Calendula - A hero Ingredient for Sensitive and Dry Skin
- Jacqui King
- May 30
- 4 min read
Stretching back to ancient civilizations and with a long tradition of use by many diverse cultures to today Calendula officinalis commonly known as pot marigold, and not to be confused with the similarly known French marigold of the Tagetes genus, has been known and valued for its healing properties and benefits of healing wounds, soothing rashes and burns and in reducing inflammation. It is also used with caution internally to help with digestive and liver issues and also gastrointestinal disorders and ulcers.
A glimpse into history
Calendula has long been revered by ancient civilizations. The ancient Egyptians valued calendula for their rejuvenating properties, using the flowers in religious ceremonies, associating it with the sun god Ra a symbol of divinity and in medical treatments externally and internally. It was also a fragrant element in their perfume making.
the Romans and Greeks used it in ceremonies and as a garnish for foods and as a dye. In medieval Europe Calendula was regularly found in herbal medical cabinets and was commonly used for healing wounds and soothing wounds and insect bites.
This cheerful bright orange flower, originally native to the Mediterranean has spread throughout the world and folk traditions looked to it for healing, protection and soothing comfort.
It was also used in India in protection rituals.
Modern Understanding and Skincare Benefits
Supported by modern research this easy to grown annual cottage garden flower has found to contain several key compounds.
Flavonoids – these antioxidants help to protect the skin from oxidative stress and promotes healing
Triterpenoids-Possessing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
Saponins and essential oils- Bringing gentle cleansing and soothing effects
Carotenoids- ( natural pigments) Contributing to skin nourishment and has protective qualities
Together these compounds make calendula ideal for :
Soothing eczema and dermatitis
Reducing redness and inflammation
Helping dry, cracked or chapped skin to heal.
Marigold has the ability to gently encourage and promote healthy tissue growth, increase blood supply to the affected area and boost collagen production, it is known to hydrate the skin, and it also helps to repair the skin gently without irritation.
Calendula is especially popular in many forms of natural skin care including baby products and it is perfect for post -surgical recovery balms due to its mildness.
Calendula in soap making
In handmade soaps calendula offers a dual benefit both aesthetically and functionally.
Infusing into oils: Dried calendula petals are often infused into the main soap making oils especially olive oil which is the main part of the soap base. The extracts are incorporated into the oil therefore imparting the beneficial compounds into the oil and then making them available in the finished soap bar.
Petal inclusion: Including whole or crushed petals into the soap or adding to the decoration of the soap bar offers a rustic and natural appearance to the soap. Also calendula is unique in its ability to retain the beautiful orange colour throughout the soap making process and remaining bright orange through the final stage of the saponification of the soap.
Skin Feel: Soaps with calendula infused oils are often noticeably gentler ,more soothing and highly suitable for dry or compromised skin types.
The use of Calendula is in my soap range
For a brand like JacqsArtisan Soapery, where natural ingredients and skin sensitivity are key focuses, calendula makes a beautiful addition. It is used in my Chamomile and calendula soap bar which is packed with soothing and healing ingredients including solar infused flowers of chamomile, lavender and calendula. Infused in premium cold pressed olive oil for at least 8 weeks.
And paired with colloidal oatmeal which is also known for its immense soothing qualities, combined these make this soap bar particularly soothing, gentle and non- irritating. And helpful for eczema -prone skin and suitable for babies.
Growing Calendula at Home
Calendula is one of the easiest flowers to grow in a cottage garden or even in containers. It thrives in full sun and poor soil, often self-seeding from year to year. Not only do the vibrant blooms bring cheerful colour to the garden, but they also attract pollinators and offer a steady supply of petals for infusing or drying. There’s something especially satisfying about using ingredients you’ve grown yourself.
Sourcing My Calendula
Whenever possible, I use organically grown calendula—either from trusted herb growers or from my own garden here in Suffolk. The flowers are carefully dried and solar-infused in cold-pressed olive oil over several weeks to extract the full spectrum of skin-loving compounds. This gentle, traditional method preserves the integrity of the ingredients and adds a layer of care to each batch.
How to Use Calendula Soap
Calendula-infused soap is ideal for daily use, especially during the colder months when skin tends to become dry, sore, or irritated. It’s particularly helpful during flare-ups of eczema or dermatitis. Simply lather with warm water and allow the creamy, soothing suds to sit on the skin for a moment before rinsing—giving the ingredients a chance to work their gentle magic.
Customer Feedback
Customers tell me that the Chamomile and Calendula bar is a the only soap they can use during periods of extreme skin sensitivity. One mum even shared that it helped soothe her baby’s eczema-prone skin when nothing else seemed to help.
It’s feedback like this that reminds me why I do what I do.
I always love to hear how my soaps have helped people with their skin. If you have any similar positive experiences, I would love to hear them!
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