Here's Our Guide to the Top 5 Best Black Seed Oil Supplements

Several health benefits are attributed to black seed oil, but what does the research say? Here's a nutritionist's take.

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While it may be new to you, black seed oil has been used for thousands of years. It’s native to Eastern Europe and parts of the SWANA (Southeast Asia and Northern Africa) region, and while the seeds are often used as a spice, more recently, attention has turned to the oil for its potential health benefits, according to Cara Harbstreet, MS, RD, LD of Street Smart Nutrition.

“The list of potential health benefits ranges from beauty benefits for skin and hair to weight loss to lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and even triglycerides,” she says, noting that more high-quality human studies are needed to make definitive claims.

But like every supplement, black seed oil isn’t tightly regulated by the FDA, so you have to do your due diligence when choosing one. Here, we rounded up five of the best black seed oil supplements to discuss the specific health benefits, as well as to provide some advice on choosing the right one for yourself in 2024.

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

Our Picks for the Best Black Seed Oil in 2024:

• Best Organic Black Seed Oil Capsules: Zhou Organic Black Seed Oil
• Best Black Seed Oil with Highest Thymoquinone: Triquetra Black Seed Oil
• Best Black Seed Oil Capsules: Amazing Herbs Black Seed Capsules
• Best Quality Black Seed Oil: MAJU’s Black Seed Oil
• Best Black Seed Oil for Hair: Health’s Harmony Black Seed Oil

Best Organic Black Seed Oil Capsules: Zhou Organic Black Seed Oil

SI Showace + Zhou

Key Features & Specs

• Black seed oil per serving: 1,300 milligrams
• Nutrition facts: 10 calories, 1.5 grams fat
• Certifications: Non-GMO, cGMP-certified, ISO accreditation
• Subscription: One, two or three months, 20% savings
• Key ingredients: Black seed oil, candelilla wax, rosemary 12% LE, vegetable cellulose
• Sweeteners: None
• Best for: Those who prefer capsules, people avoiding gluten
• Price per serving: $0.57

Why I Picked It:

Zhou is a U.S.-based company that’s all about transparency. It makes all of its supplements in Certified Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) certified facilities and opts in for third-party testing at intake (when the company receives raw materials) and for the finished product.

Its black seed oil, specifically, has a whole lot going for it. For starters, it’s a cold-pressed black seed oil that’s unrefined and virgin, so it has most of its nutrients intact, and it’s gluten-free, non-GMO and vegan. It’s also packaged in convenient softgel capsules so you’ll get 1,300 milligrams of black seed oil with just two capsules. For reference, there’s no standardized “effective dose,” but many studies use a range of 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams daily.

You’ll also get omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids since black seed oil naturally contains these healthy fats, although the brand doesn’t specify the exact amounts.

Customers have an overwhelmingly positive response with the Zhou capsules, saying they love the price and the quality. However, some users did report an aftertaste and some burping—much like you can get with fish oil. 

In short, this is a premium black seed oil dietary supplement with an effective dose and minimal preservatives that will work for most people.

What we like:

• Non-GMO
• Third-party tested and cGMP-certified
• Minimal added ingredients

What to consider:

• May have an aftertaste

Best Black Seed Oil with Highest Thymoquinone: Triquetra Black Seed Oil

Si Showcase + Triquetra

Key Features & Specs

• Black seed oil per serving: 250 milligrams
• Nutrition facts: N/A
• Certifications: Non-GMO, cGMP-certified
• Subscription: Two weeks to six months, 15% savings
• Key ingredients: Black seed oil, cellulose, rice fiber, diatomaceous earth
• Sweeteners: None
• Best for: Those who prefer powder over liquid, anyone who wants a highly concentrated supplement
• Price per serving: $0.39

Why I Picked It:

Thymoquinone is the active compound in black seed oil that’s responsible for most of its health benefits (we’ll get into that in more detail later). But the bottom line is that you want a black seed oil with a significant amount of it. This maximum strength option from Triquetra delivers on that front.

Instead of a liquid, it’s a dried powder, which is more concentrated and less likely to cause side effects like burping. For comparison, a typical liquid black seed oil capsule has about one to two percent thymoquinone. This one is standardized to have 20 percent—or 10 to 20 times as much. There are 250 milligrams of black seed extract and 50 grams of thymoquinone per serving. While the total amount of black seed oil may seem like it’s on the low side, the serving is just one capsule, compared to two or more of other brands.

