Nigella sativa (black seed/black cumin) seed extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in thymoquinone and fatty acids, valued in skincare for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. It is used to support skin barrier health and calm irritation.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Localized redness, itching, or rash in sensitized individuals, particularly with topical black seed oil. |
| Contact irritation | Uncommon | Mild stinging or redness, more likely with high concentrations or on compromised skin. |
| Bullous or blistering reactions | Rare | Isolated case reports of severe skin reactions following topical application of black seed oil. |
| Photosensitivity or pigmentary change | Very rare | Anecdotal reports; not well established in controlled studies. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.