This botanical profile is part of the Star Naturals Herbal Library.
Calendula
Calendula officinalis
Historical / Folk Use
Calendula has been cherished in European, Mediterranean, and North American herbal traditions as a skin-supportive botanical.
The vibrant orange petals were traditionally infused into oils, balms, and washes to soothe dry or delicate skin and support the body’s natural renewal processes. It has long been appreciated for maintaining healthy-looking skin and encouraging resilience in compromised or weather-exposed areas.
Energetics
Traditionally described as:
• Gentle and soothing
• Cooling to heated skin
• Softly hydrating
• Vulnerary in nature
• Restorative to surface tissue
• Calming and harmonizing
• Protective and buffering
How Star Naturals
uses this botanical
Calendula appears in several of our botanical skin formulations, including our pain-soothing salve, face salve, and skin relief salve. In our topical blends, it helps calm visible redness, support the skin barrier, and promote a nourished, comfortable feel. We choose calendula for its gentle yet steady support and integrity.
Found in these Star Naturals formulations:
Research & Resources
The research summaries below highlight findings from scientific studies on compounds found in this botanical.
They are provided for educational purposes and do not represent claims about the effects of Star Naturals products.
Study 1:
A randomized, double-blind study evaluated a topical cream containing Calendula officinalis extract. The research observed that the formulation supported skin hydration, comfort, and barrier function in study participants.
Study 2:
This regulatory assessment compiled decades of traditional topical use data for Calendula flower preparations. It notes documented traditional use for symptomatic relief of minor skin inflammations (e.g., sunburn) and as an aid to minor wound healing.
Study 3:
This pilot clinical study evaluated a hydroglycolic extract of Calendula applied topically to long‑standing diabetic foot ulcers. Patients were assessed over 30 weeks for wound closure, wound area reduction, necrotic tissue, exudate, and bacterial colonization.
Study 4:
Researchers examined Calendula extracts on human keratinocytes and fibroblasts to study inflammatory signals, cell migration, collagenase activity, and collagen levels.
Study 5:
An experimental study examined Calendula extract impacts on glutathione and metalloproteinase activity after UV exposure.