In cosmetics, there is a proliferation of brands that promise to rejuvenate the skin on our faces, but most products contain ingredients that are poor in hydration or even toxic or harmful to our hormones or the environment.
We all want to have elastic, luminous skin, but choosing which product to choose from the many options is not easy.
Leaving aside the brands of creams, serums or similar, in this article we have made a detailed comparison of the most effective pure and organic essential oils in terms of their properties. Moisturising, nourishing and anti-wrinkle.

We have also analysed their potential defects or toxicity levels to determine which is best for anti-ageing skin care.
Property | Castor | Argan | Prickly Pear | Cacay | Rosehip | Shea butter |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hydration | Medium-high (occlusive, water retaining) | High (fast absorption) | Very high (light texture) | Very high (penetrating) | High (moisturises without greasing) | Very high (intensely nourishing) |
Nutrition | Ricinoleic acid, vitamin E | Omega-6, omega-9, tocopherols | Sterols, vitamin K, omega-6 and 9 | Natural retinol, omega-6, tocopherols | Essential fatty acids, vitamin C and vitamin A | Rich in fatty acids, vitamins A and E |
Anti-wrinkle effect | Low (softens by hydration) | Moderate-high (antioxidant) | High (great cell regenerator) | Very high (contains three times more retinol than rosehip) | High (natural retinoids and regenerator) | Moderate (protects and repairs, but without retinol) |
Texture and Absorption | Dense, sticky | Lightweight, fast absorbing | Very light, quickly absorbed | Light and silky | Lightweight, non-greasy | Thick and creamy, slower to be absorbed |
Regenerative Power | Under | Medium | Very high | Very high | Very high | Moderate-high |
Defects or Toxicity | May clog pores, not suitable for oily skin. | Can be adulterated with low quality oils | High cost of production, may irritate sensitive skins | May be irritating to very sensitive skin due to retinol. | Oxidises quickly if not stored properly | Can be comedogenic on oily skin, dense texture |



Comparative analysis by category
1. Best moisturiser
Winner: Shea butter. Maximum hydration and nutrition, ideal for dry skin.
Finalists: Prickly Pear and Cacay. Highly moisturising without feeling greasy.
2. More nutritious
Winner: Cacay. Contains natural retinol, omega-6 and tocopherols.
Finalists: Rosehip and Argan. Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants.
3. Better anti-wrinkle power
Winner: Cacay. Three times more retinol than rosehip, stimulates collagen.
Finalists: Rosehip and Prickly Pear. Powerful cell regenerators.
4. Softer and less irritating
Winner: Argan and Shea Butter. Suitable for sensitive skin.
Finalist: Rosehip. Gentle, but oxidises quickly.
5. Less recommended for oily skin
Castor and Shea Butter. Dense texture, may clog pores in oily skin.

Which is the best for anti-ageing?
- For mature skin with marked wrinkles: Cacay (higher concentration of retinol).
- For dry and dehydrated skin: Shea Butter and Prickly Pear (Maximum hydration).
- For sensitive skin: Argan or Rosehip (Nourishment without irritation).
- For a daily regenerative treatment: Rosehip or Prickly Pear.
In short, if you want an eternally youthful face without using chemical products with adverse effects and save on the purchase of several cosmetic products to achieve the same result, the best option is to use pure essential oil of Cacay: maximum anti-wrinkle power, high hydration and nutrition.
