Fragrance

Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil

INCI: CALENDULA OFFICINALIS FLOWER OIL

Reviewed by Rosie · Last updated 14 Aug 2026

Also known as: Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil

A botanical oil traditionally used to soothe and condition the skin

Best For Skin Types

All, Sensitive, Dry

Addresses

Redness, Sensitivity, Dryness

Usage Frequency

Daily

What Is Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil?

Calendula officinalis flower oil is an infusion of marigold petals in a carrier oil base. The calendula plant has been used in traditional skincare for centuries, and the oil extracted from its flowers contains compounds that may support skin health. In cosmetic formulations, it typically serves as a skin conditioning agent and fragrance component.

This ingredient is found in a relatively small proportion of skincare products (roughly 0.2%), often featured in creams, oils, and balms designed for sensitive or compromised skin.

How It Works

Calendula flower oil works primarily through its emollient action—the oil sits on the skin surface and reduces water loss, helping to maintain hydration and softness. The botanical compounds present in the infusion are thought to have mild soothing properties, though the exact mechanisms are not fully understood.

When used in wound care formulations, calendula has been included alongside other active ingredients to support skin recovery, though its individual contribution in such blends requires further clarification.

Clinical Evidence & References

Research on calendula oil as a standalone ingredient is limited. Studies examining wound healing creams that include calendula as part of a complex formulation (alongside other botanicals and actives) suggest it may play a supporting role in skin recovery, but isolating calendula's specific contribution is difficult.

The evidence base supports its use as a conditioning and soothing agent in formulations, though clinical data specifically measuring calendula oil's efficacy in isolation is sparse. It remains a traditionally valued ingredient rather than one with robust clinical backing for specific skin concerns.

How to Use

Calendula oil is best used in products applied to cleansed skin, either as a standalone oil or within a cream or balm formulation. For those with sensitive skin, introduce it gradually to monitor tolerance. It pairs well with other soothing botanicals and works across most skincare routines, though those with oily or acne-prone skin may prefer lighter formulations or targeted application to drier areas.

Safety & Precautions

Calendula is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Those with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (such as ragweed or chamomile) should patch test first, as cross-reactivity is possible.

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