Calendula salve is a beautiful, soothing remedy that harnesses the natural healing power of calendula flowers. Perfect for calming irritated skin, reducing redness, and moisturizing dry patches, this vegan-friendly salve is a must-have in your natural beauty arsenal.
Whether you’re dealing with minor cuts, scrapes, or just want a gentle daily moisturizer, this recipe offers a simple, effective way to create your own herbal salve at home. Plus, it’s free from animal products, making it ideal for vegans and those who prefer cruelty-free skincare.
Making your own calendula salve allows you to control every ingredient, ensuring purity and quality. The gentle infusion process captures the flower’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, combined with nourishing plant oils and a vegan wax base for a smooth, spreadable texture.
Ready to make your skin glow with this all-natural, plant-powered salve? Let’s dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan calendula salve is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. It’s:
- Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds from calendula flowers
- Perfect for sensitive or irritated skin, including eczema and minor wounds
- Made with 100% plant-based ingredients, ideal for vegan and cruelty-free lifestyles
- Customizable to your scent preferences by adding essential oils
- Long-lasting and easy to store in small tins or jars
It’s a natural, effective alternative to commercial skincare products loaded with chemicals. Plus, making your own lets you connect more deeply with the healing magic of plants.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried calendula flowers (organic preferred)
- 1 cup carrier oil (such as jojoba oil, almond oil, or olive oil)
- 2 tablespoons candelilla wax pellets (vegan wax alternative to beeswax)
- 10-15 drops lavender essential oil (optional, for soothing fragrance)
- 10 drops tea tree essential oil (optional, adds antibacterial properties)
Equipment
- Double boiler or heat-safe bowl and saucepan (for gentle heating)
- Glass jar or heat-proof container (for infusing calendula)
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (to strain the oil)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stirring utensil (wooden spoon or silicone spatula)
- Small tins or jars (for storing the finished salve)
Instructions
- Prepare the calendula infusion: Place the dried calendula flowers in a clean glass jar. Pour the carrier oil over the flowers, making sure they are fully submerged.
- Infuse the oil: Set the jar in a warm spot for 4-6 weeks to infuse, shaking gently every few days. Alternatively, speed up the process by gently warming the jar in a double boiler for 1-2 hours on low heat. Do not boil.
- Strain the oil: Once infused, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl, squeezing out as much oil as possible from the flowers.
- Melt the wax: In a double boiler, gently melt the candelilla wax pellets over low heat.
- Combine oil and wax: Slowly pour the infused calendula oil into the melted wax, stirring constantly until fully combined and smooth.
- Add essential oils: Remove from heat and stir in the lavender and tea tree essential oils if using. Mix well.
- Pour into containers: Carefully pour the warm salve into small tins or jars. Let cool completely at room temperature.
- Seal and label: Once solidified, seal the containers with lids and label with the date and ingredients.
Tips & Variations
“Make sure not to overheat your oils or wax to preserve the delicate properties of calendula and essential oils.”
- Use different carrier oils like sunflower or grapeseed oil depending on your skin type.
- Try adding other healing herbs like comfrey or chamomile to your infusion for extra skin benefits.
- Swap candelilla wax for carnauba wax if you prefer a firmer texture.
- Customize scents with essential oils like rose, chamomile, or peppermint.
- For a more liquid salve, reduce the wax amount slightly; for a thicker balm, increase it.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 tsp | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 40 | Provides nourishment for skin cells |
| Fat | 4.5g | Moisturizes and protects skin barrier |
| Vitamin E | 2 mg | Antioxidant, skin healing |
| Flavonoids | Trace | Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial |
Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and based on carrier oils and calendula properties. This salve is for topical use only.
Serving Suggestions
This calendula salve is perfect for daily skincare routines. Apply a small amount to:
- Dry or chapped lips
- Minor cuts, scrapes, and insect bites
- Dry patches on elbows, knees, or heels
- After-sun care for soothing sunburns
- Gentle moisturizer for sensitive facial skin (patch test first)
Consider gifting this salve in pretty tins to friends and family who appreciate natural skincare. For more herbal skincare ideas, check out our Horse Cough Syrup Recipe or explore natural flavor combinations in our Lemon Straws Recipe.
Conclusion
Creating your own vegan calendula salve is a rewarding and practical way to embrace natural skincare. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can craft a nourishing balm that soothes and protects your skin without any animal products or harsh chemicals.
This recipe not only highlights the wonderful healing properties of calendula flowers but also empowers you to customize your salve to suit your personal preferences and skin needs.
Whether you’re new to DIY skincare or a seasoned herbalist, this calendula salve is a beautiful addition to your wellness routine. Plus, it makes a thoughtful, handmade gift that friends and family will appreciate.
Don’t forget to explore more delicious and natural recipes on our site, including the savory delights found in our Lamb Tenderloin Recipes and the fresh flavors of our Halibut Dip Recipe. Happy salve-making and glowing skin!
📖 Recipe Card: Calendula Salve Recipe Vegan
Description: A soothing and healing calendula salve made with plant-based oils and beeswax alternative. Perfect for calming irritated skin and promoting natural healing.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried calendula flowers
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons candelilla wax
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
Instructions
- Infuse calendula flowers in olive oil by warming gently for 30 minutes.
- Strain the oil through a fine mesh or cheesecloth.
- In a double boiler, melt coconut oil, candelilla wax, and shea butter.
- Slowly add the infused calendula oil to the melted mixture.
- Stir well until fully combined and smooth.
- Remove from heat and add essential oils.
- Pour into clean containers and allow to cool completely.
- Seal and label for storage.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 0g
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