Calendula oil (Calendula Officinalis)

Calendula oil (Calendula Officinalis)
Buy Calendula Oil (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula oil, derived from the vibrant petals of Calendula officinalis (pot marigold), is a prized botanical extract native to Southwestern Asia and the Mediterranean. Known for its spicy-sweet aroma and thin texture, the oil ranges in color from yellow to amber and is widely recognized for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-repairing properties.

Extraction Methods

Calendula oil can be obtained through several techniques, each influencing the oil’s yield and composition:

• Steam Distillation:
  Steam distillation of calendula petals yields an essential oil rich in sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenols, including major components like δ-cadinene and α-cadinol. This method captures volatile, aromatic compounds and is commonly used for essential oil production23.

• Maceration (Infused Oil):
  A traditional and widely used method involves macerating calendula flowers in a carrier oil (such as sunflower, olive, or sesame oil). The petals are infused—either cold or with gentle heat—allowing lipophilic (oil-soluble) compounds like flavonoids, carotenoids, triterpenes, and phytosterols to dissolve into the base oil. After the infusion period, the mixture is filtered to produce a concentrated, orange-yellow oil with a mild scent and creamy texture. This method preserves a broad spectrum of calendula’s bioactive compounds and is favored for cosmetic and therapeutic uses14.

• Solvent Extraction:
  Modern solvent extraction techniques use pressure and oily solvents to maximize the transfer of active plant compounds into the carrier oil. This results in a stable, highly concentrated extract enriched with both lipophilic and amphiphilic (e.g., flavonoids) molecules, ideal for skincare applications14.

Chemical Composition

Calendula oil is rich in:

• Sesquiterpene alcohols: α-cadinol, δ-cadinene (major volatile components)23

• Flavonoids: Potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatories

• Triterpenic alcohols and saponins: Contribute to anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects

• Sterols and carotenoids: Support skin barrier function and regeneration

Key Uses and Benefits

• Anti-inflammatory:
  Calendula oil is highly effective for soothing inflamed or irritated tissue. Its triterpenoid content makes it a top remedy for skin dryness, hemorrhoids, spider veins, varicose veins, leg ulcers, and chilblains.

• **Antibacterial &