Flowers have been used in beauty applications across the ages. While rose and lavender are household beauty botanicals, calendula is a lesser-known flower with great potential in natural beauty care.

Calendula essential oil is made by infusing marigold flowers into a carrier oil, which can be used on its own or can be made into tinctures, ointments, creams, facial steams, and capsules.

The colorful petals of calendula are rich in flavonoids, a naturally occurring compound found in fruits and vegetables. Its wonderful properties make it a favorable product to use in soothing skin conditions as well as brightening your complexion.

How to Make Calendula Oil?

If you feel like getting crafty, you can make your own calendula oil with just a few simple ingredients.

The two most important components are dried calendula flowers and a carrier oil. Jojoba oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, and rosehip oil are among some of the leading carrier oils. Regardless of the oil you choose, use a high-quality, cold-pressed, unrefined, organic oil to ensure that the oil is pure and retains all of its nutrients.

Next, fill a mason jar half way with loose dry petals or 3/4 full with dried calendula flower heads. Pour the oil of your choice over the dried flowers until they’re completely submerged. Put a lid on the jar and store it in a warm, sunny spot for at least three weeks.

After the infusion process is complete, strain the flowers from the oil. The oil should be a deep orange hue with a woodsy aroma and can be stored in a glass jar or a bottle with a pump for ease of use. Store the oil in a cool, dark place and it should last for a couple of years.

Here are seven ways you can incorporate calendula oil into your home beauty routine.

Exfoliate With a Calendula Scrub

The moisturizing properties of calendula oil make it a phenomenal ingredient to add to skin and hair care products. This exfoliating scrub will remove dry skin, soothe irritation, and leave your skin feeling silky and smooth.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup calendula oil3/4 cup raw sugar1/2 cup coarse salt4-6 drops essential oil of choice

Mix all of the ingredients well and store in a reusable glass jar.

When you’re in the shower or bath, apply a thin layer of the scrub on your clean skin. Let sit for 10-15 minutes and then gently massage in circles, simultaneously exfoliating dead skin and hydrating.

Unwind in a Calendula Oil Bath

One of the best ways to unwind and indulge in self-care is by drawing a soothing bath. The next time you’re looking for a creative self-care idea, draw yourself a botanical bath.

Fill the tub with warm water and pour in the body salts of your choice. Add 5-10 drops of calendula oil and sprinkle in a handful of calendula flowers to the bath.

Soak in your fragrant, relaxing botanic bath for about half an hour, leaving with nourished skin.

Cleanse With a Calendula-Infused Face Mask

Even the most sensitive skin will glow after using this homemade mask that cleanses, moisturizes, and calms any skin complexion.

  • 1 teaspoon calendula oil1 teaspoon rolled oats1 tablespoon raw honey

Steps

  • Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind the oats, leaving them a bit rough so they’ll still exfoliate. Add the ground oats, honey, and oil to a small bowl and mix well. Wash your face and then apply the mask to your face and neck. Let the mask sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the nutrients to soak into your skin, cleansing and calming irritation. Massage the mask into your skin in circles, exfoliating as you go, and then rinse off the mask.

Fight Dry Skin With a Calendula Oil Salve

All of the moisturizing properties of calendula make it a phenomenal ingredient for a soothing salve. This go-to salve can be used on chapped, dry skin to keep it hydrated during the winter or can be applied to skin when it’s irritated and in need of a calming touch.

  • 1 cup calendula oil3 tablespoon beeswax pastilles2 tablespoon shea butter4-5 drops essential oils of choice

  • Add water to the bottom of a double boiler.Measure out your ingredients and add them to the top pot in your boiler.Slowly heat the ingredients on medium-to-low heat, stirring frequently until the beeswax is melted.Remove the pot from heat and carefully pour the liquid into your chosen containers while it is still hot. Reusable metal containers or small glass jars work well.The salve will harden as it cools. A small amount goes a long way and can be used as needed to hydrate dry skin or alleviate an irritation.

Moisturize a Dry Scalp

The moisturizing properties of calendula oil can act as an effective tool against dandruff and dry scalps. Find a shampoo and conditioner that contain calendula oil. Combined with the hydrating effects, a calendula oil hair care product can soothe irritated scalps.

Alternatively, add a few drops of calendula to the palms of your hands and rub them together to warm up the oil. Then, massage the oil on your scalp to moisturize your skin. Use regularly for a calm and happy scalp.

Soothe Chapped Lips

If you’re looking for a solution for perpetually chapped lips, try adding a few drops of calendula oil to your favorite lip balm for extra hydration.

Even better, get creative in the kitchen and make your own calendula oil-infused balms to get your lips hydrated and luscious even during the driest winter months.

  • 3 tablespoons calendula oil1 tablespoon of pure beeswax grated from a larger block1 tablespoon shea butter10 drops sweet orange essential oil

  • Combine the calendula oil, beeswax, and shea butter in a heat proof container. Place the container over a large pot of simmering water to create a double boiler. Stir occasionally until the beeswax is completely melted.Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool. Once it has cooled, test the consistency. Add more oil if it is too hard and add a little more beeswax if it is too soft.Once you’ve reached the perfect consistency, add in the sweet orange essential oil.Pour the mixture into your chosen vessel, such as a small reusable metal container or a recyclable cardboard lip balm tube. A dropper will help you transfer the mixture into the container easily.Let the containers stand and cool completely, and then cap them and store them in a cool place to use for soft lips.

Relieve Sunburnt Skin

Have you ever been sunbathing and perhaps got just a bit too much sun? Add calendula oil into your usual after-burn care routine to expedite the recovery process. This vitamin-rich oil can help reduce redness, swelling, and skin irritation.

Spot treat by applying calendula oil directly on your burn, or add a few drops of the oil into a soothing moisturizer and use 2-3 times a day until your skin improves.