For hair and scalp
As an oil treatment, it nourishes a dry scalp and coats the lengths. Blended with other oils, it makes rich hair care with a distinctive spicy scent.
Plant oilMoroccan heritage
Black seed oil
Nigella a white flower with blue highlights.
Its seed pod holds dozens of seeds.
The black seeds sanouj, cold-pressed.
The oil amber, intense, precious.
INCI · NIGELLA SATIVA SEED OILCreate my black seed range
- INCI name
- NIGELLA SATIVA SEED OIL
- Other names
- Nigella oil, black cumin oil, habba sawda, sanouj
- Family
- Plant oil
- Part used
- Seeds, cold-pressed
- Grades
- Conventional and organic
- Areas
- Hair, scalp, face, body
In brief
Black seed oil in 30 seconds
By the Carmel Cosmetics Labs R&D team · updated October 2, 2026
- INCI nameNIGELLA SATIVA SEED OIL
- Also callednigella oil, black cumin oil, habba sawda, sanouj in Morocco
- For hairnourishes the scalp and dry lengths
- For skinrich in omega-6, for dry or blemish-prone skin
- Compositionover 80% unsaturated fatty acids, including about 55% linoleic acid
( A )WHAT IT IS
What is black seed oil?
Black seed oil, also called nigella oil or black cumin oil, is a plant oil cold-pressed from the black seeds of Nigella sativa. Very rich in linoleic acid (omega-6) and containing thymoquinone, it is used in cosmetics to nourish the scalp and dry hair and to care for dry or blemish-prone skin.
Typical average values from the scientific literature. They vary by seed origin and batch; the certificate of analysis for each batch is the reference.
Black seed oil or essential oil: the difference
Black seed carrier oil
Cold-pressed seeds. A rich amber oil, used neat or as a base. This is the one in our products.
Black seed essential oil
Volatile fraction obtained by distillation, highly concentrated in thymoquinone. It is never applied neat to the skin.
( B )ITS BENEFITS
01 02 03
Black seed oil benefits for hair, skin and face
For skin and face
Its linoleic acid, an omega-6 the skin uses for its protective barrier, makes it suitable for both dry and blemish-prone skin.
For the formula
It brings a strong identity: amber color, peppery scent and a story that consumers in the Maghreb and the Middle East know well.
How to use black seed oil
- Hair
As an oil treatment from 30 minutes to overnight before shampooing, massaged into the scalp.
- Face
One or two drops in the evening, mixed with a milder oil or your cream.
- Body
Diluted in a massage oil, on dry areas.
( C )IN OUR PRODUCTS
Launch your black seed oil range
It is one of the most widely used oils in our hair care. Choose a category to see formulas ready to carry your brand.
( D )FORMULATOR NOTES
How we formulate it
What our formulators consider when black seed oil goes into your product.
- 01An oil to dose carefully
Its peppery scent is strong: we pair it with more neutral oils to keep the fragrance in check.
- 02Prone to oxidation
Rich in omega-6, it needs an antioxidant and an opaque or airless bottle.
- 03Organic grade available
For a certified range, we use an organic grade, with supplier documentation.
- 04No medical claims
We write your claims within the cosmetic framework, with no therapeutic promises.
Did you know?
A seed known since antiquity
- Antiquity
Nigella seeds were found among the grave goods of Tutankhamun.
- Sanouj
The name of the seed in Morocco, where it also flavors bread.
- Nigella sativa
The plant belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, like the ranunculus and the buttercup.
Black seed oil: your questions
A black seed oil project?Our product specialist will answer on WhatsApp.Message us on WhatsApp
What are the benefits of black seed oil for hair?
It nourishes a dry scalp and coats the lengths. Use it as a pre-shampoo oil treatment, alone or blended with other oils such as argan or olive.
Can you use black seed oil on your face?
Yes, in small amounts: one or two drops in the evening, mixed with a milder oil or your cream. Its linoleic acid suits both dry and blemish-prone skin. Patch test on a small area before first use.
Are nigella oil and black cumin oil the same thing?
Yes. “Black cumin” is another name for nigella (Nigella sativa), unrelated to the cumin used in cooking. It is also called black seed, habba sawda, and sanouj in Morocco.
What is the INCI name of black seed oil?
Its INCI name is NIGELLA SATIVA SEED OIL. This is the name that appears in the ingredient list on the packaging.
What is thymoquinone?
It is the signature compound of nigella, found mainly in its volatile fraction. It contributes to the oil's peppery scent.
How should black seed oil be stored?
Away from light and heat, with the bottle tightly closed. Rich in omega-6, it oxidizes faster than olive oil.
Can I create a black seed oil range with Carmel Cosmetics Labs?
Yes. We use it in our white label formulas (hair oils, serums, masks) or in an exclusive private label formula, manufactured in our factory in Morocco.
Sources
Your black seed oil range, formulated in Morocco
Send your brief: we formulate and manufacture in our ISO 22716 factory in Aït Melloul. A selection of formulas and a detailed quote, with no commitment.