DISCOVER THE FLOWER POWERED BENEFITS OF CALENDULA FOR SKIN
Since the 1960s, Calendula has been a signature Kiehl’s ingredient. A part of our apothecary tradition, we began formulating our Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner with handpicked Calendula petals and Calendula Extract. This alcohol-free toner soon gained a cult following and became a worldwide customer favourite, selling 1 every 20 seconds globally. Read on to discover more about Calendula and its unique place in our heritage.
WHAT IS CALENDULA?
Native to the Mediterranean, Calendula officinalis, or pot marigold, is a herbaceous plant commonly used in herbal and skincare products. Thought to bloom on the first of the month, this perennial’s name stems from the Latin “kalendae” which means “little calendar” or “the first day of every month". Calendula flowers are orange or gold with a strong, fresh aroma. A trusted herb for many centuries, Calendula is known to have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
IS CALENDULA GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN?
Our Calendula Extract and petals are scientifically tested to provide a lasting, continuous supply of discomfort-reducing compounds. Each individual Calendula petal contains five compounds — Oleanic Acid, Lupeol, Quercetin, α Amyrin and β Amyrin. These efficacious compounds have been studied and are known to provide antioxidant protection, soothe skin and reduce discomfort.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CALENDULA?
By helping to reduce feelings of skin discomfort, our formulas enriched with Calendula help skin look smooth, radiant and dewy-fresh. Our Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream helps improve the appearance of dull skin, dry fine lines and uneven skin tone and texture.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON USES OF CALENDULA?
In addition to skincare products with Calendula, this edible herb is often used in food and tea. Calendula petals may be mixed in with salads, steeped to create a soothing tea or used as a substitute for saffron. Yellow dye has also been extracted from the flower and used to colour fabrics and foods.
CALENDULA IN HISTORY
- In the Middle Ages, Calendula was used to colour cheeses and butters.
- During the American Civil War and World War I, Calendula petals were used to dress wounds.
- In Hindu culture, Calendula is used to adorn statues and is frequently incorporated into food, fabrics and cosmetics.
- Calendula was used in ancient Aztec and Mayan civilisation and now is included in processions of the Day of the Dead in Mexico.
KIEHL'S & CALENDULA
With the success and long-standing popularity of our Calendula toner, we expanded our Calendula products to include a foaming cleanser, hydrating face mask and serum-infused water cream. Each of these products is formulated with our concentrated Calendula Extract. True to our apothecary heritage, our mask, toner and water cream are still infused with handpicked Calendula petals!
Our Calendula Petals
It is approximately 9-10 months from the time that the Calendula seeds are planted, grown, handpicked and dried. Harvested from January to March, the entire flower is picked by hand to help preserve its delicacy and keep the petals intact. From there, petals are manually sorted and sundried without the addition of artificial heat or extra processing. Any unused petals and parts of the flower are then composted by the grower.
Calendula and Our Formulas
Both our Calendula toner and Calendula mask are formulated with whole flower petals which contribute to the formula’s golden hue. As the petals are slowly mixed into the mask, the colour begins to intensify while the Calendula toner’s colour actually deepens over time. In formulating our Calendula water cream, Kiehl’s chemists looked to develop a preparation that would draw out the maximum efficacy of Calendula. For this formulation, whole Calendula petals are steeped at a high temperature to allow for maximum release of the flower’s skin-soothing, anti-irritation compounds. Once the compounds have been released, these whole petals are mixed into the formula and become crushed into hundreds of micronized petals—visible only under a microscope.
