Calendula essential oil is a botanical oil steam-distilled from the flowering tops of the marigold plant (Calendula officinalis), prized in skincare for its soothing, nourishing feel on dry, sensitive and irritated skin. It is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, blends well with common carrier oils, and is meant for external, diluted use rather than eating or applying neat.
What is calendula essential oil?
Calendula, often called pot marigold, has been used in traditional skincare for generations. The oil sold by Azlok is produced in India by steam distillation from the flowering tops. It is a liquid ranging from colourless to slightly yellow, with a mild characteristic scent and a shelf life of around two years. Because it carries the plant's skin-friendly compounds, it is popular with cosmetic formulators and home DIY makers alike.
Key specifications at a glance
- Botanical name: Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil
- CAS No: 70892-20-5
- Extraction: Steam distillation
- Form: Liquid, soluble in alcohols and carrier oils
- Country of origin: India
- Shelf life: 2 years
Common uses
Calendula is most valued for how gentle it feels, which makes it a favourite ingredient in products for reactive or dry skin. People typically use it in:
- Facial oils and serums for skin that feels tight, flaky or easily irritated.
- Body balms and creams to add a comforting, nourishing note.
- Lip balms and salves for chapped or rough patches.
- Soaps and bath products where a mild, botanical character is wanted.
- After-sun and post-shave blends that aim to calm the skin.
It pairs nicely with other oils too. Try it alongside lavender, cypress, lemon, seabuckthorn or saw palmetto, and remember it dissolves easily into all types of carrier oils.
How to use it
Essential oils are concentrated, so calendula should always be diluted before it touches the skin. A simple starting point:
- Choose a carrier oil such as coconut, jojoba, sweet almond or sunflower.
- Dilute to 1-2% for facial use and up to about 3% for body use. As a rough guide, 1% is roughly 6 drops per 30 ml of carrier oil.
- Do a patch test on the inner forearm and wait 24 hours before wider use.
- Blend and store in a clean, airtight bottle away from light.
For creams and lotions, add the diluted oil at the end of your formulation once the mixture has cooled. In candles and soaps, follow your base product's recommended fragrance load.
Safety notes
Used sensibly, calendula oil is gentle, but a few precautions matter:
- For external use only - do not ingest it.
- Always dilute before applying to skin, and patch-test first.
- People allergic to plants in the daisy or ragweed family (Asteraceae) should be cautious, as marigold belongs to this group.
- Keep out of reach of children and away from the eyes.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or managing a skin condition, check with a qualified practitioner before use.
- Store away from open flames; the flash point is above 60 degrees Celsius.
These are general skincare guidelines, not medical advice. Calendula oil is a cosmetic ingredient, not a treatment for any illness.
Buying and storage tips
Azlok stocks calendula essential oil starting at Rs. 849, with pack sizes from 100 GM right up to 25 KG, so it suits both hobbyists and small businesses buying in bulk. When you receive your oil:
- Keep it in a tightly closed bottle, ideally dark glass.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Label the bottle with the opening date and use within the two-year shelf life.
- For larger drums, decant smaller working quantities to avoid repeated exposure to air.
Ask for the COA and MSDS if you are formulating commercially, so your batch records stay complete.
FAQ
Can I apply calendula essential oil directly to my skin?
No. Dilute it in a carrier oil first, usually at 1-2% for the face and up to about 3% for the body, and patch-test before regular use.
What does calendula essential oil smell like?
It has a mild, characteristic botanical scent - much softer than strong oils like eucalyptus or citrus - which is why it works well in gentle skincare blends.
Which oils blend well with calendula?
It blends nicely with cypress, lavender, lemon, seabuckthorn and saw palmetto essential oils, and it mixes easily into any carrier oil.
How long does it last once opened?
The stated shelf life is around two years. Keep it sealed, cool and out of sunlight to help it stay fresh for as long as possible.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any essential oil, including calendula.