Calendula (Calendula officinalis), commonly known as pot marigold, is an annual flowering plant widely cultivated across Europe and the Mediterranean region. Although today it grows naturally in many temperate climates, its historical roots trace back to North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean, where it was valued for both ornamental and medicinal purposes.
The plant belongs to the Asteraceae family, the same botanical family as daisies and chamomile. It produces vivid yellow to deep orange flowers that bloom continuously from late spring to early autumn, typically from May to October, making it one of the most reliable medicinal garden plants.
For centuries, calendula has been cultivated not only for its beauty, but also for its exceptional therapeutic potential.
a garden flower with healing heritageThe healing properties of calendula have been recognised since antiquity. Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman sources mention its use in skin treatments and wound care. During the Middle Ages, systematic cultivation expanded across Europe and calendula became a staple of monastery gardens and herbal medicine.
Traditionally, it was used to soothe inflamed skin, treat minor injuries and support digestive health. Infusions, poultices and oils made from its petals were common household remedies, especially for sensitive skin and slow-healing wounds.
This long-standing cultural use laid the foundation for its modern role in natural medicine and cosmetics.
from petals to healing preparationsCalendula flowers are the primary medicinal and cosmetic raw material of the plant. Once harvested and dried, they can be transformed into a variety of preparations.
Through infusion, the petals release their active compounds into carrier oils, creating calendula-infused oil, one of the most widely used forms in skincare. Alcohol extraction produces tinctures for external and internal use, while gentle drying allows the flowers to be used in teas and compresses.
Modern processing techniques preserve these traditional preparations while ensuring safety, stability and consistency for professional formulations.
active compounds and regenerative potentialCalendula owes its therapeutic power to a rich and complex biochemical composition.
Its flowers contain:
- Essential oils
- Flavonoids
- Saponins
- Resins
- Carotenoids (beta-carotene, lycopene, calendulin)
- Triterpenoids
- Silicon and calcium
- Vitamins A, B-complex, C and E
These compounds work synergistically to provide anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and regenerative activity, making calendula one of the most versatile medicinal plants in skincare.
herbal remedies and external applicationsIn traditional herbal medicine, calendula has been used both externally and internally.
As a tea or decoction, it was employed to:
- support digestion
- relieve stomach discomfort
- stimulate circulation
- ease mild inflammation
Gargles prepared from calendula infusions were used for mouth and throat irritation, including stomatitis and gum sensitivity.
Tinctures and compresses were traditionally applied to:
- wounds and abrasions
- burns and ulcers
- scars and difficult-to-heal skin lesions
- abscesses and minor infections
Its gentle yet effective antimicrobial action made it suitable even for delicate skin.
Internal use today should always follow professional guidance.
working with calendula-infused oilsCalendula oil is typically produced by infusing dried petals in a stable carrier oil such as olive, sunflower or jojoba oil. This process transfers fat-soluble active compounds into the oil phase, creating a highly soothing and regenerative cosmetic ingredient.
In professional formulations, calendula oil is valued for its:
- excellent skin tolerance
- anti-inflammatory activity
- wound-healing support
- compatibility with sensitive skin
It is commonly found in creams, balms, serums, lip products and after-sun treatments.
soothing inflamed and sensitive skinIn skincare, calendula plays a central role in barrier protection and regeneration.
It helps to:
- calm redness and irritation
- accelerate wound healing
- support collagen renewal
- reduce inflammatory reactions
- improve skin resilience
- soothe eczema- and acne-prone skin
Thanks to its gentle profile, it is suitable for sensitive, reactive, mature and baby skin, making it one of the safest botanical actives in natural cosmetics.
gentle care for scalp and hairCalendula is equally valuable in hair and scalp care.
In hair formulations, it contributes to:
- soothing irritated scalps
- reducing dryness and flaking
- supporting follicle comfort
- improving shine and softness
- strengthening fragile hair
Calendula-infused oils and extracts are frequently used in scalp treatments, masks and leave-in conditioners designed for sensitive or stressed hair.
designing calming cosmetic blendsIn natural formulation, calendula functions not only as a soothing agent but also as a structural support ingredient.
It enhances the stability of repair-focused blends, improves skin compatibility and elevates the therapeutic profile of creams, balms and oils. Rather than acting as a simple carrier infusion, it operates as an active botanical component.
For this reason, calendula remains a cornerstone ingredient in healing-oriented cosmetic systems.
calendula in modern skincare practiceToday, calendula is widely used in:
- barrier-repair creams
- baby skincare
- after-sun products
- healing balms
- post-procedure skincare
- after-shave formulations
- lip treatments
Its combination of safety, efficacy and versatility makes it indispensable in professional natural cosmetics.
did you know that…- Calendula petals were once used as a natural food colouring.
- The name “calendula” comes from the Latin calendae, meaning “little calendar”, referring to its long flowering season.
- Pot marigold is different from ornamental marigolds (Tagetes species).
- Calendula is one of the most researched plants in wound-healing studies.
- Its bright colour reflects its high carotenoid content.
From a resilient garden flower to a cornerstone of healing cosmetics, calendula represents the perfect balance between tradition and science.
Its flowers provide a powerful combination of regenerative, anti-inflammatory and protective compounds, while calendula oil remains one of the most trusted botanical ingredients for sensitive and damaged skin.
Within the Herbarium, calendula stands as a symbol of gentle strength, offering reliable support for both skin and hair through generations of botanical knowledge and modern formulation expertise.
