Is the topical use of Nigella sativa (black seed) oil on the skin dangerous?

The nigella seed oil is obtained by cold pressing of black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa), a herbaceous plant native to Southwest Asia and widely cultivated around the Mediterranean basin and in the Middle East. Used since Antiquity, nigella holds a special place in several medicinal traditions, where it was already employed to care for the skin and to soothe certain sensations of discomfort. This oil appears as an amber to dark brown liquid, with a spicy and slightly peppery aroma characteristic of this seed.

In cosmetics, the nigella seed oil is valued for its richness in fatty acids, mainly unsaturated ones, which impart nourishing and emollient properties. These lipids contribute to strengthening of the hydrolipidic film and help to reduce skin dehydration, which can be particularly beneficial for preventing dehydration lines. Nigella seed oil also contains bioactive compounds, including thymoquinone, responsible for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These effects explain why it is sometimes used to soothe redness and to help the skin better cope with oxidative stress.

Although Nigella sativa seed oil is perceived as a well-tolerated natural ingredient, the scientific literature reports rare but potentially serious adverse effects following its topical application.

Several teams have thus described contact dermatitis that was acute and linked to nigella oil. A first case series reports six elderly female patients presenting with severe skin eruptions arising within one to two days of topical nigella oil application. The lesions extended well beyond the initial application site and comprised violaceous red plaques with epidermal detachment and pustules, clinically mimicking toxic epidermal necrolysis. In several patients, more than 15% of the skin surface was detached, and fever was present in some cases, necessitating prolonged hospitalisation. Histological examination revealed a lichenoid reaction with keratinocyte apoptosis. Patch tests with nigella oil were positive, and chemical analysis suggested an allergic reaction to thymoquinone.

These data are corroborated by a second series of cases involving three female patients, who were similarly hospitalised for severe acute contact dermatitis following application of nigella oil. Once again, the reactions were striking, with lesions extending beyond the application site, widespread skin detachment, sometimes accompanied by fever, and clinical features reminiscent of Stevens–Johnson syndrome, a form of toxic epidermal necrolysis. Skin biopsies revealed diffuse epidermal apoptosis, and patch tests carried out with the patients’ nigella oil were positive.

More rarely, severe systemic reactions have been reported following the application of black cumin seed oil. A single case describes the onset of DRESS syndrome, a serious delayed immune-allergic reaction. The patient exhibited extensive erythema, marked eosinophilia—that is, an increase in the immune cells involved in allergic responses—lymphadenopathy (lymph node disorders) and atypical lymphocytes, without internal organ involvement. The diagnosis was confirmed by a positive patch test to black cumin seed oil. The patient was treated with systemic corticosteroid therapy, and the symptoms resolved. Although this case is exceptional, it underscores that black cumin seed oil can be involved in severe delayed cutaneous reactions mediated by T lymphocytes.

Overall, these observations remind us that, despite its natural image and traditional uses, nigella oil is not without allergenic potential, particularly when applied undiluted.

Note : The adverse effects described here exclusively concern the topical application of the black seed oil. Oral ingestion requires additional precautions, particularly because of its potential anticoagulant effects.

When applied topically, it is important to note that Nigella sativa oil must always be diluted.

For this purpose, you can use another plant-derived oil, such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil or argan oil, for example. A 5 to 10% dilution, depending on your skin’s sensitivity, is generally recommended.

We also note that, although black cumin oil can be applied to the skin, scalp or hair, it is not suitable for mucous membranes or the eye-contour area. Therefore, if you apply black cumin oil to your face, it is essential to avoid any contact with the eyes. Finally, before integrating black cumin oil into your skincare routine, it is advisable to carry out a tolerance test, to ensure that your skin does not react adversely to this ingredient. To do so, apply a small amount of black cumin oil to the crease of your elbow or behind your ear and wait 24 to 48 hours. If you observe no redness, irritation or itching, you may begin using it gradually.

• HASSAR M. & al. Acute and chronic toxicity of Nigella sativa fixed oil. Phytomedicine (2002).

• ORO S. & al. Dermites de contact à l’huile de nigelle : une nécrolyse épidermique toxique "de contact" ? Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie (2017).

• HUA C. & al. Association between severe acute contact dermatitis due to Nigella sativa oil and epidermal apoptosis. JAMA Dermatology (2018).

• SCHEERS C. & al. Local and systemic adverse skin reactions following the use of herbal products believed to contain Nigella sativa seeds and oil. Contact Dermatitis (2018).

• KIM B. & al. Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.): A comprehensive review on phytochemistry, health benefits, molecular pharmacology, and safety. Nutrients (2021).

• BEN-SAID B. & al. Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome after topical use of Nigella sativa (black cumin) oil. Contact Dermatitis (2022).