What is calendula cream used for?

Calendula cream is one of those products you will find in health food shops, pharmacies and herbal skincare ranges across the UK. It has been used for centuries as a traditional herbal remedy for sore, dry or irritated skin, and it remains popular with people looking for a gentle, plant-based option for everyday skin complaints.

But what does the evidence actually say? And is there anything you need to watch out for? Here is an honest look.

What is calendula cream?

Calendula cream is a topical preparation made from the flowers of Calendula officinalis, commonly known as pot marigold. Despite the name, it is not the same plant as the ornamental marigolds (genus Tagetes) found in garden centres.

The flowers contain compounds including flavonoids, triterpenoids and carotenoids, which laboratory studies have shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. These compounds are extracted into oils, tinctures or waxes and blended into creams, ointments and balms.

Calendula creams vary widely. Some are simple herbal preparations (calendula oil in a beeswax or plant-oil base). Others are conventional cosmetic moisturisers with calendula extract as one ingredient among many. It is worth reading the label to see how much calendula a product actually contains.

What is calendula cream traditionally used for?

Calendula has been used in European herbal medicine for hundreds of years, primarily as a skin remedy. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognises it as a traditional herbal medicine for:

• Minor wounds, cuts and grazes (superficial, once cleaned)
• Minor inflammation of the skin
• Minor inflammation of the mouth and throat (as a rinse or gargle)

In everyday UK use, people also apply calendula cream to:

• Dry, chapped or cracked skin (hands, lips, heels)
• Nappy rash
• Mild eczema flare-ups (between flare-ups, on unbroken skin, as an emollient)
• Sore or irritated skin after shaving, gardening or frequent hand washing
• Skin undergoing radiotherapy (in some clinical settings)

The EMA classification as a traditional herbal medicine means it has a long history of use for these purposes, but it does not mean its effectiveness has been proven to the standard required for a licensed medicine.

Does calendula cream work? What the evidence says

Calendula cream (herbal, topical)

A 2019 systematic review by Givol and colleagues examined all available clinical trials on calendula extract for wound healing. The findings were mixed:

• Animal studies showed promising anti-inflammatory effects and faster production of new tissue.
• One clinical trial on venous leg ulcers found that a calendula ointment reduced ulcer surface area more than a placebo (42% vs 15% over three weeks).
• A trial on radiation-induced dermatitis in breast cancer patients found calendula cream reduced severe skin reactions compared to a standard treatment (trolamine).
• However, another trial on burns found no benefit compared to a control cream.

The review concluded that there is some evidence for beneficial effects, consistent with its traditional use, but stressed the need for larger, better-designed trials. A separate 2008 systematic review by Leach reached a similar conclusion: only weak evidence supports the use of calendula in wound care.

For dry or irritated skin, calendula cream functions primarily as an emollient. Its moisturising effect comes partly from the oils and waxes in the base, not only from the calendula extract itself.

Homeopathic calendula

Calendula also exists as a homeopathic preparation (for example, Calendula 30C). This is a different product from herbal calendula cream. Homeopathic preparations are highly diluted and contain no measurable amount of the original plant.

The NHS does not recommend homeopathy for any health condition. There is no clinical evidence that homeopathic calendula has effects beyond placebo. If a product is labelled “homeopathic calendula,” it is not the same as a herbal cream containing calendula extract.

How to use calendula cream

There is no single standardised dose for calendula cream because products vary. As a general guide, based on the EMA monograph and product labels:

• Clean the area gently with water before applying.
• Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently.
• Use two to three times a day, or as directed on the product.
• Do not apply to deep wounds, heavily infected skin or broken skin that needs medical attention.
• For nappy rash, apply at each nappy change to clean, dry skin.

Calendula cream is for external use only. If you are using it alongside prescribed treatments (for example, a steroid cream for eczema), ask your pharmacist or GP about the best way to layer them.

Who should not use calendula cream

The risk of an allergic reaction to calendula is low (studies suggest a contact allergy rate below 0.2%), but it is worth being aware of, especially if you already react to other plants in the daisy family.

Common questions about calendula cream

Natural World Team

Independent guides to natural remedies and supplements, checked against NHS and EFSA references.