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active · antioxidant

Calendula

Watch if sensitive·Moderate evidence·INCI: Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract

Calendula extract is a traditional soothing botanical used in balms and after-sun formulas with a generally reassuring safety history. Like chamomile, it is part of the Asteraceae family, so cross-reactive contact allergy is possible for people already sensitive to ragweed or related plants.

Worth knowing

  • Known contact sensitizer for some

Gentler alternatives

Questions

Is calendula safe if I'm allergic to ragweed?
Calendula belongs to the same plant family as ragweed and chamomile (Asteraceae), so cross-reactive contact allergy is possible. Anyone with a known ragweed or chrysanthemum allergy should patch-test calendula-containing products first.
Can calendula extract cause a skin reaction?
Contact dermatitis reports exist but are uncommon relative to how widely calendula is used in balms and after-sun products. The published evidence supports a generally reassuring safety history, with occasional sensitization in people already sensitive to related plants.

Products with Calendula

References

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.