Calendula vs Chamomile for Skin: Overview of the Chamomile and Calendula Benefits
At Naturopathica, we’ve always believed in the power of using natural, botanical ingredients in skincare products. Why rub chemicals onto your face when there are plant-based extracts that bring incredible skincare benefits with none of the health risks or side effects?!
Calendula and chamomile are two of our favorite herbs for skincare, but for very different reasons. In this guide, we’ll explain the different benefits of chamomile vs calendula, helping you make the right choice for your skin.
Whether you end up choosing calendula vs chamomile for skin, we’ve got you covered! Check out our calendula skincare range to discover the best this herb has to offer, or explore our chamomile products to soothe irritated, red skin. Either way, your skin wins!
Is Calendula the Same as Chamomile for Skin?
Before we talk about calendula vs chamomile for skin, is calendula the same as chamomile? Both herbs offer soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits, but they come from different plant families and affect the skin differently. To better understand chamomile vs calendula, let’s take a closer look at each one.
What is Calendula?
Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also known as pot marigold, is a bright orange or yellow flower. There are so many different calendula benefits for skin - it’s packed with flavonoids, triterpenoids, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for soothing irritation, reducing redness, and healing wounds.
Calendula is incredible for dry, sensitive, or damaged skin, as it helps to stimulate collagen production and protect against environmental stressors. Many natural skincare products, such as balms, creams, and oils, use calendula to calm inflammation and support skin regeneration.
What is Chamomile?
Chamomile refers to a group of daisy-like plants, with German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) being the most commonly used for skin care. Chamomile has powerful calming and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its high concentration of apigenin, bisabolol, and chamazulene.
These compounds help soothe sensitive skin, reduce redness, and relieve conditions like eczema and rosacea. Chamomile is often found in toners, facial mists, and creams, where it works to comfort and balance irritated skin while promoting a healthy complexion.
Calendula vs Chamomile for Skin: Which Ingredient is Right For Your Skin’s Needs?
There are both chamomile and calendula benefits for skin, but which is right for you? Let’s take a look at calendula vs chamomile for skin, and where each of these natural ingredients shines in skincare.
Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Both calendula and chamomile are known for their calming effects. Chamomile, particularly German chamomile, contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds like bisabolol and chamazulene, which reduce redness, irritation, and skin sensitivity. It’s a great choice for conditions like rosacea, eczema, and general skin irritation.
Calendula is rich in flavonoids and triterpenoids, which also help soothe inflammation but are particularly good for dry, chapped, or sunburned skin. If your skin is prone to redness and irritation, chamomile may be the better option, while calendula works well for soothing and repairing damaged skin.
Hydration and Skin Barrier Support
Calendula is a powerhouse when it comes to supporting the skin’s moisture barrier. It helps to retain hydration, making it a lifesaver for dry or sensitive skin. Calendula-infused oils and creams nourish and protect dehydrated skin, preventing moisture loss and maintaining a healthy barrier.
Chamomile, while also hydrating, is more commonly used for its calming properties rather than deep moisturization. If your main concern is maintaining hydration and strengthening your skin’s protective barrier, calendula is the better choice.
Antioxidant Protection and Environmental Defense
Both herbs contain antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage. Chamomile is particularly rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, which neutralize free radicals and prevent premature aging.
Calendula, with its high concentration of carotenoids and flavonoids, also provides antioxidant benefits but is best at reducing oxidative stress from sun exposure. If you’re looking for anti-aging benefits, chamomile is an excellent choice, while calendula is ideal for post-sun exposure care.
Healing and Regenerative Benefits
Calendula has valuable wound-healing and skin-repairing properties. It stimulates collagen production, speeds up the healing of cuts, burns, and acne scars, and reduces inflammation associated with skin damage.
Chamomile also supports skin healing but is more commonly used for its soothing and calming effects rather than active regeneration. If you’re dealing with damaged or healing skin, calendula might be the better choice.
Best Uses for Each Ingredient Based on Skin Type
If you have sensitive or redness-prone skin, chamomile is the better choice for reducing irritation, calming inflammation, and soothing conditions like rosacea. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, calendula can hydrate and support the skin barrier.
For acne-prone skin, chamomile’s antibacterial properties help reduce breakouts, while calendula’s healing benefits can aid in acne scar recovery. Both ingredients offer antioxidant protection for damaged skin, but chamomile is best at fighting signs of aging.
