CAS Number 90064-32-7
INCI Name Nigella Sativa Seed Oil
Nigella Sativa Oil (black seed oil) is value in personal care for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits. Rich in essential nutrients, it nourishes skin, treats acne, and hydrates without clogging pores. It also strengthens and adds shine to hair, offering a natural, multi-benefit solution rooted in traditional wellness.
Purpose
Nigella Sativa Oil offers multiple cosmetic benefits, acting as an antimicrobial agent to help reduce bacteria and prevent skin irritation, while its rich antioxidant content protects against free radical damage and environmental stressors. Its natural, mildly herbal aroma adds a subtle perfuming touch to formulations, enhancing product appeal. Additionally, it serves as an effective skin conditioning ingredient, nourishing, softening, and revitalizing the skin for a smoother, healthier appearance.
Origin
Black seed oil is derive from the Nigella Sativa plant, native to Western Asia and Eastern Europe. The tiny black seeds undergo careful extraction, typically through cold pressing or steam distillation, to retain their valuable bioactive compounds. The resulting oil has a rich amber hue and a distinct, spicy fragrance.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Black Seed Oil (Black Cumin Seed Oil) |
| Type | Natural plant oil |
| Source | Seeds of Nigella Sativa plant |
| Color | Deep amber to dark brown |
| Odor | Warm, spicy, herbaceous |
| Physical State | Liquid |
| Melting Point | -5°C |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water, soluble in oils |
| Concentration | Typically used at 1–10% in formulations |
Rich in Thymoquinone
Nigella Sativa Oil is notably high in thymoquinone, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. This bioactive component helps protect the skin from environmental damage, reduces signs of inflammation, and supports overall skin resilience and repair.
Multi-Functional Active
This versatile oil serves multiple roles in cosmetic formulations. It acts as an antimicrobial agent to help combat bacteria, an antioxidant to defend against oxidative stress, a skin conditioning ingredient to nourish and soften, and a natural perfuming agent with its distinctive earthy, spicy aroma.
Non-Comedogenic Nature
Despite its rich composition, black seed oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it moisturizes and conditions the skin without blocking pores. This makes it especially beneficial for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin types, offering hydration without the risk of breakouts.
Distinct Aroma and Appearance
Nigella Sativa Oil is recognize by its deep amber color and warm, spicy, herbaceous scent. Its natural fragrance enhances the sensory experience of personal care formulations without the need for synthetic perfumes.
High in Essential Fatty Acids
It contains a nourishing balance of omega-6 (linoleic acid) and omega-9 (oleic acid) fatty acids. These essential lipids help reinforce the skin’s natural barrier, improve moisture retention, and promote a smoother, healthier-looking complexion.
Anti-Acne and Skin Soothing Properties
With its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions, Nigella Sativa Oil effectively calms irritated skin, reduces redness, and manages active acne. Its soothing properties promote a balanced, clearer, and healthier skin appearance.
Supports Hair Health
In haircare, this oil strengthens and revitalizes hair strands, adds natural shine, and minimizes hair fall. Its nutrient-rich profile nourishes the scalp, supporting stronger, thicker, and healthier hair growth over time.
Traditional and Modern Value
With roots in centuries-old traditional medicine and growing demand in modern cosmetic science, Nigella Sativa Oil bridges natural wellness and contemporary skincare. Its proven therapeutic benefits make it a staple in both holistic and dermatological formulations.
Natural Preservative Benefits
Thanks to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, black seed oil contributes to the preservation of cosmetic products. It helps protect formulations against microbial contamination and oxidative degradation, naturally supporting product stability and shelf life.
Storage
Nigella Sativa Oil should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Exposure to light, air, and high temperatures can degrade its bioactive compounds, particularly thymoquinone, reducing its potency and aroma over time. It’s best kept in tightly sealed, dark-colored glass bottles or other UV-protective containers to preserve its quality and prevent oxidation.
Shelf Life
When stored under proper conditions, Nigella Sativa Oil typically has a shelf life of 18 to 24 months from the date of production. Over time, its color may deepen slightly, and its natural aroma might mellow, but it generally remains safe and effective within this period. For optimal benefits in skincare and haircare formulations, it’s recommended to use the oil within 12 to 18 months after opening.
Applications in Skincare
Facial Oils & Serums
Nigella Sativa Oil is widely used in facial oils and serums for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. It helps calm irritated skin, reduce redness, combat acne, and protect against environmental damage, while providing lightweight nourishment without clogging pores.
Acne Treatment Products
Thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action, black seed oil is a popular addition to spot treatments, acne control creams, and skin-soothing gels. It helps manage breakouts, control excess sebum, and accelerate skin healing.
Moisturizers & Lotions
In hydrating products like creams, lotions, and balms, it offers deep moisturization, softening the skin and improving its texture. Its essential fatty acids strengthen the skin barrier, reducing dryness and flakiness while keeping the skin supple.
Anti-Aging Formulations
Nigella Sativa Oil’s antioxidant-rich profile makes it suitable for anti-aging skincare products, including night creams, serums, and eye treatments. It helps neutralize free radicals, minimize fine lines, and maintain skin elasticity.
Soothing Balms & Masks
Its calming and skin-conditioning properties make it ideal for sensitive skin formulations, such as post-sun exposure balms, soothing face masks, and redness-relief treatments. It eases inflammation, relieves itching, and promotes a balanced complexion.
Body Oils & Massage Blends
In body care, black seed oil is incorporated into nourishing body oils and massage blends to soften, soothe, and hydrate the skin, while its natural fragrance offers a subtle, therapeutic sensory experience.
Lip Care Products
Due to its moisturizing and healing qualities, Nigella Sativa Oil is used in lip balms and lip oils to treat dry, chapped lips and protect them from environmental damage.
After-Shave and Post-Wax Care
Its soothing, antimicrobial nature makes it suitable for use in after-shave lotions and post-wax care products to calm irritation, reduce redness, and prevent ingrown hairs.