Calendula (Marigold) Extract

1. What is Calendula officinalis?

Calendula officinalis, commonly known as marigold, is a flowering plant from the daisy family. Unlike ornamental marigolds, this species is widely used in herbal and medical skincare due to its potent healing properties. Calendula extracts, especially from the flower heads, are rich in flavonoids, triterpenoids, saponins, and carotenoids — all of which contribute to its skin-soothing and protective effects.

Calendula has been used in traditional medicine for centuries across various cultures, especially for treating wounds, burns, and inflammatory skin conditions. Its effectiveness has earned it a place in modern dermatology and cosmeceuticals.

2. How does Calendula Extract Work?

Calendula extract acts through multiple mechanisms that support skin healing and defense:

  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness, swelling, and irritation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines.
  • Antioxidant: Protects skin cells from oxidative stress caused by UV exposure or pollution.
  • Antimicrobial: Helps prevent bacterial contamination in minor cuts, abrasions, or post-procedure skin.
  • Wound healing: Enhances fibroblast activity and collagen production, speeding up tissue repair.

These actions make it especially useful for sensitive, reactive, or damaged skin.

3. Benefits for Specific Skin Conditions

Calendula is widely used in dermatology and skincare for its calming, healing, and protective effects. Here’s how it supports different skin conditions:

  • Irritated or sensitive skin: Calendula soothes burning, stinging, or redness caused by sensitivity, over-washing, allergies, or environmental stressors like wind and pollution. It helps the skin feel more balanced and calm.
  • Superficial wounds and abrasions: Its regenerative compounds promote faster tissue repair by stimulating epithelialization — the process of forming new skin over cuts or scrapes. It also helps reduce pain and the chance of scarring.
  • Post-procedure care (laser, peels, sunburn): After treatments that may leave the skin raw or inflamed, Calendula helps reduce heat, burning, and redness. It supports faster recovery and improves comfort during healing.
  • Dry and cracked skin: Calendula helps soften rough, scaly patches by enhancing skin hydration and elasticity. It also protects micro-cracks from infection or further damage.
  • Dermatitis and eczema: In inflammatory skin conditions, Calendula reduces itching, redness, and swelling. It may help prevent flare-ups by calming the skin and strengthening its tolerance to triggers.

4. Calendula Extract in Metabase Cream

Metabase Cream stands out with its inclusion of Calendula Extract as a key active ingredient that supports skin health and enhances its resilience and recovery.
While ingredients like urea, ceramides, and panthenol focus on deep hydration and reinforcing the skin’s barrier, calendula adds an extra layer of protection and soothing, especially for damaged or sensitive skin.

Its presence helps to:

  • Reduce irritation and skin reactions
  • Soothe redness and inflammation
  • Delivers instant relief and enhanced comfort after cosmetic procedures or harsh environmental exposure such as sun, wind, or pollution.