Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract

Hydrolyzed _Opuntia ficus-indica_ flower extract is also known as prickly pear or barbary fig. This desert-dwelling plant is native to Mexico, but now grows in numerous countries around the world. It’s an incredibly hardy, robust plant, able to grow in conditions where water is often or always scarce. As such, it’s an important crop in arid, dry areas. Research has shown that this plant and its flowers are very good sources of antioxidants, many of which have a potent soothing effect on skin. The pulp, seed, stem, and peel of this _Opuntia ficus-indica_ contain skin-beneficial minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium as well as trace minerals like manganese, zinc, and copper. Vitamins C, E, and K are also present throughout this plant, as are various amino acids and antioxidant compounds such as gallic acid, various flavonoids (quercetin), lignans, and stilbenes, all of which help enhance skin’s environmental defenses in the face of aggressors like pollution and UV light. Specific to the flower portion of this plant, it’s not only a robust source of polyphenol and flavonoid antioxidants but contains antimicrobial compounds that may play a role in helping to visibly repair damaged skin. The flowers also contain hydrating polysaccharides (complex sugars).