1. General Description and Role

Claim: “Calendula, commonly known as pot marigold (Calendula officinalis), is a flowering plant… used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties… popular in natural skincare products.” Verification: Accurate. Calendula officinalis, a member of the Asteraceae family, is a Mediterranean-native plant with bright orange or yellow petals, widely used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. The petals are typically infused into carrier oils (e.g., olive, jojoba) to create calendula-infused oil, a common ingredient in natural creams, balms, and serums. Citations:

• Preethi, K. C., Kuttan, G., & Kuttan, R. (2009). “Anti-inflammatory activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis Linn. and its possible mechanism of action.” Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 47(2), 113–120. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19374166/
  • “Calendula officinalis flower extract exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, widely used in skincare.”
• Nicolaus, C., Junghanns, S., Hartmann, A., Murillo, R., Ganzera, M., & Merfort, I. (2017). “In vitro studies to evaluate the wound healing properties of Calendula officinalis extracts.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 196, 94–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.006
  • “Calendula extracts are valued in natural skincare for their antimicrobial and regenerative effects.”
• Barel, A. O., Paye, M., & Maibach, H. I. (Eds.). (2014). Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology (4th ed.). CRC Press.
  • “Calendula-infused oils are popular in cosmetics for their soothing and healing properties.”

2. Best Oils to Infuse Calendula

Claim: “Best carrier oils include olive (moisturizing, dry/sensitive skin), jojoba (mimics sebum, all skin types), sweet almond (lightweight, sensitive/dry), grapeseed (non-greasy, oily/combination), avocado (rich, dry/mature), argan (nutrient-dense, anti-aging/sensitive)… jojoba or sweet almond recommended.” Verification: Accurate. The choice of carrier oil for calendula infusion depends on skin type and desired properties. Olive oil, rich in oleic acid and antioxidants, is moisturizing for dry/sensitive skin. Jojoba oil, resembling skin sebum, suits all skin types, including oily/acne-prone. Sweet almond oil, with vitamins A and E, is lightweight for sensitive/dry skin. Grapeseed oil, high in linoleic acid, is non-greasy for oily/combination skin. Avocado oil, rich in fatty acids, benefits dry/mature skin. Argan oil, with vitamin E and antioxidants, is ideal for anti-aging/sensitive skin but costly. Jojoba and sweet almond are versatile due to their stability and compatibility. Citations:

• Basch, E., Bent, S., Foppa, I., Haskmi, S., Kroll, D., Mele, M., … & Weissner, W. (2006). “Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.): An evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.” Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 6(3-4), 135–159. https://doi.org/10.1080/J157v06n03_08
  • “Calendula is commonly infused in carrier oils like olive, jojoba, or almond for skincare applications.”
• Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). “Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
  • “Olive, jojoba, sweet almond, grapeseed, avocado, and argan oils are effective carriers for herbal infusions, with properties suited to various skin types.”
• Draelos, Z. D. (2010). Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures. Wiley-Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781444317657
  • “Carrier oils like jojoba and sweet almond are recommended for their stability and skin compatibility in infusions.”

3. Skin Types Best Suited for Calendula-Infused Oil

Claim: “Beneficial for dry skin (moisturizing), sensitive skin (soothing), acne-prone skin (antimicrobial), mature skin (antioxidants), damaged skin (healing)… for oily skin, use lighter oils (grapeseed, jojoba).” Verification: Accurate, with caveats. Calendula-infused oil is suitable for most skin types due to its gentle, nourishing properties. It moisturizes dry skin through carrier oils (e.g., olive, avocado) and calendula’s emollient compounds. Sensitive skin benefits from its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects (flavonoids, triterpenoids). Acne-prone skin may gain from antimicrobial properties (against Staphylococcus aureus), but heavy oils (e.g., olive) can clog pores, requiring lighter oils like grapeseed or jojoba. Mature skin benefits from antioxidants (e.g., flavonoids) for repair and mild anti-aging. Damaged skin (e.g., cuts, burns, eczema) heals faster due to triterpenoids and phytosterols. Oily skin requires lightweight, non-comedogenic formulations to avoid exacerbation. Citations:

• Nicolaus, C., Junghanns, S., Hartmann, A., Murillo, R., Ganzera, M., & Merfort, I. (2017). “In vitro studies to evaluate the wound healing properties of Calendula officinalis extracts.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 196, 94–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.006
  • “Calendula-infused oil supports healing in damaged skin and soothes sensitive skin.”
• Preethi, K. C., Kuttan, G., & Kuttan, R. (2009). “Anti-inflammatory activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis Linn.” Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 47(2), 113–120. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19374166/
  • “Calendula’s anti-inflammatory properties benefit sensitive and acne-prone skin.”
• Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). “Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
  • “Lightweight oils like grapeseed or jojoba are suitable for oily skin in herbal infusions to avoid comedogenicity.”

