Calendura Extract

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about calendula extract. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

Please note: Some studies on this page tested calendula for wounds or for skin reactions during radiation therapy, which are medical uses. We share them for transparency. ORY^® calendula products are cosmetics and are not intended to treat any condition.

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported, with caveats. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found calendula-derived ingredients safe in cosmetics at reported use, and non-sensitizing in animal and clinical tests. Clinical research on calendula is mostly in wounds and radiation-related skin reactions, with mixed results.

Citations:

• • Andersen, F. A., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2010). Final report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel amended safety assessment of Calendula officinalis-derived cosmetic ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 29(6 Suppl), 221S–243S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581810384883
    • What it shows: CIR safety conclusion; non-sensitizing in clinical tests.
  • Givol, O., Kornhaber, R., Visentin, D., Cleary, M., Haik, J., & Harats, M. (2019). A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 27(5), 548–561. https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12737
    • What it shows: Systematic review of calendula wound-healing studies (medical use).

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. Composition is well documented.

Citations:

• • Andersen, F. A., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2010). Final report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel amended safety assessment of Calendula officinalis-derived cosmetic ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 29(6 Suppl), 221S–243S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581810384883
    • What it shows: Describes calendula-derived ingredients and their constituents.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported. Calendula is well tolerated in cosmetic testing, though daisy-family allergy is possible.

Citations:

• • Andersen, F. A., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2010). Final report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel amended safety assessment of Calendula officinalis-derived cosmetic ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 29(6 Suppl), 221S–243S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581810384883
    • What it shows: Safety and tolerance.
  • Paulsen, E. (2002). Contact sensitization from Compositae-containing herbal remedies and cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis, 47(4), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0536.2002.470401.x
    • What it shows: Contact allergy from daisy-family (Compositae) plants in cosmetics.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Limited evidence. We found no clinical studies of calendula on the scalp or hair. ORY^® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions.

Citations:

• • Andersen, F. A., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2010). Final report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel amended safety assessment of Calendula officinalis-derived cosmetic ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 29(6 Suppl), 221S–243S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581810384883
    • What it shows: Confirms cosmetic use; no scalp trials.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported, with caveats. In a phase III trial of 254 women receiving breast radiation, calendula ointment led to fewer moderate-to-severe skin reactions than trolamine (41% vs 63%). A later blinded trial of 411 women found no difference between calendula cream and a plain aqueous cream. A systematic review found wound-healing evidence, mostly preclinical. These are medical uses; ORY^® does not claim them.

Citations:

• • Pommier, P., Gomez, F., Sunyach, M. P., D’Hombres, A., Carrie, C., & Montbarbon, X. (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. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2004.07.063
    • What it shows: Phase III radiation-dermatitis trial favoring calendula.
  • Sharp, L., Finnilä, K., Johansson, H., Abrahamsson, M., Hatschek, T., & Bergenmar, M. (2013). No differences between Calendula cream and aqueous cream in the prevention of acute radiation skin reactions – Results from a randomised blinded trial. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 17(4), 429–435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2012.11.003
    • What it shows: Later trial finding no difference versus aqueous cream.
  • Givol, O., Kornhaber, R., Visentin, D., Cleary, M., Haik, J., & Harats, M. (2019). A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 27(5), 548–561. https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12737
    • What it shows: Systematic review of wound-healing evidence.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Calendula is added for skin comfort, not for color. FDA requires any ingredient used to color a cosmetic to be an approved color additive, and calendula is not on that list. We found no data on how much of calendula’s active compounds survive soapmaking.

Citations:

• • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
    • What it shows: FDA color additive rules.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
    • What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported. Supported by the CIR review and clinical literature.

Citations:

• • Andersen, F. A., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2010). Final report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel amended safety assessment of Calendula officinalis-derived cosmetic ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 29(6 Suppl), 221S–243S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581810384883
    • What it shows: Safety.

8. Cons

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

• • Allergy. Daisy-family plants can cause contact allergy.
  • Variable potency. Depends on flower quality and method.
  • Mixed clinical results. Trials in radiation skin reactions disagree.
  • Rancidity. Infused oils need antioxidants.

Citations:

• • Paulsen, E. (2002). Contact sensitization from Compositae-containing herbal remedies and cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis, 47(4), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0536.2002.470401.x
    • What it shows: Contact allergy data.
  • Sharp, L., Finnilä, K., Johansson, H., Abrahamsson, M., Hatschek, T., & Bergenmar, M. (2013). No differences between Calendula cream and aqueous cream in the prevention of acute radiation skin reactions – Results from a randomised blinded trial. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 17(4), 429–435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2012.11.003
    • What it shows: Mixed clinical evidence.

9. Safety Notes

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

• • Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
  • If you are allergic to ragweed, chamomile, daisies, or other plants in the daisy (Asteraceae) family, patch test carefully or avoid this product.
  • Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
  • For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
  • If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

• • Andersen, F. A., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2010). Final report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel amended safety assessment of Calendula officinalis-derived cosmetic ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 29(6 Suppl), 221S–243S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581810384883
    • What it shows: Safety data reviewed by the CIR.

10. Product-line notes

• • ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
  • ORY^® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
  • ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
  • ORY^® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

• • Andersen, F. A., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2010). Final report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel amended safety assessment of Calendula officinalis-derived cosmetic ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 29(6 Suppl), 221S–243S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581810384883
  • Givol, O., Kornhaber, R., Visentin, D., Cleary, M., Haik, J., & Harats, M. (2019). A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 27(5), 548–561. https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12737
  • Paulsen, E. (2002). Contact sensitization from Compositae-containing herbal remedies and cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis, 47(4), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0536.2002.470401.x
  • Pommier, P., Gomez, F., Sunyach, M. P., D’Hombres, A., Carrie, C., & Montbarbon, X. (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. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2004.07.063
  • Sharp, L., Finnilä, K., Johansson, H., Abrahamsson, M., Hatschek, T., & Bergenmar, M. (2013). No differences between Calendula cream and aqueous cream in the prevention of acute radiation skin reactions – Results from a randomised blinded trial. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 17(4), 429–435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2012.11.003

Government and regulatory sources

• • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap