Consumer acceptability of cold-pressed cactus pear seed oils (Opuntia ficus-indica and Opuntia robusta) in comparison to other cold-pressed common functional vegetable oils and their formulated cosmetic emulsion creams

Sensory evaluation is crucial for assessing emulsion properties and improving formulations to meet consumer expectations.
Until recently, no studies have explored South African consumers’ familiarity with cactus pear seed oil.
Unlike argan and marula oils, which are already commercialized in South Africa, cactus pear seed oil remains relatively unknown.
This study aims to explore consumers’ sensory perceptions of two cactus pear seed oil species (Opuntia ficus-indica and Opuntia robusta) compared to other common vegetable oils and their formulated cosmetic creams.
Five cold-pressed vegetable oil samples were selected: cactus pear seed oil (Opuntia ficus-indica and Opuntia robusta), argan oil, marula oil, and extra virgin olive oil.
Oil-in-water emulsion creams were formulated using each of these oils.
Firstly, 100 untrained panelists (aged 18-65) assessed the vegetable oils, while 105 similar panelists evaluated the formulated creams.
An analysis form, presented on a computer screen, contained instructions and a 9-point hedonic scale for each attribute.
Sensory analysis of the five vegetable oil samples showed cactus pear seed oil (Opuntia robusta) was moderately preferred for colour.
Argan oil was slightly preferred for aroma, while all oil samples were moderately liked for smoothness.
Cactus pear seed oil (Opuntia ficus-indica), argan oil, and marula oil were moderately liked for their moisturizing effect, and all oils were slightly liked for oiliness.
Argan and marula oils were highly preferred for overall acceptability.
For the cream formulations, the colour of the argan oil cream was highly appreciated, with the remaining samples being moderately liked.
The aroma of cactus pear seed oil (Opuntia ficus-indica) cream was slightly liked, while other formulations were moderately liked.
All cream samples were moderately liked for smoothness, moisturizing effect, and overall acceptability.
Cactus pear seed oil (Opuntia robusta) cream was slightly liked for oiliness, while others were moderately liked.

XI International Congress on Cacti as Food, Fodder and Other Uses

K. Nematshema, M. de Wit, A. Hugo, J. van Niekerk, B. van Rooyen

sensory, 9-point hedonic scale,smoothness, industry, expensive

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2026.1452.35