Weleda has launched the Prickly Pear Cactus Collection, a hydrating skincare range created using the brand’s first ever patented process for a plant extract.

The formulations have been clinically proven to increase hydration levels and prevent trans-epidermal water loss, helping to maintain a healthy skin barrier.

In addition, the range performed exceptionally well in a consumer survey conducted by Beauty Bible, with 93% of users agreeing that the products gave their skin a long-lasting moisture boost.

Prickly Pear Cactus Extract was selected by Weleda for its water binding and water storage properties. A natural alternative to hyaluronic acid, it is scientifically proven that its water-storing properties are even more effective. Weleda makes its own prickly pear cactus extract on-house, using a patent-pending process that processes the dried cactus leaves to extract the mucilage, which contains the highest level of hydrating agents from the plant.

Six years in the making, this new facial skincare line includes four hydrating heroes for the face and eyes: Prickly Pear Cactus 24h Hydrating Facial Cream, 24h Hydrating Facial Lotion; Hydrating Eye Gel; and Hydrating Facial Mist.

Weleda’s in-house perfumers developed a subtle fragrance for the products, combining essential oils of green mandarin, palmarosa and peppermint to give an uplifting, refreshing experience. The range is packaged in a variety of recycled and recyclable tubes dependent on specific formulation requirements, and the formulas are NATRUE-certified genuinely natural.

The Weleda Prickly Pear Cactus range is available at Superdrug and weleda.co.uk, RRP from £14.95.