Calendula Extract - ECOCERT Certified Organic

Calendula officinalis L. is an aromatic annual plant belonging to the Asteraceae (Compositae) family native to the Mediterranean area, although it is widely spread throughout the world as an ornamental plant.

Our ECOCERT Certified Calendula Extract is produced from the calendula flower-heads.

Rich in oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, calendula flower-heads have variable essential oil concentrations: up to 0.12% in the ligulate flowers and up to 0.4% in the inflorescence receptacle. The ligulate flowers can contain up to 0.88% flavonoids and the capitula contain a variety of triterpene alcohols. Calendula also contains phenol acids, tannins, carotenoids, Saponosides, coumarins and polysaccharides (mucilage).

Traditional Uses

Calendula as medicine and a coloring agent was known to old herbalists, especially Arabs and Hindus.  It has long been used topically to treat skin ulcers, infected wounds, diaper rash, eczema, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, periodontitis and conjunctivitis.

Cosmetic Properties

Reepithelizing activity

Due to the presence of polysaccharides (mucilage), flavonoids (especially quercetrin-3-O-glycoside), triterpenes and carotenes, which act on the metabolism of glycoproteins and on collagen fibers, this is one of the most extensively used actions of calendula. Creams containing calendula floral extract at 5% in combination with allantoin, promoted remarkable epithelization in rat experimental models, with especial intensity on the metabolism of glycoproteins and collagen fibers during tissue regeneration. More recent research suggested that the water extracts of calendula flowers, applied on skin wounds, play a role as microvascularization inducing agents, thus contributing to speed up healing (Alonso J., 2004).
According to ESCOP, calendula (flower) is recommended for the local treatment of skin and mucosae inflammation, as a co-adjuvant in wound-healing processes and to treat contusions and skin burns.

Moisturizing activity

Calendula, due to its saponin and mucilage content has moisturizing properties making it ideal in formulations for dry, irritated or delicate skin.

Anti-inflammatory activity

Extensive use in cosmetics as well as in dermatology has been made of calendula in topical preparations because of its anti-inflammatory activity and clincal efficacy has long been demonstrated (Della Loggia et al. 1994)

Immunomodulatory activity

presence of immunostimulatory polysaccharides in its composition. Calendula polysaccharides stimulate in vitro phagocytosis by human polymorphonuclear cells. This effect has also been reported for in vivo assays using mice. Concentrations between 0.1 and 10 mg/ml of the ethanolic calendula flower extract stimulates mitogen-induced limphocyte proliferation. However, an inhibitory effect is observed at higher concentrations.

It is important that the immune system of the skin keeps active so that it can protect the skin from the damage produced by internal as well as external agents. The Langerhans cells and the keratinocytes are the key cells in the epidermal immune system. During the ageing process, especially photoaging, the immune system progressively deteriorates and its activation turns slower, thus resulting in decreased cell renewal.

Cosmetic Applications

Typical Usage Rate: 0.5 - 5%

Appearance: Dark brown slightly turbid liquid
Solubility: Soluble in water
pH: 4.0 - 5.0
Preserved with: Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Storage: Protected from direct light and humidity at a temperature of 50°-77°F (10°-25°C)
Shelf life: 15 months, properly stored, in sealed vessel.

INCI: Glycerin (and) Water (and) Calendula Officinalis Extract

Disclaimer
Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional skin care provider.