Grade 2+ radiation skin reactions 41% vs 63% with trolamine; less pain
Pommier 2004, J Clin Oncol · Source
Calendula
Calendula officinalis flower · certified organic
One of the most-studied botanicals for skin, with randomized trials on tender, irritated and healing skin, including postpartum care. It's the soothing heart of the Salve.
254women in a skin-care trial during radiation, with fewer reactions on calendula
3randomized trials in postpartum perineal care
EU-recognizedfor minor skin inflammation and small wounds
Why we love it
Calendula has a long history of use on tender and healing skin, and modern trials back that up. It's the soothing heart of the Salve.
What does the research show?
Skin under stress
In a trial of 254 women having breast radiation, those using calendula had fewer moderate-to-severe skin reactions than those using a standard cream (41% vs 63%). In a 66-baby trial, it also cleared diaper rash sites better than aloe.
Perineal and postpartum care
Three randomized trials in women recovering from episiotomy (74 to 111 women each) reported less pain or better healing scores with calendula ointment than with standard care.
Vaginal studies
Two randomized trials from Iran tested calendula vaginal cream. In one, with 80 women diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, symptoms resolved as often as with metronidazole. In the other, with 150 women with a yeast infection, fewer calendula users still tested positive at 30 to 35 days than clotrimazole users (23% vs 66%), though more did at 10 to 15 days.
Nursing comfort
A review of 11 trials found a calendula-containing cream eased nipple cracking better than breast milk alone.
Wounds
A 2019 systematic review of 14 studies found benefits for acute wounds and venous ulcers but not for diabetic ulcers or burns.
Studies
Human study tested in people Lab study a starting point, not proof
Calendula vaginal cream vs clotrimazole for yeast infection: negative tests 49% vs 74% at 10 to 15 days, 77% vs 34% at 30 to 35 days
Saffari 2017, Women & Health · Source
Calendula vaginal cream vs metronidazole for BV: all symptoms resolved in both groups at one week
Pazhohideh 2018, J Adv Pharm Technol Res · Source
Less pain after episiotomy from day 2
De Angelis 2022, J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med · Source
Better episiotomy healing score at day 5 vs control
Eghdampour 2013, J Caring Sci · Source
Better episiotomy healing score at day 5 vs povidone-iodine
Jahdie 2013, J North Khorasan Univ Med Sci · Source
Fewer diaper-rash sites than aloe cream
Panahi 2012, ScientificWorldJournal · Source
Less grade 2 radiation skin reaction than essential fatty acids
Schneider 2015, Rev Esc Enferm USP · Source
Mixed: benefit in acute wounds and venous ulcers, none in diabetic ulcers or burns
Givol 2019, Wound Repair Regen · Source
Calendula-containing cream better than breast milk for nipple cracks
As'adi 2018, J Herbmed Pharmacol · Source
Improved skin hydration and firmness vs base cream over 8 weeks
Akhtar 2011, Acta Pol Pharm · Source
A 20% calendula tincture on the vulva for two weeks: itch and heavy discharge fell, with no side effects
Cuban study 2010, Bol Latinoam Caribe Plant Med Aromat · Source
4% calendula gel healed chronic wounds faster than placebo gel alongside standard care, with no side effects
Wanwaitayajit 2026, J Thai Tradit Altern Med · Source
Calendula flower oil was active against all 23 fungal strains tested, including Candida
Gazim 2008, Braz J Microbiol · Source
How has it been used traditionally?
The European Medicines Agency's herbal monograph recognizes calendula flower for traditional use in minor skin inflammation and to help minor wounds heal.
Is calendula safe on the vulva?
Calendula is gentle for most people and has been studied on tender postpartum perineal skin. It's in the daisy family, so if you're allergic to ragweed, chamomile or echinacea, patch test on your inner arm for 24 hours first.
Last reviewed: November 2026.
Found in
Related ingredients
Reviewed by the Momotaro Apotheca medical team, including OB-GYNs and naturopathic doctors. Educational information, not medical advice. All ingredient research