Nigella oil, also known as black cumin seed oil, is obtained by extracting the seeds of this plant. In addition to its dietary role, it is brimming with benefits for the skin, and some even use it to enhance their tan. But is this use truly justified? Let us explore this together.
Tanning: can nigella oil enhance the skin’s appearance?
Summary
Published on January 12, 2026, updated on January 12, 2026, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 7 min of reading
Themes:
Applying nigella sativa oil before sun exposure: good or bad idea?
The nigella, also known as Nigella sativa or black cumin, is an annual plant native to Southwest Asia, also present in the Mediterranean basin and North Africa. Cultivated for millennia, it is chiefly known for its black seeds, from which nigella oil is extracted. The nigella seed oil is traditionally used for its cosmetic properties, notably its soothing and antioxidant effects, and holds a special place in the history of skincare. In ancient Egypt, it was already highly valued, to the point of being sometimes referred to as the 'oil of the pharaohs', a symbol of a noble ingredient used to enhance the skin and maintain its comfort.
It is possible to apply nigella seed oil before a day in the sun.
This may even be relevant due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this vegetable oil. One of the main bioactive compounds in nigella seed oil, thymoquinone (TQ), is recognised for its protective role against UV-induced oxidative stress. A study on human keratinocytes exposed to UVA irradiation showed that the exposure led to a substantial accumulation of reactive oxygen species, causing cellular damage and an increase in apoptosis. Pre-treating the cells with thymoquinone significantly limited this UVA-induced cytotoxicity.
Effects of thymoquinone on the cell viability of UVA-irradiated human keratinocytes.
Source: LI L. & al. Thymoquinone, extract from Nigella sativa seeds, protects human skin keratinocytes against UVA-irradiated oxidative stress, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Molecular Immunology (2021).
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In mechanistic terms, the authors observed that thymoquinone reduced both the oxidative stress and the inflammatory response in irradiated keratinocytes. UVA exposure disrupted mitochondrial function, favouring activation of apoptotic pathways, a phenomenon that was markedly attenuated in the presence of thymoquinone. This cellular protection appears to involve activation of the Nrf2/ARE signalling pathway, an antioxidant defence system of the skin, coupled with inhibition of COX-2 expression, an enzyme involved in UV-induced skin inflammation.
The various photoprotective mechanisms of black seed vegetable oil.
Source: GUNADI J. W. & al. Role of Nigella sativa L. seed (black cumin) in preventing photoaging (review). Biomedical Reports (2025).
These results suggest that thymoquinone, and potentially, by extension, black cumin seed oil as its natural source, could contribute to strengthening the skin's defence mechanisms in the face of solar exposure. It should be noted, however, that these data originate from cellular models, which help to better understand the biological mechanisms but do not by themselves predict clinical efficacy in humans.
The black cumin seed oil may be considered as supplementary care prior to sun exposure, to support the skin’s antioxidant response, but cannot substitute for an appropriate sun protection.
Indeed, one can cite as evidence the study conducted by MARTINIAKOVA and her team in 2021 that sought to assess the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of various vegetable oils, including that derived from black cumin. The values obtained were 0.072 (test in vitro) and 2.7 (test in vivo), well below SPF 15, considered the minimum for moderate sun protection.
Does nigella sativa (black seed) oil enhance tanning?
After sun exposure, black seed oil can prove particularly useful for supporting the skin during its recovery phase. Rich in fatty acids, notably linoleic acid, it helps to reinforce the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss, thereby promoting better skin hydration as well as a tan that persists for longer. The thymoquinone in black seed oil is also recognised for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe sensations of heat, discomfort or tightness often felt after sun exposure.
Beyond its biological effects, nigella seed oil can also enhance tanning from a purely aesthetic standpoint.
Applied in a thin layer, it imparts a luminous, satin finish to the skin, naturally enhancing the radiance of a tan. This golden-skin visual effect relies more on light reflection and the skin’s nourished appearance than on genuine pigmentation. Nigella sativa oil does not deepen a tan, but it can enhance an existing one while caring for the skin after sun exposure.
Note: If the relatively greasy texture of black cumin seed oil does not suit you, many topical after-sun preparations are available on the cosmetics market.
Sources
CHARROUF Z. & al. Chemical investigation of Nigella sativa L. seed oil produced in Morocco. Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences (2015).
LI L. & al. Thymoquinone, extract from Nigella sativa seeds, protects human skin keratinocytes against UVA-irradiated oxidative stress, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Molecular Immunology (2021).
GUNADI J. W. & al. Role of Nigella sativa L. seed (black cumin) in preventing photoaging (review). Biomedical Reports (2025).
