Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa), Unrefined and Cold-Pressed

Description

Unrefined black seed oil for hair, scalp and skin.

If you’ve ever opened a bottle of black seed oil, you know it by its smell: warm, earthy and a little peppery. That strong character is part of why people have used it for generations in hair and skin routines, and why formulators keep it in their ingredient lists.

Our black seed oil is unrefined and cold-pressed from Nigella sativa seeds. Unrefined means it hasn’t been bleached, deodorised or heavily processed, so it keeps its natural colour and its full, distinctive scent. Its colour ranges from golden yellow and amber to dark brown, and it is never pitch black. Batches vary a little, and that’s normal for a natural oil.

Product details

Who it’s for

DIY makers, haircare and skincare formulators, small beauty brands and anyone building their own scalp oil or hair treatment at home. Larger quantities are available for wholesale customers, so message us for bulk pricing.

What’s in it

Black seed oil is naturally rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid. It also contains vitamin E, plant sterols and thymoquinone, a compound found naturally in Nigella sativa seeds. These give it a nourishing, emollient feel on skin and hair, and that is why formulators like it in scalp oils, balms and body products.

Benefits: Why makers choose it

Cold-pressed from Nigella sativa seeds, this oil is naturally rich in essential fatty acids, including linoleic and oleic acid, and contains thymoquinone, the compound most associated with the seed.

• Moisturising and softening: a nourishing emollient that leaves skin feeling smooth and supple, with a fatty acid profile that helps skin hold on to moisture.
• A strong base for scalp and hair oils: blends well with lighter carrier oils like jojoba and grapeseed, and with essential oils such as rosemary and peppermint. Adds softness and shine to hair oils, masks and scalp treatments.
• Good for pre-wash treatments: warm a small amount, massage it into the scalp and lengths, leave it on before shampooing, then rinse well.
• A useful addition to balms and body oils: its richness suits dry-skin formulas, whipped butters, salves and soap bases.
• Minimally processed: cold-pressed and unrefined, for makers who want a natural, less-processed ingredient.
• Traditionally used: valued for generations in Middle Eastern, South Asian and African beauty practices.

What to expect

Black seed oil is a conditioning, moisturising carrier oil. It’s popular in hair and skin routines, but it isn’t a treatment, and you shouldn’t expect it to cure skin conditions or regrow hair. Use it for what it does well: nourishing the scalp, softening hair and enriching your formulas.

Usage rates

Tip for face and sensitive skin: start at the lower end (1% to 5%) and blend with a lighter carrier oil such as jojoba or squalane. Check how your skin responds before increasing the amount.

How to use it

1. Patch test first: apply a small amount to your inner elbow or forearm and wait 24 to 48 hours. Don’t use it if you notice redness, itching or irritation.
2. Warm a few drops between your palms.
3. Massage into the scalp or apply to hair lengths.
4. Leave on for 30 minutes to overnight, then shampoo out.

For your own formulations, use the rates above and add heat-sensitive ingredients at the cool-down stage.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is black seed oil the same as black cumin oil?
Yes. Both names refer to oil from Nigella sativa seeds. You may also see it called Nigella oil or habbatus sauda oil.

What does “unrefined, cold-pressed” mean?
Cold-pressed means the oil is pressed from the seeds without added heat. Unrefined means it isn’t bleached or deodorised afterwards. The oil keeps its natural colour and its strong, earthy scent.

Why isn’t the oil black?
Despite the name, the oil comes from black seeds but isn’t black itself. Expect a colour between golden yellow and dark brown. The shade varies from batch to batch.

What’s in black seed oil?
It naturally contains fatty acids such as linoleic acid, plus vitamin E, plant sterols and thymoquinone. The exact amounts vary from batch to batch, as with any natural oil.

What does it smell like?
Warm, earthy and slightly spicy, and quite strong. If you’d like to soften it in a blend, essential oils such as lavender or sweet orange work well.

How much should I use in my formulation?
It depends on the product. As a guide, use 1% to 10% in face products, 5% to 20% in body products and 10% to 20% in scalp blends. See the usage table above for the full breakdown.

Will black seed oil grow my hair?
No oil has been proven to grow hair or treat hair loss, and black seed oil is no exception. What it can do is help keep your scalp and hair moisturised and feeling soft. Many people include it in their hair routine for that reason.

Can I use it for acne, eczema or other skin conditions?
We sell it as a cosmetic carrier oil, not as a treatment for any skin condition. If you’re dealing with acne, eczema, psoriasis or any other condition, speak to a doctor or dermatologist before using it.

Can I use it on my scalp every day?
It’s a rich oil, so most people use it as a pre-wash treatment or a few times a week. Do a patch test first, and stop using it if you notice irritation.

Can I use it in my own products?
Yes, it’s supplied as a cosmetic carrier oil for DIY and professional formulating.

How long does it last?
Unopened and stored well, it has a shelf life of 1 to 3 years. Keep it in a cool, dark place with the lid tightly closed, and use a clean, dry dropper or spoon each time. If it starts to smell sharp, sour or “off”, it’s time to replace it.

Is it safe to apply directly to the skin?
Some people react to concentrated oils, so always patch test first: apply a small amount to your inner elbow and wait 24 to 48 hours. If you’re pregnant, nursing or have a skin condition, check with your doctor before using it.

Do you sell it in bulk or for wholesale?
Yes. Message us with the quantity you need and we’ll send you wholesale pricing.

For external use only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. Patch test before use.