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Profile: Black Seed Vegetable Oil

Commonly known as: Nigella Sativa Seed Oil (INCI), Black Cumin Seed Oil from Egypt.

Botanical name: Nigella sativa L.

Extraction process: First cold pressing of black seed sourced from organic farming.

Family: Ranunculaceae.

Part of the plant extracted: Seeds.

Location: Originating from Asia Minor (Eurasia), it is particularly cultivated in Turkey, Syria, Pakistan and India, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Ethiopia.

Flowering: From June to September.

Provenance, origin:

Phytochemical composition: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid, linolenic acid, eicosadienoic acid); monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid, palmitoleic acid); saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid, stearic acid); carotenoids, vitamins (A and E), nigelline, nigellone, thymoquinone, para-cymene.

Sensorial properties: Appearance: Clear oily liquid; Colour: Yellow-green to amber-orange; Scent: Aromatic, spicy, pungent, characteristic; Feel: Greasy.

Physical characteristics: Density: 0.91 - 0.93 g/cm3; Saponification Index: 190 - 193; Oxidative Potential: Sensitive; Comedogenicity Index: 1 (low comedogenicity).

Benefits: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, soothing, nourishing, regenerating.

Concerns: All skin types, particularly dry and sensitive skin; All hair types, especially dry and brittle hair as well as irritated scalps.

Details

Properties

Anti-inflammatory, soothing: Reducing inflammatory responses and alleviating redness, irritation and itching through the action of thymoquinone, an active ingredient present in black seed oil, by inhibiting the expression levels of molecules that increase inflammation;
Antioxidant: Protecting the skin from oxidative stress with thymoquinone from black seed oil by increasing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes involved in the elimination of free radicals;
Nourishing: Strengthening the skin barrier due to its richness in essential fatty acids (oleic acid, linoleic acid) by ensuring good cohesion between the cells of the stratum corneum and by reinforcing the hydrolipidic film.

Applications

Facial Care (serums, masks, balms/moisturising creams, biphasic lotions);
Body Care (nail serums, massage oils, soothing body creams/lotions);
Haircare (fortifying serums, restorative balms);
Hygiene (soaps, deodorants).

Soothing

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Method of Preservation

Nigella oil is sensitive to oxidation. It should be stored in a dry and cool place, shielded from direct sunlight, moisture and heat.

Contraindications, Usage Precautions

The topical application of pure black seed oil can lead to the emergence of redness, tingling, or itching. In rare cases, pure black seed oil can cause the onset of epidermal necrolysis. To avoid these skin discomforts, it is important to dilute the black seed oil in another vegetable oil (5 - 10%). Before incorporating black seed oil or a product containing it into your skincare routine, always conduct a tolerance test in the crook of your elbow or behind the ear. Finally, avoid any contact with the eyes and mucous membranes due to its content of black seed essential oil.

Find out more

The Nigella, also known as black cumin, is an aromatic plant that produces beautiful blue flowers and is primarily cultivated in Egypt. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this plant yields a large quantity of aromatic black seeds each year, often used in Oriental cuisine. The cultivation of Nigella dates back to antiquity, and the ancient Egyptians regarded it as a cure-all, dubbing it "the blessed seed". The Greeks and Romans also utilised it for its therapeutic properties. Nigella seeds can be used to extract an oil that is incorporated into many skincare and haircare products.