The Science Behind Calendula: Why Orange Petals Pack Such Punch

Every summer Island Thyme farm becomes a sea of orange calendula blossoms.  

For centuries, calendula's bright orange petals have been a go-to remedy for troubled skin. Recent research reveals the mechanisms behind why this humble flower works so effectively — and why the intensity of that orange color matters more than you might think.

The information below is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary.

The Carotenoid Connection

Those vibrant orange petals aren't just for show. Calendula flowers contain over fifteen different carotenoids — the same family of compounds that gives carrots their color and provides much of their nutritional value. Calendula's carotenoid profile is unusually diverse and concentrated.

Research shows these carotenoids don't simply sit on the skin's surface. They actively neutralize free radicals through what scientists call "radical scavenging mechanisms," while simultaneously forming beneficial cross-links that support the skin's natural repair processes. Orange calendula varieties contain higher levels of these active carotenoids compared to yellow ones, which may explain why traditional herbalists have long preferred the deeper-colored flowers.

Multi-Track Inflammation Response

When skin becomes inflamed, irritated, or damaged, the body launches a complex cascade of inflammatory responses. Most soothing ingredients work on just one pathway. Calendula appears to address inflammation through multiple channels simultaneously.

Studies have identified that calendula extracts inhibit COX-2 enzymes (the same targets of many pain relievers), reduce specific pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α, and block excessive nitric oxide production. This multi-pathway approach may explain why calendula-containing preparations often provide more comprehensive relief than single-mechanism alternatives.

The Collagen Factor

Perhaps most intriguing is calendula's measurable impact on collagen metabolism. Research demonstrates that calendula applications increase collagen-hydroxyproline levels — a specific biochemical marker that indicates new collagen formation is actively occurring.

This suggests calendula doesn't just protect existing skin structure but actually supports the creation of new supportive tissue. For daily skincare, this means calendula may help maintain skin resilience over time, not just provide temporary comfort.

Selective Microbial Activity

One of the more sophisticated aspects of calendula's action involves its antimicrobial properties. Laboratory studies show calendula extracts can inhibit harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus while appearing to leave beneficial skin microbes undisturbed.

This selective activity suggests calendula supports the skin's natural microbial balance rather than indiscriminately eliminating all bacteria—an approach increasingly recognized as important for long-term skin health.

(But remember, laboratory studies are different than real life. We don't claim any antimicrobial activity for our products that contain calendula.)

Clinical Validation

Beyond traditional use, calendula has been tested in medical settings with measurable results. Studies in hospitals have shown that specific calendula preparations can prevent severe radiation dermatitis in cancer patients and accelerate healing in surgical wounds, with healing times that outperformed standard medical treatments.

While these clinical contexts are far more intense than daily skincare needs, they demonstrate that calendula's effects are substantial enough to be measured in demanding medical environments.

The Practical Takeaway

Understanding these mechanisms helps explain why calendula has maintained its reputation across cultures and centuries. The flower's complex chemistry works through multiple pathways to support skin's natural protective and repair processes.

Whether in gentle daily soaps, targeted salves, or face care formulations, calendula brings this multi-faceted approach to supporting skin resilience and comfort—backed by both traditional wisdom and modern scientific understanding.

Island Thyme products with calendula

Ready to try a product with the healing power of calendula? Jump to our calendula collection. 

References

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2. Akhtar N, Zaman S, Khan BA, et al. (2011). Calendula extract: effects on mechanical parameters of human skin. *Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica*, 68(5):693-701. PMID: 21928714

3. Silva D, Ferreira MS, Sousa-Lobo JM, et al. (2021). Anti-inflammatory activity of Calendula officinalis L. flower extract. *Cosmetics*, 8(2):31.

4. Givol O, Kornhaber R, Visentin D, et al. (2019). A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing. *Wound Repair and Regeneration*, 27(5):548-561. PMID: 31145533

5. Lohani A, Verma A, Hema G, et al. (2019). Cosmeceutical potential of geranium and calendula essential oil: Determination of antioxidant activity and in vitro sun protection factor. *Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology*, 18(2):550-557. PMID: 30251317

6. Verma A, Kushwaha HN, Srivastava AK, et al. (2012). Assessment of in vitro sun protection factor of Calendula Officinalis L. essential oil formulation. *Journal of Young Pharmacists*, 4(2):17-21. PMC: PMC3326776

7. Panahi Y, Sharif MR, Sharif A, et al. (2012). A randomized comparative trial on the therapeutic efficacy of topical aloe vera and Calendula officinalis on diaper dermatitis in children. *The Scientific World Journal*, 2012:810234. PMID: 22606064

8. Efstratiou E, Hussain AI, Nigam PS, et al. (2012). Antimicrobial activity of Calendula officinalis petal extracts against fungi, as well as gram-negative and gram-positive clinical pathogens. *Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice*, 18(3):173-176. PMID: 22789794