Beat the Summer Heat and Stay Hydrated with Cactus-Inspired Skincare and Wellness
- Ethos Day Spa
- 2 days ago
- 9 min read
Cactus, particularly prickly pear (Opuntia) and other desert cacti, are the rising stars in the skincare world. The overall benefits of cactus plants offer a unique and elevated experience, whether it's a visit to the Spa or your everyday skincare routine. Adding cactus to the mix can be life changing.
Cactus plant benefits, cactus leaf benefits, and more specifically nopal cactus benefits reside within the cactus extracts. Specifically, fatty acids, betalains, and polyphenols are the stars extracted to maximize the benefits cactus can offer.
Nopal Cactus Skincare Benefits:
Betalains: powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory, wound healing, skin barrier enhancing and skin-brightening effects.
Strong Antioxidant Protection
Betalains neutralize free radicals, which are the main cause of oxidative stress and accelerate skin ageing. Betalains have shown they have higher antioxidant activity than many vitamins and polyphenols, helping prevent:
Premature wrinkles
Sun damage
Hyperpigmentation
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Inflammation can be a large contributor to acne, rosacea, and eczema. Betalains promote anti-inflammatory enzymes which aid in reducing redness, which makes them ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Skin Brightening Incentives
Betalains inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, helping to fade dark spots and promoting a more evenly toned complexion.
Wound Healing
Betalains can help to stimulate collagen synthesis while increasing skin regeneration, making them impactful in the healing of post-acne marks and minor scars. (Not Suitable for Open Wounds-Avoid applying high-concentration betalain extracts on broken skin. It may irritate.)
Hydration And Skin Barrier Support
Betalain-rich extracts in the cactus prickly pear contain mucilage, a natural, plant-based hydrator that locks in moisture and helps to strengthen the skin barrier.
Fatty Acids: cactus fruits, pulp, seed and particularly prickly pear peel are rich in linolenic, oleic and palmitic acids. High levels of omega-6 linoleic acid occur in cactus seed oil specifically.
Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is essential for human health and cannot be produced by humans. This fatty acid needs to be obtained through diet and/or application to the skin. These Fatty acids have anti-ageing properties, can aid in the reduction of acne in acne prone skin, increase hydration and moisture within the skin and overall strengthen the skin barrier.
Polyphenols: organic molecule compounds that are usually byproducts of plant metabolism. Polyphenols have shown high antioxidant potential, invoking health benefits such as the prevention of inflammation, cardiovascular dysregulation and neurodegenerative diseases. Polyphenols have also proven anticancer activity. Polyphenols found in Cactus plants are mainly flavonoids and phenolic acids.
Breakdown of Cactus Benefits:
Increasing hydration in the skin, focusing on locking in moisture.
Increasing levels of antioxidants-Polyphenols specifically in the skin and body to fight off free radicals, boost overall immune health and help to slow the effects of aging on the skin.
Providing nourishment and protection against environmental stressors like sun exposure and air pollution.
Amping up anti-inflammatory action to provide relief with redness and irritation of the skin.
Enhancing Skin-Barrier protection which creates moisture retention and defuses the absorption of free radicals within the skin.
Cactus-infused skincare products often include serums and oils, which provide deep hydration and nourishment for sensitive, dry, acne prone, or ageing skin types.
Featured Products from Farmhouse Fresh
A whipped, microbiome boosting cleanser!
Feel the day wash away with this whipped gel cleanser. Refreshing, fruity-fresh and oh-so-gentle, removing makeup and impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Packed with probiotic coconut suds, juicy cactus pear seed oil, and hydrating hyaluronic acid, it leaves your skin perfectly balanced and ultra-hydrated. Perfect for all skin types!
Why you’ll love it:
This cleanser transforms from a silky gel to a luxurious foamy lather that deeply cleanses without stripping your skin. Infused with organic cactus pear seed oil and probiotics, it replenishes hydration and supports your skin’s microbiome, leaving you feeling refreshed and balanced. With a soft, fruity scent, it turns your daily skincare routine into an invigorating escape. Gentle yet effective, it’s perfect for all skin types—even the most sensitive!
BENEFITS:
Probiotic Coconut Cleansing – a mild, natural cleansing and nourishing foam with probiotics that support the skin’s microbiome for healthier-looking skin.
Organic Cactus Pear Seed Oil – visibly calms and brightens the look of skin. Rich in antioxidant vitamin E, linoleic acid, plus vitamin K and zinc to nourish.
Hyaluronic Acid − has the unique ability to retain water to give a smoother, younger-looking complexion.
Beta-Glucan & Bisabolol – a soothing blend for sensitive skin that helps visibly reduce the look of redness.
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract – contains polyphenols that are potent antioxidants.
FHF-grown Hyssop Extract – provides skin-toning and hydrating benefits.
Rejuvenating lips with fruity-sweet hydration. Packed with antioxidants like shea butter, organic FHF-grown “rainbow sprinkles” extract, plus niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to restore the look of dry, cracked lips as you sleep.
