Calendula oil macerate: what are the benefits for hair?

Beyond its anti-inflammatory properties, the calendula oil macerate has demonstrated its ability to reduce oxidative stress within cells and eliminate free radicals. This antioxidant activity is particularly beneficial in protecting hair follicles at the root, which are vulnerable to free radical attacks. Indeed, the repeated action of these unstable molecules can disrupt the melanogenesis process and accelerate the onset of gray hair. Moreover, free radicals can interfere with the hair cycle and precipitate hair loss. The antioxidant properties of the calendula macerate could help prevent these issues and protect the scalp and hair fibers.

The antioxidant effects of calendula stem from its content of flavonoids, polyphenols, and carotenoids, compounds capable of trapping superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, and increasing endogenous levels of catalase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbic acid. Therefore, the antioxidant activity of calendula oil macerate is twofold: it actively neutralizes free radicals and boosts the body's natural production of antioxidants.

No direct study has shown that calendula macerate can prevent white hair or hair loss. It has simply been demonstrated that it can neutralize free radicals, molecules that accelerate these phenomena.

Dandruff is essentially fragments of scalp dispersed throughout the hair. This very common hair condition is primarily due to an acceleration of cell renewal, coupled with a colonization of the scalp by fungi of the genus Malassezia. Individual susceptibility, as well as overactivity of the sebaceous glands, are also suspected. It is possible that calendula oil macerate may have an anti-dandruff effect.

Indeed, several studies have shown that this botanical extract has a antifungal activity against various fungi, such as Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Exophiala dermatitidis, but also Malasseria furfur. The disk diffusion method, measuring the circular inhibition zone, was notably used. For your information, this corresponds to an absence of fungal growth around the calendula extract placed in the center of the Petri dish. The more sensitive the fungus is to the extract, the larger the inhibition zone. Scientists have thus measured a circular inhibition zone of 23 mm for M. furfur with an 80% calendula extract, compared to 28 mm with amoxicillin, a powerful antifungal used as a control. These results suggest that calendula might potentially help fight against dandruff.

The potential effect of calendula macerate on dandruff still needs to be validated through clinical studies conducted with volunteers.

Finally, some people attribute to the oil macerate of calendula the ability to hydrate and nourish hair fibers. This idea primarily comes from the vegetable oil used as a carrier during the maceration of the flowers, as it is the one that contains fatty acids with re-lipidizing and film-forming properties. For instance, oleic acid contributes to the strengthening of the hydrolipidic film that coats the hair. Additionally, palmitic acid can penetrate the cuticle and reach the lipid cement by inserting itself between the hair scales, thus ensuring the hair's impermeability and protection. These fatty acids are therefore particularly beneficial for dry or damaged hair.

Although no study to date has shown that calendula macerate can hydrate or nourish the hair, it can be assumed that the fatty acids present in its carrier oil allow it to act in this way.