Of everything I make, calendula oil is the one I reach for most. Hands rubbed raw from washing, chapped knuckles, rough elbows: a few drops, a quick rub, and I move on with my day.
If you have seen calendula on a label and wondered what it actually is, this guide covers it: what calendula oil is, how it differs from a calendula cream, how to use it on everyday dry skin, and when to skip it.
The short answer
Calendula oil is a carrier oil, like sunflower or olive oil, that has had dried calendula flowers soaking in it so the plant's properties move into the oil. Calendula has a long history of traditional use on dry, rough, and irritated skin. Use a few drops on clean, slightly damp skin and massage it in.
In this guide
What Is Calendula Oil?
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a bright orange and yellow flower also called pot marigold. It is not the same plant as the marigolds most people grow in garden beds, which belong to a different genus.
Calendula oil is an infused oil: dried calendula flowers are steeped in a carrier oil, then strained out. Many herbalists let the flowers sit at room temperature for several weeks. I use low heat for 3 days instead, with calendula, lemon balm, and yarrow all in the sunflower oil together. Either way, what is left is a golden oil that carries the flowers' natural compounds.
It is one of the most trusted skin herbs in traditional herbalism. Herbalists have used it for generations on skin that is dry, rough, chapped, or irritated.
Calendula oil is not an essential oil
Most products labeled "calendula oil" are infused oils, not essential oils. That is good news: an infused oil is gentle enough to use straight on the skin without diluting it.
Calendula Oil vs. Calendula Cream
Calendula oil
Just oil and herbs, with no water. A few drops go a long way, and it soaks in without leaving a film. Easy to carry in a bag.
Calendula cream
Oil mixed with water, which needs emulsifiers and preservatives to stay stable. Thicker and heavier on the skin.
Neither is better for everyone. If you like a light feel and a short ingredient list, oil is the simpler choice.
How I Use Calendula Oil on Everyday Skin
A couple of drops after washing, rubbed in like lotion.
One drop worked into each knuckle, especially in cold, dry weather.
A few drops right after a shower, while the skin is still a little damp.
Other places people often use calendula oil: dry cuticles, rough heels, and dry patches that show up in winter.
How to Use Calendula Oil
Start with clean skin. Slightly damp is best, like right after washing your hands or stepping out of the shower.
Use a few drops. Start with 2 or 3. You can always add more.
Massage it in. Rub gently until it absorbs, about 30 seconds.
For very dry hands, try it at night. Apply before bed and wear thin cotton gloves.
Repeat as needed. Dry skin usually needs a little care every day, not one big application.
What Is in Calendula Skin Rescue
Calendula Skin Rescue keeps it simple. Five ingredients, no synthetic fragrance:
The star. Traditionally used on dry, rough, and irritated skin.
A gentle, aromatic herb with a long history in skin care.
A classic herb in traditional skin preparations.
A light carrier oil that absorbs well.
Helps keep the oil fresh.
I make it by hand in small batches. Calendula, lemon balm, and yarrow all go into the sunflower oil together, sit on low heat for 3 days, and then I strain them out. Calendula also shows up in my Puller Outer drawing salve and my Back in the Game muscle oil.
Who Should Skip Calendula Oil
- People allergic to the daisy family. Calendula is related to ragweed, chamomile, and chrysanthemums. If those bother you, patch test carefully or skip it.
- Anyone pregnant or nursing should check with a healthcare provider first.
- Deep cuts, burns, or infected skin need medical care, not an oil.
See a doctor if dry skin cracks and bleeds, if you see spreading redness, warmth, or pus, or if a rash keeps coming back or spreads.
Always patch test first: put a drop on the inside of your arm and wait 24 hours.
For dry, rough skin
Calendula Skin Rescue Herbal Oil
Calendula, lemon balm, and yarrow infused in sunflower oil. A few drops soak in without the heaviness of a cream.
Shop Calendula Skin Rescue, $34 or build a bundleFrequently Asked Questions
What is calendula oil good for?
Calendula oil is traditionally used on dry, rough, chapped, or irritated skin. Common spots are hands, knuckles, elbows, cuticles, and heels.
Is calendula the same as marigold?
Calendula is often called pot marigold, but it is a different plant from the common garden marigolds (Tagetes). Make sure a product lists Calendula officinalis.
Can I use calendula oil on my face?
Many people do. Use one or two drops on clean, damp skin, and patch test first. If your skin breaks out easily with oils, try it on a small area for a week before using it all over.
Can kids use calendula oil?
Calendula Skin Rescue is for external use. Patch test first, and check with your pediatrician before using it on babies or if your child has allergies.
Do I need to dilute calendula oil?
No. An infused calendula oil is already in a carrier oil, so you can use it straight on the skin. Only an essential oil needs diluting.
Related Reading
For external use only. Patch test before first use. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.