Black Seed Oil
Black Seed Oil
A dark, aromatic oil pressed from the tiny black seeds of Nigella sativa — peppery and characterful, rich in linoleic acid and the distinctive compound thymoquinone, with a long history in traditional care. Hover any measure to see where black seed sits on the scale.
What it is
Black seed oil is pressed from the small black seeds of Nigella sativa, a flowering plant used across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia for centuries. The oil is dark, aromatic and noticeably peppery.
It's high in linoleic acid and carries thymoquinone, the antioxidant compound responsible for much of its distinctive character — making it a favourite for clarifying, conditioning facial and scalp blends.
Quick Facts
The Plant & The Seed
The Nigella Plant
A delicate flowering annual with feathery foliage and pale blooms that set seed pods full of tiny black seeds.
The Seeds
The small, angular black seeds are cold-pressed into a dark, peppery, aromatic oil.
The Compound Profile
Black seed is linoleic-dominant, with a small but defining active fraction. The typical breakdown:
The compounds behind its character:
Key Benefits
Clarifying Character
A favourite for balancing, conditioning facial and scalp blends.
Antioxidant-Rich
Thymoquinone and vitamin E give it a protective reputation.
Linoleic-Forward
High omega-6 suits oily and blemish-prone skin.
How we use it
Black seed is a characterful active oil — we use it in small amounts where a blend wants its clarifying, antioxidant edge.
Its peppery aroma means a little goes a long way, layered into facial and scalp formulas rather than used as a plain base.