All of Triquetra’s products are made in cGMP-certified facilities and sent to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certified labs for third-party testing. During testing, the products are evaluated for purity, potency and potential contamination. In addition to prioritizing testing, Triquetra also has an extensive “banned ingredient” list—it doesn’t use many artificial preservatives, fillers or sweeteners, so its supplements are one of the highest quality you can buy.

Customers love the potency of these capsules and some specifically mention that they don’t experience any of the aftertaste or burping that can come with liquid softgels. Some say they get an upset stomach if they take it before food, but making sure you eat a meal first should help with that. All in all, reviewers agree that it works well and is easy to take.

What we like:

• Highly concentrated dose
• Less likely to cause burping
• Third-party tested
• Made with minimal ingredients

What to consider:

• Needs to be taken on a full stomach
• May cause digestive upset

Best Black Seed Oil Capsules: Amazing Herbs Black Seed Capsules

Key Features & Specs

• Black seed oil per serving: 1,250 milligrams
• Nutrition facts: 10 calories, 1 gram fat
• Certifications: Non-GMO, cGMP, made from organic ingredients
• Subscription: Two weeks to six months, 10% savings
• Key ingredients: Black seed oil, gelatin, glycerin, water
• Sweeteners: None
• Best for: People who have trouble taking capsules, anyone who wants a single-capsule serving size
• Price per serving: $0.41

Why I Picked It:

Amazing Herbs may not be as recognizable as some other supplement brands, but the company is top-notch. The company only sell black seed oil productss, and were one of the first companies to introduce it as a consumer supplement. All of the brand’s supplements are made in a US-based FDA-approved facility and tested by a third-party lab.

These black seed capsules are high-quality and high-potency. They have a total of 1,250 milligrams of black seed oil per serving, and contain between 0.95 and 2.6 percent thymoquinone. They’re also cold pressed from certified organic seeds and don’t contain any artificial fillers.

Aside from that, these earned “best capsule” for two reasons: While some capsules can be difficult to swallow, users say these are easy to take and don’t have any aftertaste like some other options. Also, you only have to take one softgel to get this high dose—not several like some other brands.

Some users do say the capsules stick together in the bottle and are really difficult to pry apart, so it’s best to store them somewhere cool so the capsules don’t melt. It’s also worth noting that these contain gelatin, so they’re not vegan-friendly. But with a 4.6-star rating from more than 25,000 reviews, it’s safe to say these come highly recommended.

What we like:

• High-potency
• Capsules are easy to take
• Cold-pressed

What to consider:

• Not vegan-friendly

Best Quality Black Seed Oil: MAJU’s Black Seed Oil

SI Showcase + Maju Superfoods

Key Features & Specs

• Black seed oil per serving: 2 milliliters
• Nutrition facts: N/A
• Certifications: cGMP
• Subscription: Two weeks to six months, 15% savings
• Key ingredients: Turkish black seed oil
• Sweeteners: None
• Best for: Those who prefer liquid form, people who like the convenience of a dropper
• Price per serving: $0.83

Why I Picked It:

Maju is a company that offers only superfood-based supplements. In addition to black seed oil, this includes apple cider vinegar, wild sea moss and various mushrooms. Most of these superfoods are sourced directly from their native regions, e.g., the black seed oil is made from wild-grown Nigella sativa plants in Turkey. In addition to that, the company uses its own specialized testing (liquid chromatography) to double-check potency and sends its finished products to third-party labs.

All of the supplements we recommend are high-quality, but this one stands out because it’s an actual oil, not a softgel. This makes it extremely versatile—you can drop it right on your tongue or rub it into your skin—so you can reap the most health benefits from it.

The company doesn’t give an exact amount of black seed oil used, but says the whole two-ounce bottle contains 3,375 grams of thymoquinone at a 1.5 percent concentration, so the exact amount you’ll get depends on how many drops you take; the serving size is set at two dropperfuls, which would give you 112.5 milligrams since there are 30 servings in the bottle. Other notable callouts are that it comes in an amber glass bottle to protect the fats from going rancid and it’s cold-pressed.

Taking black seed oil as a liquid can take some getting used to, but this one also has a lighter taste than some other black seed oils, and customers say it’s much more palatable than other brands they’ve tried, with some calling it “smooth” and “mild.”

