Why You Shouldn't Forget To Include Calendula Oil In Your Beauty Routine

Calendula flowers have been used for centuries as a natural remedy and are known for their healing, soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin, but effective enough to make a visible difference to both skin and hair health. Here’s why we love it, and how to make your own multipurpose calendula oil at home.

What Makes Calendula So Special?

Calendula (you might know it as marigold) is full of natural antioxidants and plant compounds that help calm irritation, protect the skin barrier, and support healing. You’ll find it in a lot of “clean” beauty products — but you don’t need to buy anything fancy to enjoy the benefits.

6 Ways Calendula Supports Healthy Hair & Skin

1. Supports scalp health and hair growth - Massaging calendula oil into the scalp can help boost circulation, reduce flaking, and create the right conditions for stronger, healthier hair to grow. It also helps soothe an itchy or dry scalp.

2. Calms irritated skin/scalp - Whether you're reacting to a product, sunburn, or eczema, calendula helps reduce redness, itching and inflammation.

3. Deeply moisturises - The natural oils and fatty acids in calendula help lock in moisture and soften dry patches. It's especially good for chapped lips, hands or skin that needs extra care in colder months.

4. Clears breakouts - Calendula has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, so it helps keep pores clean and calm. Unlike most acne treatments, it doesn’t strip the skin or leave it feeling tight.

5. Protects against signs of ageing - Calendula is packed with antioxidants that help protect against environmental damage and signs of ageing. Used regularly, it can support your skin’s natural collagen production and keep things feeling smooth and plump.

6. Kind to sensitive skin - It’s gentle enough for babies and people with skin conditions like rosacea or eczema. If your skin reacts to everything, calendula could be a safe, calming option.

DIY Calendula Oil Recipe (For Hair + Skin)

You don’t need a shelf full of products to get results. This easy-to-infuse oil takes just one day to make, and can be used in so many ways — as a scalp oil, pre-wash treatment, moisturiser or massage oil.

What you’ll need:

• ½ cup dried calendula petals

• 1 cup carrier oil (jojoba, sweet almond, avocado, apricot kernel, etc.)

• Optional: a few drops of vitamin E oil as a preservative or Rosemary essential oil

• A slow cooker

• A sterilised glass jar with a tight lid

• A cheesecloth

  
  

Step-by-step method, or watch our Calendula Oil making video:

1. Make sure your petals are fully dry: This is important to avoid mould. If you’re using fresh petals, let them air dry for 24 hours first.

2. Combine oil + petals: Add your flowers and oil(s) to the sterilised jar and fasten the lid.

3. Infuse with heat: Gently infuse the calendula flowers and your chosen oil(s) in the slow cooker with the lid off. Keeping the lid off helps prevent moisture from building up and spoiling your oil. Keep the jar in the slow cooker on a low setting for around 6-9 hours.

4. Strain and store: Empty the jar into the cheesecloth with a bowl underneath, squeeze the flowers to get every last drop of oil out. Then pour the infused oil into a clean, sterilised dark glass bottle. Store in a cool, dark cupboard and use within 6 months.

5. Optional extras: If you think you might not use it quickly enough, then you should certainly consider using a preservative like a few drops of Rosemary essential oil or vitamin E oil.

How to Use It

For Hair - Massage a small amount into your scalp and roots 30 minutes before washing. Or, add a few drops to your conditioner for extra softness and shine.

For Skin - Use as a light daily moisturiser, part of a facial massage routine, or mix into your own DIY creams or balms.

Calendula is one of those simple ingredients that just works. It’s affordable, easy to use, and kind to skin and hair. And when you make your own infusion at home, you know exactly what’s in it — no fillers, no chemicals, no confusion.

We love using it as part of a weekly self-care routine or whenever our skin needs a reset.

Let us know about your experience with Calendula in the comments.