Calendula: Benefits and Uses in Skincare

Heralded for its skin-comforting properties, calendula is at the heart of several Kiehl’s oily and sensitive skincare formulations. As part of our apothecary heritage, we have been formulating our Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner with handpicked calendula flower petals and calendula extract as far back as the 1960s. 

So, how does calendula work? This potent, versatile plant is known for its ability to protect the skin from oxidative stress, leaving you with comfortable, healthier-looking skin.

In this definitive guide, we’ll be taking you through calendula benefits and uses, along with a four-step routine using some of Kiehl’s best-selling calendula skincare range. 

What is calendula?

Native to the Mediterranean, calendula officinalis, or pot marigold, is a herbaceous flowering plant commonly used in herbal and skincare products. Calendula flowers are native to the Mediterranean, orange or gold with a strong, fresh aroma. A trusted herb for many centuries, calendula is known to have been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. For Kiehl’s formulations, calendula is harvested from January to March – the entire flower is picked by hand to help preserve its delicacy and keep the petals intact.

Calendula uses in skincare

Kiehl’s calendula extract and petals are scientifically tested to provide a lasting, continuous supply of discomfort-reducing compounds. Each individual calendula petal contains five compounds: oleanic acid, lupeol, quercetin, α-amyrin and β-amyrin. These efficacious compounds have been studied and are known to provide antioxidant protection and improve skin comfort.

With the success and long-standing popularity of our calendula toner, we expanded our calendula skincare products to include a foaming cleanser, hydrating face mask and serum-infused water cream. Each of these products is formulated with our concentrated calendula extract. True to our apothecary roots, our mask, toner and water cream are still infused with handpicked calendula petals.

What are the benefits of calendula?

We know that this herbaceous plant has a multitude of uses, but how is calendula good for skin? The effective compounds within calendula work to comfort and visibly improve your skin’s appearance and texture. By reducing signs of discomfort and safeguarding against external stressors, calendula skincare products help your skin look smooth, radiant and dewy-fresh. Read on as we break down four essential calendula skincare benefits for skin.

Rich in natural antioxidants

One of the most notable calendula benefits is its ability to protect the skin from free radical damage. When free radicals form on your skin – typically through UV radiation and pollution – it can cause oxidative stress. This process can impact your skin’s proteins, lipids, and DNA cells, contributing to visible signs of aging like fine lines, loss of firmness, and hyperpigmentation. Calendula flowers are rich in antioxidant compounds, including flavonoids, polyphenols and carotenoids, that help neutralise free radicals and limit their effects, resulting in a healthier-looking appearance.  

Comforts the skin

We know that skin is often affected by a blend of internal and external stressors – particularly if you’re already prone to sensitivity. In addition to free radicals, these stressors can include pollution, UV damage, inclement weather, or even hormonal changes. This often presents as redness, uneven skin tone, or blemishes. Thankfully, calendula benefits stressed skin by imparting comforting compounds that help fortify your skin against aggressors. 

Supports the skin moisture barrier

Studies have also shown that calendula flowers are rich in various skin-friendly oils. The exact quantities depend on a variety of factors like where and how the calendula plant was grown, however, research indicates that calendula seeds typically include high concentrations of linoleic and calendric acid. Linoleic acid is the most abundant fatty acid in the skin moisture barrier and can help maintain its healthy function – meaning its presence in calendula skincare promotes hydration, firmness, and protection.

Helps mitigate skin sensitivity

Sensitive skin types are particularly prone to transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is where the skin’s outermost layer struggles to retain moisture. When this happens, it can exacerbate signs of sensitivity like redness, tightness, dryness, and prickling sensations. However, calendula benefits the skin by limiting transepidermal water loss in the skin, which in turn strengthens your skin's defences against potential stressors, mitigating sensitivity. 

How to use calendula in your skincare routine

Our gentle yet effective calendula skincare products are formulated for all skin types. These products are particularly well-suited for normal and oily skin but are mild enough for use if you have sensitive skin. Below, we have curated a four-step skincare routine so you can harness calendula benefits for your skin, balancing your complexion and visibly improving skin concerns. 

Step 1: Cleanse

With a fresh aroma and creamy foam texture, the Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash is a revitalising way to start or end your day. Developed for oily and normal skin, this efficacious facial cleanser gently lifts away dirt, debris and impurities, while helping to minimise visible redness and discomfort. Its creamy gel formula activates into a dense, rich foam and leaves skin feeling refreshed and renewed. While an effective cleanser, our calendula face wash maintains the skin moisture barrier without removing the skin's natural moisturising properties. 

Step 2: Tone

The iconic Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner helps to comfort and tone oily and normal skin. This formula is infused with great burdock root and allantoin along with calendula extract and approximately 93 calendula petals in a 250ml bottle. This toner is also alcohol-free and does not contain drying agents, so you can enjoy calendula benefits without disrupting your skin moisture barrier. After cleansing, smooth on our gentle calendula toner to comfort and rebalance your skin.

Step 3: Moisturise

Infused with a concentrated calendula serum, our lightweight Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream is a multi-functional formula. Enriched with hundreds of micronised calendula petals and our highest concentration of calendula extract, this efficacious calendula cream benefits skin by visibly evening skin tone and boosting radiance while helping reduce visible redness over time. Upon application, this formula bursts into a water-light texture, releasing our concentrated calendula serum directly to skin. Smooth on daily for petal-soft skin.

Step 4: Facial mask

For a refreshing surge of cooling hydration, experience our calming Calendula Petal-Infused Calming Mask. Designed for all skin types, this comforting facial mask leaves skin feeling soft, hydrated and refreshed. True to our heritage with calendula, this mask is infused with hand-picked calendula petals, which are known for their skin-comforting capabilities. Apply to your entire face and leave for 15 minutes to moisturise, rebalance, and increase suppleness.