Why you'll love it:
This overnight lip mask contains a nourishing jelly cocktail of antioxidants, including cactus pear seed oil, plant-based candelilla wax, rich shea butter, and organic FHF-grown “Rainbow Sprinkles” extract. Plus, replenishing niacinamide and hyaluronic acid provide soothing rejuvenation to plump and restore dry, cracked lips as you sleep. The result? Fruity-sweet, supple lips that are utterly soft and kissable!
Made from botanical oils that are rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, including safflower & jojoba seed oil – plus an advanced peptide for lip elasticity and bounce. Smooth generously on lips before bed or whenever a heavy dose of moisture is needed. For best results, use our lip polish prior to application.
BENEFITS:
Advanced Peptide – helps with the appearance of enhanced lip elasticity and youthful volume.
Cactus Pear Seed Oil – rich in antioxidant vitamin E, linoleic acid, plus vitamin K and zinc to nourish.
Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) – has the unique ability to attract and retain water, giving you smoother, fuller-looking lips.
Shea Butter – an excellent skin conditioning agent that helps reduce the look of wrinkles through deep penetration of vitamins A & E, helping improve skin elasticity and aiding skin in retaining its own moisture.
Candelilla Wax – a shrub native to Texas, with leaves and stems that are protected from scorching temps, environmental influences and water loss, by its outer wax
Organic FHF-grown “Rainbow Sprinkles” (Rainbow Chard & Beet Extracts) – offer a wealth of vitamins K, C and provitamin A - antioxidants that nourish lips.
Pomegranate Extract – full of antioxidants that can help improve the appearance of aging.
Vitamin E – an antioxidant that protects the lips and helps keep them moisturized.
Watch your complexion come alive with an instant surge of silky hydration and a dramatic bounce-back effect. Wrinkles and fine lines? Plumped away! Powered by our groundbreaking 6-peptide complex and a first-of-its-kind marine-inspired vegan collagen polypeptide – 100% animal-free and crafted through precision fermentation – this serum delivers a healthy-looking bounce that lasts.
Why you’ll love it:
Experience instant silky hydration and a dramatic bounceback! *90% agree skin looks improved + feels healthier, softer and more supple. Our 6-peptide complex plumps away wrinkles and fine lines for a youthful-looking bounce. Fermented snow mushroom extracts and hyaluronic acid quench for a smooth, supple glow. Organic cactus pear seed oil and cica extract visibly replenish your skin's moisture barrier for a healthier-looking complexion you’ll love!
BENEFITS:
6 Peptide Complex with Vegan Marine Collagen – revitalizes the look of skin’s bounce and suppleness, plumping away the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Fermented Snow Mushroom Extracts – known as nature’s "moisture magnet," they deeply hydrate the skin from within, leaving it looking plump and supple.
Organic Cactus Pear Seed Oil – visibly calms and brightens the look of skin. Rich in antioxidant vitamin E, linoleic acid, plus vitamin K and zinc to nourish.
Probiotic (Saccharomyces Lysate Extract) – probiotic yeast that undergoes fermentation; its postbiotic attributes help support the skin’s microbiome to support healthier-looking skin.
Centella Asiatica (Cica) Leaf Extract – helps restore your skin's moisture barrier.
Hyaluronic Acid − has the unique ability to retain water to give a smoother, younger looking complexion.
FHF-grown Crimson Clover Extract – antioxidant that helps visibly soothe, smooth & improve the look of skin texture.
A silky oasis for supple skin!
Accepted by the National Eczema Association, this plush, milky water cream is unscented and perfect for sensitive skin. Packed with skin-restoring ceramides and peptides, it floods skin with silky-light moisture, comforting and supporting your natural skin barrier. Experience a fast-absorbing, silky oasis loved by all skin types, especially sensitive skin!
Why you’ll love it:
Cactus Comfort™ is your holy grail for supple, silky-light, fast-absorbing moisture without a greasy feel! *In just 14 days, 3 out of 4 agreed skin looked improved – healthier, smoother, soft & supple – while 80% felt hydrated all day long.
Skin-restoring ceramides and peptides help support your natural skin barrier while visibly improving the look of skin elasticity and firmness—for a smoother, healthier-looking you! Boosted with organic cactus pear extract and hyaluronic acid, it floods skin with 24-hour moisture and defends against dryness. Your complexion is left beautifully quenched and revitalized. Plus, fermented pomegranate extract and niacinamide work together to visibly reduce the look of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots – revealing a smooth and radiant transformation.
BENEFITS:
Ceramides – play a vital role in supporting the skin’s moisture barrier, keeping hydration in and harmful pollutants out.
Firming Peptides – help visibly improve the look of skin elasticity & firmness.
Organic Cactus Pear Extract – visibly calms and brightens the look of skin. Rich in antioxidant vitamin E, linoleic acid, plus vitamin K and zinc to nourish.
Hyaluronic Acid − has the unique ability to retain water to create a smoother, younger-looking complexion.
