Calendula is a botanical ingredient prised for its natural ability to soothe, calm and hydrate the skin. It is rich in antioxidants and has gentle anti-inflammatory properties, making it a brilliant choice for anyone dealing with sensitivity, redness or dryness. Calendula skincare is generally well-suited to all skin types, though it is particularly loved by those with reactive or combination skin.

Calendula has been a signature Kiehl's ingredient since the 1960s, rooted in our apothecary heritage and commitment to effective botanical formulas. We hand-pick calendula petals and steep them at high temperatures to release their soothing, skin-calming compounds. You will find this powerhouse ingredient across our calendula skincare collection, from the bestselling Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner to the Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream, which contains hundreds of micronised calendula petals in every jar.

If your skin tends to be oily or combination, we recommend the Calendula Skin-Soothing & Stabilizing Emulsion, a lightweight calendula skincare formula designed to soothe while helping to visibly reduce excess oil. It delivers the calming benefits of calendula without feeling heavy, so your skin stays balanced and refreshed throughout the day.

Calendula may help calm acne-prone skin thanks to its gentle antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe breakouts without causing further irritation. Unlike harsher acne treatments, calendula skincare works to reduce redness while keeping your skin balanced and comfortable. We recommend starting with a gentle calendula cleanser to see how your skin responds.

Yes, calendula-based products are gentle enough for daily use in both your morning and evening skincare routines. The botanical's naturally soothing properties mean it works beautifully with consistent use, helping to maintain calm, hydrated skin over time. You can layer multiple calendula skincare products together without worrying about irritation.

Absolutely, calendula's calming properties can actually complement retinol by helping to soothe any potential irritation from active ingredients. Many people find that incorporating calendula skincare into their routine makes retinol more comfortable to use, especially during the adjustment period. We suggest applying your calendula toner or moisturiser after your retinol to help keep skin happy.

Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, is a specific species distinct from the common garden marigolds you might see in flower beds. This particular variety has been used for centuries in traditional remedies and is the type we use in calendula skincare for its beneficial skin-soothing compounds. The two plants may look similar, but only Calendula officinalis delivers those coveted skincare benefits.

Calendula may help ease eczema symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory and skin-calming properties, though results can vary from person to person. Its gentle nature makes it a popular choice for those with reactive skin looking for botanical alternatives. For persistent eczema, we recommend consulting a dermatologist alongside your calendula skincare routine.

Apply calendula toner to a cotton pad and sweep it gently across clean skin after cleansing, avoiding the delicate eye area. Follow immediately with your serum or moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp to help lock in hydration. This simple step helps prepare your skin to absorb the rest of your calendula skincare routine more effectively.

Calendula is generally very well-tolerated by most skin types, which is one reason it is so beloved in gentle skincare formulations. However, if you have allergies to plants in the daisy family (including ragweed or chamomile), we recommend doing a patch test before diving into your new calendula skincare routine. When in doubt, apply a small amount to your inner arm and wait 24 hours to check for any reaction.