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Calendula

Carrier Oil

Calendula officinalis

Origin: Mediterranean, Central Europe

About

An infused oil — typically sunflower or olive oil macerated with the flowers — rich in carotenoids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. One of the gentlest and most broadly soothing carriers available, calendula is particularly valued for baby massage, eczema, very sensitive skin, post-procedure skin recovery, and any condition involving inflammation or irritation.

Calendula — known as 'pot marigold' — has been used medicinally across Europe and the Mediterranean since at least the 12th century. Medieval physicians used it extensively for skin conditions, wounds, and as an anti-inflammatory. Its name derives from the Latin 'calendae,' as it was observed to bloom on the first of many calendar months. It remained a standard wound treatment in field hospitals as recently as the American Civil War.

Benefits

  • Exceptionally gentle and soothing for sensitive skin
  • Anti-inflammatory for eczema and dermatitis
  • Promotes wound healing and skin repair
  • Rich in carotenoids and flavonoids
  • Ideal for baby massage and post-procedure skin care

Pairings (28)

Caution
Black Pepper

Calendula is soothing and anti-inflammatory, which may therapeutically contradict black pepper's stimulating and heating action in the same blend.

Excellent
Lavender

Calendula's carotenoid-rich anti-inflammatory base and lavender's calming skin chemistry create one of the gentlest and most broadly useful pairings — ideal for sensitive skin, children's massage, or post-procedure care.

Excellent
Roman Chamomile

Both are anti-inflammatory powerhouses from the same botanical family. Together they create an exceptionally soothing blend for eczema, dermatitis, irritated skin, and stress-related inflammatory conditions.

Excellent
Helichrysum

Calendula's skin-repair flavonoids and helichrysum's italidione chemistry work synergistically for wound healing, scar treatment, and post-injury skin recovery.

Excellent
Cardamom

Calendula's soothing and anti-inflammatory properties beautifully balance cardamom's warmth, making an excellent blend for sensitive or reactive skin massage.

Excellent
Bergamot

Calendula's soothing, anti-inflammatory properties complement bergamot's skin-balancing and calming effects beautifully in sensitive skin blends.

Excellent
Rose Otto

Gentle, anti-inflammatory Calendula is an outstanding carrier for Rose Otto in sensitive skin and facial massage blends.

Excellent
Rosemary

Calendula's soothing, anti-inflammatory properties beautifully balance rosemary's stimulating nature, creating a well-rounded blend for tired, sore muscles.

Excellent
Tea Tree

Calendula's soothing and wound-healing properties complement Tea Tree's antimicrobial action, making this an ideal pairing for irritated or inflamed skin.

Excellent
Clove Bud

Calendula's skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties help offset Clove Bud's potential irritancy, making this a well-balanced pairing.

Excellent
Cedar (Virginian)

Calendula's soothing, anti-inflammatory properties pair beautifully with Cedarwood for sensitive or irritated skin treatments.

Excellent
Basil ct. linalool

Calendula's soothing, anti-inflammatory carrier qualities enhance basil ct. linalool's calming and antispasmodic properties beautifully.

Excellent
Clary Sage

Calendula's soothing and anti-inflammatory properties pair perfectly with clary sage for sensitive skin and stress-relief massage blends.

Excellent
Olive

Calendula's well-known skin-soothing and healing properties blend seamlessly with olive's emollient base, making an outstanding combination for sensitive or damaged skin.

Excellent
Cypress

Calendula's anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties pair excellently with cypress for sensitive leg and vein treatments.

Excellent
Common spruce

Calendula's soothing, anti-inflammatory properties complement spruce's analgesic qualities, ideal for sensitive or inflamed skin blends.

Excellent
Sandalwood

Calendula's exceptional skin-soothing and healing properties complement sandalwood perfectly for sensitive skin massage.

Excellent
Sweet Almond

Calendula's renowned skin-soothing and healing properties combine perfectly with sweet almond for sensitive, irritated, or compromised skin massage.

Excellent
Grapeseed

Calendula's soothing, anti-inflammatory properties combine superbly with grapeseed for sensitive or irritated skin massage.

Excellent
Neem

Calendula's gentle anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties perfectly complement neem, creating a powerful yet soothing blend for problem skin.

Excellent
Pomegranate Seed

Calendula's renowned skin-soothing and healing properties combine synergistically with pomegranate seed for an outstanding anti-inflammatory and restorative blend.

Excellent
St John's Wort

Both are classic herbal infused oils with complementary anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, creating a supremely soothing and skin-supportive blend.

Excellent
Rosehip Seed

Calendula's renowned skin-soothing and healing properties work in beautiful synergy with rosehip for scar, wound, and sensitive skin treatments.

Excellent
Sunflower Seed

Calendula's renowned skin-soothing and healing properties combine synergistically with sunflower's emollient base for sensitive or inflamed skin.

Compatible
Compatible
Compatible

Properties

Aroma
faint, warm, slightly herbal
Consistency
medium
Absorbency
medium
Shelf Life
12 months

Contraindications

  • Avoid with Asteraceae (daisy family) allergy
  • Check for ragweed cross-reactivity in susceptible clients
  • Golden carotenoid colour may mark light linens