Calendula Skin Serum Recipe

Studies have shown calendula to be effective in helping with various skin conditions, like wounds, dry skin, and itching.  Below is a simple calendula skin serum recipe.  Research is listed below.

Calendula Skin Serum Recipe Ingredients

• 30 fresh organically grown calendula blossoms (Calendula officinalis)
• 1 Tbsp (or about 4 emptied capsules) of vitamin E oil
• 6 ounces of sweet almond oil
• 10 drops of lavender essential oil

Calendula Skin Serum Recipe Instructions

Gently rinse blossoms, shake off as much water as possible, and air dry for a day.  Once dry, place in a glass jar and pour sweet almond oil on top.  Then, seal with a lid.  Shake once a day for four weeks.  After four weeks, strain out blossoms using cheesecloth or a coffee filter.  Lastly, add vitamin E oil and lavender essential oil to the strained oil.  Store in a sealed amber glass container for up to one year. 

To Use:

Apply to wounds, dry or itchy skin, and to reduce scaring.  Another idea is to pour a half cupful in a bath along with a half cupful of bath salts.  

Always skin patch test a small area before use with sensitive skin.  Discontinue use if any irritation occurs.

Recipe Variation

MARIGOLD INFUSED OIL

Calendula Skin Serum Recipe Research

• Calendula improved skin elasticity, tightness, and hydration.  From:  Akhtar, N., et al. (2011). Calendula extract: effects on mechanical parameters of human skin. Acta Pol. Pharm, 68(5), 693-701.
• In folk medicine, calendula has been used for topical wound healing and inflammation.  From:  Arora, D., Rani, A., & Sharma, A. (2013). A review on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological aspects of genus Calendula. Pharmacognosy reviews, 7(14), 179.
• Topical application of calendula can provide protection from oxidative stress and photo damage, healing damaged skin, and improved anti-aging.  From: Bernatoniene, J., et al. (2011). Topical application of Calendula officinalis (L.): Formulation and evaluation of hydrophilic cream with antioxidant activity. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 5(6), 868-877.
• The author indicated the constituents acting as antioxidants in marigold are its carotenoids and flavonoids.  From:  Ćetković, G. S., Djilas, S. M., Čanadanović-Brunet, J. M., & Tumbas, V. T. (2004). Antioxidant properties of marigold extracts. Food Research International, 37(7), 643-650.
• Flavonoids are antimicrobial and antioxidant, to help the skin fight infection. From:  Butnariu, M., & Coradini, C. Z. (2012). Evaluation of biologically active compounds from Calendula officinalis flowers using spectrophotometry. Chemistry Central Journal, 6(1), 1.
• Wound healing was accelerated among patients with venous leg ulcers who used an ointment with C. officinalis.  From:  Duran, V., et al. (2004). Results of the clinical examination of an ointment with marigold (Calendula officinalis) extract in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. International journal of tissue reactions, 27(3), 101-106.
• The author(s) conducted a study demonstrating the potential for C. officinalis against skin UV irradiation induced oxidative stress.  From:  Fonseca, Y. M., et al. (2010). Protective effect of Calendula officinalis extract against UVB-induced oxidative stress in skin: Evaluation of reduced glutathione levels and matrix metalloproteinase secretion. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 127(3), 596-601.
• Women receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer showed improved healing of acute dermatitis with the use of 20% fresh marigold in petroleum jelly compared to trolamine.  From:  Pommier, P., et al. (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.
• Calendula demonstrated anti-inflammatory and wound healing activity.  From:  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.
• Calendula and its faradiol constituent demonstrated topical anti-inflammatory activity.  From:  Della Loggia, R., et al. (1994). The role of triterpenoids in the topical anti-inflammatory activity of Calendula officinalis flowers. Planta medica, 60(06), 516-520.
• A supplement of beta carotene was protective against UV skin damage in humans.  From:  Heinrich, U., et al. (2003). Supplementation with β-carotene or a similar amount of mixed carotenoids protects humans from UV-induced erythema. The Journal of nutrition, 133(1), 98-101.
• A randomized comparative trial of 60 infants showed that a treatment with aloe vera and calendula was safe and effective in treating diaper rash.  From:  Panahi Y, Sharif MR, Sharif A, et al. A randomized comparative trial on the therapeutic efficacy of topical aloe vera and Calendula officinalis on diaper dermatitis in children. Scientific World Journal. 2012;2012:810234.
• Patients had reduced inflammation level, ulcer size, healing time, and pain from recurrent aphthous ulcerations with topical use of lavender oil.  From:  Altaei, D. T. (2012). Topical lavender oil for the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulceration. American journal of dentistry, 25(1), 39-43.
• This study suggested using lavender essential oil instead of Povidone-iodine topically for episiotomy wound care. From:  Vakilian, K., Atarha, M., Bekhradi, R., & Chaman, R. (2011). Healing advantages of lavender essential oil during episiotomy recovery: a clinical trial. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 17(1), 50-53.

By: Kathy Sadowski, Master of Science Degree in Aromatherapy, Registered Aromatherapist (ARC), LMT, Professional AIA and NAHA Member

Updated: 7/5/19

This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use. These statements are not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. The information at this page has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult a Doctor before using herbs and essential oils if you have medical conditions, are taking medications, or have questions.