Calendula, also called marigold, is a bright yellowish-orange flower that blooms during the fall. Native to the Mediterranean, calendula has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It is marketed to have skin-healing properties, which makes it a popular ingredient in botanical skincare products. Calendula is marketed to help treat acne, dry skin, and skin barrier irritation. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind how calendula for skin works to improve skin health.
What is Calendula?
Calendula contains natural compounds that reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and heal the skin. Skincare products often include calendula in creams, oils, and serums because of its calming properties. The flower extract is commonly used in products marketed for treating rashes, burns, and an irritated skin barrier.
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The key active ingredients in calendula, like flavonoids and triterpenoids, play an important role in soothing redness and swelling. These active ingredients are natural antioxidants that help protect your skin’s barrier. Additionally, these compounds also have antibacterial effects, which can help treat acne and prevent infections.
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How Does Calendula Work in Skincare?
In skincare products, you will most commonly see calendula as an extract. Calendula extract is made by breaking down the flower and extracting the critical active ingredients. You’ll often find calendula in skincare products focusing on hydration and repair. Specifically, calendula is marketed for people with sensitive skin to reduce irritation without causing further damage.
What Are the Marketed Benefits of Calendula for Skincare?
Many companies market calendula as a solution for various skin concerns, specifically for people with sensitive skin. The main benefits include:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Reducing redness and swelling
- Antiseptic effects: Preventing infections in small cuts or acne breakouts due to its antibacterial properties.
- Wound healing: Speeding up healing by boosting blood flow to the skin and supporting collagen production.
What Does the Science Say About Calendula?
Most of the clinical studies related to using calendula for skin focus on dermatitis. Specifically, dermatitis resulting from radiotherapy. The scientific evidence has mixed results when it comes to the effectiveness of Calendula. There are studies that show some minor benefits, and some that show no positive benefit. So unfortunately based on the science today, the benefits of Calendula for skin are just marketing hype.
How Does Calendula Compare to Other Natural Ingredients?
Calendula is often compared to ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, and tea tree oil. And unfortunately, it falls into the category of botanical ingredients that do not have the scientific support.