Calendula CO2

Calendula CO₂ Total Extract – Calendula officinalis L.
Part Used: Flowers
Method of Extraction: Super-critical CO₂ Extraction (a low-temperature process that extracts the heavier therapeutic properties from the raw plant material, rather than using steam distillation)
Country of Origin: Egypt

Calendula CO₂ total extract has a delicate, herbaceous/green, warm, waxy, hay-like smell. Calendula has a long history of use in skincare products as it has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and fungicidal properties that help with nourishing and healing skin. Its nourishing effects and warm, pleasant aroma make it a great addition to body and bath products.

Typical Main Constituents
α-Cadinol – 26%
T-Cadinol and T-Muurolol – 9%
γ-Cadinene – 2%
Heptadecane – 2%
Ledane – 2%
Leden – 1%
α-Muurolene – 1%

Aroma
Subtle, herbaceous/green, warm, waxy scent.

Description
While faradiol monoesters are responsible for many of the skincare advantages of this CO₂ total extraction of Calendula, there are lots of other components that complement and enhance the overall effects, making it a great addition to topical applications of all types. Calendula CO₂ has a waxy texture and a strong orange colour that will show up in the finished product.

The concentration of essential oils, absolutes, and CO₂ extracts is quite high. They must be diluted before usage for safety reasons – this is a usual technique for aromatherapy and fragrance. At room temperature, this product is solid and waxy, and it must be carefully heated to become pourable. We recommend combining 5% Calendula CO₂ with 95% another carrier oil. Try a combination of different carrier oils, such as Jojoba Oil or Fractionated Coconut Oil.

How Calendula CO₂ is Different from Calendula Infused Oil
CO₂ Extract is a highly concentrated, solvent-free extract of only the lipophilic (fat-soluble) active components—particularly faradiol esters, sterols, carotenoids, and waxes.

Compared to calendula-infused oil (typically a maceration in a carrier like olive oil), the CO₂ extract has a much higher concentration of anti-inflammatory compounds, requires very low dilution due to its potency, has a thicker, waxy consistency and a dark reddish colour, and is not suitable for direct application without dilution.

Calendula CO₂ Extract – Skincare Actions
Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, skin soothing, healing, protective, barrier repairing, regenerative, suitable for sensitive skin, ideal for dry/cracked skin, redness reducing.

Perfumery Actions
Fixative (in oil-based compositions), herbal-warm accent, slightly hay-like, earthy depth enhancer.

Skincare Dilution
0.1–0.5% for facial creams, eye creams, or sensitive skin formulations.
0.5–2% in balms, ointments, or body butters for rough, dry, or inflamed skin.
Must be melted and blended – it’s semi-solid at room temperature.

Perfumery Dilution
0.1–0.3% in oil-based perfumes for a herbal-waxy base tone.
Not recommended in alcohol-based perfumes due to wax content.
Functions more as a fixative and skin-conditioning agent than a prominent scent note.

Safety
May moderately interfere (low risk) with the enzymes responsible for metabolising medications based on cadinene content – e.g. NSAIDs, antiepileptics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, diabetic medications, antihistamines, antibiotics etc.

General Essential Oil Safety Recommendations
Do not take essential oils internally unless under advisement by a qualified medical professional.
Do not use essential oils undiluted on the skin. It is always best to try a small patch test first of the diluted essential oil.
People who are pregnant or have serious medical problems are advised to consult with a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using essential oils.
Use extreme caution when using essential oils with children. It is safest to consult with a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using essential oils with children.

General Disclaimer
The product information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only. The information provided is not considered to be complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate. The information contained in this website is not intended to be sufficient to provide diagnosis and/or treatment of medical conditions. It is recommended that treatment of serious health conditions be done with the help of a trained qualified medical practitioner.