Calendula
INCI · Calendula Officinalis Extract · also marigold extract, calendula officinalis
How it works
Calendula, derived from the flowers of Calendula officinalis (pot marigold), contains flavonoids, triterpenoids, and carotenoids credited with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. It has a long history of use in wound care and skin soothing, with proposed mechanisms including support for collagen deposition during healing and reduction of inflammatory signaling in irritated or damaged skin. Extracts are typically prepared as oil infusions or aqueous extracts from the dried flower heads before being incorporated into creams and ointments.
The evidence
Calendula has more clinical support than many soothing botanicals, including studies on its use in preventing and managing radiation-induced dermatitis, where calendula-based preparations have shown benefit in reducing skin reactions during radiotherapy compared with standard care in some trials. Additional research supports mild wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effects in topical preparations. While not as extensively studied as centella asiatica, calendula has a reasonably established evidence base for skin-soothing and minor wound-care applications, and its long-standing use in pediatric and post-surgical wound care further supports its safety profile.
Suitability
Well suited to sensitive, dry, and irritated skin, and commonly used for minor cuts, diaper rash, sunburn, and post-procedure skin recovery. Those with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae or Compositae family, such as ragweed, daisies, or chrysanthemums, should patch test or avoid calendula due to potential cross-reactivity.
Concentration
No single standardized effective percentage is established; calendula is used across a range of concentrations from dilute extracts in lotions to more concentrated oils and ointments in wound-care contexts. Efficacy in clinical studies has generally used calendula-based ointments rather than a defined percentage of isolated extract.
Conflicts & combinations
Pairs well with other calming botanicals such as chamomile, bisabolol, and allantoin for layered soothing support. No known conflicts with acids, retinoids, or antioxidants; the main caution is plant-family allergy rather than ingredient interaction.
- Marigold-derived extract with a long wound-care history
- Clinical support in radiation dermatitis and minor wound healing
- Caution advised for Asteraceae/ragweed-family allergies
- redness
- irritation
- dryness
- Effective from
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- Max safe
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What is calendula used for in skincare?
It is used to soothe irritated skin, support wound healing, and calm redness from minor cuts, sunburn, or procedures.
Is calendula backed by clinical evidence?
Yes, it has clinical support including studies on reducing radiation-induced skin dermatitis and general wound-healing benefits.
Who should avoid calendula?
People with allergies to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, or other Asteraceae family plants should patch test or avoid it due to possible cross-reactivity.
Is calendula safe during pregnancy?
Yes, topical calendula is generally considered safe during pregnancy.
Can calendula be combined with chamomile?
Yes, the two are frequently combined for enhanced soothing in sensitive-skin formulations.