Also known as black cumin oil, nigella oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of Nigella sativa. It has numerous benefits when applied topically. But what about its comedogenicity index? Discover if nigella oil is comedogenic.
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Is black seed oil comedogenic?
Summary
- The essence of black seed oil in a nutshell
- What is a comedogenic oil?
- Black Seed Oil: What is its Comedogenic Rating?
- Sources
Published June 9, 2023,
updated on October 4, 2024,
by
Pauline, Chemical Engineer
—
4 min read
The essence of black seed oil in a nutshell.
Theblack seed oil originates from the Mediterranean. Typically extracted by cold pressing black cumin seeds, its richness in saturated and unsaturated fatty acids gives it nourishing and protective properties. Once diluted in another vegetable oil, black seed oil (INCI: Nigella Sativa Seed Oil) can be used on both the skin and the hair.
Nigella oil presents itself as an orange-hued liquid with a somewhat spicy and bitter aroma. It is quite gentle to the touch and has a relatively light and fluid texture, allowing it to be quickly absorbed by the skin. Nigella oil can also be used in cooking, to enhance the flavour of certain dishes.
What is a comedogenic oil?
An oil is referred to as comedogenic if, when applied to the skin, it blocks the pores and promotes the formation of an "occlusive" film. This phenomenon prevents the normal evacuation of sebum and contributes to the appearance of blemishes: the comedones. The term "comedogenic" actually comes from this type of blemish. If you have acne-prone skin, applying a comedogenic ingredient is likely to exacerbate this skin infection.
The comedogenicity of an ingredient determines its occlusive potential and is evaluated on a scale of 0 to 5. A score of 0 means that the ingredient is not comedogenic, while a score of 5 indicates a high likelihood that it will cause comedones. Generally, it is preferable not to exceed a comedogenicity index of 2 for oily skin types, which are often prone to blemishes.
The determination of an ingredient's comedogenicity is assessed by evaluating several criteria, such as its sensitivity to oxidation and its rate of penetration into the skin. Oils that penetrate easily are classified as dry, they are primarily composed of omega-3 and omega-6, whereas oily oils, which are difficult for the skin to absorb, tend to contain omega-9.
Please note : just because a product contains a comedogenic active ingredient, it does not mean its application will lead to the appearance of blemishes. This also depends on its concentration in the skincare product and the skin type of the person using the product.
Black Seed Oil: What is its Comedogenic Rating?
Black seed oil has a comedogenicity index of 1, which means it is very low in comedogenicity. It is suitable for people with oily or acne-prone skin and is also suitable for sensitive skin. Looking at its composition, it contains about 50% omega-6 and 25% omega-9, which explains why it is easily absorbed by the skin. Moreover, it has a low oxidative potential as it contains antioxidants, making it stable.
Given that the freshness of the oil plays a role in determining its comedogenicity index, it is essential to use fresh nigella oil. After opening, do not keep the oil for more than six months and store it in a light-protected location in a tightly sealed bottle.
Sources
DINARDO J. & al. A re-evaluation of the comedogenicity concept. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2006).
AL-FARGA A. & al. A Narrative Review on Various Oil Extraction Methods, Encapsulation Processes, Fatty Acid Profiles, Oxidative Stability, and Medicinal Properties of Black Seed ( Nigella sativa). Foods (2022).
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