General Description
Calendula Oil is a natural oil derived from the flowers of the Calendula officinalis plant, also known as marigold. It is typically obtained by infusing dried calendula petals in a carrier oil such as olive oil, sunflower oil, or jojoba oil. Rich in flavonoids, triterpenoids, and antioxidants, Calendula Oil is valued in the cosmetic industry for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-healing properties. With its gentle nature, it is widely used in formulations designed for sensitive or irritated skin, making it a popular natural active in modern skincare and personal care products.
Uses in the Cosmetics Industry
Calendula Oil is incorporated into various personal care and cosmetic applications for its skin-friendly benefits:
- Moisturizers & Creams: Provides hydration while calming redness and irritation.
- Baby Care Products: Used in lotions, diaper creams, and oils due to its gentle, non-irritating properties.
- After-Sun & Soothing Products: Helps reduce skin discomfort caused by sun exposure or environmental stress.
- Wound Care & Repair Balms: Traditionally used for its healing properties, supporting recovery of minor cuts and dry, cracked skin.
- Hair & Scalp Care: Incorporated into shampoos, conditioners, and scalp oils to soothe irritation and promote a healthy scalp.
- Lip Balms & Body Oils: Provides nourishment and protection against dryness.
Manufacturers often select Calendula Oil for natural, herbal, and organic formulations targeting sensitive skin and eco-conscious consumers.
Hazards
Calendula Oil is generally recognized as safe and well-tolerated in cosmetic use. However, some safety considerations include:
- Skin Sensitivity: Rare cases of allergic reactions, particularly in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family (e.g., ragweed, daisies).
- Eye Irritation: Direct contact with the eyes may cause mild discomfort.
- Pregnancy Precaution: Limited data exists on concentrated calendula extracts; topical use is generally safe, but caution is advised for sensitive groups.
- Stability: As a natural oil infusion, it may be prone to oxidation; antioxidants (e.g., Vitamin E) are often added to extend shelf life.
Storage & Stability
- Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place away from light and heat to prevent rancidity.
- Stability: Shelf life depends on the carrier oil used but typically ranges from 12–24 months. Antioxidants may improve stability.
Calendula Oil is available in bulk and wholesale for use in natural skincare, baby care, and herbal cosmetic formulations where gentle soothing and protective properties are desired.
CAS Number: 84776-23-8
INCI: Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil
Composition:Calendula oil is primarily composed of fatty acids (linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid), phytosterols, carotenoids, flavonoids, and triterpenoids extracted from Calendula officinalis flowers. It may also contain tocopherols (Vitamin E) in natural form.
Purity Grade: Cosmetic Grade / Pharmaceutical Grade (depending on refining process)
Appearance: Golden yellow to orange liquid with a mild herbal aroma
Solubility:Insoluble in water; soluble in vegetable oils, ethanol, and lipophilic solvents
Preservation:Naturally stable due to antioxidants; however, additional preservation (e.g., Vitamin E) may be recommended to extend shelf life in formulations
Storage:Store in a tightly closed container, protected from light, heat, and air. Keep in a cool, dry place to prevent oxidation and rancidity.
Raw Material Sources:Derived from the flowers of Calendula officinalis (marigold), commonly cultivated in Europe, India, and the Mediterranean region
Manufacture:Produced through cold pressing or solvent extraction of dried calendula flowers, followed by filtration and refining. Often macerated in a carrier oil (such as sunflower or olive oil) to yield Calendula-infused oil.
Animal Testing: Not animal tested
GMO: GMO-free (plant-derived)
Vegan: Plant-based; does not contain animal-derived components
Proposition:Calendula oil complies with EU Cosmetic Regulation, U.S. FDA guidelines, and other international cosmetic ingredient standards.
Warning:For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. May cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family (e.g., ragweed, daisies, marigolds). Patch testing is recommended before use.