Calendula officinalis
A botanical extract from the marigold flower, calendula is a multipurpose healer particularly powerful for sensitive skin. In topical formulas, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. It's also rich in natural flavonoids, the antioxidants that help fight free radicals that can damage skin.
Calendula's naturally inherent powers do a few key things. It's believed to help heal wounds, possibly by increasing blood flow and oxygenating skin. That, plus its antiseptic properties, make it ideal for breakout-prone or sensitized skin, particularly when in shorter-term healing mode. The antioxidant components of calendula help with the longer-term, protecting against free radical damage to the skin that shows up as fine lines and other signs of aging.
The flower power from calendula has been used for centuries across cultures, particularly in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Because of its healing and gently soothing properties, it's not only an ideal everyday skincare ingredient, but can be used to relieve conditions like eczema, psoriasis, rashes and reactions, and even bug bites.