Calendula for Skin Care: A Skin-Loving Herb

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) (pronounced ka-len-jew-la) is one of my favorite herbs to share in class and an herb  I’ve grown and used for 25 years in skin and hair care formulations. Interestingly, when I say calendula, I often hear students respond, “I’ve never heard of that herb.” But when they see it written, they say, “Oh! You mean cal-en-doo-la.” This beautiful flower belongs to the Asteraceae family and has a long history of use in food, textiles, and skincare.

A Bit of History

Calendula is also known as pot marigold. In earlier times, the golden petals were tossed into soups and stews, adding both flavor and a splash of color—hence the name “pot marigold.” It was even used as a natural colorant and as a cheap substitute for saffron to tint butter, cheese, cakes, puddings, cosmetics, and fabrics a rich golden yellow.

The name “calendula” is linked to the calendar. From the Latin calandae, it refers to the flower’s tendency to bloom throughout much of the year, often about once a month. Its vibrant orange and yellow blooms have made it a symbol of warmth, healing, and resilience.

Why Calendula is a Skin Care Favorite

Calendula has earned its reputation as a skin-loving herb. The petals contain a range of beneficial compounds, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and triterpenoids, which give calendula its soothing, protective, and restorative properties. In natural skincare, it is valued for:

• Calming Irritated Skin – Helps soothe redness, itching, and sensitivity.

• Supporting Skin Repair – Promotes the healing of minor cuts, scrapes, and blemishes.

• Moisturizing and Softening – When infused in oils, calendula imparts a gentle, nourishing quality perfect for dry or delicate skin.

• Gentle for All Skin Types – Its mildness makes it especially suitable for sensitive skin, babies, and mature skin.

How Calendula is Used in Formulations

One of the most common ways to incorporate calendula into skin care products is through oil infusions. Dried calendula petals are infused into carrier oils (such as olive, sunflower, or jojoba), allowing the beneficial compounds to transfer into the oil. This golden oil is then used in creams, balms, lotions, serums, and salves.

You’ll often find calendula in:

• Healing balms and salves

• Baby care creams and oils

• Facial moisturizers for sensitive skin

• After-sun care products

• Soothing lip balms

A Herb Worth Knowing

Calendula is much more than a pretty flower in the garden. It carries centuries of traditional use and is now a modern favorite in botanical skin care. Whether you’re making a nourishing body butter, a gentle facial cream, or a soothing herbal balm, calendula is a wonderful herb to reach for.

Joan Morais shares her favorite varieties for skin care and how to grow them.

Download Joan Morais book on using Calendula in skin care