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Calendula Oil: A Deep Dive Into Its Uses, Traditions, and How To Make It At Home

Daniel Raffelt

Bright, golden, and quietly powerful β€” calendula has long stood as a beloved ally in herbal skincare. In this piece, we’ll explore what calendula-infused oil is most commonly used for, how to make it from scratch, and why it continues to be a favourite in the modern formulator’s toolkit.

From baby balms and gentle body oils to botanical butters and after-sun blends, calendula-infused oil features in all kinds of DIY skincare. Makers choose it for its reputation as a calming and gentle botanical, valued in folk traditions and natural wellness communities around the world.

This article is based on our own research, experiences, and love for botanical ingredients. It’s intended as a guide for DIY enthusiasts β€” not as professional or medical advice.

What Is Calendula Oil and Why Do People Use It?

Calendula oil typically refers to calendula-infused oil β€” made by steeping dried petals of Calendula officinalis in a carrier oil of your choice. Over time, the plant’s natural compounds infuse into the oil, giving it a golden hue and subtle herbal scent. What gives calendula its glow isn’t just its colour, it's also the collection of naturally occurring compounds within the flower itself, which includes:

Flavonoids [4] – Found in many flowers and studied for antioxidant behaviour [1,5]

Triterpenoids [4] – Resinous compounds explored in topical research [4]

Carotenoids [4] – Pigments like lutein that give calendula its rich colour [5]


Formulating with Calendula Oil

What are the common uses of calendula oil in skincare?

Calendula oil finds its way into many DIY routines because it’s so versatile and loved for good reason. Here's how it's commonly used, along with why makers return to it again and again:

  • Daily body oils and massage blends – For a soft, nourishing feel
  • Whipped body butters – Calendula adds a soft, golden richness to blends
  • Balms and salves – Especially for dry or delicate areas
  • Baby skincare – Paired with gentle, minimal ingredients
  • After-sun care – Often chosen for replenishing body blends
  • Facial oil cleansers & moisturisers – Great in minimal routines
  • Solid lotion bars or balm sticks – Ideal for travel or gifting

Its appeal goes beyond tradition. The plant’s naturally occurring compounds of flavonoids, triterpenoids, and carotenoids are part of what makes it a favourite among botanical formulators [1,5].


What’s the Best Carrier Oil for Calendula Infusion?

Not sure where to start? Your choice of oil will affect the feel, absorption, and purpose of your calendula infusion. Some beloved options bring their own texture, personality, and purpose:

My personal favourite is jojoba oil. It has a silky, luxurious feel on the skin and works well across seasons. Whether your skin is dry or leaning oily, it stays balanced and comfortable.


How Do You Make Calendula Oil at Home?

  1. Use fully dried calendula petals to prevent spoilage.
  2. Fill a sterilised, dry glass jar with petals.
  3. Top with your carrier oil until petals are fully covered.
  4. Infuse:
    Slow method: Apply lid to jar to keep it airtight and sealed. Store in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking occasionally. Some recipes say to leave the jar in sunlight, however, UV light can potentially cause damage to the oil.
    Warm method: Heat gently in a water bath under 45Β°C for 2–3 hours. Again, similar to the UV, heat used in this method may cause the oil to lose some of it's delicate properties.
  5. Strain through muslin or cheesecloth.
  6. Bottle in dark glass, label with date and oil used. Store in a cool, dark place. Patch test before widespread use.

Final Thoughts

Calendula oil is more than just a pretty ingredient - it’s a gentle, versatile staple in DIY skincare that brings warmth, tradition, and intention into your making process. Whether you're blending it into body oils, baby balms, or facial cleansers, it's one of those botanicals that quietly earns its place on the shelf. If you’re new to infusing, calendula is a forgiving place to start. If you’re experienced, it’s a timeless favourite worth revisiting.

Rooted in tradition, calendula offers a sense of calm and care that fits beautifully into modern, intentional skincare.

Want to Learn More?

[1]
Preethi KC, Kuttan R.
Wound healing activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis.
Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology. 2009;20(1):73–80.
Available from: https://pure.johnshopkins.edu/en/publications/wound-healing-activity-of-flower-extract-of-calendula-officinalis

[2]
Pommier P, Gomez F, Sunyach MP, D’Hombres A, Carrie C, Montbarbon X.
Phase III randomized trial of Calendula officinalis compared with trolamine for the prevention of acute dermatitis during irradiation for breast cancer.
Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2004;22(8):1447–1453.
Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259146790_Phase_III_Randomized_Trial_of_Calendula_Officinalis

[3]
Della Loggia R, Tubaro A, Sosa S, Becker H, Saar S, Isaac O.
The role of triterpenoids in the topical anti-inflammatory activity of Calendula officinalis flowers.
Planta Medica. 1994;60(6):516–520.
Abstract available from: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-2006-959562

[4]
Gazim ZC, Rezende CM, Fraga SR, Svidzinski TIE, Cortez DAG.
Antifungal activity of the essential oil from Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae) growing in Brazil.
Brazilian Journal of Microbiology. 2008;39(1):61–63.
Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256541742

[5]
Ukiya M, Akihisa T, Yasukawa K, Tokuda H, Suzuki T, Kimura Y.
Anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor-promoting, and cytotoxic activities of constituents of marigold (Calendula officinalis) flowers.
Journal of Natural Products. 2006;69(12):1692–1696.
Available from: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/np060290e

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