Macerating Calendula Officinalis in Glycerine

Macerating Calendula Officinalis in Glycerine

Calendula officinalis is a plant to consider growing this spring. This will give you the opportunity to create beautiful infused products in the middle of summer to late fall.

In cooler climates Calendula is considered to be an annual, where as in warmer climates it is a perennial.   You should not mistaken Calendula officinalis with Pot Marigold (Tagetes)

Calendula can be grown in pots as well as outside during the gardening season. When fully bloomed the exhibit gorgeous orange daisy like flowers. When fully bloomed, the flower heads can be collected to make beautiful macerates.

 

Macerating is the process of infusing a substance.  Especially  extraction of medicinal compound. [1]  In the Aromatherapy culture we also call macerates infused oils or extracts.

The process of creating a macerate is when taking a natural liquid solvent ingredient to be used to concentrate and preserve active plant components that can be added to lotions and skincare formulations. Natural solvents that are that are commonly used include vinegar, alcohol, oils, and glycerin.

Glycerin is one of my favorite ingredients when infusing different plant materials. because of its humectant properties, its ability to improve the texture of lotions and personal care products, and its ability to self-preserve

What is glycerin?

Glycerin is a natural clear syrupy liquid humectant, mild emulsifying agent, and water solvent. Glycerin can be used in wash-off products to prevent skin dehydration and to add stability to the final product. It has preservative properties like sugar when used at 15-20% in formulations. Glycerin can be found in a variety of personal care products, including masks, exfoliants, body washes, and lotions. The pH level glycerin is 7 (neutral). 

Special note:   In general, you can infuse any type of plant material; however, special attention must be paid to the final formulation's safety and efficacy. As a result, special care must be taken when making any type of claim about a finished product.

 

What are the properties of Calendula?

Marigold (Calendula Officinalis): The valuable healing properties of Calendula are a compliment in skin care. Calendula flower petals are found to be anti-inflammatory, wound healing and aid in improving symptoms of dermatitis.  Calendula has antioxidant properties and provide a defence of free radicals due to its high carotenoids contents.[2]  Therefore it is widely used in formulas for sun protection and repair.

Calendula infused in Glycerine

Use as an additive to formulations such as creams, lotions, serums and balms, toners, and body wash Formulations. 

 

 

 

Formula 1: Dried Calendula Petals Infused In Glycerin

When using dehydrated Calendula petals in glycerine.  Spray the petal with 1 part water to 5-part dried petals.   Just enough to coat the petals with moisture.

Ingredients:

  • 48% Calendula petals (With a gentle spray of denatured alcohol)
  • 2%   Distilled water
  • 50% Glycerine

Phase 1

  • Place herb into a sanitized jar
  • Soak the petals in distilled water until they are moist. Remove any excess water from the container.
  • Pour glycerine into jar
  • Cap and store in dark place for 5-10 days. Shaking the jar on a daily basis

Phase 2

  1. Prepare a clean sanitized container
  2. Filter botanical ingredients and pour into sanitized jar.
  3. Store in cool area, up to 3-6 months

 

 

Formula 2:   Fresh Calendula Petals Infused In Glycerine

When working with newly harvested botanical materials, I always recommend using a broad-spectrum preservative to prevent microbial growth. even though glycerine is self-preserving.   This is especially important when producing glycerates from fruits and vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 8% Fresh Calendula petals (With a gentle spray of denatured alcohol)
  • 50% Glycerine
  • 2% Geogard

Phase 1

  • Place herb into a sanitized jar
  • Place fresh petals into the jar. Remove any excess water from the container.
  • Pour glycerine into jar
  • Drop in preservative and mix well.
  • Cap and store in dark place for 5-10 days. Shaking the jar on a daily basis

Phase 2

  • Prepare a clean sanitized container
  • Filter botanical ingredients and pour into sanitized jar
  • Store in cool area, up to 3-6 mont 

In general, you can infuse any form of plant material however, special attention needs to be on the safety and efficacy of the final formulation. Commercial products always should be tested to ensure

 

 

References:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/maceration

Arthur Tucker. Description and Chemistry of Calendula- published in Herb Society of America

Danielle Sade, The Aromatherapy Beauty Guide, Robert Rose 2017

Disclaimer:

The information contained in this educational service is not intended nor is it implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Healing Fragrances School of Aromatherapy does not accept responsibility for any problematic situations experienced by you or anyone to whom you give treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Nothing contained in the course is intended to provide a medical diagnosis or offer a treatment.

 

Back to blog

Leave a comment