What we like:

• Lighter taste than some other oils
• Versatile for topical and oral applications
• Cold-pressed

What to consider:

• Taste can take some getting used to

Best Black Seed Oil for Hair: Health’s Harmony Black Seed Oil

SI Showcase + Health’s Harmony

Key Features & Specs

• Black seed oil per serving: 4,600 milligrams
• Nutrition facts: 45 calories, 4.5 grams of fat
• Certifications: Non-GMO Project Verified, USDA organic
• Subscription: Two weeks to six months, 10% savings
• Key ingredients: Organic black seed oil
• Sweeteners: None
• Best for: Anyone looking for a high-dose black seed oil, topical use
• Price per serving: $0.42

Why I Picked It:

Health’s Harmony is a wellness company that believes in harnessing the power of nature to promote optimal health. The company offers all-natural supplements, like this virgin, cold-pressed black seed oil, which makes it a great option for topical use.

The only ingredient is organic black seed oil and it’s in a very high dose: 4,600 grams per teaspoon. Health Harmony also lists the fat breakdown so it’s easy to see exactly how many saturated and unsaturated fats you’re getting per serving. This black seed oil is certified USDA organic which means it’s non-GMO by default and made without exposure to unnecessary pesticides. And it’s third-party tested and manufactured in the U.S.

It comes in an easy-pour bottle so you can drop some right onto your scalp and hair strands, or you can dose it onto a spoon and take it orally, if you prefer.

Because Health Harmony has become one of the most popular black seed oil supplements, it has more than 47,000 reviews on Amazon alone. Some reviewers have issues with digestive upset and belching due to its potency, but others say the improvements in their health (increased energy levels, better skin and fuller, shinier hair) outweigh these cons.

What we like:

• High dose
• Easy-pour bottle
• USDA organic

What to consider:

• May cause digestive upset

What Is Black Seed Oil?

Black seed oil is an herbal supplement that’s made from the Nigella sativa plant, which is native to Southern Europe, North Africa and Southwest Asia. To make black seed oil, which is also called black caraway or black cumin oil, Nigella sativa seeds are pressed to create a concentrated plant extract that’s rich in beneficial compounds.

“Its use dates back thousands of years, and it's thought to have medicinal properties, both topically and when ingested,” says Rachel Dyckman, R.D.N., registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Rachel Dyckman Nutrition LLC.

Benefits of Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to a naturally occurring compound it contains, called thymoquinone, Because it’s anti-inflammatory, it can help combat oxidative stress and the conditions associated with that stress, like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, according to Dyckman.

“Since black seed oil is also rich in cholesterol-lowering compounds called sterols, it may help to promote a healthy blood lipid profile. Additionally, research suggests black seed oil may help to support the immune system, improve asthma and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, and even boost fertility,” she says. There’s also some evidence it can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

And while black seed oil isn’t necessarily an ergogenic aid, per se, there is some research that suggests it may combat fatigue during endurance training. It’s also been shown to contribute to weight loss, decrease body mass index and increase VO2 max when combined with resistance training.

Like vitamin E supplements, black seed oil is also used topically to help with skin conditions by speeding up wound healing, improving acne and reducing excess pigmentation on the skin. There’s also some evidence that it can soothe eczema. When used in the hair, it may improve shine, texture and volume, and just reduce hair problems overall.

However, Dyckman notes that, despite promising results, a large portion of the research on black seed oil has been conducted on animal models, so it's hard to make any definitive statements about its application in humans.

Black Seed Oil Side Effects

N. sativa has a GRAS (generally recognized as safe) classification from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, this is only for oral uses as a spice or seasoning, according to Harbstreet. “If using black seed oil as a supplement, you could experience GI symptoms like nausea or bloating. And topical use might lead to a rash or itchiness for some people,” she says.

Most people tolerate black seed oil well, however, and there’s been no evidence of toxicity. In one study, healthy people were given five milliliters of black seed oil daily for eight weeks with no adverse effects. In a separate study, obese men took three grams per day for three months without any issues. In one more study, people with type 2 diabetes were given black seed oil for 40 days with no negative impact to the kidneys, liver or platelets. It’s well-tolerated topically too (e.g., for those using it for skin and hair benefits).

It’s worth noting that your current health status can play a role here though. For example, in one study, people with hepatitis experienced stomach pain and low blood sugar; in another, people with functional dyspepsia (or undetermined, chronic stomach pain), reported nausea, bloating and a burning sensation.

