The stem of the prickly pear cactus, listed as a humectant and conditioning ingredient.
What it is
Opuntia ficus-indica stem is, according to CosIng, the stem of the prickly pear cactus, Opuntia ficus-indica, of the cactus family (Cactaceae); the flattened stem segments are known as cladodes. CosIng lists it as a hair-conditioning, humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient.
Where it is used
Appears on the ingredient lists of a small number of products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
The INCI name does not show in what form the stem material was used. As a natural material, its composition can vary between batches.
Functions
- Hair conditioning
- Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.
- Humectant
- Retaining and/or preserving the moisture in a product during use.
- Skin conditioning
- Maintaining the skin in good condition.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.