Calendula is a genus of about 15 to 20 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants that are often known as marigold. The most commonly cultivated and used member of the genus is the pot marigold. Its flowers are used to produce calendula oil that has a wide range of applications in medicine and cosmetology. What are the cosmetic uses of calendula oil?
The healing properties of calendula have been known since ancient times. It was used in medicine in ancient Greek, Roman, Middle Eastern, and Indian cultures. Calendula flowers have antiseptic and antihaemorrhagic properties, so they were used in dressing wounds to stop bleeding, speed healing and prevent infection. Calendula was used in this way during the American Civil War and World War I. It is still used to treat a number of skin conditions.
Pot marigold flowers are used to obtain two cosmetic ingredients that are valued for their antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, healing, and soothing properties. They are calendula oil and calendula extract. Calendula oil is basically an infusion, it is obtained by steeping dried calendula petals in a carrier oil, typically olive oil or sunflower oil. Calendula oil contains a number of valuable organic acids, flavonoids, and carotenoids. Due to high carotenoid content, it has a golden orange colour.
The second cosmetic ingredient obtained from pot marigold flowers is calendula extract. Calendula extract used by cosmetic manufacturers is typically obtained by CO2 extraction process. This method allows to get a 100% natural product that preserves all the useful properties of calendula flowers but is free of any contaminants. Calendula extract is several times stronger than calendula oil because it is obtained without using solvents. That’s why it is mostly added to mass produced cosmetics in small doses, while calendula oil can be used in pure form as a skin treatment. You can also add it to your favourite cosmetic products to enhance their properties.
Calendula oil and extract have similar properties. They are valued for their bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. Skincare products with calendula are used to eliminate acne, relieve dry and chapped skin. Pure calendula oil can help to treat skin problems, such as dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, jock itch, ringworm, and athlete’s foot.
Skincare products with calendula are suitable for all skin types. They help to normalise sebum secretion in oily skin, as well as moisturise and soothe dry and sensitive skin. Calendula oil has strong hydrating and protective properties. It increases the skin’s resistance to harmful environmental factors and helps to protect the skin from the effects of UV radiation and prevent sunburn.
Calendula oil doesn’t have many contraindications, except for sensitivity to ragweed and related plants. It can even be used to take care of delicate baby skin, including relieving diaper rashes. Calendula’s ability to relieve irritation and to produce a soothing and healing effect on baby skin has made calendula extract one of the most widely used natural ingredients in baby care products.
Calendula is often used as one of key ingredients in shampoos. When added to hair care products, calendula produces a soothing effect on the scalp, prevents dandruff, helps to regulate sebum secretion, as well as nourishes and strengthens the hair along the entire length.
You can see the miraculous effects of calendula oil for yourself. Just apply some oil to rough skin, and in just several minutes you will notice how much softer it has become. Due to its softening and moisturising properties, you can use calendula oil as a body oil, lotion, baby oil, or remedy for dry skin. Moisturising properties of calendula oil are often used in personal care products designed for instant hydration and protection of delicate skin, such as lip balms. When you choose a lip balm with calendula oil, you get an effective product that will make your lips soft and supple and prevent chapping.
You can add calendula oil to your favourite shampoo, face cream or body lotion, or use it to make DIY cosmetics. You can also buy cosmetic products with calendula oil or extract in our online shop Organic Store. We offer a great selection of effective, natural and affordable cosmetics produced by various brands, including Dr. Sante, Ambra, Ekolux, Agor, Home Doctor, Green Pharmacy, and YAKA. Take care of your skin and hair with Organic Store!
Products with Calendula in Our Store
Dr. Sante Baby Calendula & Dandelion Cream Soap, 90 g |