Calendula

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about calendula flower and calendula-infused oil. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

Please note: Some studies on this page tested calendula for wounds or for skin reactions during radiation therapy, which are medical uses. We share them for transparency. ORY^® calendula products are cosmetics and are not intended to treat any condition.

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found calendula-derived ingredients, including the flower and flower oil, safe in cosmetics at reported use. Reviews describe anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in the flower.

Citations:

• • Andersen, F. A., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2010). Final report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel amended safety assessment of Calendula officinalis-derived cosmetic ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 29(6 Suppl), 221S–243S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581810384883
    • What it shows: CIR safety assessment of calendula ingredients.
  • Muley, B. P., Khadabadi, S. S., & Banarase, N. B. (2009). Phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Calendula officinalis Linn (Asteraceae): A review. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 8(5), 455–465. https://doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v8i5.48090
    • What it shows: Review of calendula’s compounds and activity.

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. Calendula chemistry is well documented. ORY^® infused oils are made by steeping dried plant material in a carrier oil. The carrier oil makes up most of the finished product, so its own properties matter as much as the botanical’s — including allergy: nut-derived carrier oils such as sweet almond oil may not suit people with tree-nut allergies.

Citations:

• • Muley, B. P., Khadabadi, S. S., & Banarase, N. B. (2009). Phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Calendula officinalis Linn (Asteraceae): A review. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 8(5), 455–465. https://doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v8i5.48090
    • What it shows: Describes calendula’s compounds.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported, with caveats. CIR reported calendula as non-sensitizing in clinical tests, but calendula is in the daisy family, and allergy has been reported in people sensitive to related plants.

Citations:

• • Andersen, F. A., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2010). Final report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel amended safety assessment of Calendula officinalis-derived cosmetic ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 29(6 Suppl), 221S–243S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581810384883
    • What it shows: Safety data.
  • Paulsen, E. (2002). Contact sensitization from Compositae-containing herbal remedies and cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis, 47(4), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0536.2002.470401.x
    • What it shows: Review of allergy to daisy-family plants in cosmetics.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Limited evidence. We found no clinical studies of calendula on the scalp or hair. ORY^® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions.

Citations:

• • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H
    • What it shows: FDA dandruff actives list, which does not include calendula.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Emollient benefits come mostly from the carrier oil. Wound studies in animals and a systematic review support calendula for wound healing, and a large trial found calendula cream reduced skin reactions during radiation therapy, although a later trial found no difference from a plain cream. These are medical uses; ORY^® does not make wound, burn, eczema, diaper-rash, or radiation claims.

Citations:

• • Preethi, K. C., & Kuttan, R. (2009). Wound healing activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, 20(1), 73–80. https://doi.org/10.1515/JBCPP.2009.20.1.73
    • What it shows: Rat wound study.
  • Givol, O., Kornhaber, R., Visentin, D., Cleary, M., Haik, J., & Harats, M. (2019). A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 27(5), 548–561. https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12737
    • What it shows: Systematic review of wound healing.
  • Pommier, P., Gomez, F., Sunyach, M. P., D’Hombres, A., Carrie, C., & Montbarbon, X. (2004). 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, 22(8), 1447–1453. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2004.07.063
    • What it shows: Radiation dermatitis trial (a medical use).
  • Sharp, L., Finnilä, K., Johansson, H., Abrahamsson, M., Hatschek, T., & Bergenmar, M. (2013). No differences between Calendula cream and aqueous cream in the prevention of acute radiation skin reactions – Results from a randomised blinded trial. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 17(4), 429–435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2012.11.003
    • What it shows: Later trial with no difference from a plain cream.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Calendula petals are added for their skin benefits and appearance in the bar, not as a colorant. Calendula is not an FDA-approved color additive for cosmetics.

Citations:

• • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
    • What it shows: FDA color additive rules.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
    • What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported. Well tolerated by most people.

Citations:

• • Andersen, F. A., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2010). Final report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel amended safety assessment of Calendula officinalis-derived cosmetic ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 29(6 Suppl), 221S–243S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581810384883
    • What it shows: Safety conclusion.

8. Cons

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

• • Allergy. Daisy-family allergy is possible.
  • Variable strength. Depends on petal quality, ratio, and steeping time.
  • Rancidity. Infused oils last about 6–12 months.
  • Medical studies. The strongest evidence is for wounds and radiation reactions, which ORY^® cannot claim.

Citations:

• • Paulsen, E. (2002). Contact sensitization from Compositae-containing herbal remedies and cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis, 47(4), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0536.2002.470401.x
    • What it shows: Allergy.
  • Sharp, L., Finnilä, K., Johansson, H., Abrahamsson, M., Hatschek, T., & Bergenmar, M. (2013). No differences between Calendula cream and aqueous cream in the prevention of acute radiation skin reactions – Results from a randomised blinded trial. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 17(4), 429–435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2012.11.003
    • What it shows: Mixed clinical results.

9. Safety Notes

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

• • Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
  • If you are allergic to ragweed, chamomile, daisies, or other plants in the daisy (Asteraceae) family, patch test carefully or avoid this product.
  • If you have a tree-nut allergy, check the carrier oil before use.
  • Store infused oils away from heat and light, and discard them if they smell rancid.
  • Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
  • For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
  • If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

• • Paulsen, E. (2002). Contact sensitization from Compositae-containing herbal remedies and cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis, 47(4), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0536.2002.470401.x
    • What it shows: Allergy data.

10. Product-line notes

• • ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
  • ORY^® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
  • ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
  • ORY^® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

• • Andersen, F. A., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2010). Final report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel amended safety assessment of Calendula officinalis-derived cosmetic ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 29(6 Suppl), 221S–243S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581810384883
  • Givol, O., Kornhaber, R., Visentin, D., Cleary, M., Haik, J., & Harats, M. (2019). A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 27(5), 548–561. https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12737
  • Muley, B. P., Khadabadi, S. S., & Banarase, N. B. (2009). Phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Calendula officinalis Linn (Asteraceae): A review. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 8(5), 455–465. https://doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v8i5.48090
  • Paulsen, E. (2002). Contact sensitization from Compositae-containing herbal remedies and cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis, 47(4), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0536.2002.470401.x
  • Pommier, P., Gomez, F., Sunyach, M. P., D’Hombres, A., Carrie, C., & Montbarbon, X. (2004). 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, 22(8), 1447–1453. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2004.07.063
  • Preethi, K. C., & Kuttan, R. (2009). Wound healing activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, 20(1), 73–80. https://doi.org/10.1515/JBCPP.2009.20.1.73
  • Sharp, L., Finnilä, K., Johansson, H., Abrahamsson, M., Hatschek, T., & Bergenmar, M. (2013). No differences between Calendula cream and aqueous cream in the prevention of acute radiation skin reactions – Results from a randomised blinded trial. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 17(4), 429–435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2012.11.003

Government and regulatory sources

• • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H