Generally, it’s recommended to take black seed oil on a full stomach. This can help mitigate some of the potential side effects.

How to Choose the Best Black Seed Oil for You

When choosing the best black seed oil for you, there are several things you’ll want to consider. First, think about the type of supplement. You can purchase it in softgels or liquid oil form. The capsules may be easier for oral supplementation, while the oil is a better choice for topical (hair and skin) use.

You’ll also want to take a look at the ingredients and make sure you’re comfortable with what’s in the product. Dyckman says you want to make sure that the product contains 100 percent black seed oil rather than a blend. Most supplements also have some fillers or additives so if you’re on a specialized diet (e.g., gluten-free, non-dairy), make sure the supplement you choose fits your lifestyle.

The method of extraction matters too. “Cold pressed oils are likely to retain more of their health-promoting properties, as heat may damage some of their antioxidant compounds,” says Dyckman.

Of course, you’ll want to consider the price as well. There are different size bottles with different serving sizes, so rather than just looking at the total cost of the supplement, think about the cost per serving and make sure it fits within your budget.

Harbstreet also recommends sourcing all supplements, including black seed oil, from a third-party tested brand using cGMP (certified good manufacturing practices). “This helps you look for a higher quality supplement given that the industry is not regulated the same way food and drugs are,” she says.

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Black Seed Oil

We chose products for our list of the best black seed oil based on a number of factors reflected in our supplement scoring methodologies. These include:

• Quality: Since supplements are largely unregulated, it’s very important to consider quality. We compared supplement quality across brands, and only recommended options with high-quality ingredients.
• Ingredients: We look at the active ingredient(s), but also consider any inactive ingredients. Does the supplement only contain what it needs, or does it have unnecessary fillers or additives?
• Dosage: We dug into research and talked to nutrition experts to figure out a range of effective doses for optimal results. We then compared those recommendations to the amount you get from each supplement.
• Testing: Third-party testing ensures the manufacturer’s claims match what’s actually in the bottle. We look at whether or not a supplement has been tested by a third party.
• Price per serving: Often, it’s not recommended to go with the least expensive supplement you can find, but we considered different budgets when making our picks. Do the supplements fall into the typical price range you could expect for these products?
• Customer reviews/customer service: The customer experience is important for any purchase. We look through what users are saying about the products themselves and their personal experiences with customer service.

We also received input from our panel of expert contributors, which includes registered dietitians and highly credentialed experts in sports nutrition and exercise science.

Learn more about our nutrition and supplement review process and our supplement scoring methodology.

Black Seed Oil FAQs

How much black seed oil should I take daily?

It depends. Most recommended supplement doses fall between 1,000 and 2,500 milligrams, but the right dosage for you depends on your health status and why you’re taking it. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist to get a personalized recommendation for you.

What is the best way to apply black seed oil to your face?

First, wash your face with your normal cleanser then pat dry. Put a few drops of black seed oil in your hand and then massage it into your face or décolletage. It’s best to do this routine at night before bed and leave the oil on overnight.

What is thymoquinone in black seed oil?

Thymoquinone is the chemical compound in N. sativa that is highly concentrated in the extracted oil (black seed oil), according to Harbstreet. “It’s been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and is emerging as a new way to slow cancer progression or support cancer treatment/therapies,” she says.

Who shouldn't take black seed oil?

Black seed oil is safe for most people, but there are some groups who should use caution. “As a dietitian, I recommend caution for anyone who is pregnant or chest/breastfeeding. You should also consult with your healthcare team if you are taking prescription medications to avoid drug-supplement interactions with thymoquinone,” says Harbstreet. As a general rule, it’s always best to ask your doctor before taking anything new.

How long does it take black seed oil to work?

Most studies using black seed oil had participants take it for one to two months, which is about how long it generally takes for it to start working. You may notice some differences earlier than that though, especially for topical uses.

Takeaway: Is Black Seed Oil Worth It?

Black seed oil has many purported health benefits, most of which can be backed up by animal studies. While these results can’t be applied to humans directly, there is some supportive research on that front too—and there’s a lot of anecdotal evidence about the supplement improving skin health and contributing to overall wellness. If nothing else, black seed oil is a good source of fatty acids and other beneficial plant compounds. It’s considered a safe supplement and it’s fairly inexpensive. Because of this, we think it’s worth trying to see if it will work for you.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.