What are the benefits of nigella oil for oily skin?

Nigella sativa oil, an ally for oily skin?

Oily skin is often regarded as incompatible with vegetable oils. However, some of these oils are actually well suited to this skin type. What about Nigella sativa oil? Is it suitable for oily skin? Let us assess the evidence together.

Published on January 21, 2026, updated on January 21, 2026, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 7 min of reading

Nigella oil and oily skin: a beneficial combination?

The oily skin is characterised by a excessive sebum production, linked to an increased activity of the sebaceous glands. Whilst sebum plays an essential role in protecting the skin, an excess can disrupt the skin's balance and encourage the emergence of blemishes and, at times, inflammatory phenomena. Managing oily skin is rather delicate: it involves regulating sebum synthesis by the sebaceous glands whilst supporting the barrier function and limiting the mechanisms that may sustain inflammation or oxidation of the sebum, which can render it comedogenic.

Thanks to its good skin penetration and its low comedogenicity index (1), the black cumin seed oil can, in theory, be suitable for application to the face, including on oily skin.

One of the principal benefits of nigella oil lies in its anti-inflammatory properties, largely attributed to thymoquinone, a bioactive compound specific toNigella sativa. Thymoquinone is described in the literature as capable of interacting with several pathways involved in the inflammatory response, notably by modulating the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. Moreover, inflammation plays a central role in many issues linked to oily skin, particularly when sebum builds up, which can lead to the appearance of inflammatory lesions such as papules or pustules.

The black cumin seed oil also provides an antioxidant benefit, due to the presence of phenolic compounds and molecules capable of neutralising reactive oxygen species. This aspect is particularly relevant for oily skin, as sebum exposed to oxidative stress can oxidise more easily. Oxidised sebum tends to be oilier and thus more prone to clog pores, leading to blemishes. In this respect, the antioxidant properties of black cumin seed oil may be particularly beneficial for oily skin.

Several studies have also investigated black cumin seed oil for caring for acne-prone skin, an issue frequently associated with sebum hypersecretion.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial specifically evaluated the efficacy of a topical preparation based on Nigella sativa in patients with acne. Sixty participants were enrolled and divided into two groups receiving either a hydrogel containing 1% Nigella sativa or the vehicle. They applied their assigned formulation twice daily for 60 days. A significant improvement was observed in the “nigella oil” group compared with the control group, suggesting a potential role for nigella oil in supporting acne-prone skin, likely linked to its anti-inflammatory properties.

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78%

reduction in IGA score, assigned by a dermatologist, in the "nigella oil" group

3.3%

reduction in the IGA score, as assessed by a dermatologist, in the control group

63.49%

Reduction in the ADI score, self-assessed by patients in the ‘nigella oil’ group

4.5%

reduction in the patient self-reported ADI score in the control group

However, it is important to consider these data in their proper context. On the one hand, acne acne does not strictly coincide with oily skin, even though sebum hypersecretion is a significant factor. On the other hand, this study concerns a specific standardised hydrogel formulation, rather than pure nigella oil.

To date, there are no clinical studies specifically evaluating Nigella sativa oil on oily skin independent of acne, nor any evidence of a sebum-regulating effect.

Thus, while its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may be relevant to supporting the balance of oily skin, black cumin seed oil cannot be regarded as an active ingredient targeting sebum production. Moreover, despite its low comedogenic index, applying it undiluted to the face can prove too rich for combination or oily skin types. If you have oily skin and wish to use black cumin seed oil, we recommend opting instead for a formulation that contains it.