Opuntia Coccinellifera Flower Extract is obtained from the flowers of the cactus Opuntia coccinellifera, which belongs to the Cactaceae family. 

Opuntia coccinellifera should not be confused with Opuntia ficus-indica. The species Opuntia coccinellifera and Opuntia ficus-indica both belong to the genus Opuntia, which is part of the family Cactaceae, but appear to have some key differences in appearance, use and habitat.

Rich in flavonoids, vitamins and minerals, it helps protect the skin from free radical damage and improves skin hydration. It is used in various skin care products, particularly in formulations intended to nourish, revitalize and calm the skin. It may also have beneficial effects on skin radiance and reduction of inflammation.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Opuntia is the name of a genus of plants, commonly known as prickly pears. It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is known for its resilience in arid environments.
• Coccinellifera means "bearing cochineal", referring to the ability of some species to host cochineal insects, from which carmine dye is derived.
• Flower extract indicates that the product is derived from the plant’s flowers, concentrating the active ingredients found in the flowers.

Industrial Production Process

• Flower collection. Opuntia Coccinellifera flowers are manually harvested during the blooming season to ensure the freshness and integrity of the flowers.
• Preparation. The collected flowers are cleaned and prepared for extraction by removing unnecessary parts and reducing them into smaller pieces to facilitate the extraction process.
• Extraction. The prepared flowers are immersed in a suitable solvent, such as water or an organic solvent, to extract active compounds. This can be achieved through methods like maceration or ultrasonic extraction.
• Filtration. After extraction, the solution is filtered to remove solid flower residues and isolate the liquid extract.
• Concentration. The filtered extract may be concentrated under vacuum or by evaporation to reduce the volume and increase the concentration of active compounds.
• Purification. Additional purification steps may be employed to refine the extract, enhancing the quality and purity of the final product.
• Stabilization. The extract can be stabilized by adding natural preservatives or other additives to extend its shelf life.
• Quality control. Before distribution, the extract undergoes quality checks to verify the concentration of active ingredients, purity, and safety for use in cosmetic applications.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics - INCI Functions

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

CAS   90082-21-6

EC number   290-109-1

Main uses and benefits of Opuntia Coccinellifera Flower Extract.

Deep Hydration. This extract is known for its ability to provide intense hydration, helping to keep the skin soft and smooth due to its high concentration of water and natural emollient substances.

Antioxidant Properties. It contains antioxidants (1) such as vitamin C and flavonoids, which help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and premature aging.

Soothing and Calming. It is ideal for soothing irritated or inflamed skin, making it a great ingredient for post-sun exposure products or for sensitive skin.

Skin Regeneration. It supports the skin's regeneration process (2), improving the appearance of scars and promoting a more even and radiant complexion.

Environmental Protection. It offers some protection against environmental aggressors like wind and pollution, which can dry out and damage the skin.

Versatility in Use. It can be incorporated into a variety of skincare products, including creams, serums, masks, and body products, to take advantage of its multiple benefits.

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Contino M, Leonardi C, Genovese C, Scalisi EM, Pecoraro R, Ignoto S, Failla C, Ferruggia G, Salvaggio A, Asero P, Calderaro P, Toscano V, Raccuia SA, Caruso G, Bracchitta G, Brundo MV. Antioxidant activity of two Opuntia Mill. species fruit extracts on human sperm quality after a freeze-thaw cycle. Nat Prod Res. 2023 Aug-Sep;37(16):2725-2731. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2022.2124984. 

Abstract. This study investigated the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of fruit extracts of Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw.(OD) and Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.(OFI), yellow (F1) and red (F2) varieties. In order to evaluate the antioxidant activity of these extracts on human sperm quality after thawing, the semen parameters (vitality, motility, acrosome reaction, oxidative stress, and DNA fragmentation) were analysed after 1 h of exposure. The results showed that OD has higher phenolic content and antioxidant power than OFI, and that they are higher in F2 than F1. Furthermore, regarding the activity of extracts on thawed sperm, the results showed a significant increase in motility in samples treated with OFI F1 and OD extracts, while an improvement in vitality and acrosome reaction and a reduction of DNA fragmentation were observed in all exposed samples compared to the control. Finally, a reduction of oxidative stress was observed in samples exposed to OFI F2 and OD than control.

(2) Madrigal-Santillán E, Portillo-Reyes J, Madrigal-Bujaidar E, Sánchez-Gutiérrez M, Izquierdo-Vega JA, Izquierdo-Vega J, Delgado-Olivares L, Vargas-Mendoza N, Álvarez-González I, Morales-González Á, Morales-González JA. Opuntia spp. in Human Health: A Comprehensive Summary on Its Pharmacological, Therapeutic and Preventive Properties. Part 2. Plants (Basel). 2022 Sep 6;11(18):2333. doi: 10.3390/plants11182333.

Abstract. Plants of the genus Opuntia spp are widely distributed in Africa, Asia, Australia and America. Specifically, Mexico has the largest number of wild species; mainly O. streptacantha, O. hyptiacantha, O. albicarpa, O. megacantha and O. ficus-indica. The latter being the most cultivated and domesticated species. Its main bioactive compounds include pigments (carotenoids, betalains and betacyanins), vitamins, flavonoids (isorhamnetin, kaempferol, quercetin) and phenolic compounds. Together, they favor the different plant parts and are considered phytochemically important and associated with control, progression and prevention of some chronic and infectious diseases. Part 1 collected information on its preventive actions against atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity, hepatoprotection, effects on human infertility and chemopreventive capacity. Now, this second review (Part 2), compiles the data from published research (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies) on its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerative, antimicrobial, antiviral potential and in the treatment of skin wounds. The aim of both reviews is to provide scientific evidences of its beneficial properties and to encourage health professionals and researchers to expand studies on the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Opuntia spp.