Niacinamide – a top vitamin for nourishing and replenishing the look of skin.
Fermented Pomegranate Extract – helps visibly reduce the look of wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines, while supporting skin firmness.
FHF-grown Cucumber Extract – rich in vitamin C and caffeic acid, an antioxidant that can help improve the look of skin texture.
Cactus Inspired Spa Treatment
Cactus or ‘Hakali’ massage -utilizes a combination of indigenous flora, sage, or tequila body lotion, and local massage techniques originating in Mexico and named by the local Huichol Indians. ‘Hakali’ or Nopal Cactus is the main ingredient used in this type of massage highlighting the antioxidant healing properties and Nopal Cactus benefits.
The thorns are pulled out from the Nopal cactus paddles before being heated in warm water. The paddles are then used to knead tired muscles creating an Anit-inflammatory effect.
The paddles canHakali also be cut in half, exposing a gooey interior which is rich in antioxidants and can be used to massage your body. Removing toxins and hydrating your skin, leaving your body and skin rejuvenated and calm.
Nopal Wellness Benefits
Nopal, also known as the prickly pear cacti, is packed with elevated levels of nutrients, omega fatty acids, and fiber. This remarkable desert plant has been utilized for thousands of years due to its therapeutic and medicinal properties.
Nopal is typically found in the southwestern regions of the United States and in Mexico. The flat nopal cactus pads can be eaten when the plant is young. When the cactus is older, the nopal becomes too tough to eat.
Several ways nopal cactus can be used include being used in jellies and candies or even as an aid to help harden plaster.
There are also several homeopathic uses for prickly pear cacti, thanks to its many health benefits.
When ingested, Nopal is known to have the following benefits:
Boosted Immune System
Nerve Cell Protection
Regulating Digestion
Increasing Metabolism
Providing Fatigue Management and Support
Promote Weight Loss
Curing a Hangover
Lowering Cholesterol
If raw Nopal plants aren’t your favorite flavor and texture profile, there are other ways to obtain the natural wellness benefits that Nopal has to offer:
✽ Nopal Cactus Powder
✽ Nopal Cactus Herbal Supplements
✽ Nopal Cactus Tea
Nopal Cactus benefits can be experienced from your skincare routine to your diet; there are so many ways you can adopt and incorporate the nopal plant into your life and reap the rewards from all the benefits it brings to the table. Book your next Hakali’ massage to promote relaxation and reduce inflammation or elevate your breakfast routine with a prickly pear-inspired smoothie to boost your immune system while promoting healthy digestion. Nopal is here to stay and keep you hydrated and healthy!
References
FarmHouse Fresh. (n.d.). Cactus pear. https://farmhousefreshgoods.com/products/cactus-pear?_pos=1&_sid=d78ccabf0&_ss=r
FarmHouse Fresh. (n.d.). Sweet Cactus pear. https://farmhousefreshgoods.com/products/sweet-cactus-pear?_pos=2&_sid=d78ccabf0&_ss=r
FarmHouse Fresh. (n.d.). Cactus CloudSilkTM. https://farmhousefreshgoods.com/products/cactus-cloudsilk-serum?_pos=3&_sid=d78ccabf0&_ss=r
FarmHouse Fresh. (n.d.). Cactus ComfortTM. https://farmhousefreshgoods.com/products/cactus-comfort?_pos=4&_sid=d78ccabf0&_ss=r
Cactus vs Aloe Vera for Skin: Which Ingredient is Right For Your Skin’s Needs? (2025, February 21). Naturopathica. https://www.naturopathica.com/blogs/news/cactus-vs-aloe-vera-for-skin
Sharma, P. (2025, May 8). Betalains for skin: Benefits, uses, and products You should try. Netmeds. https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/betalains-for-skin-benefits-uses-and-products-you-should-try?srsltid=AfmBOorymdLo7EsM5eUvivSt9KWq8DX7o9L2SdWSuP1EG_Rfd5JPtGBp
El-Mostafa, K., Kharrassi, Y. E., Badreddine, A., Andreoletti, P., Vamecq, J., Kebbaj, M. E., Latruffe, N., Lizard, G., Nasser, B., & Cherkaoui-Malki, M. (2014). Nopal Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) as a Source of Bioactive Compounds for Nutrition, Health and Disease. Molecules, 19(9), 14879–14901. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules190914879
Desk, D. (2023, February 20). The benefits of linoleic acid for skin: Doctor’s guide. Clinikally. https://www.clinikally.com/blogs/news/linoleic-acid-skin-benefits
Wmit, S. (2022, April 8). Trending – Hakali / Cactus massage. Hydro International College. https://www.hydroint.co.za/trending-hakali-cactus-massage/
Gotter, A. (2017, May 26). Nopal cactus: benefits and uses. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/nopal
OmniHotels. (2020, April 13). Cactus-inspired self-care. Unpacked. https://www.omnihotels.com/blog/cactus-inspired-self-care/
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