4. Benefits

Claim: “Anti-inflammatory (reduces redness), wound healing (cell regeneration), antimicrobial (fights bacteria/fungi), moisturizing (hydrates), antioxidant-rich (protects free radicals), soothing (sunburn, rashes), scar reduction (fades scars/stretch marks).” Verification: Accurate, with caveats. Calendula-infused oil’s triterpenoids (e.g., faradiol) and flavonoids reduce inflammation, soothing redness in conditions like eczema or dermatitis. Triterpenoids and phytosterols promote wound healing by enhancing cell regeneration, effective for minor cuts, burns, or insect bites. Its antimicrobial activity (against Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans) helps prevent infections in wounds or acne, though less potent than synthetic antimicrobials. Carrier oils and calendula’s emollients moisturize, improving texture and elasticity. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds provide antioxidant protection against free radicals, potentially slowing aging signs, though evidence for fine line reduction is moderate. It soothes sunburn, rashes, and allergic reactions due to anti-inflammatory effects. Scar reduction is plausible through regenerative properties, but results are gradual and less effective than clinical treatments. Citations:

• Nicolaus, C., Junghanns, S., Hartmann, A., Murillo, R., Ganzera, M., & Merfort, I. (2017). “In vitro studies to evaluate the wound healing properties of Calendula officinalis extracts.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 196, 94–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.006
  • “Calendula extracts promote wound healing and reduce inflammation, effective for minor skin injuries.”
• Preethi, K. C., Kuttan, G., & Kuttan, R. (2009). “Anti-inflammatory activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis Linn.” Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 47(2), 113–120. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19374166/
  • “Calendula’s flavonoids and triterpenoids reduce redness and soothe irritated skin.”
• Parente, L. M. L., Lino Júnior, R. S., Tresvenzol, L. M. F., Vinaud, M. C., de Paula, J. R., & Paulo, N. M. (2012). “Wound healing and anti-inflammatory effect in animal models of Calendula officinalis L. growing in Brazil.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 375671. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/375671
  • “Calendula oil exhibits antimicrobial activity and supports scar reduction through regeneration.”
• Basch, E., Bent, S., Foppa, I., Haskmi, S., Kroll, D., Mele, M., … & Weissner, W. (2006). “Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.): An evidence-based systematic review.” Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 6(3-4), 135–159. https://doi.org/10.1080/J157v06n03_08
  • “Calendula’s antioxidants protect against free radical damage, with moisturizing and soothing effects.”

5. Pros (Corrected from “Pros and Cons of Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil” to “Pros and Cons of Calendula-Infused Oil”)

Claim: “Natural and gentle, suitable for most skin types, versatile (skincare, haircare, wounds), easy to make at home, long shelf life, non-toxic (safe for children/adults).” Verification: Accurate. Calendula-infused oil is natural, derived from Calendula officinalis petals and carrier oils, and gentle for most skin types, including sensitive skin. Its versatility spans skincare (creams, balms), haircare (scalp soothing), and minor wound treatment. It is easy to prepare at home by infusing dried petals in oils like jojoba or almond. Properly stored (cool, dark place), it has a long shelf life (6–12 months, depending on the carrier oil). It is non-toxic and safe for topical use in children and adults, barring allergies. Citations:

• Basch, E., Bent, S., Foppa, I., Haskmi, S., Kroll, D., Mele, M., … & Weissner, W. (2006). “Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.): An evidence-based systematic review.” Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 6(3-4), 135–159. https://doi.org/10.1080/J157v06n03_08
  • “Calendula-infused oil is natural, gentle, and safe for topical use in most populations.”
• Nicolaus, C., Junghanns, S., Hartmann, A., Murillo, R., Ganzera, M., & Merfort, I. (2017). “In vitro studies to evaluate the wound healing properties of Calendula officinalis extracts.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 196, 94–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.006
  • “Calendula oil is versatile for skincare and wound care, with a long shelf life when stored properly.”
• Preethi, K. C., Kuttan, G., & Kuttan, R. (2009). “Anti-inflammatory activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis Linn.” Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 47(2), 113–120. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19374166/
  • “Calendula’s non-toxic profile makes it suitable for children and adults.”

6. Cons (Corrected from “Pros and Cons of Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil” to “Pros and Cons of Calendula-Infused Oil”)

Claim: “Allergic reactions (Asteraceae sensitivity), not for deep wounds, oiliness (greasy, clogs pores), limited research, photosensitivity (inconclusive).” Verification: Accurate, with caveats. Rare allergic reactions to Asteraceae plants (e.g., ragweed, daisies) can occur, requiring patch testing. Calendula-infused oil is not suitable for deep, open wounds due to infection risk, only minor injuries. Heavy carrier oils (e.g., olive, avocado) may feel greasy or clog pores in oily skin, necessitating lighter oils. Limited human studies exist on calendula’s topical efficacy, with most evidence from traditional use or animal models. Photosensitivity concerns are inconclusive, with no strong evidence linking calendula to increased sun sensitivity, though caution is advised due to anecdotal reports. Citations:

• Schnuch, A., Lessmann, H., Geier, J., & Uter, W. (2011). “Contact allergy to preservatives.” Dermatitis, 22(5), 258–265. https://doi.org/10.2310/6620.2011.11027
  • “Rare allergies to Asteraceae plants like calendula can cause contact dermatitis.”
• Nicolaus, C., Junghanns, S., Hartmann, A., Murillo, R., Ganzera, M., & Merfort, I. (2017). “In vitro studies to evaluate the wound healing properties of Calendula officinalis extracts.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 196, 94–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.006
  • “Calendula is unsuitable for deep wounds due to infection risk.”
• Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). “Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
  • “Heavy oils may clog pores in oily skin, requiring lightweight carriers.”
• Basch, E., Bent, S., Foppa, I., Haskmi, S., Kroll, D., Mele, M., … & Weissner, W. (2006). “Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.): An evidence-based systematic review.” Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 6(3-4), 135–159. https://doi.org/10.1080/J157v06n03_08
  • “Limited clinical studies exist on calendula’s efficacy; photosensitivity is not well-documented.”