Not all “soothing” skincare ingredients are created equal. Many mainstream products rely on chemically produced emollients or synthetic esters, designed to mimic natural plant oils. While these can make skin feel temporarily soft, they lack the complex bioactive compounds like flavonoids, triterpenoids, and carotenoids found in true calendula extract. These naturally occurring molecules do more than moisturize; they actively support healing, calm inflammation, and help rebuild the skin barrier.

Among botanical options, calendula is often infused in olive oil, a natural, nourishing carrier widely used in herbal preparations. While olive oil is beneficial for the skin, it has a heavier texture and can feel occlusive in certain formulations. At VÆR, we choose jojoba oil as the infusion base for our calendula extract because it closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, absorbs quickly, and remains stable over time. This ensures calendula’s healing compounds are delivered efficiently, without heaviness or pore blockage, making our formulation ideal for daily use across all skin types.

When shopping for calendula-based skincare, it’s important to look beyond the marketing claims and check the ingredient list carefully. Many products use calendula extracts diluted in unstable seed oils or rely on synthetic fragrances and additives rather than true botanical infusions.

Look for “Calendula officinalis extract” or “Calendula-infused oil”paired with a skin-friendly carrier like jojoba oil. High-quality extracts will list both the flower and carrier oil clearly, ensuring you’re getting a genuine, bioavailable botanical preparation not a heavily processed or filler-laden alternative.

Calendula has a long history of use in traditional medicine across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. For centuries, it has been applied to cuts, scrapes, rashes, and burns to speed healing and calm irritation. Ancient Greeks and Romans used calendula-infused oils and salves for skin ailments and wound care, while herbalists through the Middle Ages prized it as a staple in natural apothecaries. This heritage of trusted, topical use continues today, with calendula recognized globally as a gentle yet powerful botanical remedy for sensitive or damaged skin.

Calendula is a hardy, low-impact plant that grows easily in many regions without heavy pesticide or water requirements, making it a highly sustainable skincare ingredient. At VÆR, we source organically grown calendula flowers from trusted suppliers who prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and clean farming practices. Our extraction process uses jojoba oil, a stable, renewable carrier, avoiding seed oils that are often heavily processed or industrially farmed. This approach allows us to deliver calendula’s full benefits in a way that is kind to the earth, non-toxic, and respectful of the plant’s natural integrity.

Calendula extract is made by gently infusing dried calendula flowers in a nourishing carrier oil to draw out its healing compounds. While some manufacturers use high heat, solvents, or quick chemical extraction methods to speed up the process, these can damage the delicate flavonoids and antioxidants that make calendula so effective.
At VÆR, we use a slow, cold-infusion process in jojoba oil, allowing time and gentle warmth to naturally release the plant’s beneficial constituents. This method preserves calendula’s anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and antioxidant molecules in a highly bioavailable form, ensuring maximum potency and compatibility with your skin.