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 favorite, selling 1 every 20 seconds globally. Learn more about Calendula and its unique place in our heritage.

What Is Calendula?

Native to the Mediterranean, Calendula officinalis, or pot marigold, is an 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?

The effective compounds within Calendula help soothe and visibly improve skin. By helping to reduce discomfort, our formulas with Calendula petals and extract help skin look smooth, radiant and dewy-fresh. Within our Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream, these compounds even help skin resist early signs of aging over time including 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 color fabrics and foods.

• In the Middle Ages, Calendula was used to color cheeses and butter
• 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 civilization 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

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 color begins to intensify while the Calendula toner’s color 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 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.

Calendula Toner and the Smithsonian

Our cult-classic Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner is even included in the Smithsonian Institute’s Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Collection. As part of the permanent collection in the National Museum of American History, this classic skincare formula is recognized for its unique heritage.

Your Calendula Skincare Routine

Our gentle yet effective Calendula skincare products are formulated for all skin types. Particularly well-suited for normal and oily skin, these products are also mild enough for use by sensitive skin types. Our customers also say that this skincare routine can help balance their skin to help improve problem areas for healthy-looking skin. Refresh your routine and experience the benefits of Calendula for your skin.