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Calendula oil has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that might make it useful in healing wounds, soothing eczema, and relieving diaper rash.

Calendula oil is a natural oil extracted from marigold flowers (Calendula officinalis). It’s often used as a complementary or alternative treatment. It’s also used as an antiseptic.

Read on to find out more about the potential benefits of calendula oil for your skin and where to find calendula products.

Calendula oil is made by infusing marigold flowers in a carrier oil. This oil can be used on its own or to make ointments, creams, or salves. Calendula can also be processed into a tincture, tea, and capsules.

Calendula oil may be an alternative remedy to treat various skin conditions as well as improve the quality and appearance of the skin. Here are seven ways calendula oil may be used for the skin.

Calendula cream as sunscreen

Calendula oil might be an option for sun protection. A 2012 laboratory study found that calendula oil had SPF properties as a cream mixture. However, more evidence is needed to support calendula cream as a possible sunscreen.

In the meantime, stick to a sunscreen proven to work to reduce the chances of skin cancer for you and your family.

Find sunscreens infused with calendula extract online.

Calendula oil for wounds

Calendula oil might accelerate wound healing. Research from 2013 suggests that using aloe vera or calendula ointment along with standard care sped up episiotomy recovery time.

In the study, women who used either aloe vera or calendula ointment every eight hours for five days showed improvement in symptoms such as redness, swelling, and bruising. Adding aloe or calendula ointment to standard care was found to be more effective than using standard care alone.

Find aloe or calendula cream online.

Learn more about home remedies for burns.

Calendula oil for acne

Some people use calendula oil to treat acne. One laboratory study found that calendula extract may be useful in treating and preventing acne vulgaris, but more research, especially studies on humans, is needed to support these findings.

You can try washing your face using a calendula cleanser. You can apply calendula cream, oil, or spot treatment to your whole face or use it to target acne-prone areas. You may even wish to try a face mask treatment once per week.

Calendula oil for eczema

Although there’s no research to support it, some people use calendula oil to treat eczema. However, one study found it can help relieve pain from dermatitis in people receiving radiation for breast cancer.

Here are eight natural remedies to reduce eczema symptoms.

Calendula oil for diaper rash

Calendula oil might help soothe diaper rash. A small study in 2012 found that while an aloe vera cream was effective in treating diaper rash, a calendula ointment was significantly more beneficial. However, this research is preliminary.

To relieve diaper rash, you can try applying a small amount of calendula oil on its own or mixed with aloe vera on the affected area a few times per day.

For more options, read our roundup of the 11 best diaper rash creams.

Calendula oil for psoriasis

Calendula oil’s wound-healing properties might make it a good choice in treating psoriasis, but there isn’t any research on this yet. You can try applying calendula oil or balm on the affected area a few times each day.

Calendula oil for better skin

Calendula oil might improve the overall appearance of your skin. One study found that a cream containing calendula extract may promote skin hydration and firmness, but more research is needed.

It’s also speculated that calendula might help treat contact dermatitis, which includes reactions to poison ivy.

You can try applying a calendula oil or cream on your skin twice per day.

Skin patch test

Do a skin patch test to ensure you’re not allergic to a new skin care product like this one. Apply a small amount of the product to a small patch of skin, like your inner wrist. Wait for 24 to 48 hours. If you see or feel irritation in that area after that time frame, discontinue use.

Calendula is generally safe to use, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Avoid calendula if you’re allergic to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Don’t use calendula if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding — not enough is known to be sure it is safe.

Avoid taking calendula orally at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery, since it can cause drowsiness. Don’t take it orally in combination with any type of sedative drug.

There are several other natural skin care products you can use to improve your skin’s feel and appearance. You can find premade products that contain these ingredients or research recipes to make your own creations.

Here are some options:

Look for products listed as noncomedogenic. This means they won’t clog your pores.

Calendula oil may be used by many and works for some, but there’s not much research behind its uses. If you’re interested in trying it out, make sure you’re buying a product that contains natural ingredients and is free of chemicals and preservatives.

Always talk to your doctor before using this oil to treat any condition that may require medical attention. Make sure to do a skin patch test before use, too. Carefully note how your body reacts to any form of calendula oil.