Also known as Egyptian black cumin, Nigella sativa is an aromatic plant bearing black seeds similar to poppy seeds, from which an oil can be extracted. This oil is prized in cosmetics and is incorporated into the formulation of numerous skincare treatments. Which ones? We offer an overview of cosmetic products based on Nigella.
Cosmetics: Nigella sativa–based skincare treatments.
Summary
Published on February 5, 2026, updated on February 5, 2026, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 9 min of reading
Themes:
Why is nigella so prized in cosmetics?
The black cumin (Nigella sativa) has been used for centuries in the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia in both culinary and phytotherapeutic contexts. In cosmetics, it is primarily the nigella seed oil, obtained by cold pressing, which has attracted attention. Predominantly composed of fatty acids, it also contains bioactive compounds like thymoquinone and various phytosterols. This biological wealth is responsible for the emollient, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of nigella oil, which explain its value in formulations dedicated to sensitive or redness-prone skin.
The use of black cumin seed oil does not stop there, and this vegetable oil is also included in the INCI list of hair care ingredients (Nigella Sativa Seed Oil). In this context, black cumin seed oil helps to soften the hair fibers by forming a protective film around their surface and protecting the scalp. However, its effects depend heavily on its concentration, quality, and the way it is incorporated into the formulation.
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Nigella seed oil and cosmetics: in which skincare products can it be found?
The nigella seed oil can be used alone, combined with other oils, or with other active ingredients in skin and hair care. For this latter option, this ingredient is incorporated into several formulations, among others:
Makeup removers with black seed oil.
In the makeup-removing oils, nigella oil is incorporated for its affinity for lipids and its notable lipid profile, capable of solubilizing makeup, sebum, and certain UV filters. The principle of oil cleansing is based on the following rule: "like dissolves like." The lipids in the formulation capture pigments and lipophilic impurities on the skin’s surface while minimizing skin dehydration.
However, it is important to distinguish between a formulated cleansing oil and a pure vegetable oil.
Contrary to popular belief, a single plant oil used on its own cannot effectively remove makeup from the skin. In the absence of surfactants or emulsifiers, the oil will indeed dissolve makeup, but cannot be properly rinsed off with water. It then leaves a greasy film that can trap impurities on the skin’s surface. In contrast, cleansing oils combine plant oils, such as black cumin oil, with emulsifying agents capable of transforming the oil into a milky emulsion upon contact with water, thereby ensuring an effective rinse that respects the skin barrier
Soaps formulated with Nigella sativa seed oil.
In soaps and cleansing bars, black seed oil is valued for its ability to support the skin barrier while preserving the product’s cleansing function. Rich in fatty acids, it contributes to limiting insensible water loss induced by washing and maintaining the cohesion of the hydrolipidic film. Black seed oil in soaps can thus help reduce the tight, pulling sensation often associated with cleansers. These soaps are frequently intended for skin prone to redness, owing to the soothing and anti-inflammatory properties attributed to the thymoquinone in black seed oil.
The serums with nigella oil.
Black cumin oil serums most often come in the form of oil-based serums, sometimes combined with other plant oils or liposoluble active ingredients. Their fluid texture generally offers good affinity with the hydrolipidic film of the skin. Unlike creams, these serums contain no water and are primarily intended to nourish and protect the skin, rather than strictly hydrate it.
The facial creams with Nigella sativa oil.
Black cumin oil facial creams combine this vegetable oil with an aqueous phase and emulsifying agents, resulting in textures that are lighter than oil-based serums. In this type of formula, black cumin oil primarily functions to support the skin barrier, reduce transepidermal water loss, and provide a soothing effect for reactive skin. It is often incorporated into creams intended for sensitive or redness-prone skin, complementing hydrating actives such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, for example.
The masks with Nigella sativa seed oil.
Nigella oil masks are most often formulated to be nourishing and calming, delivering targeted relief to compromised skin. Incorporated into a creamy or gelled base, Nigella oil helps reinforce the skin barrier and soothe sensations of heat or discomfort. Once again, this type of treatment is often aimed at reactive or redness-prone skin. These masks are used once or twice a week on cleansed skin. Some can be left on overnight to replace moisturizer, while others must be rinsed off.
Nigella oil scrubs.
Although black seed oil does not have exfoliating properties (it is not keratolytic and does not come in the form of micro-granules capable of mechanically removing dead cells), it is sometimes included in scrubs. Here it helps to reduce the discomfort that can sometimes be associated with scrubbing and leave the skin more supple after rinsing. Thus, these formulations aim to combine an exfoliating action with a nourishing and soothing effect, so that the skin is not only freed from dead cells but also feels more comfortable and softer to the touch.
The shampoos containing Nigella sativa seed oil.
The role played by nigella seed oil in shampoos is essentially the same as in skin cleansers. The efficacy of shampoos depends on surfactants, which are able to remove sebum and impurities from the scalp but can also have an irritating effect. Nigella seed oil helps to counterbalance this effect by supplying lipids that help maintain the hydrolipidic film and reduce the sensation of tightness. Thanks to its soothing properties, it is also valued in shampoos formulated for sensitive or itchy scalps, and, even though it is a vegetable oil, it does not weigh hair down when the formula is well balanced.
The hair care with Nigella sativa oil.
In hair care, black seed oil is mainly found in hair length masks or leave-in nourishing treatments. Its richness in fatty acids enables it to encapsulate the hair fiber and improve hair suppleness. It can be used pure as an oil bath applied before shampooing, but when incorporated into a mask or hair treatment, it is typically blended with other vegetable oils and conditioning agents that complement its action and enhance distribution on the hair for a more uniform result.
The lip care with black cumin seed oil.
The lips constitute a particularly fragile area: their skin is thin and low in sebaceous glands and thus vulnerable to dehydration and chapping. Incorporated into lip balms or oils, nigella oil helps nourish the lips and to compensate for their natural lack of hydration.
Sources
HOSSEINZADEH H. & al. Dermatological effects of Nigella sativa and its constituent, thymoquinone: A review. Nuts and Seeds in Health and Disease Prevention (2020).
KHACHEMOUNE A. & al. A review of Nigella sativa plant-based therapy in dermatology. International Journal of Dermatology (2021).
NEHETE J. & al. Nigella sativa: A comprehensive review on its history, traditional uses, adulteration, allied species, phytochemistry, and applications in cosmetics. Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine (2025).