Ultimately, choosing between calendula vs chamomile for skin depends on the specific skin issues or problems you’re dealing with. Think about your skincare goals and choose the herb that will help you get the smooth, healthy, glowing skin of your dreams.
Can You Combine the Chamomile and Calendula Benefits for the Best of Both Worlds?
Do you have to choose between calendula vs chamomile for skin, or can you combine the two? Yes - you can combine chamomile’s soothing and anti-inflammatory properties with calendula’s hydrating and regenerative effects for even healthier, happier skin.
Do These Ingredients Work Well Together?
Chamomile and calendula are both gentle, plant-based ingredients that work together to calm, protect, and nourish the skin. While chamomile reduces redness, irritation, and sensitivity, calendula helps strengthen the skin barrier and speed up healing.
Their combined antioxidant content also helps protect your skin against things like UV damage. Because both are mild, they can be used together without irritating your skin, making them a great option for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
Ideal Skincare Routines Featuring Both Ingredients
Using both chamomile and calendula in your routine can be done in multiple ways, depending on your skin’s needs and the types of products you like to use. Here are some ideas on how to add calendula and chamomile to your regimen:
- Cleansing: Start with a gentle chamomile-infused cleanser to calm the skin and remove impurities without stripping moisture.
- Toning: Follow up with a toner containing both chamomile and calendula to soothe and refresh your skin while preparing it for the next steps.
- Serum or treatment: A serum featuring chamomile helps reduce inflammation and redness, while a calendula-based serum promotes healing and hydration. Alternating between the two can provide balanced care.
- Moisturizing: Choose a cream or facial oil that contains calendula to lock in moisture, support the skin barrier, and promote healing overnight.
- Masks and spot treatments: For extra care, use a chamomile and calendula-infused mask or balm to calm flare-ups, soothe dry patches, or speed up the healing process.
Of course, you don’t have to add all of these treatments to your routine, but it does show you how many different ways you can use calendula and chamomile for skin care.
Recommended Skin Concerns for a Chamomile and Calendula Combo
Even if you feel like your skin is pretty healthy, it will still benefit from all the nutrients in chamomile and calendula that protect and nourish the skin. But, if you’re dealing with specific skin issues or concerns, this combo can be even more effective.
For example, if you have sensitive or irritated skin, the anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile and the skin-repairing effects of calendula help soothe and strengthen sensitive skin without the need for medications or harsh treatments, which often come with side effects.
Also, if your skin is dehydrated or dry, calendula’s moisture-retaining abilities paired with chamomile’s calming nature create the perfect duo for restoring hydration and comfort. You’re basically getting two treatments in one!
This is also a great treatment combo if you have acne or skin that’s prone to redness. Chamomile helps reduce acne-related redness, while calendula supports healing and reduces the appearance of scars.
Give Your Skin the Care it Deserves With Chamomile and Calendula Products at Naturopathica
Whether you’re looking for skincare for dry sensitive skin or a gentle, natural solution to reduce redness, Naturopathica has you covered! Our top-rated chamomile cleanser is a light lotion that’s perfect for soothing and calming dry, sensitive skin.
We also have a wide range of natural calendula products to heal and moisturize. Our ultra-hydrating calendula cream is perfect for face rejuvenation, while our calendula moisturizer is the best choice if you’re looking for a moisturizing lotion.
Made with revitalizing mint, our calendula cleanser foams gently to nourish your hands and body. And, if you’re looking for a touch of luxury, our calendula body butter is rich, decadent, and every bit as good for your skin as it feels!
All our products are made here in the USA and formulated carefully from the purest herbal ingredients. Plus, we’re Leaping Bunny certified, so you can nourish your skin without worrying about your impact! Upgrade your skincare routine today with the best chamomile and calendula products from Naturopathica.
Wrapping Up Our Chamomile vs Calendula Comparison
So, is calendula the same as chamomile? No - these two botanical powerhouses come from different plants, but they both bring incredible benefits to your skin. Calendula hydrates and heals, while chamomile is a powerhouse for soothing irritation, reducing redness, and calming sensitive or inflamed skin.
The best part is that you don’t have to choose between calendula vs chamomile for skin - you can add both of them to your routine! They combine together to bring you the best of both worlds, for smoother, softer, more radiant skin.
If you’re looking for high-quality, ethical, and effective chamomile and calendula skincare products, your search ends here! Naturopathica has the best in botanical skincare, formulated with a delicate balance of nature and science.
Discover the power of premium natural skincare today - release your inner radiance with Naturopathica!