacteen™, OPUNTIA EXTRACT PNBN, Herbasol® Extract).
Every lot is produced to order in our AI-powered robotic factory. Nothing sits on a warehouse shelf going stale - you get a date-of-manufacture-fresh batch every time.
* Structure/function statements based on published cosmetic in-vitro studies. Not evaluated for, and not intended to, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The efficacy of Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem/Fruit Extract in cosmetic applications is supported by several peer-reviewed studies. Research highlights its benefits in skin hydration, antioxidant protection against environmental stressors, and its role in supporting the skin's structural integrity. These are independent, third-party papers we link for formulators evaluating mechanism, tolerability, and published panel data. We did not conduct this research and do not guarantee replication in your finished formula.
Topical application of this extract demonstrated notable effects on matrix proteins, inhibiting collagenase and elastase while helping support normal-appearing collagen fiber structure.
Pre-treatment of human keratinocytes with the extract showed a significant protective effect against UVA-induced environmental stress, highlighting its antioxidant value against oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation.
An O/W nanoemulsion containing 1% Opuntia Ficus-Indica extract significantly increased stratum corneum water content, confirming its potent and sustained moisturizing capabilities and excellent thermal stability.
These citations are provided for informational and formulation-research purposes only. Study designs, concentrations, vehicle systems, and populations vary and may not match the extract stocks on this page. Published results do not constitute FDA or EU cosmetic claim substantiation for your brand. Always review the primary literature and consult your regulatory counsel before making structure/function statements on finished products.
Bulk composition at the selected Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem/Fruit Extract loading. Base carrier components scale proportionally when preservative is added; extract stays at the selected loading. Updates dynamically when you change base or preservation above. Full CAS disclosure is on the SDS/TDS for the selected variant (FL-OFI-W2-MBS4-5PCT-001).
SDS + TDS are issued per selected recipe. Links swap when you change selections above. A sample COA shows the standard extract QC panel (pH, organoleptic, TAMC/TYMC). Lot-specific COAs ship with every order.
We cook the raw botanical powder into the selected carrier. The botanical carries polar phenolics, flavonoid glycosides, and related extractable fractions. Those markers support antioxidant and skin-conditioning cosmetic stories. This is not a solvent isolate or a standardized marker extract. Lot identity appears on the COA and TDS.
This is a ready-to-use cosmetic extract stock, not a finished consumer product and not a standardized marker isolate. We cook the raw botanical powder into the selected hydroglycerin or oil carrier. Aqueous lots are released on pH, organoleptic, TAMC, and TYMC (total counts only). Oil macerates are released on organoleptic only. A sample COA is on this page; the lot-specific COA ships with the order.
Download sample Certificate of AnalysisStatements contained on this page (including any marked with *) have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This product is a cosmetic raw material and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.